Off the Mats Podcast #290- Beyond Training feat. Jenn Holmberg

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Jenn Holmberg, co-host of the Chokeholds and Chill Podcast, to talk about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as more than just a sport. Jenn shares how she first found jiu-jitsu, what her early training years were like, and the mentors and experiences that helped shape her approach to life on and off the mats. We also talk about how she balances training, podcasting, and everyday responsibilities, and what jiu-jitsu has come to represent in her life. We spend time unpacking the origin of Chokeholds and Chill—why Jenn and her co-host Mallory felt there was space for a different kind of conversation within the BJJ community, how they choose topics and guests, and how podcasting has influenced Jenn’s connection to grappling culture. From there, the conversation shifts to the ways jiu-jitsu intersects with mental health, self-awareness, motivation, and personal growth, especially during seasons when life outside the gym feels heavy. We wrap up by talking about why honest conversations about life and jiu-jitsu matter, and what meaningful success looks like beyond medals and belt promotions, before closing out with a rapid-fire round focused on training, music, food, and lessons learned along the way.

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with returning guest and white belt, Robyn Henderson, to talk through her experience competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the first time. We look at when the idea of competing shifted from intimidating to achievable, how she prepared while balancing her training schedule with life, and what helped her manage nerves leading up to the event. Robyn walks me through the full competition-day experience, from arriving at the venue and warming up to the moment the referee started the match to the adrenaline dump and emotions that followed. She shares what worked, what didn’t, what surprised her, and what she learned about her jiu-jitsu during and after the match. We also discuss how competition exposed both strengths and gaps in her game, how the experience has changed the way she trains, and whether she plans to compete again. Robyn closes with practical advice for new competitors who may be hesitant to sign up for their first tournament.   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]

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Mallory Ingalls, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and co-host of the Chokeholds and Chill podcast. We talk about her background as a lifelong athlete, her history in softball, being a Buffalo Bills fan, and how her competitive mindset shaped the way she approaches training and coaching in BJJ. Mallory shares what first brought her to the mats, how she balances training with work, podcasting, and everyday responsibilities, and the lessons she carries from the gym into her life outside of it. We also get into the origins of Chokeholds and Chill, the intention behind the show, and why representation, honesty, and real conversations matter in the BJJ community. Mallory offers her perspective on belonging, connection, and the changes she’s seen in the culture of the sport, along with moments where she felt disconnected and what helped her return with clarity. We move into mindset, identity, and the challenges that come with burnout, self-doubt, and growth, both on the mats and behind the mic. Mallory talks through how training has shaped her confidence, how she handles difficult seasons, and what she would tell new grapplers, especially women, who may feel unsure of where they fit. We also spend time exploring creativity, collaboration, and what podcasting has taught her about herself and the greater BJJ community. The Rapid Fire segment closes things out with a look at her personal preferences and quirks before we wrap up with her reflections on the journey so far and where listeners can find her online.

In this episode, I sit down with BJJ Brown Belt Kyle Rocke from Crazy 88 MMA to talk through how he found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and what shaped his early development on the mats. Kyle shares what originally drew him toward martial arts, how his time in the Marines influenced his mindset, and how he moved from Krav Maga into BJJ. We look back at his first year training at Ivey League MMA, including those late 11 p.m. classes, the early learning curve, and the challenge of balancing training with everyday life. Kyle reflects on the people who guided him, coaches like Danny Ives and the upper belts who played key roles in his progression. He also revisits the early moments that confirmed he was on the right path, including how his background in rock climbing helped him adapt to training in the gi. We continue by examining his growth from white to blue belt and the lessons that carried him into purple and now brown belt. Kyle talks about managing plateaus, injuries, and periods of self-doubt, as well as what has kept him consistent through the grind. He shares how teaching and mentoring others changed his perspective, and how competition shaped his development and his thoughts on competing again. Outside of BJJ, we talk about how training has impacted his life at work, at home, and in how he stays grounded. Kyle opens up about the habits, hobbies, and routines that help him stay balanced and what advice he gives beginners who struggle to maintain consistency. We wrap up with a quick rapid-fire round.

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]