The Black Belt Show

In this episode, we chat with the one and only Casual Brian. Brian is a Marcelo Garcia purple belt known for his wrestle up from bottom half inside the gym. Outside the gym, he is better known as the main man behind the Casual Brand. His main channels include: The Casual Grappler (@the_casual_grappler), The Casual Jazzer (@the_casual_jazzer), and The Casual Producer (@thecasualproducer). Brian shared with us his story of how he started training BJJ and the difference between MMA grappling and BJJ. Outside of grappling, Brian shared with us his knowledge on how to grow a successful channel and the best tips for producing content.

Today's guest on our show is our co-host Jin Shin. Jin currently trains at Marcelo Garcia Academy in NYC and competed at the Grappling Industries in New Jersey over the weekend. He went on to win bronze in the Gi division and silver in the no-gi division, gathering a record of 10-2. In today's episode, he reflects on the weekend and chats about what people can expect to see next in his competitive journey.

In this episode, we talk to our friend and teammate Kyle "Infinite Play Guy" Fincham. Kyle is a Marcelo Garcia purple belt with one of the nastiest half guard kimuras in the game. He is also the creator of Infinite Play - a movement based idea. Kyle talks to us about the inspiration and philosophy behind Infinite Play and how others can implement this philosophy into their everyday lives outside of an Infinite Play session.

In this episode, we interviewed the PXC Heavyweight Champion Kelvin Fitial. Kelvin has been in the fight game for nearly two decades. In fact, he received his blue belt in BJJ this months after 18 years of dabbling in the art. But don't be mistaken, he is a certified killer - battle tested in multiple organizations around the world. He is the heavyweight champion of PXC and has a fight with former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez. What we can say about Kelvin is that his style of training is not conventional. He doesn't train in the biggest gym or have the fanciest equipment. What he has is his island of Saipan - he uses all elements of the island's resources to make sure he gets the training he needs.

In this episode, we had the honor of talking to The Ultimate Fighter Season 30 finalist Brogan Walker. Brogan talks to us about the journey she has had that led her to the finale of The Ultimate Fighter Season 30. She gives us the behind the scenes look of what really goes down inside the TUF house - from injuries to drama that that the camera does not capture. She also tells us what's next and what we can expect to see from her moving forward.

In this episode, we chat with Nicky Taranta, CEO of the soon-to-come BJJ brand "Taranta." Nicky has been an entrepreneur since a young age, having started a skate apparel brand before finding BJJ. Since he began training, he has decided to take his entrepreneurial talents to the BJJ world to design the next super No-gi shorts. From what we've seen so far, we can promise you that they are worth the wait. Be sure to keep an eye out for the next super brand: Taranta!

In this episode, we chat with the legendary Enson Inoue about his decorated martial arts journey. Enson is known for his Yamato Damashii - or Samurai Spirit. It is this spirit that brought us fans some of the most exciting MMA fights in Japan and the same spirit that allows Enson to continue to give back to his community. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to share it with your friends and support Black Belt Nutrition at www.blackbeltnutrition.com and follow us on Instagram @blackbeltnutrition_

In this episode, we chat with Judo Olympian Ricardo Blas Jr. who represents the island of Guam. Ric is the first athlete from this region of the world to make it past the first round of the Olympics after his defeat of Guinea in the 2012 London Olympics. While the island of Guam celebrates this victory, the people of Guinea aren't so happy... In this episode, Ric tells us stories of how he started training Judo before he was even born, growing up in a strict Judo school in Japan, and reaching the highest point of athletics (twice). He also tells the story of how Guam's lone victory in the Olympics lead to another athlete seeking political asylum in fear of his life.

In this episode, we talk with young phenom John John Goldsborough Jr. You can tell from this episode that John John is not your average teenager. At a young age, he has set his eyes on a career in BJJ and has been absolutely crushing it thus far. One of the most interesting things we learned from this interview is that John John is so dedicated to the sport that he decided to learn how to speak Portuguese on his own. If that isn't dedication, I don't know what is. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to share it with your friends and support Black Belt Nutrition at www.blackbeltnutrition.com and follow us on Instagram @blackbeltnutrition_

In this episode, we chat with the BJJ phenom Colby Hernandez about his competitive journey in jiujitsu. With the goal of becoming a Black Belt world champion one day, he has decided to switch to homeschooling and train like a professional as a teenager. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to share it with your friends and support Black Belt Nutrition at www.blackbeltnutrition.com and follow us on Instagram @blackbeltnutrition_

In this episode, we chat with US Olympic alternate, 3 x National Champion, 3 x Pan American medalist for Judo, Garry St Ledger. This was our first interview we conducted in person, but we couldn't have interviewed a better guest. Garry has been training Judo for his entire life and now runs Kano Martial Arts in Manhattan. Before owning a gym, he travelled all around the world to compete in Judo. In this episode, we chat about Judo, the sacrifices it takes to become an elite level martial artist, and the journey that he has been on. We also talk about a various range of topics including why elite Judo athletes do not compete in MMA and the times he's had to defend his home. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to share it with your friends and support Black Belt Nutrition at www.blackbeltnutrition.com and follow us on Instagram @blackbeltnutrition_

In today's episode, we chat with one of the few BJJ athletes in the world with Cerebral Palsy. Ali Golchin embodies the spirit of the martial artist like no other. Despite the odds stacked against him, he refuses to give up on his dreams to become the first BJJ black belt with Cerebral Palsy. We chat about his journey thus far, the challenges he has overcome, and his big goals moving forward. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to share it with your friends and support Black Belt Nutrition at www.blackbeltnutrition.com and follow us on Instagram @blackbeltnutrition_

In this episode, we chat with Rocco Flores, the founder and CEO of Black Belt Nutrition. We talk about how he started his martial arts journey, how his hobby led him to start a business, and what his experience has been like running a business. He addresses the state of the business at the moment and what the supporters could expect to see moving forward. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to share it with your friends and support Black Belt Nutrition at www.blackbeltnutrition.com and follow us on Instagram @blackbeltnutrition_

In this episode, we talk to fitness and nutrition guru Jordan Syatt about his journey as a martial artist, his take on nutrition, and what he believes to be the optimal diet for a jiujitsu athlete. He shares his thoughts on modern diets and drops knowledge on the health benefits of coffee. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to share it with your friends and support Black Belt Nutrition at www.blackbeltnutrition.com and follow us on Instagram @blackbeltnutrition_

This is one of our best episodes yet. It was our first chance to interview a world champion in MMA, and it did not disappoint, We chatted with the legend Brandon Vera about his thus far. We chatted about his upbringing in a Filipino household, dropping out college to pursue wrestling in the Airforce, being recruited to be an Olympic resident wrestler, and much more. He also talks about some of the hardships that he had to endure in life such as relearning how to use his right arm, a contract dispute with a manager that cost him a million dollars. and much more. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to share it with your friends and support Black Belt Nutrition at www.blackbeltnutrition.com and follow us on Instagram @blackbeltnutrition_

In this episode, we chat with Professor Felipe Simplicio, head professor of RedZone Jiujitsu - an affiliate school of JT Torres's Essential BJJ. Professor Simplicio tells us about the unique story of his coming to America and the challenges he has had to face to be where he is at today. In 2016, he sold all of his items in Brazil, dropped out of college, and bought a one way ticket to the US in search of a better life. However, he quickly learned that it was not going to be an easy journey. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to share it with your friends and support Black Belt Nutrition at www.blackbeltnutrition.com and follow us on Instagram @blackbeltnutrition_

Another great episode courtesy of Saipan's finest: Cuki Alvarez. After listening to this episode, you will definitely be wondering to yourself: what can this man not do? In this episode, we talk about the insane, action packed journey of Mr. Alvarez's extreme sports career. We talk about the history of Mixed Martial Arts in Saipan and the impact that he has had on the fighting scene in the Mariana's islands. We also talk about some of his favorite moments as a promoter - including the time he set up an ex-con and a cop to fight in front of a crowd. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to share it with your friends and support Black Belt Nutrition at www.blackbeltnutrition.com and follow us on Instagram @blackbeltnutrition_

In this episode, we talk to the multi-world champion JT Torres about his journey from the first time he stepped on the mats to where he is currently, gym owner and head professor of Essential BJJ. JT Torres is a 2x ADCC World champion and a multi champ in various IBJJF major tournaments. Despite his accomplishments, he couldn't be a more down to earth guy. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to share it with your friends and support Black Belt Nutrition at www.blackbeltnutrition.com and follow us on Instagram @blackbeltnutrition_

In this episode, we spoke with Richard Chou, former matchmaker of Elite XC, Strikeforce, and Bellator MMA. In this episode, we get a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be a matchmaker in the sport that we all love. He talks to us about his crazy rollercoaster ride of a journey in the mixed martial arts industry and the mental toughness that is demanded of his position. Now working as a VP in the MMA tech start-up Alta, there are only a few who have seen more than this seasoned veteran of the industry. Follow us on Instagram to stay updated @blackbeltnutrition_ and check us out at www.blackbeltnutrition.com

In this episode, we talked to Stephen Roberto, Guam's first and finest homegrown black belt. A student of Enson Inoue, Stephen Roberto is responsible for single handedly shaping the landscape of BJJ on Guam. He is the founder of Purebred Academy on Guam, a world class dojo where tons of champions from around the world have trained at. Enjoy this episode to learn more about the history of BJJ on Guam. Follow us on Instagram to stay updated @blackbeltnutrition_ and check us out at www.blackbeltnutrition.com

In this episode, we talk to former LFA featherweight champion and current UFC fighter Bruno Souza. Bruno is a dual black belt in Karate & BJJ with origins in Recife, Brazil. Most people might recognize him as a Machida Karate prodigy, but he is beginning to make a name for himself in the big leagues as a dangerous Karate fighter. He talks to us about his martial arts journey and the mindset that it takes to become a world champion. He also reveals to us a big goal that he has, which he hopes to achieve by the end of his career. Follow us on Instagram to stay updated @blackbeltnutrition_ and check us out at www.blackbeltnutrition.com

Chris Passarello is a BJJ instructor and competitor that trains out of Pittsburgh, PA. Although Pittsburgh is not often represented in the BJJ scene, Chris promises that there will be stars emerging from that region in the next few years. It is difficult to not get inspired to hit the mats after listening to this episode. Chris highlights the struggles he had to overcome to get to where he is today. Follow us on Instagram to stay updated @blackbeltnutrition_ and check us out at www.blackbeltnutrition.com 1:29 BJJ scene in Pittsburgh 7:38 McDojos 9:35 What makes his gym different 13:20 Introduction to BJJ 20:50 How BJJ humbled him and changed his life 22:54 End goal of becoming world champ 25:05 Biggest setbacks 32:07 Lessons learned from each setback 37:12 What pushed him through hard times 42:34 Black belt 47:56 True test of a person 55:02 Are people born with that drive? 1:00:15 What is it about BJJ that has that effect on people? 1:04:06 BJJ effect on mental health 1:08:04 Uncomfortableness 1:09:55 What BJJ meant to you throughout life 1:13:37 Advice to anyone who wants to be a blackbelt in life

In this episode, we chat with one of the Godfathers of Mixed Martial Arts on Guam. Melchor Manibusan is a jack of all trades - he is an internationally renowned wrestler, mixed martial artist, gym owner, coach, entrepreneur, and a proud father. His journey from high school dropout to a respected entrepreneur is an inspiration. However, what really caught our attention are the crazy stories that happened in between. Follow us on Instagram to stay updated @blackbeltnutrition_ and check us out at www.blackbeltnutrition.com Enjoy! 02:15 Where he's from 11:25 Moving to Washington from Guam in high school 13:04 Being in street fights 14:40 How he started wrestling 21:38 If he was naturally gifted in wrestling 26:05 What he did next after high school wrestling 27:10 Dropping out of high school 30:08 Dad flying in coaches for wrestling 33:20 ADCC and facing Royler Gracie 37:20 How SPK 22 started 40:23 Guam the real fighting island 44:11 Brawl FC 46:30 Favorite out of fighting MMA, coaching, and wrestling 47:30 Crazy story of fighting in Russia 56:07 Dream for Brawl 57:20 Entrepreniurship 01:01:14 Favorite project 01:05:00 Advice for anyone who wants to be a black belt 01:07:33 Dream match up for MMA

In this episode, we talk to Bellator fighter and Karate-ka Weber Almeida. Weber is a phenomenal martial artist, representing Machida Karate inside the Bellator cage. We talk about his journey from Brazil to the United States, deciding to train MMA after a lifetime of training Karate, and how he was invited to the Machida Academy. He also leaves us with valuable advice about how far discipline can take anyone. Follow us on Instagram to stay updated @blackbeltnutrition_ and check us out at www.blackbeltnutrition.com Enjoy! 05:10 Returning to Brazil after China 05:35 Sleeping at dojo 06:46 Meeting Vinicio Antony (Lyoto Machida's coach) 07:58 How he made money to train with Vinicio Antony 10:16 Meeting Lyoto Machida and being invited to their camp 15:52 What Lyoto saw in Weber to invite him to camp 18:39 How special was it when he was recognized by Lyoto 22:43 How he went from Welterweight to Bantamweight 25:12 Where does his indomitable spirit come from? 29:07 Transitioning from music to martial arts 31:49 How he started Karate 35:10 Different styles of Karate 40:56 Training different martial arts 44:27 Using Karate mindset in fighting 47:00 Update on next fight 47:39 Opinion on modern day Karate 53:19 Training Karate in Brazil vs in USA 55:27 Fight atmosphere in Brazil 59:24 How much last win meant for him 1:03:19 Acting dreams 1:08:10 Advice for anybody trying to be a blackbelt in life

In this episode, we talk to 2021 IBJJF World's Finalist Malachi "Magic Man" Edmond. We discuss a range of topics from training at the legendary Lloyd Irvin Academy, the sacrifices one must make to become a champion in BJJ, and his journey so far as a black belt. Follow us on Instagram to stay updated @blackbeltnutrition_ and check us out at www.blackbeltnutrition.com Enjoy 3:16 BJJ Scene in Maryland 5:29 How he got started in BJJ 9:20 when he realized he's going to pursue the sport 15:09 Where his focus came from 17:42 The time he used his BJJ on someone 19:38 Training at Team Lloyd Irvin at a young age 24:20 What separates team Lloyd Irvin from the rest 27:21 Master Donny 31:49 How important is a good coach relationship 35:27 Sacrifices he made 37:59 When he realized he can do be a world champ 38:58 Favorite moment in career 39:40 How he got nickname 41:07 Getting his blackbelt 45:10 South Korea Trip 49:53 Bittersweet feeling of earning black belt 52:33 First Black Belt IBJJF World's 01:01:05 Difference between winner and loser at higher level 01:03:42 Ultimate goal as black belt 01:04:32 What has jiu jitsu meant to him 01:06:07 What's next? 01:07:35 Most important traits to instill in kids 01:08:20 Advice to anyone trying to be a black belt

In this episode, BJJ World Champion Gabriel Sousa walks us through his incredible journey from the streets of Fortaleza, Brazil to the grandest stages in the sport of BJJ. His journey shows the toughness and discipline that is demanded of a world champion. Fortunately for us, we were able to get the inside scoop of what he had to endure to get to where he is today. Follow us on Instagram to stay updated @blackbeltnutrition_ and check us out at www.blackbeltnutrition.com 12:39 Why he started BJJ 18:36 When he realized he wanted to do BJJ for the rest of his life 19:50 The BJJ scene in Fortaleza 25:05 The moment he realized BJJ will take him out of the Favella 28:35 Training in Favella vs USA 32:39 The Brazillian Nationals 33:16 Why Brazil Nationals is the toughest tournament for colored belts 36:20 Mysterious woman who helped him get VISA 46:12 IBBJF World's first time 47:34 Shift to US training 52:30 Happiness travelling the world 57:38 Setbacks throughout career 1:09:56 Shift in focus to No-Gi 1:12:27 Favorite moment in his career 1:15:04 Fighting Mikey 1:23:34 What's next; goals? 1:26:58 Importance of giving back 1:32:34 Advice to those trying to be a Black Belt in life

In our first episode, we talk to UFC Fighter Frank The Crank Camacho about his martial arts journey. He talks to us about the history of Mixed Martial Arts in the Mariana Islands, his journey from an Island Boy to fighting on the grandest stage - the UFC, and other crazy stories such as the time he fought his uncle in a professional fight. Follow us on Instagram to stay updated @blackbeltnutrition_ and check us out at www.blackbeltnutrition.com Enjoy