Combat Creative

Stop Chasing Money w/ Alex Humen

Jiu-jitsu academy owners and professors — why chasing money might be hurting your gym. In this episode, I sit down with Oleksander Humen, owner of BRABO Academy in Virginia Beach, VA, to break down the mindset it takes to build a successful academy that lasts. From coming to the U.S. with $100 to building a thriving gym, Alex shares powerful lessons on leadership, growth, and why it’s never just about the money.

Is Your Jiu-Jitsu Academy Safe? – How to Prevent Sexual Abuse

Recent allegations involving the Atos Jiu-Jitsu organization and its founder, André Galvão, have sparked serious conversations across the Jiu-Jitsu community. As reports and investigations continue, academy owners everywhere should be asking an important question: Is your Jiu-Jitsu academy truly safe? In this episode, I sit down with attorney and Jiu-Jitsu brown belt James Simmons to discuss how gym owners can prevent sexual assault inside their academies — and what steps must be taken if an allegation ever arises. This conversation focuses on education, leadership, and accountability. We cover: • Sexual assault prevention policies for Jiu-Jitsu academies • Background checks and staff training • Private lesson boundaries and supervision standards • Cameras and in-gym safety systems • How to properly respond to allegations • Protecting students while protecting your business This episode is not about speculation or assigning guilt. It’s about raising the safety standard in Jiu-Jitsu and ensuring that students, families, and good coaches are protected. If you are a Jiu-Jitsu academy owner, this is a conversation you cannot ignore.

How Veterans Are Battling PTSD Through Jiu-Jitsu

A U.S. Marine veteran shares how Jiu-Jitsu helped him battle PTSD — and how that journey led to starting Grapple Cove, a garage-born academy that’s now growing into a supportive community for families and veterans alike.

UFC Fighter’s Secrets to Growing an Unstoppable MMA Gym w/ Alex Morono

From the Octagon to building one of the most successful Jiu-Jitsu and MMA programs in his city, UFC fighter and head coach Alex Morono shares his mindset for creating unstoppable success. In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to grow a thriving academy, lead a team, and keep improving as a fighter, coach, and business owner. Whether you’re a UFC fan, a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, or an academy owner, you’ll take away real, actionable insights from Alex’s journey — no fluff, just hard-earned lessons. 📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Alex balances being a UFC fighter and running a growing academy The mindset needed to build lasting success in martial arts Tips for leading a team and keeping your students motivated Why growth starts with leadership and culture 🎙 Podcast Host: Jared Quackenbush – Founder of Combat Creative, helping Jiu-Jitsu academy owners dominate their local market.

Make Your BJJ Academy Stand Out

Opening a Jiu-Jitsu academy is one thing. Building one that actually thrives? That’s a different story. In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Yamada, co-founder and instructor at Lokahi Jiu-Jitsu in Omaha, Nebraska, to break down what it really takes to stand out and succeed as a gym owner today. From branding and community to the real work behind running a business, Ryan shares hard-earned lessons and honest advice for professors who want to build a serious academy—not just run a hobby. Whether you’re thinking about opening your own gym or looking to scale the one you already have, this episode is packed with practical wisdom.