Episode 31 - Inside the Minds of Black Belts with Roy Dean

Today's special guest is my friend Roy Dean. You may know Roy from his Brazilian jiu-jitsu DVD's, online courses, YouTube videos, or books. Roy and I tried to connect for another ordinary martial arts podcast interview, but technology squashed our attempts and we ended up chatting for an hour anyway. This was serendipitous as we ended up on topics with the makings of a great podcast. Things often not talked about by black belt instructors in the martial arts. We linked up a week later and recorded this intriguing discussion for all of you. Join me today, as I welcome Roy Dean and we take you on a journey inside the minds of black belts.

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend following Roy here:

Website: https://www.roydean.tv/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/uchideshi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roydean_/

Books and Videos: https://roydeanacademy.selz.com/

Episode 29 - Fight Chat with Jerry Liu of Fight Commentary Breakdowns

Jerry Liu of 'Fight Commentary Breakdowns' & 'FC Chats' stopped by for a great discussion. Jerry runs some popular YouTube channels but has been a life long martial artist from Kung Fu as a kid, to Kempo, Muay Thai, and BJJ as he continues his journey. Join us as we go the rounds and attempt to change one another's minds, or agree on topics such as:

• ‘Teacher : Student' ratios in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

• Emotional Control and Sparring with Wild Partners

• Concussions | CTE in Combat Sports

• How to Spot Bad Self-Defense Courses

If you enjoyed that chat with Jerry and I, check out the video we did together for his channel before this:

Fight Commentary Chat - Conversation With Randy Brown (Mantis Boxing)

You can follow more of Jerry's content here:

-Fight Commentary Breakdowns - https://www.youtube.com/c/FightCommentaryBreakdowns

-Fight Commentary Chats - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPLNOnmT8MtZJzIMCElyHMg

-Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fightcommentary/

-Fight Commentary Grappling - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQfBeZEQXbiGfgR_BEySSPQ

Episode 28 - His Dark Roots - Interview with Stephen Kesting

For this podcast my friend and BJJ Black Belt Stephen Kesting stops by to chat about his background in Judo, Kung Fu, and his eventual shift to BJJ. We also discuss the current state of BJJ, where it is heading, and wrap up with some technical advice for beginners and where to focus your efforts in BJJ early on. A great conversation that I know you will enjoy.

Stephen started his website grapplearts.com back in 2003 to share his passion for BJJ and help others learn through systematic practice and easy to follow instruction.

If you like this podcast with Stephan and I, you can listen to his podcast when I was a guest on his channel:

Podcast Episode 128: Can Kung Fu and BJJ Coexist, a Conversation with Randy Brown from Mantis Boxing.

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You can find and follow Stephan @

GrappleArts - Stephan’s website

Stephan on YouTube

Instagram - Stephan on Instagram

Check out Stephan's latest book - Non-Stop Jiu-Jitsu

Episode 27 - Pandora's Box of Podcasts - Martial Arts Psychology with Sensei Ando

Today's podcast is with my good friend and martial arts aficionado, Sensei Ando of SenseiAndo.com, and Happy Life Martial Arts. We may very well have opened Pandora's Box here with this discussion. In his first appearance on my podcast, Sensei Ando and I discuss a variety of topics from fitness in martial arts, training failures, martial arts psychology, dissecting frogs, serial killers, bad teachers and whatever other manner of odd conversation that happened to introduce itself to this conversation. As always though, a rich and enjoyable conversation with Ando and something I'm sure all of you will enjoy.

If you liked this podcast, you might like a few more collaborations Ando and I have done:

#58: Randy Brown Interview [Podcast]

Tips to Manage Distance in a Fight with Randy Brown

#82: Are Forms and Kata a Waste of Time in Martial Arts? [Video + Podcast]

Clinch Escapes for Self-Defense

Coach Holly from Mantis Boxing working Scissor Clips with Ando

For more good stuff from Sensei Ando:

Find him on YouTube -

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA-fjIPMlUThsqi4mX_tDNw

Find his website and podcast -

https://www.senseiando.com/fight-for-a-happy-life/--

Instagram -

Sensei Ando

Video Courses -

Ando’s Online Courses

Episode 26 - 5 Tips to Setup Your Home for Martial Arts Training

Here are 5 tips to help you with setting up, and training martial arts (boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, judo, etc.) at home. Today I'll go over good training practices to make sure you stay with your training, ideal locations and how to adapt to what type of space you live in, types of heavy bags and how to size them, throwing dummies, grappling dummies, and type of mats you want to look for if you do any ground work/takedowns/grappling or wrestling.

My favored training products:

►Mats -
Training Mat - (best mats hands down) - https://amzn.to/3eKfrqM
Crash Mat (I use this. Highly recommend) - https://amzn.to/2U5jk1J

►Gloves RevGear
Challenger MMA 4oz Gloves - https://amzn.to/2YN06Ri

►Heavy Bags/Hangers
Heavy Bag - 4' (for shorter spaces) - https://amzn.to/371uIRt
Heavy Bag - 6' (for longer spaces) - https://amzn.to/301Duxt

Heavy Bag Hanger 1 (wood beam - I use these) - https://amzn.to/2zVolTF
Heavy Bag Hanger 2 (wall mount) - https://amzn.to/2U1s1Kf

►Timer
Round Timer - https://amzn.to/3dt75n7

►Throwing/Grappling Dummies
Throwing Dummies - Cannot recommend. Mine are discontinued.
Grappling Dummies - See video for recommendations. I do not use these anymore so I cannot recommend a specific brand.

►Pads/Shields
Punching Pads (these are the best I've used) - https://amzn.to/2zNi4tn
Kick Shields (have not used this brand but fair price) - https://amzn.to/2MqJKqm

►Ropes
Jump Rope (the one I use) - https://amzn.to/2MmYGWq

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Leave your comments and questions below. Want more videos like this? SUBSCRIBE and GET HOOKED!

►Train with me online. Get access to 100+ private videos on mantis boxing, jiu-jitsu, and more. Plus training missions to help you reach your goals, and online coaching sessions held weekly. Contact me for details - https://randybrownmantisboxing.com/coming-soon

Episode 25 - What is Active Recovery? w/ Dr. Kate Kelly - Training Tips, Injuries, Training for Women, Aging/Adapting

Today I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dr. Kate Kelly of Active Recovery Boston. Dr. Kelly has helped me work through a myriad of injuries over the past 10+ years. She is one of my first stops whenever I have something getting in the way of my training.

We had a great discussion on ‘What active recovery means', and how it can interplay with injury prevention and recovery; strategies to apply it, and why it is important to athletes and non-athletes alike. We also delve into the differences in training for women and men, and the affects of ageing on athletes and how we can keep training smart well into our twilight years. Join us for this excellent conversation.

Active recovery activities include - walking, swimming, tai chi, qi gong, yoga, stretching, and more.

Episode 23 - Using Chess to Solve Martial Arts Problems

Latest podcast on tackling and solving difficult problems we have in martial arts forms/kata/tao lu. Check out these tips I used to improve, that are found in Chess.How to tackle and solve difficult problems we have in learning and practicing martial arts forms/kata/tao lu. Check out these tips I used to improve my own forms training that are found in the classic game of chess.

Episode 22 - "How Long Does It Take To Be A Black Belt?"

Watch the video version here

"How long does it take to receive your first black belt?" A common question in the martial arts world that comes up in conversation with bystanders, at family gatherings, and in the workplace. Listen in on this podcast as I share my thoughts on this question after working to receive black belts from two culturally, historically, and functionally divergent martial arts styles myself.

Let’s answer this common question in martial arts with some good ole fashion math!

Episode 21 - Our Brain on Solo Training

How our brain and body benefit from solo training in martial arts. But there are pitfalls too. In this latest podcast we’ll discuss the nuances with this style of training, which can have many positive benefits.

Episode 20 - How to Train Martial Arts on Your Own

How to Train Martial Arts on Your Own

1. Routine
   To be successful with training martial arts on your own, you MUST have a routine. This is the most important aspect of self-training, and even group class training. It is too easy to say “I’ll do it tomorrow.” Tomorrow turns into next week, and then next month. Set a schedule for your training times at times during the week you know you can adhere to.

2. Agency
   This block of time is yours, and it must have agency. It is not something that we allow to be swayed or taken away by trivial distractions [such as a binge watching session on Netflix]. We treat these blocks of time as sacred, and do not allow ourselves or others to sideswipe them. If we do, we will do it again and again and never train. So treat your own class, just like a scheduled group class at your gym, school, dojo.

3. Place to Go
   Try to find a place outside, in a garage, barn, basement, or a separate room in your house/apartment if you have one to spare, that can be used for your training. During these time blocks, this is your dojo/place of training. Other people are not in here unless they are training with you, and others know to leave you be during your session.

4. Frequency
   This is up to you, but it should be consistent from week to week. Try to start out with something similar to what you were doing at group classes. If you were training 2 hours per week, then try to set up two 1-hour blocks each week, or four 30-minute sessions instead. If you trained more than that, then add more slots in. If you trained more than one discipline, like my students who train mantis boxing and jiu-jitsu, then have separate blocks of time to focus on each. Again, consistency, agency, private space are all a priority, but this step is important to establish from the beginning as it helps reinforce ‘routine’.

5. Plan of Attack
   This is a critical stage and just as important as any of those above. We have to know what we are going to train. This is probably one of the largest failures we have going to a big box gym - “what do I do next” If I can find it, I’ll add a picture to this article later showing you some of my routines/schedules I built for myself years ago when I had no choice but to train alone. Have a log, notebook, where you set aside what you specifically are going to do for each session. Update it weekly.

6. Family Unit
   If you are at home with others during this time, have them join you and if they have no experience, you teach them. Teaching others is one of the best ways we get better. We learn what we know and do not know (do not worry, you do not have to have all the answers or know everything to show someone newer than you). This is such a powerful tool, you will be surprised how much it can help. If you are trying to train your kids - focus less on ‘teaching’ them, and more on doing. If they see you enjoying yourself and having fun, they will follow along. Forcing them is counter-productive. See below for more parent tips.

7. Wear your Uniform
   This may seem like an odd one at first glance, however, this has more significance than you may guess. The act of putting on our uniform, commits us mentally to the act of training. This is part of the discipline that you exhibit week after week showing up for class. Continuing this ritual on our own puts us in the same mindset and lets us not only commit to training, but keeps us on the rails as we stick to our planned training time. With that said, do not wear your uniform all the time. The act of putting it on, and taking it off when done, keeps that box cordoned off in our mind. We know when we wear it, that this is a sacred time that we need to respect for ourselves.

Parents

See everything above before reading this. Those items are still relevant and will help you in setting up a plan of action for your child.

1. Routine
   I know I mentioned it above, but I can’t repeat this enough. No video games, movies, toys, etc can get in the way of ‘time to train’. These are hard and fast blocks and they should know they have to go to a certain place to train. Consistency is key, so if you are able to set the same time block aside for each day of training, this will be a big help to you in getting them to train. If it is arbitrary or day to day, it is difficult for any of us to become mentally engaged off the cuff.

2. Videos

   Use video training [preferably from their school/style] as ways to promote interest and learning. This can be part of the training block i.e., 15 minutes of watching lessons, and 30 minutes of training. As the parent, you may not know what they are working on in class, or where to focus, but asking for help from their teacher, can help you build a lesson plan for them. In some cases, the video may be useful throughout the entire session so it is good to have access to a screen so they can rewind or pause as needed (as long as it is not a game they switch too).

3. How Long Does My Child Train?

   This is based entirely on age. The younger they are, the less time you should expect. A 10 to 12 year old might be good for an hour of training 3 or 4 times per week and have the discipline to stay engaged. A 5 year old however may only work in 15 to 20 minute blocks and need more frequency such as 6 to 8 blocks per week.

4. Ask for Help
   If you need ideas, or direction, ask their instructor to help guide you, or provide a lesson plan for each week so it eases the process and all you have to worry about is the tips we mentioned in the beginning.

5. Older Teaches Younger?
   If you have siblings that all train together, this common purpose creates a strong bond where they can help one another get better. If you do not train yourself, it is important to sit back and allow them to teach one another. At times the eldest child will guide and teach, but the younger child may know something they do not, so it is important this is not authoritarian by the older sibling. Keep in mind the parent can become the inhibiting factor in these training session rather than a positive influence. Our job is to make sure they do not hurt one another, or get out of control, but otherwise we keep quiet and give them the autonomy to teach/train together. If they are mature and show positive results with this, then you can run test sessions where they are allowed to spar/roll with one another for short rounds of 3 minutes at a time.

Good luck!

I’ll add more tips as I think of them, but hopefully this is enough to get you started.

Episode 19 - Head Hits in Boxing/MMA - Good or Bad? The Truth...

Is getting hit in the head bad for us when we train in martial arts such as boxing, MMA, kickboxing, karate, muay thai, etc.??? Here is how I see it, and what I did to my students to make them train smarter. Being educated on the truth can keep us training safe for years to come.

Episode 09 - “I’m thinking of choking you…” - Pontificating over a hot mocha.

A direct quote from one of my students as we were rolling during their private lesson today. Thinking out loud while enjoying a hot mocha. Join me for some fun and insight into this quote.

Episode 08 - The Pinnacle of Martial Arts - Emotional Control

Do you get nervous when it's time to spar, or roll with someone? Does anxiety overcome you? Have you ever had someone you 'really' didn't want to spar with in class?

Part of martial arts training is developing Emotional Control. In this episode, I'll give you tips on how to manage this process and make sparring and rolling easier and more relaxing.

The principle Emotional Control, and how we use this, can improve our martial arts while sparring, and rolling in Mantis Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or any other martial art you do.

Join me for this expose on what it means to have Emotional Control, how to get it, and the things you can do to feel more comfortable when it comes time to spar.

Episode 07 - What happened during your belt tests?

Max asks me to share my personal experience with belt tests in the martial arts. Three stories stand out. Join in as we discuss what happened, and how they turned out.

Episode 06 - Are Belt Tests Necessary?

Let's dive into the pros and cons of testing adults in martial arts schools. How effective is the test? Does it produce better students? Does it make 'you' better? Or, is it a complete waste of time?

Episode 05 - Injury Prevention in Martial Arts

Injuries can put us out of commision for long stretches, or even discourage us from coming back when they do happen.

While we can’t alway guarantee they won't happen in a dangerous sport, we can decrease the likelihood and do things that help us recover faster.

Max and I discuss some tips for helping you minimize injuries in your martial arts training.

Episode 04 - Why does it take so long to get a black belt in BJJ?

“Why does it take so long to get a black belt in BJJ?” Is it really such a great idea to get a black belt quickly when we compare it to other martial arts?

Join Max and I in the swamp behind the gym as he asks the question on many people’s minds. We delve into this important question, and tackle a touchy subject with martial arts practitioners, and parents of children that practice martial arts and get black belts before they are even a teenager.

Episode 03 - Why Did You Stop Teaching Forms?

Forms were libraries of fighting techniques, a method of transmission for passing of knowledge, not the be all and end all of martial arts.

Join Max and I in this episode where we discuss forms (Kata, Tao Lu) training in the martial arts, and why I stopped teaching them in my classes.

Episode 02 - How to Start Martial Arts

How do you start martial arts training? How do you overcome fear, the intimidation, and avoid pitfalls of getting injured, ending up in the wrong school, or selecting the wrong teacher.

These are all extremely important factors that can make, or break our efforts to get trained and reap the benefits martial arts has to offer. One bad experience can cause some people to quit and never go back.

In this episode, I tackle these questions and offer tips to keep you safe, and help you start out on the right foot.

Episode 01 - Hitting Plateaus in Martial Arts

Hitting plateaus in our training comes with the territory. There is no avoiding them. The longer we train martial arts, or any sport/activity that requires long periods of intense practice, we are destined to hit these stale periods in our progression.

Over the years I have hit many of these, the longer I trained, the longer some of these lasted. Join me as Max catches up with me training behind the school to ask how I deal with these roadblocks.

I'll share with you my methods for dealing with these, shortening the time I’m stuck in them, and making the best of them as we go.