We’ll Take it From Here with Joe

Today, I bring you a solo JitZone episode in which I recount my experience after training BJJ for four years. I reflect on the mental and physical improvements I have seen in my life and why I love the art. I also speak about starting Muay Thai and what it has done for me so far. I intend that this will help anyone who may be on the fence about starting. Enjoy!

This week, I had the pleasure of talking with professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, Phil Hawes, who I met on the mats at Pure MMA. Phil has incredible skill, strength, and technique that is matched by very few. More importantly, Phil is very down to earth and genuine, so when he agreed to come on the show, I knew we would have a great conversation. We speak about how Phil got his start in...

This week I am joined by my friend Rabbi Daniel Sharratt. Yes, that is right, "The Rabbi". For those that follow me on Instagram you would have seen a picture of Daniel and I after sparring at Pure MMA. Daniel and I met on the mats and quickly respected the others tenacity and strength. By trade, Daniel is a Jewish Orthodox Rabbi working in Kosher Supervision for largest Kosher agency in...

This week is another solo episode where I share some thoughts about a particular topic. I start out with a cool update in my personal life and then dig into the main topic of the show, which is not beating ourselves up. I had an encounter that really showed me that we need to stop feeding negative thoughts in our minds and replace them with positive. Enjoy!

I am back with another one of my political rants. Full disclosure, I have not been consumed in the media or politics lately, however I still keep up with it enough to see that it's all just one fake game. I go on rants but more importantly, I stress the importance for the people to realize who the real threat is; spoiler - it's not each other (for the most part). I also shed light on the f...

This week I am back with another solo episode inspired by a conversation I had with someone. I give my take on how to respond to unfortunate circumstances in life and how we have the power and control, whether we know it or not. Essentially, once we understand that life happens through us and not to us, we can take the proper steps forward to living our desired life. Enjoy!

This week we are joined by my friend George Riedell, who I met in my earlier days at Pure MMA. George currently trains at Lobo MMA in Blairstown, NJ where he also currently resides. This was a fun episode to record because George is extremely personable and geniune. We spoke about his Martial Arts journey, his stint as a professional Umpire in the Single A and Minor League baseball, and his passio...

This week is a nice short but important episode to bring in the New Year. This episode builds off of what was spoken about in the previous one, so if you have not listened to that one, please do. I want to make sure we are all staying disciplined and on top of our new year goals. Plan to have ample amazing guests this year and to grow the show with you. This year is our year.

We are back with another solo episode to close off 2023, and I decided it would be fun to give some resolutions for all of us to consider. I also mixed in a lot of manifestation and tied it into each resolution. I really did not plan on that but it just happened. Anyways, I feel it would be cool for all of us (including myself) to practice these. Remember start now and Happy New Year!

This week, I am joined by my friend, Scott Dorey. Scott and I met at Jiu Jitsu about a year ago and I could tell he was a great guy. Scott started his BJJ journey at 49 years old, which demonstrates that it is never too late to better yourself. In this episode, we learn about Scott's life and journey, which is inspiring to say the least. Unfortunately, Scott lost his father at the age of 13, w...

This week I sat down with my friend and badass, Keith Cascio. Keith is the epitome of a warrior, who challenges himself on a daily basis. We speak about a plethora of topics ranging from his time in the Navy, finding Jiu Jitsu, and his passion for fitness and helping others. Keith has ample knowledge when it comes to the topic of fitness and mindset; essentially he "walks the walk". Keit...

This week marks the 100-episode milestone!   Thank you to everyone who has supported, supports, and will support the show and journey.  I am extremely grateful for all of the people that listen and provide feedback.  For episode 100, I bring on my best friend and "brother from another mother", Justin McAndrew.  Justin and I met on the back of the bus 22 years ago, thanks to a silver Corv...

After two years, I have finally decided to vent about some pet peeves of mine within the restaurant industry when dealing with customers. The majority of my encounters have been pleasant, however there have been some that make you scratch your head and think, "gee how does this person function in life?". While this is a rant, I hope some of these stories/suggestions can make you laugh an...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! This week, I give you a short solo episode in which I express my gratitude to you all. I intend for everyone to have a great Thanksgiving and remember that there is always something or someone for which to be grateful. Enjoy!

This week, I had the honor of sitting down with Dan Covel. Dan has over thirty years of martial arts experience with twenty-one of those years in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), where he holds the rank of black belt. In addition, Dan is a black belt in Judo and is also well versed in striking. In this episode, we spoke about how he got his start in martial arts, along with his approach as a coach, comp...

This week we are joined by my friend Christian Lopez. I met Christian on the mats of Pure MMA and saw that he was respectful with the determination to succeed. However, I learned that Christian was not always this way and went through hard times to become the man he is today. Christian takes us through his childhood all the way until the present day. We learn of why he was a troublemaker in middle...

Another JitZone special today with an up and coming BJJ athlete, Dean Hot. Dean trains full time at Pure MMA and has all it takes to become a great in the sport. In this episode, we learn how Dean started in BJJ, his approach/mindset and his plans for the future. We also answered your questions! If you know Dean, then you can attest to how good you can become through quality dedication to anything...

This week I bring another solo episode. I really enjoy giving my views on certain topics and intend that my words hold value for most if not all of you. Episode 94 is more of a call on the younger generation to step up and be leaders. The kids in their teens and 20's will have a major impact on the future and thus, I believe it is important to let them know that what they have lived through is...

This week I give my take on the horrific events that occurred in Israel by a bunch of evil terrorist, pieces of shit. There is no justifying what these demons did to innocent Israelis. I also give my two cents on the possible ramifications that this can have in our own backyard, along with my views on how the powers at be want this war. Please listen to what I say. I obviously believe the attacks...

We are joined by returning guest, Cheyanna Dinkel, for another JitZone episode. Cheyanna shared her incredible story with us on episode #65, so if you have not listened already, I strongly recommend you do! Cheyanna is a very dedicated and skillful BJJ practitioner who pushes herself every session. Cheyanna has improved tenfold since she went all in on the sport back in 2020 and her hardwork and k...

We return with another solo rant and this time I unleash about a video of looters destorying and robbing some stores in Philadelphia. I explain why I believe these riots are occuring and why it's important for everyone to wake up. If you like rants, you'll love this one. Enjoy!

You read the title correctly! Don Shoemaker Jr. was in the studio for this week's episode! Some background for our newer listeners; Don was the co-founder of the podcast and stayed for sixty-five episodes! Don decided to step away from the show to focus on himself, his business, and his girlfriend with the goal of bettering his life. We speak about his mental and physical transformation, while...

This week we bring another JitZone special and sit down with returning guest Phil McEntee. Phil's debut to the show occurred on episode 55 in which we learned about his personal story and also spoke about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (please listen to that episode to learn about Phil). Today Phil and I chop it up strictly about BJJ. We speak about his journey as a Brown Belt, how becoming an instructor...

I really enjoy expressing my thoughts and opinions via solo episodes, which is what I bring this week. Another conversation at the gym sparked an idea for a topic about the importance of being grateful while also exploring your true purpose in life. For those who know my situation regarding my career, you know how it brought me confusion. However, recently, my outlook has changed to a positive one...

This week I speak about my trip to Washington State where I attended Guns & Gis class 009. This was my second time attending the camp (the first time was class 007 in Louisiana in March 2023) and there is a reason why I, along with six other friends from 007, came back. Guns & Gis is a three-day immersion camp in which you learn tactical pistol shooting and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.... sign me...