"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

Strong body means nothing without a strong mindset.

Coach Cal on Mental Toughness, Faith & Building Winners | Wrestling & Jiu Jitsu Mindset

In this powerful conversation, Coach Cal shares his journey of overcoming challenges, building a successful wrestling program, and helping others grow through discipline and relationships.

From Wrestling to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he breaks down the importance of mental toughness, faith, continuous learning, and maintaining a positive mindset—especially as you get older.

This episode is about more than training… it’s about building stronger people and a lasting impact.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Podcast
04:06 Starting Wrestling: Coach Cal's Journey
06:56 Building a Wrestling Program from Scratch
10:48 Success Stories: From Few to Many Wrestlers
12:26 Motivation and Relationships in Coaching
14:45 Involvement in Jiu-Jitsu and Its Impact
16:39 Creating a Positive Team Environment
18:31 The Rise of Women's Wrestling
19:28 The Equalizing Power of Wrestling
20:49 Belief and Responsibility: Shaping Young Minds
23:30 Life Lessons from Adversity
25:22 Faith and Transformation
27:07 Influence and Purpose in Life
30:03 Finding Love and Support
38:46 Facing Fears and New Challenges
40:34 Overcoming Challenges in Martial Arts
42:37 Learning and Growth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
44:41 The Importance of Community and Mentorship
47:57 The Benefits of Martial Arts for All Ages
49:20 Finding the Right Training Environment
52:52 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Podcasting
56:01 Inspiration and Resilience in Life
59:44 The Role of Experience in Learning
01:02:26 The Impact of Technology on Real-Life Skills
01:02:30 The Evolution of Conflict Resolution
01:08:26 Reflections on Modern Youth and Morality
01:09:36 Faith, Identity, and Personal Beliefs
01:15:00 The Importance of Standing Firm in Beliefs
01:18:34 The Power of Positive Attitude and Connection
01:24:21 1756849464234 (2).wav

Support the show

Support Our Podcast:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldmanonthemat

Like and comment on our social media below:

(1) Facebook

https://x.com/oldmanonthemat1

https://www.tiktok.com/@old.man.on.the.mat

https://www.instagram.com/oldmanonthemat

www.youtube.com/@oldmanonthemat

Check out our AMAZING T-Shirts, Hoodies and Rash Guards @ www.OldManOnTheMat.com

support us at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2351260/support


Thank you for listening!

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

In this engaging interview, Nakapan Phungephorn shares his journey through martial arts, from overcoming childhood health challenges to becoming a multi-disciplinary martial artist and school owner. Discover his philosophies on training, community, and the evolution of martial arts in modern society. In this engaging interview, Nakapan Phungephorn shares his journey from martial arts enthusiast to successful school owner and mentor. Discover insights on growing martial arts schools, training older athletes, and balancing passion with business acumen.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Martial Arts Journey
03:02 Overcoming Adversity: The Start of a Martial Artist
04:51 The Influence of Martial Arts Movies
07:18 The Evolution of Martial Arts Training
10:09 Cultural Connections and Martial Arts
11:29 The Transition to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
14:36 The Importance of Community in Martial Arts
18:42 Navigating the Politics of Martial Arts
21:10 Philosophies of Training and Learning
22:26 The Value of Diverse Martial Arts Training
24:18 Curriculum and Teaching Philosophy in Martial Arts
27:23 The Role of Respect and Discipline in Martial Arts
28:38 Managing a Successful Martial Arts Academy
31:27 Transitioning from Corporate Life to Martial Arts
35:30 Building a Community Through Martial Arts
37:33 The Financial Realities of Running a Martial Arts School
40:07 Encouraging New Students to Start Martial Arts
42:18 Embracing Aging in Martial Arts
46:40 The Importance of Community and Support in Martial Arts
51:03 Gi vs. No Gi: A Personal Journey
57:31 Preparing for Competition: The Road to the Triple Crown
01:01:50 1756849464234 (2).wav

Resources:

Beta Academy - https://betaacademy.com
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Jiu-Jitsu
Muay Thai - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai
Pedro Sauer Jiu Jitsu - https://pedrosauer.com
UFC History - https://www.ufc.com
Bruce Lee Philosophy - https://www.amazon.com/Striking-Thoughts-Bruce-Lee/dp/0897501744
Beta Academy - https://betaacademy.com
Black Belt Syndicate - https://blackbeltsyndicate.org
Nakapan Phungephorn's Courses - https://knockuponmma.com

Support the show

Support Our Podcast:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldmanonthemat

Like and comment on our social media below:

(1) Facebook

https://x.com/oldmanonthemat1

https://www.tiktok.com/@old.man.on.the.mat

https://www.instagram.com/oldmanonthemat

www.youtube.com/@oldmanonthemat

Check out our AMAZING T-Shirts, Hoodies and Rash Guards @ www.OldManOnTheMat.com

support us at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2351260/support


Thank you for listening!

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

Join us as Christopher Ryan shares his inspiring story of overcoming homelessness, addiction, and life challenges to becoming a skilled martial artist, gym owner, and sobriety advocate. Discover the power of resilience, discipline, and giving back through fitness and self-defense.

00:00 - Introduction and shout-out to North Bay Cigar Company
02:00 - Christopher's martial arts background and mixed skillsets
04:00 - Why Krav Maga attracted him for real-life self-defense
06:00 - Filling holes in martial arts skills through Krav Maga
09:00 - Grew up in tough neighborhoods of New York, survival mindset
12:00 - Development of resilience and street smarts
15:00 - Homelessness, addiction, and hitting rock bottom in his 20s
17:00 - Turning point: wake-up in jail and decision to get sober
20:00 - The path of sobriety and its impact on his life and career
22:00 - Starting gyms, The Monkey Bar Gym concept, and the pandemic's impact
25:00 - Authentic lineage and quality training in martial arts
27:00 - The influence of wrestling and grappling on self-defense
29:00 - Practical street fighting lessons and ego management
32:00 - The importance of de-escalation and walking away from fights
35:00 - Real-life bar fight stories and handling rowdy situations
38:00 - Integrating Krav Maga techniques into fitness classes
40:00 - Nutrition strategies, supplement use, and body transformation
43:00 - The role of kettlebells and functional training in lifelong fitness
47:00 - Building credibility as a trainer and martial artist with lineage
50:00 - Launching "The Sober Edge" podcast to help others in recovery
53:00 - Future plans: expanding gyms, podcast goals, and mentoring
55:00 - Final thoughts on respect, discipline, and community in martial arts

• North Bay Cigar Company
• Christopher Ryan - Instagram
• The Sober Edge Podcast
• Connecticut Krav Maga
• Soulcraft Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• Apex Krav Maga in Hamden, CT
• John Hines & Monkey Bar Gym

Support the show

Support Our Podcast:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldmanonthemat

Like and comment on our social media below:

(1) Facebook

https://x.com/oldmanonthemat1

https://www.tiktok.com/@old.man.on.the.mat

https://www.instagram.com/oldmanonthemat

www.youtube.com/@oldmanonthemat

Check out our AMAZING T-Shirts, Hoodies and Rash Guards @ www.OldManOnTheMat.com

support us at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2351260/support


Thank you for listening!

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

In this engaging conversation, Tony Jones interviews Kung Fu Kendra, a martial artist and author, who shares her journey into the world of Kung Fu, the philosophy behind Wing Chun, and her experiences as a female instructor in a male-dominated field. Kendra discusses her personal motivations for starting martial arts, the importance of self-defense, and the legacy of her lineage from Ip Man. She also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on online learning, her nutrition philosophy, and her recent book, 'Push Your Way Through,' which applies ancient Kung Fu principles to modern life challenges. Kendra emphasizes the importance of resilience, personal growth, and the accessibility of martial arts for all ages and backgrounds.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kung Fu Kendra
03:18 Transforming Trauma into Strength
06:22 The Journey into Wing Chun
10:11 Understanding Kung Fu Philosophy
12:21 The Legacy of Ip Man
17:07 Women in Martial Arts
19:25 Future Plans and Courses
23:16 The Evolution of Online Martial Arts Courses
25:52 Breaking Age Barriers in Wing Chun
27:17 The Challenges of Competitive Martial Arts
29:35 Adapting Training During COVID-19
30:42 Nutrition and Fitness Philosophy
32:41 Personalizing Training for All Ages
34:15 Overcoming Personal Injuries in Training
35:52 Motivation in Solo Training
37:08 Inspiration Behind 'Push Your Way Through'
39:28 Reception and Future of the Book
41:54 Looking Ahead: Keep Pushing
43:53 1756849464234 (2).wav

Support the show

Support Our Podcast:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldmanonthemat

Like and comment on our social media below:

(1) Facebook

https://x.com/oldmanonthemat1

https://www.tiktok.com/@old.man.on.the.mat

https://www.instagram.com/oldmanonthemat

www.youtube.com/@oldmanonthemat

Check out our AMAZING T-Shirts, Hoodies and Rash Guards @ www.OldManOnTheMat.com

support us at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2351260/support


Thank you for listening!

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

In this episode of 'Old Man On The Mat', host Tony Jones dedicates the show to his late mother, who had a deep love for wrestling. He interviews Angel Medina, a professional wrestler, who shares his journey from being a fan to becoming a wrestler. They discuss the culture of wrestling, the injuries wrestlers face, and how training and recovery have evolved over the years. Angel emphasizes the importance of financial wisdom, personal growth through divorce, and the need for humility in martial arts. The conversation also touches on Angel's experiences as a police officer and his upbringing in Queens, New York, as well as the joys of traveling the world as a wrestler. In this engaging conversation, Angel (Kingpin) Medina shares his experiences in wrestling, the connections he has made with fans, and the wild stories from his time on the road. He discusses the honor of being named a Kentucky Colonel and emphasizes the importance of staying active and healthy as he transitions from wrestling. The conversation also touches on the significance of humor and laughter in life, showcasing Medina's vibrant personality and storytelling ability.

Support the show

Support Our Podcast:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldmanonthemat

Like and comment on our social media below:

(1) Facebook

https://x.com/oldmanonthemat1

https://www.tiktok.com/@old.man.on.the.mat

https://www.instagram.com/oldmanonthemat

www.youtube.com/@oldmanonthemat

Check out our AMAZING T-Shirts, Hoodies and Rash Guards @ www.OldManOnTheMat.com

support us at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2351260/support


Thank you for listening!

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

In this episode, Tony Jones interviews Ryan Hurst, co-owner and head coach at GMB Fitness, who shares his extensive journey in martial arts, including his experiences living in Japan for nearly 30 years. Ryan discusses his early beginnings in martial arts, the cultural differences in training, and the importance of mental toughness in practice. He emphasizes the philosophy behind his project, 'On The Mat Forever,' which aims to help individuals maintain their martial arts practice throughout their lives, focusing on personal choice and overcoming limitations. In this conversation, Ryan discusses his experiences of moving to the United States, the challenges faced, and the importance of understanding one's 'why' in life. He emphasizes the significance of posture, breath, and mindset in martial arts and fitness, and shares insights on the GMB approach to movement. The discussion also touches on cultural differences, healthcare experiences in Japan versus the USA, and the evolving social norms regarding respect. Ryan highlights the importance of training in self-defense and expresses his goals for the future of GMB.

Support the show

Support Our Podcast:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldmanonthemat

Like and comment on our social media below:

(1) Facebook

https://x.com/oldmanonthemat1

https://www.tiktok.com/@old.man.on.the.mat

https://www.instagram.com/oldmanonthemat

www.youtube.com/@oldmanonthemat

Check out our AMAZING T-Shirts, Hoodies and Rash Guards @ www.OldManOnTheMat.com

support us at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2351260/support


Thank you for listening!

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

In this episode of Old Man on the Mat, host Tony Jones engages with Isaac Wilson, a young martial artist from Florida, discussing his journey through various martial arts disciplines including Muay Thai, karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and more. They explore the influence of martial arts movies, the evolution of training styles, the importance of blending different martial arts, and the challenges of competition. Isaac shares insights on how traditional arts have changed over time and emphasizes the significance of wrestling in martial arts training. The conversation highlights the value of being open to learning from various styles and the personal growth that comes from martial arts practice. In this engaging conversation, Isaac Wilson and Old Man On The Mat discuss various aspects of martial arts, including the importance of ego in personal growth, the journey of a martial artist, the challenges of injuries and recovery, and the significance of community support. They also touch on nutrition, the role of contracts in martial arts schools, and the upcoming black belt test for Isaac, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in the martial arts community.

Support the show

Support Our Podcast:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldmanonthemat

Like and comment on our social media below:

(1) Facebook

https://x.com/oldmanonthemat1

https://www.tiktok.com/@old.man.on.the.mat

https://www.instagram.com/oldmanonthemat

www.youtube.com/@oldmanonthemat

Check out our AMAZING T-Shirts, Hoodies and Rash Guards @ www.OldManOnTheMat.com

support us at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2351260/support


Thank you for listening!

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

In this episode, Cole Stanley shares his journey in martial arts, starting from his early days in judo to becoming a dojo owner and instructor. He discusses the evolution of martial arts in small towns, the challenges of starting a martial arts school, and the importance of community support. Cole emphasizes the significance of teaching philosophy focused on understanding and growth, as well as the role of passion in his teaching. He reflects on his experiences in networking within the martial arts community and the future of his dojo. In this conversation, Cole Stanley discusses the challenges of attracting students to his judo dojo, the importance of engaging teaching methods, and the need to tailor lessons to meet the needs of students. He emphasizes the significance of promoting judo as an accessible martial art for all ages and abilities, while also sharing his future plans for growth and community engagement. The conversation highlights the misconceptions surrounding judo and the importance of presenting it in a way that appeals to a broader audience.

Support the show

Support Our Podcast:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldmanonthemat

Like and comment on our social media below:

(1) Facebook

https://x.com/oldmanonthemat1

https://www.tiktok.com/@old.man.on.the.mat

https://www.instagram.com/oldmanonthemat

www.youtube.com/@oldmanonthemat

Check out our AMAZING T-Shirts, Hoodies and Rash Guards @ www.OldManOnTheMat.com

support us at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2351260/support


Thank you for listening!