The 2nd Floor

Paolo is the proud owner of Overflow on Whyte.  He is also my friend and student at Brave MMA & Fitness. His wife, two daughters and himself are avid members in jiu jitsu at our facility. I am very happy to bring him on the show.  We talk about how much our values impact our performance both at work and the role we play within our families.  Paolo shares with us how jiu jitsu changed his life, and gives him so much joy and drive in his current stage of life.  This one's a gem. 

In this episode of our Be Brave Series, we sit down with Dr. John Rusin - founder of Pain Free Performance Specialist Certification - to explore what it really means to train smart—especially when pain, injury, or burnout starts knocking at the door. We dive deep into how athletes can honor their bodies without sacrificing performance, and why addressing pain early—not ignoring it—is a game changer. John shares his insights on how coaches can create space for athletes to slow down when needed, and how conversations around injury and recovery can be reframed to build trust, resilience, and longevity in sport. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or just someone pushing your limits, this one's for you. 🎧 Listen now on all platforms. #2ndFloorPodcast #BeBraveSeries #JohnRusin #AthleteMindset #InjuryRecovery #PeakPerformance #TrainSmart #PainFreePerformance

In this episode of the Be Brave Podcast, I sit down with Joey Boretski, the accomplished head coach and owner of Limitless BJJ in Edmonton. Together, we dive into the art of coaching in the world of jiu-jitsu, exploring the critical decisions and strategies that shape successful teams and skilled practitioners. We discuss the nuanced process of determining when a student is ready for promotion—a responsibility that requires balance, intuition, and fairness. Joey also shares his approach to structuring classes for maximum engagement and growth, ensuring students progress in both skill and confidence. Finally, we unpack the essential things every coach needs to know when leading a jiu-jitsu team, from fostering a positive culture to managing the unique challenges of guiding students of all levels. Whether you're a coach, an aspiring leader, or simply passionate about martial arts, this episode offers invaluable insights into what it takes to build a thriving jiu-jitsu community.

In this solo episode, I share insights on what it truly means to be a coach first before being a student's friend—a balance that's vital in building trust, respect, and growth within the jiu-jitsu community. I also unveil the transition of our podcast's identity, as we evolve from The 2nd Floor to Be Brave. This rebrand marks a powerful new chapter, aligned with a vision of courage, authenticity, and growth. Lastly, I reflect on my journey of enlightenment while decluttering my life—letting go of items, habits, and beliefs that no longer serve me, and finding clarity in simplicity. Tune in for an episode filled with transformation, lessons in leadership, and inspiration to embrace change.

I had the pleasure of meeting Pete McGregor, discussing his journey of how much jiu jitsu has helped cope with his mental and physical stressors after dealing with a severe injury causing him to lose motor function from the waist down. It's not only inpsiring but also empowering to hear his story and how much he cares deeply about how a strong gym culture is the backbone of what makes any martial art or fitness centre successful.  His honest and raw approach alongside his opinions he shares about his personal journey and experiences in previous dojos really strongly shapes the do's and dont's of what to be aware of in a gym.   

In this episode, we delve into Dr. Kara Otuomagie's remarkable journey from a patient at the Stollery Children's Hospital to a trailblazing chiropractor and community leader. Discover how she combines her expertise in chiropractic care with a passion for fitness to help athletes and individuals achieve their personal and professional goals. 💬 In this interview, Dr. Kara Otuomagie shares: The founding story of Kinetic Living and its impact on the community, her experiences as a woman of color in the healthcare and fitness industries, the importance of diversity and inclusion in her work and leadership roles, insights into her community involvement, including the Stollery Women's Network and Ladies Who Brunch and personal anecdotes and success stories from her career Whether you're interested in healthcare, fitness, or community leadership, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Dr. Otuomagie's dedication to empowering others and breaking barriers is truly motivating! Dr. Kara Otuomagie is the owner of Kinetic Living a multi-disclipinary health facility here, in the heart of Edmonton. As an active member of our fitness community and as a chiropractor who works with athletes, she assists people in achieving their personal and professional goals alike. Dr. Otuomagie completed her Bachelor of Science at the University of Alberta, where she also volunteered at the Stollery throughout her undergraduate degree, giving back to the very hospital that saved her own life. She has been a member of the Stollery Women's Network for several years and is the founder of Ladies Who Brunch, an annual charitable event in support of the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation. In her spare time, you can find her supporting the sweaty pursuits of her patients, coaching her run group Startline, and training for her next triathlon race in Edmonton's River Valley. ► LISTEN OR WATCH US HERE: Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3sLeKof Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3sNFFQc TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@2ndfloorpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/2ndfloorpodcast/ ► HOSTS  Qashus YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/omidqtv Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/qashus/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@qashus Kenny Bhullar Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kennybhullarbjj ► CONTACT: For any sponsors, brands, partnership inquiries: https://www.2ndfloorpodcast.com Produced by Q Filmz Media www.qfilmz.com

In this episode of the Second Floor Podcast, host Kenny Bhullar and Qashus discuss the critical role of planning and focusing on specific business roles to achieve success and fulfillment. They share personal experiences on prioritizing and delegating tasks to pursue their passions and business goals. Kenny emphasizes the importance of having a strategic plan, likening it to chess, and stresses the value of coaching and mentorship. The conversation also highlights the significance of transparency, honesty, and integrity in leadership, as well as the challenges of maintaining these values in larger organizations. Overall, the episode offers valuable insights into effective team building and business growth.

I am pleased to bring on Dr. Sean Pastuch, CEO of Active Life to the podcast. I have the pleasure of hosting a distinguished professional gym leader and coach who specializes in helping fitness enthusiasts and athletes achieve their goals. As a gym owner and jiujitsu coach myself, I am excited to delve into a candid discussion about the challenges I face in my roles. This episode will be an open forum where I will share my existing problems, from gym management issues to coaching dilemmas, and our guest will provide expert insights and practical solutions live on air. Listeners can expect an engaging and informative session filled with valuable advice that not only addresses my specific issues but also offers broader guidance for anyone involved in the fitness industry. Whether you're a fellow gym owner, a coach, or someone passionate about fitness, this episode promises to deliver actionable strategies to overcome common obstacles and enhance your professional journey. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of effective gym leadership and coaching practices, and to hear firsthand how expert advice can transform real-world problems into opportunities for growth and success. If you are personally a personal training coach or gym owner and are looking to to be guided in the right direction with where you are headed in your coaching career, then look into how Active Life can help support you. Here is a link to learn more: https://activelifeprofessional.com

We brought on EJ Parris – formally known as Emanuel Pow Parris Elite Fitness Coach. He is an old friend of mine and a former track and field Olympian/bodybuilder. EJ and I share the mutual love and respect for fitness. We delved into the profound importance of the ancient adage "know thyself." This principle, rooted in self-awareness, serves as the foundation for personal and professional empowerment, particularly for coaches and individuals striving to maximize their potential. The coach emphasized that understanding one's own strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations is crucial. By truly knowing themselves, coaches can better align their actions and decisions with their authentic selves. This alignment not only enhances personal satisfaction but also boosts effectiveness in their professional roles. For fitness coaches, in particular, self-awareness translates into a clearer understanding of what they offer to clients. It helps in defining their unique value proposition and establishing their worth in a competitive market. When coaches know their strengths and areas for improvement, they can more confidently communicate their skills and services, leading to better client relationships and career growth. The podcast highlighted that self-knowledge isn't just about introspection but also about continuous learning and adaptation. The coach encouraged listeners to regularly reflect on their experiences, seek feedback, and remain open to change. This dynamic process of self-discovery enables individuals to stay relevant and resilient in their fields. In conclusion, the episode underscored that "know thyself" is not merely an ancient maxim but a vital, ongoing practice. For fitness coaches and others, embracing this principle fosters empowerment, clarity, and a deeper connection to one's professional and personal life.    

In this podcast episode, Kenny and Personal Trainer Sean discuss the pros and cons of working as personal trainers in commercial gyms versus private community gyms. Commercial Gyms Pros: Larger client base Advanced resources and equipment Professional development opportunities Marketing and administrative support Cons: High competition Limited autonomy Revenue sharing Pressure for sales Private Community Gyms Pros: Personalized environment Greater autonomy Direct earnings Strong community feel Cons: Smaller client base Limited resources Responsibility for marketing Administrative duties Tune in to explore which setting best aligns with your career goals!