Off the Mats Podcast

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down one-on-one with Christian Thomas, a member at Crazy 88 MMA, for a focused conversation on growth, leadership, and the responsibility that comes with coaching. This marks Christian’s first solo return to the show since his appearance on Episode 201, and the discussion centers on what has changed since then, both on and off the mats. We talk about...

In this episode of the Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jarrell Garcia, a 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu black belt whose journey extends well beyond competition and rank. Jarrell shares his path into jiu-jitsu, what initially drew him to the 10th Planet system, and how his relationship with training evolved over the years. We talk honestly about moments of frustration, changing expectations, and...

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Emi Miller, known on Instagram as @nogi_chunli, to talk about training culture, mat etiquette, and the responsibility that comes with being a good training partner. Emi is an instructor at Gracie Barra Riverside and the creator of a widely shared “How to…” series that addresses real situations many grapplers experience but rarely talk about...

Off the Mats Podcast #292 features a conversation with Naomi Ives of Ivey League MMA and Crazy 88 MMA, a longtime teammate whose jiu-jitsu journey reflects the realities many practitioners face but rarely articulate in full. We discuss how she began training, the gym environments that shaped her early identity on the mats, and how consistency, setbacks, and self-perception evolved. Rather than cen...

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down again with Johan and Eliška to talk through Eliška’s second Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition and Johan’s role in coaching her through the process. We begin by catching up since their last appearance on the show, focusing on how Eliška’s training evolved, what motivated her to compete again, and how her mindset differed heading into her second tour...

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Jenn Holmberg, co-host of the Chokeholds and Chill Podcast, to talk about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as more than just a sport. Jenn shares how she first found jiu-jitsu, what her early training years were like, and the mentors and experiences that helped shape her approach to life on and off the mats. We also talk about how she balances training,...

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with returning guest and white belt, Robyn Henderson, to talk through her experience competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the first time. We look at when the idea of competing shifted from intimidating to achievable, how she prepared while balancing her training schedule with life, and what helped her manage nerves leading up to the event. Robyn...

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Mallory Ingalls, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and co-host of the Chokeholds and Chill podcast. We talk about her background as a lifelong athlete, her history in softball, being a Buffalo Bills fan, and how her competitive mindset shaped the way she approaches training and coaching in BJJ. Mallory shares what first brought her to the mat...

In this episode, I sit down with BJJ Brown Belt Kyle Rocke from Crazy 88 MMA to talk through how he found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and what shaped his early development on the mats. Kyle shares what originally drew him toward martial arts, how his time in the Marines influenced his mindset, and how he moved from Krav Maga into BJJ. We look back at his first year training at Ivey League MMA, including t...

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Mendi Carlson and Kari Summers to talk about the Unbreakable Jiu-Jitsu Women’s Camp coming in February of 2026 and the work they’re doing to strengthen community and support women on the mats. We discuss how the idea for the camp developed, what it takes to build a space where women can train without pressure, and how the weekend format will...

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, Coach Brandon “Thor” Davis returns to reflect on training at Ivey League MMA, his current work at Crazy 88, and how his approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai has evolved. We talk about the role of specialists in modern MMA and how coaching and teaching influence personal growth on and off the mats. The conversation shifts briefly to football and NFL...

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, Carly DuCharme shares how beginning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 35, during recovery from surgery, shifted from rehabilitation to a commitment to personal growth and competition. Carly, a purple belt and Masters competitor, explains why she chose to compete only three months after starting and why waiting to “feel ready” often slows progress. She discusses the em...

Annabelle Christie’s journey through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began like many others—with curiosity and uncertainty—but her progression from white belt to IBJJF Pan Champion reveals the discipline behind early success. In this conversation, Annabelle reflects on her first classes, the challenges of balancing school with training, and the moments that shaped her competitive mindset. She discusses how tr...

Host Jake Dante reconnects with his former coach, Danny Ives, the founder of Ivey League MMA in Maryland. In this episode, they explore the evolution of Ives’ martial arts journey—from his early days training in the 1990s to building a thriving academy that shaped hundreds of grapplers across the region. They discuss the birth of Ivey League MMA, how the local Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA community...

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, host Jake Dante sits down with Laith Hyali, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt training out of Crazy 88 MMA in Severna Park and the owner of No MoSquitos MD. Laith shares how Jiu-Jitsu shaped his discipline, his approach to business, and his ability to stay grounded through life’s challenges. From his early days as a white belt to refining his pressure game a...

In Off the Mats Podcast #280, host Jake Dante sits down with Chris “CH” Houck, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt from Crazy 88 MMA – Severna Park. Chris opens up about his evolution in BJJ, from early training days to becoming a seasoned purple belt under coaches Julius Park, Keith Cebula, and Tye Ryan Murphy. He discusses how balancing family, work, and training has shaped his mindset, discipline...

In Off the Mats Podcast #279, host Jake Dante sits down with Joe Huggins, a dedicated MMA fighter, coach, and new dad, to talk about life’s biggest transitions. Joe shares how becoming a father has reshaped his mindset, training schedule, and approach to competition. The two discuss finding balance between family, fight camp, and coaching, and how discipline on the mats translates into parenthood....

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt Brandon Epps joins the Off the Mats Podcast to talk about his journey from starting BJJ later in life to becoming a multi-time IBJJF Masters champion. We dive into his early years on the mats, his mindset in competition, his training with Crazy 88, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Whether you’re a new grappler, a Master's athlete, or just a fan of BJJ comp...

Welcome back, folks. This week on the podcast, I sit down with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu white belt Robyn Henderson-Diederiks and talk about her early journey in BJJ and the lessons she’s learning along the way. Robyn opens up about stepping onto the mats for the first time, overcoming the challenges of white belt life, and finding motivation to keep showing up despite the struggles. Known off the mats...

What's up, folks? This week on the podcast, I sit down with young MMA prospect out of Crazy 88 MMA, Beltus Tabot. Known for his relentless drive and well-rounded skills, Beltus opens up about his journey into martial arts, the grind of training camp, and what it takes to keep a fighter’s mindset sharp under pressure. We discuss his early influences, the highs and lows of his fight career so far, a...

What's happening, folks? This week on the podcast, I catch up with Mannuel, host of the Off the Saddle Podcast, for a fun and wide-ranging conversation. We delve into the world of pro wrestling and banned footage, the ongoing debates surrounding cancel culture, and how entertainment in the 1980s—especially PG and PG-13 movies—impacted audiences in a significantly different way than it does today....

Greetings, again. This week on the podcast, I sit down with Maryland Phil to break down Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four: First Steps. Together, we dive into the film’s plot, character development, and the strengths and weaknesses of Marvel’s First Family. From the striking retro-futuristic aesthetic to how this version stacks up against both the broader MCU and earlier Fantastic Four adaptations, n...

Hello, again. This week on the podcast, I sit down with John Harris, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and founder of TapInRoll.com, a platform designed to connect traveling grapplers with open gyms around the world. John shares his BJJ journey, what inspired him to create the site, and how Tap In Roll is streamlining drop-in bookings, digital waivers, and gym visibility. Whether you're a competitor...

Happy Monday, folks! This week on the podcast, I sit down with white belt Devin Coley to dive into his experiences of being at the very start of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey. Devin shares what it felt like stepping onto the mats for the first time, the nerves of his first roll, and the challenges he’s faced early on as a beginner. From those “aha” moments where techniques finally start to click...

Welcome back, happy people. This week on the podcast, I sit down with Michael Pereira, the founder of The Autism Voyage, to explore his journey from corporate finance to becoming a dedicated advocate for families navigating autism. Michael opens up about the life-changing moment when his son’s autism diagnosis shifted his priorities from career to family. We discuss the real challenges parents fac...