Forever White Belt

Robson Moura is a world champion, IBJJF Hall of Famer, longtime black belt, academy owner and founder of Robson Moura Nations United (RMNU). In this episode, Adolfo Foronda skips the well-documented highlight reel and asks how Robson keeps learning today. They cover what has changed in jiu-jitsu, in teaching and in the business of running an academy.In this episode:- How jiu-jitsu went from the "street fighter" image of the 90s to a global sport- Why today's athletes are more physically prepared, and why Robson says the old generation fought for the legacy while the new one fights for the medal- Staying open-minded, including the time he asked a blue belt to show him an armlock again- Gi vs. no-gi, and why wrestling and jiu-jitsu make such a tough combination- How his teaching has changed over 20 years, and the student story that made him see the responsibility of being an instructor- Common mistakes instructors make, and the mistake he made as a new academy owner when he assumed gold medals would bring in students- Running RMNU: how he chooses affiliates, the curriculum, the yearly camps and keeping a shared culture- Why building culture is harder than building technique or a business- Fatherhood, training for the long run, and 30 years as a black beltIG @robinhomoura 🥋 MatAdmin, academy management software for martial arts gyms. $39/month. @getmatadmin🧂 SALT Electrolytes, use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes🥋 Train with me Tuesday and Thursday at 6 AM at @northbayjiujitsuLike and subscribe if you enjoy the show.#jiujitsu #bjj #grappling #bjjtraining Timestamps:2:22 Modern jiu-jitsu and today's athletes6:06 Old techniques, new names7:45 Staying open-minded12:13 Wrestling, and gi vs. no-gi14:01 How his teaching has changed17:09 The student story that changed his mindset20:19 Mistakes instructors make23:00 Teaching students to find their own style, and training safely25:27 From competitor to business owner27:31 Building RMNU30:25 What's hardest to grow: culture, teaching or business31:40 Mistakes champions make when opening an academy34:03 What he's excited to learn now36:17 The future of RMNU37:58 Why he still trains39:25 Where to find Robson, and closing thoughts

In this episode, Matt Kwan (a black belt under Rob Biernacki, owner and head instructor at On Guard BJJ in British Columbia) shares insights from his recent competition experiences, coaching philosophy, and evolving approach to jiu-jitsu training and teaching. Discover how he integrates adaptive strategies, mental models, and personal growth into his martial arts journey. In this episode, Matt Kwan shares insights on running a successful jiu-jitsu gym, the importance of instructor development, and the current state of competitive jiu-jitsu. He discusses his approach to teaching, managing injuries, and navigating the evolving landscape of the sport.@onguardbjj🥋 MatAdmin, academy management software for martial arts gyms. $39/month. @getmatadmin🧂 SALT Electrolytes, use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes🥋 Train with me Tuesday and Thursday at 6 AM at @northbayjiujitsu

In this episode I'm joined by Kevin Johnson, black belt, coach, gym owner, content creator, and the man who has somehow managed to build a brand around being the internet's number one mediocre jiu-jitsu coach.Kevin is the co-owner and head instructor at Ivy Jiu-Jitsu in Tennessee, and what really interested me about talking with him is his approach to teaching. He's become a big advocate for games, live resistance, concept-based learning, and building jiu-jitsu for regular people who have jobs, families and limited training time.I dig into how Kevin thinks people actually learn jiu-jitsu, how his teaching has evolved, and what he's learned from running a room full of very different students.Links:https://www.instagram.com/kevins_jiujitsu/🥋 MatAdminRobust academy management software for martial arts gyms. $39/month flat fee, unlimited members.http://matadmin.app@getmatadmin🧂 SALT ElectrolytesUse code FWB for 15% off.@SaltElectrolytes🥋 Train with meDrop in on my Tuesday and Thursday 6 AM classes at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA.@northbayjiujitsu

Most tall grapplers are losing for the same reason, they’re fighting jiu-jitsu like they’re shorter. Rob Bernacki breaks down why long limbs change everything, from overextension and hand fighting to why certain guards, sweeps, and submissions become far more dangerous when you’re six-foot-plus.Adolfo Foronda sits down with Rob Bernacki, the head instructor and owner of Island Top Team and the creator of BJJ Concepts, for a deep, practical look at how taller athletes can build a game that actually fits their body type. The conversation goes far beyond “use your reach” and gets into the real mechanics that make tall people hard to sweep, hard to pass, and surprisingly explosive when they learn how to manage range correctly.You’ll discover:Why extension is the biggest beginner mistake for tall athletes, and why it costs more the longer your limbs are How range, not just position, changes the way tall people should play guard and pass Why knee shield can become nearly impossible to beat for long-femur players Which attacks get disproportionately stronger with height, including the triangle, straight ankle lock, and omoplata Why bottom Kimura obsession can stall a tall player’s development fast How back control should look for long athletes if they want to make it truly sticky Rob also gets into the teaching side of the equation, explaining why instructors often default to “average-sized jiu-jitsu,” how to coach body types without turning class into 20 private lessons, and why the best learning environments are built around creating the right problem, not just demonstrating the right move. He makes a strong case for constraints-based training, contextual drilling, and the ability to guide attention without overloading students.If you’re a taller grappler, coach taller students, or just want a sharper understanding of how body type changes the game, this episode is packed with details you can use immediately. It’s also essential listening for instructors trying to build better classes, better curriculums, and more adaptable students, not just more memorized techniques.Rob also shares a candid update on burnout, stepping back from the day-to-day academy grind, and why seminars, instruction, and BJJ Concepts still energize him in a way running a brick-and-mortar school no longer does. Links:https://bjjconcepts.net/https://www.instagram.com/islandtopteam/🥋 MatAdminRobust academy management software for martial arts gyms. $39/month flat fee, unlimited members.matadmin.app @getmatadmin🧂 SALT Electrolytes: Use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes🥋 Train with meDrop in on my Tuesday and Thursday 6 AM classes at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA. @northbayjiujitsu

Professor Jay Pages returns to Forever White Belt to talk about how his coaching has evolved, including how he has integrated ecological dynamics and the constraints-led approach into his teaching without feeling the need to go all-in on any single methodology.We get into what "eco adjacent" actually looks like on the mats, how Jay designs training games, develops better problem solvers, and continues refining the way he teaches.We also talk business. Jay shares his perspective on marketing martial arts academies, organic growth, building genuine connections, and why staying curious and open-minded matters just as much in running a gym as it does in coaching.Follow Jay at @jayjpagesA great conversation about evolving your ideas without throwing away everything that came before.Support the show:🥋 MatAdminSimple academy management software for martial arts gyms. $39/month flat fee, unlimited members.matadmin.app@getmatadmin🧂 SALT ElectrolytesUse code FWB for 15% off.@SaltElectrolytes🥋 Train with meDrop in on my Tuesday and Thursday 6 AM classes at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA.@northbayjiujitsu

Corbin LaPorte may be best known as one of Nicky Rod’s key training partners and a rising talent at Simple Man Martial Arts, but this conversation is less about competition and more about how he became such an effective student and teacher of jiu-jitsu.We discuss Corbin’s unusually rapid learning curve, how his approach to studying instructionals has evolved, the difference between collecting techniques and developing usable skill, and why sleep, recovery, and time away from the mats can be essential parts of improvement.Corbin also explains how teaching has changed his understanding of jiu-jitsu, how he answers technical questions from elite training partners, what makes someone easier to coach, and how instructors can help students learn without overwhelming them.Topics include:• Learning how to learn jiu-jitsu• Turning instructional content into usable skill• Balancing obsession with rest and recovery• Developing problem-solving ability on the mats• Becoming a better instructor• Teaching techniques versus concepts• Creating productive training environments• Maintaining perspective while pursuing high-level goalsWhether you are a white belt, an experienced practitioner, or an instructor trying to improve your teaching, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it actually takes to keep developing.Follow Corbin LaPorte on Instagram:@corbin_laporteLearn more about Simple Man Martial Arts in Austin, Texas.Support the show:MatAdmin is simple academy-management software built for smaller martial arts schools. Manage members, classes, attendance, and more at MatAdmin.app.If you are near Novato, California, join me for the Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 a.m. classes at North Bay Jiu Jitsu.Please subscribe, like the episode, and leave a comment with the idea from Corbin that stood out most to you.Forever White Belt PodcastInstagram: @foreverwhitebeltshow

Tom Astarita, founder of Modern Art Jiu Jitsu, is a highly regarded instructor known for his thoughtful, conceptual teaching style and innovative approach to leg locks and guard. He’s trained with some of the best in the world and is dedicated to making Jiu-Jitsu accessible, fun, and sustainable.Most people think mastering hundreds of techniques is the key to unlocking Jiu-Jitsu greatness. Tom Astarita reveals a counterintuitive approach: focusing on just one or two "strange" moves, like the Baratoplata or Z-lock, can fundamentally transform your game. Rather than drowning in collections of techniques, learn how emphasizing concepts and simplicity accelerates your growth and keeps the art enjoyable.In this episode, Tom shares how his philosophy of "swords and shields" helps practitioners build a resilient, effective game without overcomplicating things. You'll discover: why most instruction is too dense and how to distill your training into core principles; the importance of safety, flow, and patient learning in progressing faster; and how adopting Japanese terminology brings clarity and focus to your technique. We also dive into how modern social media influences competition and why our love for the moment of rolling and competing can get clouded by highlight reels.Tom discusses how old-school Jiu-Jitsu prioritized genuine love for the art over social media fame, a mindset he believes we need to revive. He emphasizes that the best students are those who prioritize safety, presence, and a deep love for the craft over flashy moves or belts. Plus, Tom reveals his approach to gym ownership, blending community-building with concrete techniques, and how to keep your training fun, safe, and inspiring over the long haul.Whether you're a beginner looking to break through plateaus or a seasoned practitioner aiming for more meaningful progress, this episode will challenge conventional wisdom and inspire you to reframe your entire Jiu-Jitsu journey. Perfect for those who want to simplify, deepen their understanding, and fall in love all over again with the sport that captivates us all.Admin Software for your gym only $39/month - MatAdmin @getmatadminhttps://www.instagram.com/youngjimihendrix/https://www.instagram.com/modernartjj/Follow the show on Instagram: @foreverwhitebeltshowBuy some great rash guards fwb.printful.meBuy me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt

Join us for an enlightening conversation with jiu-jitsu innovator Javier Vazquez as he unveils insights from his new book, "The Master Plan." Discover how this groundbreaking work challenges traditional jiu-jitsu approaches and offers a fresh perspective on mastering the art.In this episode, Javier shares the core principles of his JVOS system, emphasizing the importance of biomechanics and energy efficiency. Learn why focusing on hand control and fatigue management can transform your practice, and how a systems mindset can streamline your learning.Javier's vision for a submission-only, effectiveness-first art emphasizes structure over flash, offering a blueprint for practitioners seeking clarity and mastery.Whether you're a white belt or a seasoned black belt, Javier’s concepts provide a strategic approach to grappling that saves energy and sharpens decision-making. His mission is to create high-level, intelligent practitioners through a foundation of biomechanics and systems thinking.If you’re ready to cut through the noise and understand what makes jiu-jitsu truly effective, this episode is your guide. Dive into the mind of one of the most innovative thinkers in grappling today, and learn how to control the fight by mastering the fundamental principles.Resources & Links:JVJujitsuonline.com - Javier Vasquez’s educational platformThe Master Plan Book JVOS Content and Courses - Deep dives into positional control, transition strategies, and moreInstagramSalt Electrolytes @saltelectrolytes Use code FWB for 15% offSupport The Show:Get The Best Gym Administration Software - MatAdmin @getmatadminFollow the show on Instagram: @foreverwhitebeltshowBuy some great rash guards at fwb.printful.meBuy me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt

What if becoming a better martial artist had less to do with collecting techniques and more to do with learning how to truly move?In this episode, I sit down with Cameron Shayne to explore a radically different approach to movement, martial arts, strength, and self-expression. Cameron shares how his background in martial arts, yoga, and movement training led him to create Budokon, a system designed to develop complete athletes and more conscious human beings.We dive into why so many athletes become disconnected from their bodies, how traditional martial arts systems can sometimes limit creativity, and why movement quality may matter more than brute strength. Cameron explains the importance of acceleration, deceleration, rebounding, adaptability, and movement intelligence, especially for fighters and grapplers looking to improve longevity and performance.We also discuss personality in martial arts, flow states, coaching philosophy, and why every practitioner should think beyond rigid systems and fixed identities.Whether you're into jiu jitsu, MMA, yoga, movement culture, or simply trying to move better and stay healthy for the long haul, this conversation will challenge how you think about training.Topics include:• The philosophy behind Budokon• Why self-expression matters in martial arts• Redefining strength and athleticism• Movement intelligence and longevity• Animal locomotion and dynamic training• How creativity impacts fighting style• Building capacity for lifelong movementFollow Cameron and learn more about Budokon:• Cameron Shayne on Instagram• Budokon Official WebsiteIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It really helps the show grow and reach more people in the jiu jitsu community.Sponsors and Links:• Salt ElectrolytesUse code FWB for 15% off• Follow the show on Instagram:@foreverwhitebeltshow• Forever White Belt rash guards and merch:FWB Store• All podcast and social links:Forever White Belt Linktree• Support the show:Buy Me a Coffee• Train with us at North Bay Jiu JitsuNorth Bay Jiu Jitsu Instagram

Most jiu-jitsu advice misses the mark. Wim Deputter, a fourth-degree black belt from Belgium, unveils a revolutionary approach that shifts the focus from memorized techniques to core principles like connection, control, and timing, clarity that transformed his long, injury-free career and now offers a fresh perspective for practitioners at every level.In this episode, Wim shares how early experiences, training without black belt coaches, observing Rickson Gracie’s mastery, and embracing concepts over techniques shaped his philosophy. He discusses how understanding mechanics and body intuition, rather than drills or rigid systems, is the secret to longevity and fluidity on the mats. Wim breaks down how core ideas like 'connection' and 'balance' underpin every successful move, whether in sport or self-defense, and reveals how to experience flow states that turn into nearly meditative moments during rolling.You'll discover: the importance of mental resilience at any age, why grip fighting and patience unlock guard passing, and how deep principles can replace endless drilling. Wim delves into the importance of posture, relaxed execution, and the art of creating “pockets” of calm within chaos, teaching that can radically shorten your learning curve and improve all aspects of your game. His perspective challenges traditional methods, advocating for an ecological, intuition-based approach that prioritizes comfort and authenticity over memorization.This episode is a goldmine for coaches, hobbyists, and competitors alike, perfect if you want to train smarter, stay injury-free, and unlock deeper levels of understanding. Wim’s honesty about doubts, the art of patience, and the philosophical depth of martial arts inspire a new way to see the sport, not just as a game of techniques but as a journey of self-discovery and connection.Wim is a highly respected instructor known for distilling jiu-jitsu to its essence, principles that make techniques work across diverse body types and situations. His insights cut through the noise, making complex ideas approachable and applicable. Whether you're a beginner feeling overwhelmed or a seasoned competitor seeking longevity, this conversation offers practical wisdom grounded in a lifetime of authentic exploration.Resources & Links:Wim's YouTube Channel Brasa Belgium Academy BJJ FanaticsInstagram Personal Website SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytesSupport the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebeltCome train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA @northbayjiujitsu