Off the Mats Podcast #268- Changing Lives Through BJJ feat. Ben Kovacs

Welcome back, friends. This week on the podcast, I sit down with Ben Kovacs, co-founder of Guardian Gym, a nonprofit martial arts academy with locations in Los Angeles, Baltimore, Ethiopia, and more, with a mission to empower youth through free access to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mentorship. Ben shares the personal experiences that ignited his passion for community work and the story behind the gym’s inception. From securing funding for their first location to building a culture rooted in connection rather than competition, Ben walks us through how Guardian Gym challenges the stereotypes surrounding combat sports. We explore the emotional, psychological, and social benefits that martial arts can offer, especially for at-risk youth, and discuss why BJJ is far more than a sport—it’s a transformative tool for growth, self-respect, and community healing. To keep up with Ben and what Guardian is up to, you can follow on Instagram at @guardiangym and guardiangym.org   We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals Head over and use promo code Mad10, 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]

What's up, nerds? This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and passionate collector Sam Bracamonte. Sam shares the story of how he began his BJJ journey, the hard-earned lessons he's learned while climbing the ranks, and how he prepares mentally and physically for major competitions. We also dive into the challenges that come with training—nerves, injuries, and plateaus—and how he overcomes them. But Sam isn’t just a grappler—he’s also a serious Marvel Legends collector. He breaks down how his collecting passion began, shares his favorite releases, talks about the hunt for rare figures, and reflects on the highs and lows of building an epic collection. To wrap up, we explore the unexpected ways the BJJ and collector communities overlap, from shared camaraderie to the thrill of the chase. Whether you’re on the mats or on the hunt for your holy grail, this episode’s got something for you.   Thank you all for listening to and supporting the podcast. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episode 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 IN TO THE SHOW Email: [email protected]

Well, hello, again. This week on the podcast, I sit down with grappler Phille Eriksson, whose journey on and off the mats is nothing short of inspiring. After facing severe health challenges that led to an ileostomy, Phille refused to let his circumstances define him—or stop him from returning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From his first day on the mats to the emotional rollercoaster of surgery and recovery, Phille shares how he is adapting to life with a stoma and how this will effect his game, modifying his gear, and finding strength in the support of his family and team. Together, we dive deep into the physical and mental toll of living and training with an ostomy, confronting misconceptions and redefining what resilience looks like in the grappling community. Phille opens up about the importance of representation, the role BJJ plays in healing, and how he is working his way back—not just as a grappler, but as a symbol of what’s possible. Whether you're a fellow practitioner, someone facing health battles, or simply a fan of stories that challenge limits, this episode is a testament to the power of grit, adaptation, and community. To keep up with Phille, you can follow him on Instagram at @gymnecessity   We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals Head over and use promo code Mad10, 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]

What's up, friends? This week on the podcast, I welcome back David Riedman—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, writer, and creator of the Rules of BJJ Substack. In this episode, David breaks down key topics from his articles, including what every grappler should know before stepping onto the mats for the first time. We explore the dangers of mindless drilling and the difference between volume and intentionality in training. David also unpacks how analytics and data can shape the future of Jiu-Jitsu performance, offering a look at how elite teams already apply metrics (whether consciously or not). Plus, we dive into the parallels between surfing and BJJ, and how his time on the waves helped him better understand flow, pressure, and presence on the mats. Whether you're a white belt or a black belt, this episode delivers practical advice, nuanced discussion, and thoughtful reflections that will sharpen your training and deepen your appreciation for the art. For more information on David's work, please follow the links below where you will find his Rules of BJJ and School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports Substacks. rulesofbjj.substack.com k12ssdb.substack.com   We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off.   Again, thank you 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]

What's up, people? This week on the podcast, I sit down with the profoundly inspiring Adisa Banjoko—a true renaissance man whose life bridges martial arts, music, philosophy, and youth empowerment. As the founder of Hip Hop Chess Federation and 64 Blocks, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, philosopher, author, educator, and podcaster, Adisa brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to the conversation. We explore his journey through martial arts and hip-hop, the creation of the HHCF and how it spawned 64 Blocks, and how chess, BJJ, and lyrical expression combine to elevate at-risk youth. Adisa shares powerful stories about mentorship, the mental game of jiu-jitsu, and the role Stoic philosophy plays in life both on and off the mats. We also dig into his community-focused initiative, 64 Blocks, and what it means to build programs that cultivate resilience, creativity, and responsibility. From chaining submissions to composing rhymes, Adisa draws surprising parallels between combat and art—and he even reveals what’s more mentally taxing: rolling with a world champ or playing a deep chess match. This episode is packed with wisdom for coaches, grapplers, creatives, and anyone striving to live with greater purpose and presence. For more on Adisa, head over to @bishopchronicles and @real64blocks on Instagram.  Head over to his Substack, as well https://adisabanjoko.substack.com/   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]

What's up, listeners? This week on the podcast, I welcome back Blu Mays, the voice behind the @neurodivergent_grappler Instagram page. Blu shares how life and training have evolved since their last appearance, including recent competitions and personal milestones. We dive into the growth of their social media platform, the motivation behind creating “Trailblazer Tuesdays,” and the delicate but powerful balance between vulnerability and advocacy online. Blu opens up about the importance of cultivating inclusive mat culture and how instructors and teammates alike can support neurodivergent grapplers more intentionally. We also explore how representation, community, and open conversations can shift the culture in meaningful ways. To close the episode, Blu answers listener questions about stimming in high-pressure rolls, the need for neurodivergence training for coaches, and recovering from burnout caused by masking on the mats. To keep up with Blu and her continued journey, head over to @blu_candoit on Instagram, and for more info on neurodiversity, follow @neurodivergent_grappler.   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]

What's up and welcome back, folks. This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Eli Adams, martial artist and host of the Combat and Coaching Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends pop culture and personal insight. We kick things off with a deep dive into our mutual love for comic books, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and The Walking Dead, before shifting gears into something many grapplers can relate to—getting back to the gym after time away. Eli opens up about the anxiety and internal resistance that can come with returning to martial arts training, as well as the challenges of finding that spark again when motivation runs low. We talk about managing social exhaustion, the emotional toll of coaching, and the meaningful responsibility that comes with being a mentor. To wrap things up, we geek out over recent horror releases like Final Destination: Bloodlines and Sinners, comparing notes and sharing early impressions. Whether you’re here for the mats or the movies, this one’s got a little bit of everything.   To keep up with Eli and his continued journey, you can follow him on Instagram at @eli.adams and to keep up with the podcast, follow @combatandcoachingpodcast   We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals Head over and use promo code Mad10, 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]

What's up, friends and family? This week on the podcast, Moe Brown returns to catch us up on everything he’s been up to both on and off the mats. Moe discusses launching his own clothing brand and his mission to give back by sponsoring emerging athletes. He shares the creative inspiration behind his designs and why this venture means more than just merch. We also dive into his volunteer work teaching jiu-jitsu at local preschools and how he finds balance between training, work, and other physical activities. Of course, no Off the Mats episode is complete without a little talk about jiu-jitsu injuries—this time, we compare our battle-scarred fingers. We shift gears to discuss the current MMA landscape, including the enduring mystique of Conor McGregor and the latest news on Jon Jones. As a bonus, we talk scary movies and what makes them great, then wrap things up with a fun rapid-fire round. To keep up with Moe, you can follow him on Instagram at @moetivate444 and his clothing brand @officialmoetivatebrand   We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals Head over and use promo code Mad10, 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]

What's up, nerds? This week on the podcast, Maryland Phil joins me for a deep dive into Marvel’s Thunderbolts—or the New Avengers? We unpack our thoughts and feelings on the recent film, including our personal ratings out of 10 and what the name change might signal for the MCU’s future. We take a closer look at each character’s arc and background, drawing comparisons to Suicide Squad along the way. Our conversation expands into a broader critique of the MCU’s various phases, its growing collection of TV shows, and how the Multiverse Saga might eventually wrap up. From standout character development to some serious storytelling missteps, we break it all down with our “Good, Bad, and Ugly” segment. And because we can't help ourselves, there's also a random sidebar about Tim Burton. It’s chaotic, nerdy, and packed with opinions—just the way we like it. Maryland Phil can be found on Twitter hosting @nerdragecast where he keeps us updated on the Nerd Rage happenings and comic and movie news. He's also on Instagram at @metalliphil   Thank you all for listening to and supporting the podcast. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episode 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 IN TO THE SHOW Email: [email protected]

What's going on, happy people? This week on the podcast, I sit down with Madeleine Avila, a fierce BJJ blue belt competitor from Crazy 88 MMA. Madeleine shares the story of how she got started in jiu-jitsu and what continues to drive her competitive fire. We explore the importance of team culture and support, and how she sharpens her mindset and technique. Madeleine gives insight into her strategic approach to game planning, as well as the process of identifying and working on holes in her game. She opens up about how she balances mastering the fundamentals with exploring more advanced techniques, and how she mentally prepares for competition—battling nerves and staying focused. We also dig into one of the toughest lessons she's learned from stepping onto the mats, and how she unwinds outside of the competitive scene. And of course, we wrap it up with a round of rapid-fire questions to close out. To keep up with Madeleine, you can follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @mad_avila   We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals Head over and use promo code Mad10, 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]