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I couldn't be more thrilled about the episode we have in store for you today. This interview has been on my bucket list for a long time, and I'm very honored to bring you this conversation. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of jiu-jitsu with none other than Jon Calestine, a black belt under the esteemed Daisuke Yamaji of the Renzo Gracie Fight Academy. But Jon's journey doesn't stop there; he's trained extensively with luminaries such as Eddie Cummings, John Danaher, Gordon Ryan, the rest of the DDS, and more, shaping him into the formidable grappler and coach he is today. Jon is renowned as one of the premier 145-pound grapplers of his generation, having made waves in the submission-only professional grappling circuit with victories at events like the Eddie Bravo Invitational, Onnit Invitational, Sapateiro Invitational, and Finishers Sub-Only. In this episode, Jon shares invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of leg locks in jiu-jitsu, drawing from his vast experience and expertise. Moreover, he offers a rare glimpse into the early days of his training, rubbing shoulders with the previously mentioned legends Eddie Cummings and John Danaher. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting your jiu-jitsu journey, Jon's wealth of knowledge and effective teaching style make his content a must-watch. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of the sport with one of its most respected figures.

Today on the show, we have Dr. Jarrell Garcia. At the age of 33, Dr. Garcia is a10th Planet Bethlehem, PA black belt under Zach Maslany and JM Holland. His journey extends beyond the mats, as he brings a wealth of knowledge and academic prowess to the conversation. Armed with a doctorate in Education, Dr. Garcia specializes in topics of athletic identity, leadership, and organization management. Currently serving as a college professor and the Associate Director at the University of Rhode Island, Dr. Garcia's impact reaches far beyond the confines of academia. Originally hailing from the dynamic streets of Brooklyn, New York, he completed all his schooling in Pennsylvania before embarking on a transformative decade in California. During his time in the Bay Area, Dr. Garcia spent 3.5 years training at 10th Planet Walnut Creek, a period that coincided with his professional tenure at UC Berkeley. This intersection of academic expertise and Jiu Jitsu mastery paints a fascinating picture of a man who seamlessly integrates the discipline of the mind with the physicality of the body. Join us as we delve into the unique journey of Dr. Jarrell Garcia, exploring the intricacies of balancing a thriving career, academic pursuits, and a profound passion for Jiu Jitsu. This promises to be an episode filled with insights, inspiration, and the wisdom that comes from a decade of navigating the diverse landscapes of education, athleticism, and personal growth.

We are joined by the esteemed Michael Demko, Head Instructor of the renowned "Wrecking Crew BJJ" family martial arts school. As a Black Belt under living legends Rigan Machado and Erik Paulson, Mike Demko brings a wealth of experience to the mat. His coaching prowess has propelled fighters to amateur and professional championships, with many achieving success in major promotions such as Bellator. Notably, Mike leads one of the best kids teams in the country, consistently dominating local tournaments and making impressive showings at NAGA World's. Our paths first crossed at the 2023 BJJ Globetrotters Arizona camp, where Mike's session on "Getting Better at Getting Better. Learning and skill acquisition for Jiu Jitsu" left an indelible mark. Today's episode is not just special; it's a master class on Deliberate Training. Mike Demko shares a wealth of critical information beneficial for both coaches and students. So, grab a notebook and take notes, as we'll provide a download link in the show notes for an outline and mind map PDF related to today's discussion. While other shows might charge for this kind of valuable information, we are thrilled to offer it to you for free. Enjoy and feel free to re-watch or re-listen as needed.

In this episode, we are joined by an OG in the martial arts community - Jay Jack, co-owner of "The Academy" in Portland, Maine. Remember to like, share, subscribe, and go check out our FWB merchandise, we've got coffee mugs, hats, sweatshirts, and more. Jay's martial arts journey began at the age of 5 with Karate, leading him through a rich tapestry of disciplines, including Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and Judo. He spent five years studying Shaolin Chin-Na under the renowned Yang Jwing Ming, and his dedication to Jiu-Jitsu and Vale Tudo has been unwavering since finding the legendary, Amal Easton in 1998. As a decorated fighter with victories in organizations like Ring of Fire and Gladiator Challenge, Jay is not just an accomplished athlete but also an exceptional instructor. Having produced numerous decorated athletes, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our conversation. We'll delve into the unique On Ramp Program at The Academy, designed to make that first step into Jiu-Jitsu less intimidating. Jay will share insights into his teaching philosophy, the fusion of diverse martial arts disciplines, and the challenges and rewards of online learning through his platform, Functional BJJ.

I'm your host Adolfo Foronda. In this episode we have Isak Ivanovic. Isak, a Purple Belt under the guidance of Lachlan Giles, has honed his skills through extensive training with luminaries such as John Danaher and Heath Pedigo. Beyond his technical prowess on the mat, Isak exudes a rare intelligence and wisdom that surpasses his years. It's evident that he is destined to become one of the great coaches in the future. The buzz about Isak's impact in the Australian jiu jitsu scene is undeniable, and he is poised to make a significant mark on the international stage. Isak's competitive journey has taken him around the globe, earning medals at prestigious events like the World Championships and the Pan Ams. Notably, he has clinched victories at the Pan Pacific and Australian National Championships multiple times, including a triumph at the ADCC Australia Open in the Pro division. What sets Isak apart is not just his success in competition but also his unique training philosophy, drawing inspiration from the methods of John Danaher, Mikey Musumeci, and Jon Thomas. Emphasizing efficiency, Isak prioritizes the study and drilling of only the most effective techniques, ensuring that every moment spent on the mats contributes to his continuous growth. Before we dive into our conversation, a friendly reminder to our audience: don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and explore our exclusive Forever White Belt merchandise.