Off the Mats Podcast #285- The Long Road Back feat. Brandon Davis

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Mendi Carlson and Kari Summers to talk about the Unbreakable Jiu-Jitsu Women’s Camp coming in February of 2026 and the work they’re doing to strengthen community and support women on the mats. We discuss how the idea for the camp developed, what it takes to build a space where women can train without pressure, and how the weekend format will bring together training, connection, and shared experience. Mendi and Kari explain how their paths in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shaped their approach to leadership and why creating a women’s-only environment has become an important part of their mission. We explore their views on competition, mindset, and the technical areas they believe make the biggest difference for women as they progress in the sport. We also talk through the challenges of organizing safe and constructive open mats, maintaining a safe culture during training, and planning for the future event. Whether you’re new to jiu-jitsu, a competitor, or someone interested in building stronger training communities, this conversation offers insight into the purpose behind Unbreakable and how it continues to evolve.

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, Coach Brandon “Thor” Davis returns to reflect on training at Ivey League MMA, his current work at Crazy 88, and how his approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai has evolved. We talk about the role of specialists in modern MMA and how coaching and teaching influence personal growth on and off the mats. The conversation shifts briefly to football and NFL officiating, and how decision-making and rule enforcement relate to combat sports. Thor and I discuss what makes someone a reliable teammate, why proper drilling matters, and which techniques we prefer, or try to avoid during training. We also look at the challenges that shape long-term progress before closing the episode with a round of rapid-fire questions.

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, Carly DuCharme shares how beginning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 35, during recovery from surgery, shifted from rehabilitation to a commitment to personal growth and competition. Carly, a purple belt and Masters competitor, explains why she chose to compete only three months after starting and why waiting to “feel ready” often slows progress. She discusses the emotional and practical lessons learned through early competition, how stepping into a match exposes technical gaps more efficiently than regular training, and the difference between fearing a loss and fearing being seen attempting something challenging. Carly also reflects on mindset, confidence, and maintaining perspective during wins and losses. The conversation expands into competition across belt levels, the value of Masters divisions, and how she encourages other women to compete even when brackets are small. Listeners will hear honest insights on fear, preparation, accountability, and how competition can strengthen training partners and team culture. Follow Carly on Instagram: @bad_btch_jitsu  

Annabelle Christie’s journey through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began like many others—with curiosity and uncertainty—but her progression from white belt to IBJJF Pan Champion reveals the discipline behind early success. In this conversation, Annabelle reflects on her first classes, the challenges of balancing school with training, and the moments that shaped her competitive mindset. She discusses how training at Crazy 88 influenced her development, what she learned from competing across divisions, and how she approaches the mental side of preparing for major tournaments. Annabelle also shares her thoughts on adapting to purple-belt competition, refining her technique, and the lessons she’s learned from testing herself against larger opponents. The episode closes with insight into her future goals in BJJ, her life away from the mats, and the values that continue to guide her as both an athlete and a person.

Host Jake Dante reconnects with his former coach, Danny Ives, the founder of Ivey League MMA in Maryland. In this episode, they explore the evolution of Ives’ martial arts journey—from his early days training in the 1990s to building a thriving academy that shaped hundreds of grapplers across the region. They discuss the birth of Ivey League MMA, how the local Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA community has evolved, and the lasting lessons that martial arts teach beyond competition. Danny also opens up about what it takes to run a successful gym, mentor young athletes, and maintain balance as both a coach and lifelong student of the art. It’s a full-circle conversation filled with insight, humor, and respect between two people whose paths crossed on the same mats years ago. Topics Covered: The founding and growth of Ivey League MMA Danny Ives’ martial arts background and influences Coaching philosophies and teaching kids Lessons in leadership, discipline, and longevity in BJJ 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, host Jake Dante sits down with Laith Hyali, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt training out of Crazy 88 MMA in Severna Park and the owner of No MoSquitos MD. Laith shares how Jiu-Jitsu shaped his discipline, his approach to business, and his ability to stay grounded through life’s challenges. From his early days as a white belt to refining his pressure game as a brown belt, Laith opens up about lessons learned on and off the mats — from mindset shifts, competition takeaways, and mentorship at Ivey League MMA and Crazy 88 to balancing family life. Whether you’re chasing your next belt or trying to find balance between your passions and responsibilities, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and that signature Off the Mats energy that reminds us: BJJ isn’t just a sport — it’s a lifestyle.   We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals Head over and use promo code Mahoney10 and you'll get 10% off.   Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend. Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI". Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma.  Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify https://spoti.fi/3Jqrrxj The show is available on MANY PLATFORMS FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook.com/offthematspodcast Instagram @offthematspodcast Twitter @offthematspod1 TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAd WRITE INTO THE SHOW Email: [email protected]

In Off the Mats Podcast #280, host Jake Dante sits down with Chris “CH” Houck, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt from Crazy 88 MMA – Severna Park. Chris opens up about his evolution in BJJ, from early training days to becoming a seasoned purple belt under coaches Julius Park, Keith Cebula, and Tye Ryan Murphy. He discusses how balancing family, work, and training has shaped his mindset, discipline, and patience—both on and off the mats. Listeners will hear about the technical growth in Chris’s game since blue belt, including his passing style, favorite guard setups, and go-to submissions, along with the challenges he’s tackling now. The conversation highlights the culture of Crazy 88 Severna Park, known for its high-level coaching, team camaraderie, and championship-driven mindset. Off the mats, Chris shares how he stays motivated, plus the lessons Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu continues to teach him in everyday life. The episode wraps with a rapid-fire Q&A covering his favorite submissions, toughest training partners, post-training snacks, and the song that gets him hyped before a roll. Whether you’re a BJJ beginner, a competitive grappler, or someone chasing balance between life and the mats, this episode offers real insights into growth, perseverance, and mindset. We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals Head over and use promo code Mahoney10 and you'll get 10% off.   Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend. Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI". Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma.  Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify https://spoti.fi/3Jqrrxj The show is available on MANY PLATFORMS FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook.com/offthematspodcast Instagram @offthematspodcast Twitter @offthematspod1 TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAd WRITE INTO THE SHOW Email: [email protected]

In Off the Mats Podcast #279, host Jake Dante sits down with Joe Huggins, a dedicated MMA fighter, coach, and new dad, to talk about life’s biggest transitions. Joe shares how becoming a father has reshaped his mindset, training schedule, and approach to competition. The two discuss finding balance between family, fight camp, and coaching, and how discipline on the mats translates into parenthood. Plus, Jake and Joe dive into some nerd talk, breaking down the latest Marvel and DC projects, and giving honest takes on where superhero films are heading. Whether you’re a fighter, parent, or pop-culture fan, this episode offers motivation, laughs, and real talk about staying grounded when life evolves. You can follow Joe's continued journey and success on Instagram at @avrgjo3   We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals Head over and use promo code Mahoney10 and you'll get 10% off.   Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend. Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI". Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma.  Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify https://spoti.fi/3Jqrrxj The show is available on MANY PLATFORMS FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook.com/offthematspodcast Instagram @offthematspodcast Twitter @offthematspod1 TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAd WRITE INTO THE SHOW Email: [email protected]

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt Brandon Epps joins the Off the Mats Podcast to talk about his journey from starting BJJ later in life to becoming a multi-time IBJJF Masters champion. We dive into his early years on the mats, his mindset in competition, his training with Crazy 88, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Whether you’re a new grappler, a Master's athlete, or just a fan of BJJ competition, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a rapid-fire Q&A to close things out. To keep up with Brandon's journey, go follow him on Instagram at @brandon.epps5   We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off. Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend. Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI." Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma.  Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify. https://spoti.fi/3Jqrrxj The show is available on MANY PLATFORMS. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook.com/offthematspodcast Instagram @offthematspodcast TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAd WRITE INTO THE SHOW Email: [email protected]

Welcome back, folks. This week on the podcast, I sit down with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu white belt Robyn Henderson-Diederiks and talk about her early journey in BJJ and the lessons she’s learning along the way. Robyn opens up about stepping onto the mats for the first time, overcoming the challenges of white belt life, and finding motivation to keep showing up despite the struggles. Known off the mats as a private chef and founder of Robyn’s Kitchen, Robyn shares how she balances her career with training and how discipline, patience, and handling pressure carry over into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The conversation highlights the importance of community, humility, and embracing the beginner’s mindset, making it a relatable listen for grapplers of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out in BJJ or looking for inspiration to keep going, this episode is packed with insights into training, growth, and the balance between life and jiu jitsu. Robyn's journey can be followed over on Instagram at @spoonfulofrobyn and also check out @robyns_kitchen also on Instagram. And if you're in the Hamptons, visit @hamptonsjiujitsu   We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off. Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend. Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI." Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma.  Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify. https://spoti.fi/3Jqrrxj The show is available on MANY PLATFORMS. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook.com/offthematspodcast Instagram @offthematspodcast TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAd WRITE INTO THE SHOW Email: [email protected]