This is a conversation with Gorka Uztarroz, a black belt out of Paris, France. Gorka is an artist who likes to focus most of his creative energy on comics. He also works for a medical repatriation company.   Episode Links: * Art Website: https://www.gorkauztarroz.com * Comic Website: https://www.lefrenchninja.com * Instagram: https://instagram.com/@cosmogol666 * Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=32726   Contact: * Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:20 Journey to Black Belt 02:55 Black Belt Legitimacy 06:18 Growth in Jiujitsu 09:24 Finding Joy in the Process 18:54 BJJ and Injuries 22:20 BJJ Saved My Art 26:35 Digital Art and Physical Mediums 31:12 Artistic Inspirations 34:33 Self-Publishing and Self-Promotion 42:56 Le French Ninja Inspiration 46:46 The Heart of Storytelling: Vulnerability and Authenticity 50:59 Understanding Medical Repatriation 01:03:37 Future Projects and Inspirations 01:12:53 Outro   Podcast Links: * Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Mike McLean, a black belt out of Torquay, Victoria, Australia. Mike is an artist who focuses mostly on painting on reclaimed materials. He has painted hundreds of thousands of Wagtails that have made it around the world. He's also an art teacher and a poet.Episode Links:* Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/@mikemcleanartist * Will the Wagtail Instagram: https://instagram.com/@willythewagtail * World Wide Wag Tails: https://instagram.com/@worldwidewagtails * Mike's Poetry: https://instagram.com/@mikemcleanpoet * YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MikeMcleanArtist Contact:* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest Outline:00:00 Intro00:22 Journey to Black Belt03:28 Training for Longevity08:29 Reflections on Life and Jiu Jitsu14:25 Getting Into Jiujitsu16:53 Balancing BJJ, Family, and Relationships19:51 Family Road Trip24:52 Artistic Journey and Career36:11 Getting Into Art45:23 Artistic Materials and Economic Choices50:35 The Wagtail Phenomenon59:02 An Emotional Painting for Jamie01:02:40 Immersive Activities 01:04:55 Getting Into Poetry01:11:32 Living a Life of Happiness01:15:53 OutroPodcast Links:Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple RSS: https://btb.fan/rss Social:Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

Stephan Kesting is a black belt out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Stephan is a fireman, outdoorsman, podcaster, author, and BJJ instructor and OG jiujitsu content creator. He is currently making the rounds promoting his new book, "Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic."Episode Links:* Book: Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic: https://btb.fan/17-persevere * Strenuous Life Podcast: https://youtube.com/channel/UCxFCWZJbnlRyhw3vmDx0Rlg * Grapple Arts: https://www.grapplearts.com/ * Outdoors Site: https://essentialwilderness.com/ * Personal Site: https://www.stephankesting.com * Instagram: https://instagram.com/@stephan_kesting * YouTube: https://youtube.com/@stephankesting * Threads: https://threads.net/@stephan_kesting * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephankesting * Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/stephankesting.bsky.social * German Jiujitsu Commercial: https://youtube.com/watch?v=X6wpRVqD5VQ * Book: Non-Stop Jiujitsu: https://btb.fan/17-nonstop * High Percentage Leglocks: https://btb.fan/17-leglocks Contact:* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest Outline:00:00 Intro00:36 Journey to Black Belt09:29 The Early Years of BJJ13:01 Online Content Creation and Teaching19:20 BJJ as You Age23:07 Protect Ya Neck27:15 Firefighter Combat Challenge31:50 From Biologist to Firefighter35:14 First Fire Rescue Operations42:51 Team Dynamics in High-Stress Situations45:00 Prank Culture in Firefighting50:43 Toxicity in Martial Arts55:07 Loneliness and Finding Solitude in Nature01:00:43 The Mental Focus of Wilderness Survival01:06:13 The Importance of Sleep and Recovery01:08:54 Journaling and Reflection01:11:22 Grit, Perseverance, and Risk01:15:50 Toughness is Transferable01:20:57 Why Canoe in Canada01:24:55 Luck and Averages01:27:45 Work-Life Balance01:29:17 The Power of Momentum in Taking Action01:33:11 Lack of Future Plans01:36:06 Perseverance and Promotion01:39:05 OutroPodcast Links:* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss Social:* Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

Bunmi Ojewole is a black belt out of Cape Town, South Africa. Bunmi is a doctor and currently finishing up her training to become an orthopaedic surgeon. In her spare time, she also fights MMA and dances Kazumba and Bachata. She is one of first few female black belts in South Africa.   Episode Links: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/@bunmiojewole * Lions Den Jiujitsu: https://instagram.com/@lionsdensa * Pride Fighting Academy: https://instagram.com/@pf_sa * South African Gi Girls: https://instagram.com/@southafricangirlsingi   Contact: * Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:23 Journey to Black Belt 02:47 Mentoring in Jiujitsu 06:21 Competitive Landscape 10:26 Opinions of Avatar, the Last Air Bender and Arcane 13:06 Bone Bender and Orthopaedics 16:46 Advice for Queer Women 22:00 Origin Story: Geography and Culture 28:28 Becoming a Orthopaedic Surgeon 32:03 Surgical Stories 37:08 Medicine in South Africa 41:44 Dancing: A Safer Hobby 47:02 Life Lessons: Giving Grace to Others 50:18 Looking to the Future 54:25 Outro   Podcast Links: * Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

Matt McPeake is a black belt out of Ontario, Canada. He is also an Engineer, director of Sales in the paper and packaging industry, and a Batman enthusiast.   Episode Links: * Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=61 * Instagram: https://instagram.com/@jitzrollz * Facebook: https://facebook.com/matthew.mcpeake.1 * BJJ Fanatics Introduction to the Power Line: Modified Kesa Gatame: https://btb.fan/15-bjjkesa * BJJ Fanatics Power Line: Backpack Attack: https://btb.fan/15-bjjback * Book 1984 by George Orwell: https://btb.fan/15-book1 * Book A History of Canada in 10 Maps by Adam Shoalts: https://btb.fan/15-book2 * Book Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink: https://btb.fan/15-book3 * Book Batman and Ethics by Mark White: https://btb.fan/15-book4 * Comic Batman Contagion by Chuck Dixon: https://btb.fan/15-comic1 * Comic Batman Cataclysm by Chuck Dixon: https://btb.fan/15-comic2 * Comic Batman No Man's Land by Bob Gale: https://btb.fan/15-comic3   Contact: * Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:26 Journey to Black Belt 07:37 Find Your Gym Culture 17:09 Guard Pulling and Rulesets 19:44 Have a Game Plan 22:26 Teaching Structure 27:14 Sticking to the Rules 30:13 The Reality of Competition 37:00 Reading and Lifelong Learning 44:56 Jiujitsu's Role In Life 48:40 Dealing with Injuries 54:16 Life Advice 58:15 Conversation Take 2 59:21 Journey into Engineering and Corporate Career 01:02:14 Understanding the Starch Industry 01:04:34 Making Cardboard Boxes 01:08:12 Sustainability and Innovations in Packaging 01:18:23 Greenwashing and Recycling 01:23:07 Corporate Life 01:25:58 The Path to Advancement 01:35:22 Batman: The Complexity of a Hero 01:41:25 Ethics and Morality: Batman's Dilemma 01:45:07 Different Batmans, Different Villains 01:50:29 Exploring Batman: Recommendations for New Readers 01:52:50 The Importance of Authenticity in Life and Business 01:55:41 Outro   Podcast Links: * Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

Will Stone is a black belt out of Swindon, United Kingdom. Will is a member of the UK parliament representing Swindon North, an Army veteran, former bouncer as well as the owner of 10th Planet Swindon.Episode Links:* Will Stone Instagram: https://instagram.com/@WillstoneMP * Will Stone Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willstone1990/ * 10th Planet Swindon Website: https://www.10thplanetswindon.com/ * 10th Planet Swindon Instagram: https://instagram.com/@10thplanetjiujitsuswindon * Street Sports BJJ Santa Monica: https://instagram.com/@streetsportsbjj * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-stone-mp-b4910a265/ * X: https://x.com/WStone4SN Additional Notes:* Politics Joe Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLtLrjltHVk * Critical Role D&D Podcast: https://critrole.com/podcast/ * Harry Parker Law: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9d55gzeqx8o * Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/ Contact:* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest Outline:00:00 Intro00:22 Black Belt Feeling03:21 Complete Jiujitsu07:58 Transitioning to 10th Planet14:06 Competing in Jiujitsu17:29 Teaching Jiujitsu20:14 BJJ Gyms as Communities26:17 Finding Passion in Public Service31:00 What does a Member of Parliament do35:15 MP Casework40:52 Learning to Embrace the Grind46:09 Dad is a Great Influence48:35 The Importance of Support Systems52:55 Learning Who You Are Through Martial Arts55:02 Stories from Bouncing59:49 Building Effective Bouncing Teams01:02:57 The Therapeutic Nature of Hobbies01:06:21 Getting Started with Dungeons & Dragons01:09:10 Advice for Overcoming Challenges01:11:05 God Complex in Coaches01:14:31 IBJJF and JiuJitsu Politics01:18:50 Belts as Validation01:21:39 Breaking from Martial Arts Tradition01:30:33 The Polaris Performance01:38:15 Toxic Masculinity and Positive Male Role Models01:44:11 Reaching Across the Aisle01:48:36 Getting Into Politics01:54:54 OutroPodcast Links:* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss Social:* Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

Stevie Antoniou is a black belt out of Stockholm, Sweden. Stevie is a world traveler, freelance photographer and videographer, documentarian, and wilderness guide. He has also been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease.Episode Links:* Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=44* Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/@stevieantoniou * Personal Website: https://www.stevieantoniou.com * Hundarutanhem Documentary: https://btb.fan/13-dogdoc * Hundarutanhem: https://hundarutanhem.se/ * Hundarutanhem Donations: https://btb.fan/13-dogdonate * BJJ Globetrotters Documentary: https://btb.fan/13-bjjdoc * BJJ Globetrotters: https://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/ * Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - https://btb.fan/13-book1 * Book: Hunter Gatherer's Guide for the 21st Century by Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein - https://btb.fan/13-book2 Additional Links:* Stevie's Current Job: https://youtube.com/@ErikGrankvist * Crohn's Disease: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crohn%27s_disease Contact:* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest Outline:00:00 Intro00:21 Journey to Black Belt04:54 Growing Up in Martial Arts07:33 Changing Size in Jiujitsu11:07 Getting Diagnosed with Crohn's Disease14:40 Health Challenges and Personal Growth23:49 Language Learning26:04 Lessons From Traveling33:54 Wilderness Guide37:28 Forest Bathing40:31 Journey into Photography: From Hobby to Profession44:17 The Emotional Side of Photography48:13 Stevie's Favorite Photo51:02 Dogs Without Homes Documentary54:58 BJJ Globetrotters Documentary58:57 Advice for Aspiring Creatives01:02:09 Documentary Stats and Behind the Scenes01:05:49 Gratitude and Doing Hard Things01:08:54 A New Chapter in Life01:11:22 OutroPodcast Links:* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss Social:* Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

Doug Kimball is a black belt out of Oklahoma, USA. Doug is a former Chief Marketing Officer, seasoned marketing executive, and the Operations Director for the Robson Moura BJJ Association.   Episode Links: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/@dkimballil * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougkimball/ * Robson Moura Association: https://robsonmoura.com/rmnu/robson-moura-jiu-jitsu-association/ * Robson Moura: https://robsonmoura.com/ * Rafael Lovato BJJ: https://okbjj.com/   Contact: * Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:19 Journey to Black Belt 02:54 Experiencing Age and Jiu-Jitsu 06:27 The Evolution of Jiu-Jitsu 08:59 ACL Injury and Lockdown 10:24 Training Under Different Instructors 16:31 Training Outside His Home Gym 19:35 Starting BJJ Older 23:13 Teaching and a Foundation in Counseling 26:07 BJJ Associations 32:56 Marketing as a Career 36:50 The Importance of Mentorship 39:15 Product Marketing Insights 41:25 Key Performance Indicators in Marketing 44:58 Doug's Innovative Marketing Wins 49:10 The Art of Storytelling in Marketing 51:43 Reflections on C-Level Leadership 56:04 Advice for Personal and Professional Growth 58:00 Future Aspirations and Jiu Jitsu Journey 01:02:40 Changing Gyms as an Upper Belt 01:09:58 Outro   Podcast Links: * Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

Jamie Bunn is a black belt out of Melbourne, Australia. Jamie is an executive coach, has a master's degree in nutrition, and is a life-long Buddhist. Episode Links:* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiebunn/ * Website: https://www.jamiebunn.coach * Jamie's 5 Foundational Forces: https://btb.fan/11-5forces * X: https://x.com/@jamiebunn* Dan Pink: https://www.danpink.com/ * Simon Sinek: https://simonsinek.com/ * Book: Llama Surya Das - Awakening the Buddha Within: https://btb.fan/11-book1 * Book: Llama Surya Das - Awakening to the Sacred: https://btb.fan/11-book2 * Book: Llama Surya Das - Awakening the Buddhist Heart: https://btb.fan/11-book3 * Book: Gordon Livingston - Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart: https://btb.fan/11-book4 * Mike McLean: https://instagram.com/@mikemcleanartist (Painting behind Jamie)Contact:* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest Outline:00:00 Intro00:18 Journey to Black Belt05:52 Jamie's First Competition11:36 The Tragedy of Losing His Daughter21:18 Jitjitsu is One of Many Interests24:08 Dealing with Grief27:36 The Significance of the Black Belt29:56 Getting Started in Buddhism33:42 Daily Buddhism Practice35:27 The Synergy of Buddhism and Martial Arts39:39 Jiujitsu Helps in a Real Fight43:02 Consent in Martial Arts44:25 Integrating Life Into Executive Coaching48:35 Jamie's Coaching Principals54:20 The Five Foundations57:24 Navigating Nutrition01:04:23 The Importance of Biodiversity in Diet01:06:44 Personal Protein Powder01:14:37 About Caffeine01:18:32 Five Keys to Success01:23:14 Embracing Change and Future Aspirations01:29:46 OutroPodcast Links:* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss Social:* Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

Brandon Gaspar is a black belt out of Ontario, Canada. Brandon is former gold miner, current geologist, and now works as a research analyst doing technical due diligence on mineral development projects.Episode Links:* Instagram: https://instagram.com/@bgaspar00 * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bgaspar* SCP Resource Finance: https://www.scp-rf.com/ * Volt Rush by Henry Sanderson - https://btb.fan/10-book1 * The New Map by Daniel Yergin - https://btb.fan/10-book2 * Solo Travel Collection Instagram: https://instagram.com/@SoloTravelCollection Contact:* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest Outline:00:00 Intro00:20 Journey to Black Belt02:38 The Meaning of Belts04:06 A Non-Typical BJJ Journey10:17 Gracie University Curriculum14:46 Jiujitsu's Role in Life16:22 Being a Geologist and a Gold Miner19:09 The Geologist's Role in Mining Operations21:29 Licking and Smelling Rocks22:42 Shifting from Mining to Operations25:46 Evaluating Mining Projects28:29 The Community's Role in Mining31:25 Responsible Mining Practices34:39 Properly Closing Down a Mine36:52 PR in Mining and Modern Day Mineral Needs39:23 Geopolitics of Global Mining Needs42:40 Geopolitical Tensions and Resource Control48:34 Innovations in Lithium Mining51:15 Nickel and Dirty Nickel54:29 Financing Mines and Venture Capital01:00:55 Martial Arts and Stress Management01:08:02 BJJ Defensive Focus and Training Differently01:16:36 Living Day by Day01:18:58 OutroPodcast Links:* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss Social:* Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

Alex Buch is a black belt out of Wuppertal, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Alex is a lifelong martial artist, former MMA fighter, philosophy major, and social worker focusing childhood behaviorial therapy.   Episode Links: * Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=35397 * Alex's Instagram: https://instagram.com/@xelabook * Kuzushi BJJ: https://instagram.com/@kuzushi_bjj_dinslaken * Caveirinia JJ Düsseldorf IG: https://instagram.com/@cjjfdusseldorf * Caveirinia JJ Düsseldorf Web: https://www.cjjfduesseldorf.de/ * Dortmund Luta Livre IG: https://instagram.com/@luta_livre_akademie_dortmund * Dortmund Luta Livre Web: http://lutalivre-dortmund.de/   Contact: Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:20 Getting the Black Belt 01:52 Navigating Gym Changes 04:35 The Sport Builds Trust 08:08 Dealing with Injuries and Time Off the Mats 10:59 Advice for Women in Jiu-Jitsu 12:37 How to Say No To A Roll 14:09 Finding the Right Gym 19:48 Traveling and Training Martial Arts 20:45 Becoming a Social Worker 22:05 Working With At Risk Youth 25:59 Understanding Youth Behavior and Violence 27:33 Teaching Kids About Violence 30:49 Objective Philosophy 33:19 Diverse Discourse 37:50 The Interplay of Philosophy and Social Work 40:15 The Joy of Traveling and Learning 41:59 Stuff to Promote 42:58 Outro   Podcast Links: * Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

Michael Zolondek, a black belt out of Gainesville, Florida, USA. Michael received his PhD in New Testament language, literature, and theology with a focus on Jesus as a historical figure. He's also a childhood psychologist focusing on behavior and trauma with his own wellness practice.   Episode Links: Instagram: https://instagram.com/@dr_mvz Nogi Garage: https://youtube.com/@thegaragenogiBJJ Michael Zolondek Amazon Author Page: https://btb.fan/8-amz-author Michael Zolondek - The Quest for a Historical Jesus Methodology: https://btb.fan/8-jesus-quest Michael Zolondek - We Have Found the Messiah: https://btb.fan/8-found-messiah Viktor E Frankl - Man's Search for Meaning: https://btb.fan/8-book1 Jamie Marich - Transforming Trauma with Jiu-Jitsu: https://btb.fan/8-book2 Arise Wellness Center Gainesville: https://www.arisegnv.com/ Child Advocacy Center Gainesville: https://childadvocacycentergainesville.org/ Marcelo Garcia Gainesville: https://bjjgainesville.com/   Contact: Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:24 Journey to Black Belt 05:33 What's Different as a Black Belt 08:02 Re-Discovering Jiu-Jitsu 09:51 Teaching and Learning Styles in Jiu-Jitsu 17:05 Bridging Jiu-Jitsu and Academic Teaching 20:12 Exploring Religion and Personal Beliefs 24:58 The Impact of Studying Religion 27:00 Historical Methodologies in Jesus Studies 29:48 Criteria of Authenticity in Historical Jesus Studies 34:41 The Challenges of Historical Jesus Research 38:04 Cultural Context of Jesus and His Disciples 42:39 Messianic Identity: Perception vs. Reality 49:57 Transitioning to Children's Trauma Therapy 52:26 Understanding Violence in Education 55:44 Therapy's Influence on Martial Arts 57:38 Therapy vs. Martial Arts as Healing 01:01:24 The Importance and Value of Therapy 01:06:07 Crossovers With Teaching BJJ and Therapy 01:09:44 Advice for Personal Growth and Kindness 01:12:49 Finding a Purpose 01:14:30 Promotions 01:16:03 Outro   Podcast Links: Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with John Ethier, a black belt out of Ontario, Canada. John is a train conductor for the Canadian railroad. He runs a small fitness business and has a passion for Gothic architecture. We also had a great conversation about ADHD, dyslexia, and how to overcome learning disabilities in jiujitsu and in life.   Episode Links: John's Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/@ethier2095 Ethier Fitness Instagram: https://instagram.com/@ethierfitness Mamute Martial Arts (Oshwa, Ontario, Canada): https://instagram.com/@mamutemaa Platinum BJJ (London, Ontario, Canada): https://instagram.com/@platinum_bjj Infinite Jiujitsu (Brantford, Canada): https://instagram.com/@infinumbjj Rumble Academy (Brandford, Canada): https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Rumble-Academy-100057419059340/   Contact: Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:24 The Journey to Black Belt 02:37 From Obesity to MMA Fighter 04:48 What Motivates You to Keep Training? 07:07 How Did Eric Get Into Martial Arts 09:01 Eric Training at Marcelo Garcia 13:29 ADHD, Dyslexia, and Learning Jiujitsu 17:56 BJJ and Confidence 19:20 Life as a Train Driver 22:52 Most Interesting Train Conductor Moment 25:18 Railways and Economic Impact 28:53 Ethier Fitness 32:46 Navigating Injuries and Time Off the Mats 36:08 Finding Purpose Beyond Jiu-Jitsu 38:54 The Importance of Mentorship 40:32 A Love for Gothic Architecture 41:48 The Joy of Building with Legos 43:24 The Value of Patience in Life and Jiu-Jitsu 46:09 Sharing the Gift of Jiu-Jitsu with Others 49:37 Outro   Podcast Links: Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

Bryan Rumble is a clinical epidemiologist who focuses his work on genital urinary cancers. He has also had a life long fascination with science fiction and fantasy; both in written form as well as table top games.   Episode Links: Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=4763 Twitter/X: https://x.com/BryanRumble Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/@bryanrumble Rumble Academy: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Rumble-Academy-100057419059340/ PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=RUMBLE+RB ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/R-Rumble LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-bryan-rumble-690a9630 Good Reads: https://btb.fan/6-gr   Additional Notes: Martha Wells - Murderbot: https://btb.fan/6-bk1 William Gibson - Neuromancer: https://btb.fan/6-bk2 EE Doc Smith - Triplanetary: https://btb.fan/6-bk3 Ursula K Le Guin - The Left Hand of Darkness: https://btb.fan/6-bk4 Robert Heinlein - I Will Fear No Evil: https://btb.fan/6-bk5 Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone: This is How You Lose the Time War: https://btb.fan/6-bk6 Sylvain Neuvel - A History of What Comes Next: https://btb.fan/6-bk7 qntm - There is No Antimemetics Division: https://btb.fan/6-bk8 Peter Watts - Blindsight: https://btb.fan/6-bk9   Contact: Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:34 Journey to Black Belt 05:36 Teaching and Responsibility as a Black Belt 08:54 The Gauntlet: A Unique Initiation 24:18 What does a Clinical Epidemiologist Do? 31:10 Bryan's Contributions to Science 38:48 Future Directions in Cancer Research 43:55 The Specifics of Cancer 46:01 Scientific Method 49:29 From Science to Science Fiction: Tabletop Games 52:37 What is Dungeon and Dragons? 55:14 Exploring Humanity Through Role-Playing Games 59:56 The Power of Storytelling in Gaming 01:01:53 Being the Main Character in a Story 01:03:18 Science Fiction Reading 01:05:14 Science Fiction is Social Commentary 01:12:40 Inspiration and Reading as an Adult 01:16:27 Life Lessons from Martial Arts and Gaming 01:19:03 How to Find Bryan 01:19:58 Outro   Podcast Links: Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Cornell Thomas, a black belt out of New Jersey, USA. Cornell is a basketball coach, trainer, multiple time author, life coach, mentor, and a youth and motivational speaker. In addition to all that, he also hosts a yearly Positivity Summit.   Episode Links: Cornell Instagram: https://instagram.com/@cornellthomas34 Cornell Website: https://cornellthomas.com Positivity Summit: https://cornellthomas.com/positivity-summit/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cornellthomas7859 Renzo Gracie Denville Instagram: https://instagram.com/@teamrenzograciedenville Book: The Power of Positivity: https://btb.fan/5-power-of-positivity Book: The Power of Me: https://btb.fan/5-power-of-me Book: Extraordinary - The Distance Between Good and Great: https://btb.fan/5-extraordinary   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:23 The Journey to Black Belt 03:05 The Responsibilities of a Black Belt 05:59 Black Belt Means Back to Basics 08:31 Belts are Mountains 12:13 Who Am I Rolling Against 14:38 Finding the Right Gym 18:05 Finding My Home Gym was Dumb Luck 26:43 Sparring Dynamics and Control as Big Guys 29:05 Injuries Can Be Positively Life Changing 35:18 The Power of Positivity 37:37 A Different Kind of Calm 40:55 Creating a Positivity Summit 44:33 Finding Purpose in Life 47:38 Bringing People Together 50:28 A Life of Fulliment and Purpose 55:30 The Joy of Mentoring and Impact 57:41 The Winding Path to Helping Others 59:53 Reflections on Family Legacy 01:01:18 Being the Son of Black Police Officer 01:02:59 New Jersey 01:04:59 The Power of Gratitude 01:07:01 Gratitude and Depression 01:09:14 Creating a Supportive Environment 01:12:16 What Are You Excited for in the Future 01:13:16 What Do You Want to Promote 01:14:40 Outro   Podcast Links: Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Kurt Wuckert Jr, a black belt out of Florida, USA. Kurt is a bitcoin and blockchain historian, media personality, podcaster, husband and father. He is also the owner of Gorillapool.com, a bitcoin mining firm. And he's the host of the CoinGeek weekly Livestream.   Episode Links: Influencer Site: https://wwww.kurwuckertjr.com Gorillapool: https://gorillapool.com CoinGeek: https://www.youtube.com/@CoinGeek Instagram: https://instagram.com/@kurtwuckertjr X: https://x.com/@kurtwuckertjr Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=42430 Outline: 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Getting the Black Belt 03:36 Recovering from Major Surgery 06:13 Mental Resilience in Injury Recovery 11:37 The Path to Jiu-Jitsu 18:50 Jiujitsu Won't Kill You 21:12 Fight, Flight, or Freeze 23:28 Understanding Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency 27:22 Why is Bitcoin Polarizing 30:35 The Polarizing Nature of Bitcoin 36:08 The Philosophy of Money and Bitcoin 44:14 The Historical Context of Bitcoin 47:44 Bitcoin Mining and The Environment 51:11 Types of People 53:06 Getting Into Podcasting 01:00:11 Jiu-Jitsu: A Playground for Authenticity 01:09:27 Defining Success: Happiness and Joy 01:11:41 Choosing Happiness: A Life Philosophy 01:14:09 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Family Joy 01:17:31 Outro   Podcast Links: Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

"Crash Test" Tommy Dowdall is a black belt out of Canada. He is a mental health crisis counselor with over 30 years of experience. He has also fostered over 50 children.   Episode Links: Crash Test Tommy's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@crashtesttommy-ge4bn Jerk Chicken Sauce: https://friendlybutchershop.com/products/jerk-in-a-jar Tommy's Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIAD4nKIRfM Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=42858 Additional Notes: * Teaching at BJJ Globetrotters Heidelberg 2025   Outline: 00:00 Journey to Black Belt 04:24 Patterns of Learning in Jiu-Jitsu 10:23 Mental Health and Jiu-Jitsu: An Intersection 21:42 Crisis Counseling: Daily Challenges and Insights 26:09 Pattern Matches and Not Rolling Hard 29:30 Mat Culture and Safe Spaces 35:35 Fostering Children: A Compassionate Life 40:33 Culinary Adventures: The Jerk Chicken Sauce Story 45:05 Balancing Life: Jiu-Jitsu, Counseling, and More 49:09 Understand Your Dog 53:00 Walkout Music 54:22 Outro   Podcast Links: Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

Missy Baize is a black belt from Wenona, Illinois, USA out of War Horse BJJ. She is a medical technician and studying to become a paramedical tattoo artist.   Episode Links: War Horse BJJ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warhorsebrazilianjiujitsu/ War Horse BJJ Instagram: https://instagram.com/@warhorsebjjwenona Teaching at Rough Hands Camp in April: https://roughhandsbjj.com/spring-camp Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=21522   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:17 Journey to Black Belt 03:07 Overcoming Haters and Self-Doubt 06:35 Learning and Dealing with Frustration 09:33 Lessons for Women 14:14 Teaching and Coaching People with Special Needs 16:19 What's It Like Being a Medical Technician 19:46 Working in Emergency Medicine 22:51 Anatomy and Physiology 24:16 Handling Pressure 26:29 Leadership Off the Mats 28:41 Misconceptions about Med-Techs 30:26 Exploring Paramedical Tattooing 32:16 Studying to be a Paramedical Tattoo Artist 36:45 Parallels in Skill Building 38:15 Having a Lot of Irons in the Fire 39:16 Breaking Down Problems as a Skill 40:59 Any Advice 42:16 Long Breaks from Jiujitsu 45:25 Advice for Long Layoffs 46:04 Advice for Non-Jiujitsu People 48:43 Promotions from Missy 49:47 Outro   Podcast Links: Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

Sebastian Elmenhoff is a Swedish black belt who gave up a good corporate job to live on a farm and raise his family.   Episode Links: Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/@elmenhoffs Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=12869   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:17 Journey to Black Belt 05:52 Proving You're A Black Belt 08:57 Life Lessons from Jiu Jitsu 10:00 Buying the Farm 13:27 Lessons From the Farm 15:14 Not Everyone Burns Out to a Farm 16:00 Jiujitsu's Role in your Life Today 18:11 BJJ with a Physically Intense Job 22:17 Foundation from Jiujitsu 24:27 Raising Air Force Dogs 27:12 Training Dogs: Bridging Passion and Purpose 31:57 Giving Up Your Fostered Dog 35:45 Dog and Human Psychology 37:29 Relating it back to BJJ 38:36 2 Weeks as a Black Belt 40:41 Favorite Jiujitsu Memory 42:19 Learning to Trust Yourself 43:54 Thank You 44:43 Outro   Podcast Links: Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: Instagram: https://instagram.com/@beyondthebeltpod Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb