Send us a text A lot of schools say, “iron sharpens iron.” Few build an entire culture around it. We sat down with Professor Caleb Holland, owner and head coach of Iron Wolf Academy in Braselton, GA, to unpack how a humble school without a sign on the door grew to a packed mat by focusing on faith-driven values, clear standards, and relentless community. Caleb shares the origin of the Iron Wolf name, why the vibe is designed not accidental and the three rules that guide everything: take care ...
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Send us a text A lot of schools say, “iron sharpens iron.” Few build an entire culture around it. We sat down with Professor Caleb Holland, owner and head coach of Iron Wolf Academy in Braselton, GA, to unpack how a humble school without a sign on the door grew to a packed mat by focusing on faith-driven values, clear standards, and relentless community. Caleb shares the origin of the Iron Wolf name, why the vibe is designed not accidental and the three rules that guide everything: take care ...
Send us a text A lot of schools say, “iron sharpens iron.” Few build an entire culture around it. We sat down with Professor Caleb Holland, owner and head coach of Iron Wolf Academy in Braselton, GA, to unpack how a humble school without a sign on the door grew to a packed mat by focusing on faith-driven values, clear standards, and relentless community. Caleb shares the origin of the Iron Wolf name, why the vibe is designed not accidental and the three rules that guide everything: take care ...
Send us a text Coffee in hand, gi on the chair, and a question that won’t let go: why do we keep showing up to jiu-jitsu long after the first aches fade? I’m back after travel, training in Manila and Vegas, and a much needed reset to unpack the hidden reasons BJJ becomes more than a hobby and why it quietly reshapes who we are. We start with the gateway motives fitness, self-defense, a friend who wouldn’t stop asking and drill down to what keeps us obsessed: earned control in a chaotic world...
Send us a text Ever walked out of BJJ class feeling like you've just learned the perfect technique, only to completely forget it by the next day? You're not alone. This episode dives into the game-changing practice of strategic note-taking for jiu-jitsu practitioners at every level. The martial journey becomes exponentially more rewarding when you pair physical training with deliberate mental processing. Using the "3S Method" (Situation, Steps, Success/Struggle), you'll learn how to capture ...
Send us a text What does it truly mean to be a woman in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Multiple-time IBJJF champion and brown belt Jacqueline "Bad Jackie" Young returns to Caffeinated Jiu-Jitsu to explore this question with raw honesty and hard-won wisdom. From the mat to the competition arena, Jackie shares how being consistently underestimated has become a source of empowerment rather than frustration. "My favorite part about jiu-jitsu is that I'm a woman," she reveals, explaining how the surprise o...
Send us a text Considering stepping onto the jiu-jitsu mats for the first time but feeling hesitant? This episode is your complete roadmap to beginning your BJJ journey with confidence and clarity. After returning from a brief hiatus, I'm diving into everything the curious newcomer needs to know about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – from what it actually is (think chess meets wrestling) to who it's truly for (spoiler: everyone). Drawing from my own experience as someone who once nervously walked into ...
Send us a text The journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu often begins with unexpected catalysts. For Amanda Cowie, it was her three energetic boys that first brought her to the edge of the mats. After watching from the sidelines for two years, this talent acquisition professional finally stepped onto the mats herself, discovering a world that would transform both her physical capabilities and mental resilience. Amanda's story resonates with anyone who's ever felt out of their element when startin...
Send us a text The difference between being welcomed on the mats and finding yourself on someone's "no-roll list" often comes down to understanding the unwritten rules of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu etiquette. This episode tackles the essential guidelines that make someone a respected training partner, regardless of belt color. Drawing from personal experience—including a humbling story of unknowingly violating these codes— I share practical wisdom on navigating the social dynamics of BJJ. From the ...
Send us a text What does a quarter-century of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience teach you about martial arts, personal growth, and life itself? Fourth-degree black belt DJ Farmer unwraps this question with remarkable clarity, walking us through his 27-year journey from martial arts-obsessed teenager to becoming a first-generation black belt under the legendary Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti. DJ's story traces the fascinating evolution of BJJ in America—from the wild early days when techniques were ...
Send us a text What happens when country melodies meet the mats of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Kaitlyn Croker, a rising star in the world of country music and BJJ enthusiast, joins me during this episode to reveal her unique journey. From singing Disney princess songs to channeling her experiences from a military upbringing into heartfelt music, Kaitlyn shares how storytelling through song became her passion. Meanwhile, her brother's jiu-jitsu practice sparked a new interest, leading her to be...
Send us a text Ever faced the nerve-wracking intensity of stepping onto the mat for your very first jiu-jitsu competition? Join us in the latest episode of Caffeinated Jiu-Jitsu, where we capture the exhilaration and chaos of a white belt's inaugural contest through the eyes of Yakov Kolan, a dedicated practitioner at Alliance Roswell. Celebrating his one-year training anniversary, Yakov opens up about the emotional roller coaster that greeted him at his debut competition. His honest reflecti...
Send us a text Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rick Junkuntz, a seasoned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and instructor at the Alliance Jiu-Jitsu headquarters. Discover how Rick's journey from childhood wrestling to becoming a dedicated Jiu-Jitsu practitioner has shaped his teaching philosophy and personal growth. With over 15 years of experience, Rick shares how the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu learning resources—from DVDs and manuals to today's digital platforms—has influenced the...
Send us a text What if the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu could transform your life in ways you've never imagined? Discover this and more in our captivating conversation with Professor Joey Dean, the esteemed owner of Carolina Family Jiu-Jitsu. With his rich tapestry of experiences spanning boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, and Judo, all culminating in his mastery of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Dean shares how martial arts have not only molded him as an athlete but also as a community builder.&nbs...
Send us a text Start your year with inspiration and direction as we explore the art of goal setting in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and beyond. Imagine transforming your training from a routine grind to a purposeful journey filled with small victories and ultimate achievements. This episode promises insights into harnessing the power of structured goals, akin to navigating a marathon, where each step builds towards personal and Jiu-Jitsu mastery. Let's reflect on our personal adventures over the past ...
Send us a text Master Romero "Jacare'" Cavalcanti, an iconic figure and member of the BJJ Hall of Fame in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, joins us to share his extraordinary journey from training alongside the legendary Rolls Gracie to founding the powerhouse Alliance Jiu-Jitsu team. Discover the wisdom and insights of an eight-degree black belt as he reflects on the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu, its core values of discipline and respect, and the vibrant community that continues to foster its growth. Master J...
Send us a text Ever wondered how jiu-jitsu can transform your life? Meet Rachel Neubauer, a purple belt powerhouse from Alliance Roswell, who shares her astonishing journey through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From clinching titles at the 2024 PANS Championship and the American Nationals to mastering techniques like the punch choke from closed guard, Rachel's story is a testament to dedication and passion. Her insights are not just about the victories, but also about the camaraderie and the inspirati...
Send us a text Experience the inspiring journey of Ian McPherson, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from the renowned Alliance Jiu-Jitsu team, as he shares his path from wrestling in Atlanta to achieving mastery under one of the most influential figures in all of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Master Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti. Discover Ian's early influences and the key figures who fueled his passion for Jiu-Jitsu, including his recent successes at the Atlanta Open. With a reputation for technical exce...
Send us a text Want to turbocharge your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey and sidestep the most common beginner pitfalls? Tune in to this episode of Caffeinated Jiu-Jitsu where we promise to equip you with the essential tips and insights needed to sharpen your game. We discuss how to avoid relying on brute strength, why prioritizing defense is critical, and the importance of mastering foundational techniques before you get too flashy. Whether you're just a few months into your training or still mus...
Send us a text Imagine finding yourself homeless, addicted, and almost out of hope, only to rise and become a two-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion. That's the extraordinary journey of Jacqueline Young. Beginning with Jacqueline's life before jiu-jitsu, where she recalls the impact of her parents' divorce and her father's criminal actions. Her world was shattered, leading her down a dark path of substance abuse and homelessness. Jacqueline’s story is one of incredible resilience and red...
Send us a text Ever wondered how to keep your passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu alive amidst a sea of responsibilities? Join me on this special episode of Caffeinated Jiu-Jitsu where we tackle the intricate dance of maintaining a balanced life while staying committed to your training. Discover the art of setting clear priorities without sacrificing the joy of stepping onto the mats. From juggling demanding work schedules and family commitments to carving out precious training time, we explore p...
Send us a text What ignites a passion for martial arts at an age when most people are thinking about retirement? Join us for an enlightening conversation with John Mandato, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who embarked on his journey at 44. John’s transition from skepticism to a deep-seated love for BJJ is a fascinating tale of personal transformation. We walk through his initial challenges, doubts, and how the sport eventually became an integral part of his life, offering both physical vital...
Send us a text A lot of schools say, “iron sharpens iron.” Few build an entire culture around it. We sat down with Professor Caleb Holland, owner and head coach of Iron Wolf Academy in Braselton, GA, to unpack how a humble school without a sign on the door grew to a packed mat by focusing on faith-driven values, clear standards, and relentless community. Caleb shares the origin of the Iron Wolf name, why the vibe is designed not accidental and the three rules that guide everything: take care ...
