The Shield Maiden with Natalie Cavin

This is an old episode that I forgot to post…… All the way back from October. This is just how busy and crazy life has been. However, it is a very good episode with excellent information that I would feel remiss about if I did not post it . So, later is better than never. In this episode, we discuss my Brazilian jiu jitsu Black Belt lineage. We also do a quick breakdown of the Black Belt to red be...

I get a little impassioned in this episode as it all happened very recently and from those who should definitely know better!

Sometimes time based promotions can be not all that great. I talk about how we use it only as a guideline and also include other factors in promoting students.

In this episode I discuss our thoughts on dating inside our Academy. How casual is not in our vocabulary and it probably shouldn’t be in a student’s with the intent to pursue a long term commitment like Brazilian jiu jitsu.

I discuss the practice of the gauntlet in Brazilian jiu jitsu. I also give my thoughts and opinions about it. Also my husband’s perspective on the matter.

This episode is a little bit of this and a little bit of that. With a shout out to those competing this weekend at World Masters, to talking about ego and the negative impact it has on every aspect of your life. I even discuss comparing yourself to others and my favorite all time quote. Have fun and enjoy the ride! Lol!

I break Brazilian jiu jitsu into 4 different categories. *Gi *NoGi *MMA *Self Defense. I talk about how I recommend finding an Academy that teaches it all.

Rickson Gracie discusses his Parkinson’s diagnoses. I talk about being vigilant in your safety training measures and how I am glad to see the GOAT continue to be an inspiration.

I talk about the importance of having a positive coping habit like Jiu Jitsu.

I just watched the live stream between Tom Deblass and Rener Gracie. Very eye opening stuff. I give my thoughts about the situation and the conversation.

Goals = Motivation. Planning + Goals = Success!!!

How our Academy handles injury on the mats. Main focus in this conversation is how we deal with youth and parents in this type of scenario.

I talk about the match, the event overall, what I enjoyed about it. Also I share my thoughts about why I believe it was a good decision from the Judges.

I go over a very real and raw video and interview of a woman being accosted while working out. Her tenacity and strong mental fortitude helped keep her safe.

It was brought to my attention that a big conversation needed to be had about women and emergency supplies. I talk about what we do at our Academy and if your school doesn’t have these items then offer to supply a starter emergency supply kit. Be the solution or the change you want to see in the world.

This episode focuses on women especially those of us who have a hard time finding someone of the same division to compete against. Know you are not alone. Keep the faith as you are a pioneer and with persistence will only grow this sport that all our fellow BJJ lady heavies fall in love with.

I talk about the fight and break it down from my point of view. Also talk about the allure of the dark side (lol) leg locks. Also how we introduce leg locks at our academy and other tidbits.

This is a follow up discussion to our previous episode where we talked about why we don’t allow cross training at our Academy. This episode explains how to respectfully train outside of our school.

Controversial… I know. However, to each their own. In this episode I discuss the why of it.

In this episode (I had a sinus infection as you will hear) I bring on Pastor Chris Surber from The First Congregational Church of Naples. On here, I explain how I was struggling with feeling guilt about showcasing our giving within the community. He helped me understand that letting the community know about what we are doing isn’t boastful or wrong but a way to engage with the community and promot...

Understanding your Academy’s values and principles can really help you navigate the type of school they are. It will allow you to better understand the mind set of the teachers and answer some of your questions about how or why they do the things they do.

Student saw on her social media a non black belt promote someone and wanted some answers.

I give some insight on our private lessons. How they are not and should not be cookie cutter and can vary greatly from person to person depending on their wants/needs. We also talk about how to go about asking questions and finding out if private lessons are right for you.

I provide a little insight into entry level tournaments.

Recently a video went viral on social media about an altercation that took place between Brazilian jiu jitsu fighter and instructor Renzo Gracie and a racist. These are my thoughts…..