"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" *****PLEASE FORGIVE US FOR THE POOR SOUND QUALITY***** In this engaging conversation, Andrea Harkins shares her journey in martial arts, starting from her initial reluctance to embrace the discipline to becoming a black belt and a respected author. She discusses the evolution of martial arts, the importance of self-defense training, and the empowerment of women in the field. Andrea also highlights her experiences te...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" In this episode, Tony Jones interviews John Didio, a personal trainer who specializes in helping divorced dads regain their power and confidence. John shares his journey from a troubled youth to a successful personal trainer, detailing the challenges he faced in his career, marriage, and health. He discusses the impact of his divorce on his family life and the struggles he encountered in the court system. Despite these challenges, John emphasi...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" In this episode, Tony Jones interviews Salvador Torres, a Christian fitness coach who shares his transformative journey from a troubled past to becoming a fitness specialist. Salvador emphasizes the importance of treating the body as a temple, the significance of nutrition based on biblical principles, and the unique challenges faced by older men in fitness. He discusses his personalized coaching approach, the psychological barriers to healthy ...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" In this episode, Tony Jones interviews Ethan Buck, a fitness coach who shares his inspiring journey of transformation from a 320-pound punk rocker to a fitness expert. They discuss the importance of sustainable lifestyle changes, the connection between martial arts and fitness, and how to adapt fitness routines as one ages. Ethan emphasizes the significance of mindset in achieving long-term health goals and the necessity of having honest conve...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" In this episode of Old Man on the Mat, host Tony Jones interviews Michael Lantz, a remarkable individual who completed 15 Ironman triathlons after the age of 50. Michael shares his inspiring journey of transformation through fitness and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of community support, setting goals, and making informed food choices. He discusses the challenges he faced during his first Ironman, the role of government in food supply,...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" In this episode, Tony Jones interviews Scott Taylor, a martial artist with a rich background in various disciplines including Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. They discuss Scott's journey in martial arts, the evolution of Taekwondo, the importance of self-defense, and the challenges of running a dojo while balancing work and personal life. Scott shares insights on competition, injuries, and the life lessons learned through martial arts, emph...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" In this episode of Old Man on the Mat, host Tony Jones engages with Lee, a fitness enthusiast from Glasgow, who shares his unique journey into fitness, starting from childhood workouts with his mother to his current role in the fitness industry. They discuss the evolution of fitness trends, the psychology behind gym-goers, and the infamous burpee exercise, exploring its benefits and techniques. Lee emphasizes the importance of understanding ind...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" In this episode of Old Man on the Mat, host Tony Jones welcomes Daniel Nunez, a Marine Corps veteran and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt. They discuss Nunez's journey from military service to becoming a Jiu Jitsu instructor, the importance of creating a family-oriented environment in martial arts, and the challenges of running a home-based gym. Nunez shares the meaning behind his gym's name, Grapple Cove, and emphasizes the significance of commu...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" In this episode of Old Man on the Mat, host Tony Jones speaks with Matthew Montgomery, a Marine combat veteran and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. They discuss Matthew's journey into martial arts, the importance of community and relationships built on the mats, and how Jiu-Jitsu serves as a therapeutic outlet for mental health. Matthew shares his experiences transitioning from military life to civilian life, the challenges of training as an o...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" Coach Lou is a Marine veteran, a dedicated family man, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and the owner of Aces Training Center in Round Lake, Illinois. His school is known for their grit and adherence to traditional training values. http://www.facebook.com/acestrainingcenterusa https://www.instagram.com/acestrainingcenter?igsh=bjhzdTBxZjM3NTV4 www.acestrainingcenter.com Support the show Like and comment on our social media below...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" Freeman is a Catholic content creator, writer, and podcaster with a deep passion for exploring faith, culture, and sexuality—especially as they relate to helping young people live boldly for God. She’s the voice behind the Instagram account and podcast @kneutrality, where she shares thoughtful reflections and real conversations. Through tools like her liturgical journals and other resources available at kneutrality.com, Freeman encourages inten...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" Jimmy Gentile — a retired U.S. Marine who served with Golf Company, 3rd Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines out of Camp Pendleton, California. During his deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, Jimmy faced the harsh realities of combat and proved his courage under fire, earning the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in the line of duty. His time in service is marked by honor, sacrifice, and a deep brotherhood forged in one of the most dangerous places...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" Jared is a former professional MMA fighter, a personal trainer, and the owner of PSF Legacy Jiu-Jitsu in Bloomington, Illinois. His passion for developing productive and upstanding athletes is unparalleled. Listen to his story and become inspired by his vision. Visit his GoFundMe account (⁠https://gofund.me/8a126797⁠) and support him in achieving his goal. Support the show Like and comment on our social media below: (1) Facebook https://x...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" Yuka is a Neuroperformance Coach who has studied applied neuroscience athletic performance, wellness, and recovery. She also holds certifications in orthopedic massage, Pilates therapy, and dance medicine. She's the owner of LevelUp Neuroperformance in Los Gatos, CA. Support the show Like and comment on our social media below: (1) Facebook https://x.com/oldmanonthemat1 https://www.tiktok.com/@old.man.on.the.mat https://www.instagram.com/old...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" Gavin Wurth - Founder of the Louisville MMA Fight Club, established 1993 - Record-breaking wrestling coach - Multiple black belt ranks in Judo, Taijutsu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Taekwondo, Karate, and Sambo - Trained under the WKA World Super Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion, William Abdul Jarvis - State-certified professional youth athletics coach - Seminar host with Pride FC veteran - Competitor in MMA, grappling, BJJ, Judo, and kickboxing Suppor...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" Jeremy is a 47-year-old maintenance worker at a manufacturing plant, a husband, and a proud father of two—a 22-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter. When he is not maintaining the machinery at work, he can be found training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a journey he began in March 2019. Despite undergoing a total hip replacement in November 2021, he earned his purple belt in November 2024, proving that a little titanium cannot keep him down. He ...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" Robert is a dedicated Filipino Martial Arts practitioner who began his journey in Modern Arnis under Datu Kelly Worden. Encouraged to explore various systems, he trained with esteemed martial artists such as Ted Lucaylucay, James Keating, Dr. Brett Jacques, and Bob Anderson. In 2002, he relocated to Hawaii, where he continued his training under Mike "DogZilla" Tibbits, spent some time training with Burton "Lucky Dog" Richardson, and explored l...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" The original "Tapi Tapi" Guro Francis Serrano is not only an internet sensation with videos that have been viewed more than 5 million times, but he is also the Chief Instructor at Filipino Martial Arts school in Riverside, CA. He has been practicing FMA for over 22 years, first under Master Joe Napial until his passing in 2004, then under his brother, Master Sonny Napial, and Guro John Garcia. Francis combines his passion for Filipino culture a...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" Ricky Pike is a first-degree black belt under renowned instructor Danny Dring of Arkansas, with 16 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and over 30 years dedicated to martial arts. He is the owner and head coach of All Heart Jiu Jitsu, located in Senatobia, Mississippi. Throughout his career, Ricky has cornered athletes in boxing, bare-knuckle fighting, MMA, kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu superfights across 11 states. Additionally, he is the h...

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing" Josh is a pastor and combat sports chaplain in Las Vegas, the Fight Capital of the World. At 47 years old, he began practicing Jiu Jitsu in January 2024 and recently earned his blue belt. A few months ago, he competed in his first tournament and won his division. Although there was only one other competitor, Josh defeated him twice with the same submission. Initially weighing 565 pounds, he lost 75 pounds to qualify for bariatric surgery, which...