The Shield Maiden with Natalie Cavin

A story about my first authentic jiu jitsu class. With Renzo Gracie and Matt Serra.

In this episode I talk about my favorite BJJ position. I explain the 5 basic positions and why I like my favorite.

With so many submissions in BJJ how did I choose!? I explain why in this episode.

I always tell people who are just starting out in Martial Arts to look for organizations that are aligned with other groups or federations, as this can give you an inkling of the school’s ideals and culture, so that you can make a more informed decision about choosing a school that is right for you.

My Sensi, mentor and friend. Enjoy our candid conversation about life, family, brazilian jiu jitsu and his newly published book. The Peacemakers Guide to Law Enforcement and Leadership.

Story time! Rude phone call and how I handled it.

Sexual abuse should NEVER occur! How can we help prevent sexual abuse? Even within our own Jiu Jitsu community! I give some examples of what we do at our academy to ensure safety.

Written by Carlos Gracie Sr. I go over his 12 commandments and talk about the importance of a strong and positive mental outlook. I also highlight some of his calls to action and examples of how to apply these commandments in our lives. I also go down memory lane and talk about my favorite commandment and how Meeting (and not realizing it was Renzo Gracie!) helped me see it in the flesh and cement...

We discuss Black belt all the way thru Red belt in this episode. Such as minimum age to receive black belt, where to go for info., Time in between degrees and even all the requirements just to receive your diploma. 🤯

Part 2 of this 3 part mini series, all focused on the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu belt system. Specifically adults white belt though black.

This is a breakdown of how the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu youth belt system works in most academies. I go over how the ranks are broken up and how belt and stripe promotions work.

I talk about the IBJJF what it is for and explain the website and why I think it is a great tool and wonderful resource.

I was asked if there was one correct way to tie the belt. I explain in this episode what is needed for the belt to be considered tied correctly and also give a few examples of ways that they can be tied differently.

In this episode I have story time. I go over a scenario that actually happened to me in real life. I don’t want to explain how I escaped from being robbed.

I spend this episode talking about love and forgiveness and being grateful for all the strong female figures in our lives! Happy Mother’s Day all!!

Go back in time with me as I talk about my experience with a peeping Tom.

I quickly go over 5 of the more popular self defense tools, and the need to be mentally prepared before choosing a tool. As well as go over my favorites and I add a few funny stories about my experiences along the way. Enjoy!

I go over what programs I provide for women. Realistic expectations the need for consistency. We also delve into types of protections and self defense tools.

I go over why I haven’t been on scene lately. Also how it felt having covid, how it effected our academy and family.

Which team are you on? Team wash your belt or team don’t wash? You’ll find out in this episode which team I am on and which team my husband Professor Paulo is on.

Products I use when cleaning my well trained in kimonos. I also talk about how to add an extra layer of protection to your gi by wearing a rash guard.

You just got a uniform?? Yay! Congratulations on being the owner of a brand new kimono! In this episode I explain how to take care of and wash your uniform for the first time. I’ll give you a couple of tips and important info to ensure the longevity of your gi.

I go over a few important details about the fit of your uniform and what you should be looking for in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu kimono. I touch on some rules in major tournaments for the gi. Also, I break down the names and meanings of the sizes.

Learn my secret weapon to combating blood stains on any martial arts uniform. Except silk and other things of that nature, I don’t know what the hell to do for that. Lol!

A few examples of unspoken rules in most Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academies.