Forever White Belt

What Is Intentional Training? Dan Covel

Most successful martial artists know that mastery isn’t just about techniques; it's about relentless self-awareness, intentional training, and building a community grounded in authenticity. Dan Covel, a decorated black belt and seasoned gym owner, reveals how his unwavering focus on purpose, culture, and honest communication transformed his academy. This episode uncovers the core principles behind cultivating a thriving, respectful jiu-jitsu community, one that values growth over ego. Dan shares practical insights on simplifying teaching, emphasizing foundational grips and movement, and fostering an environment where students train with purpose and autonomy. You’ll discover how controlling the narrative around position and control can exponentially accelerate skill development, and why the path to mastery is a steady journey of incremental wins, not shortcuts. Dan also delves into the mental resilience built from overcoming injuries and setbacks early in his career, demonstrating how a fighting spirit fuels persistence. Plus, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at his evolving approach to business, from streamlining warmups to maintaining peak team culture, showing that humility and hard work are the real keys to long-term success in martial arts and business. Perfect for coaches, gym owners, and practitioners ready to refine their craft and foster a community that breathes authenticity and respect, this is your blueprint for elevating both your skills and your gym’s culture. If you're committed to meaningful progress over superficial hype, this episode is a must-listen. links: https://www.instagram.com/dancoveljiujitsu/ [https://www.instagram.com/dancoveljiujitsu/] https://coveljiujitsu.com/ [https://coveljiujitsu.com/] https://digitsu.com/@DanCovel [https://digitsu.com/@DanCovel] BJJ Fanatics https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_dan-covel?list=1 [https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_dan-covel?list=1] SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes Check out the new FWB store https://fwb.printful.me/ [https://fwb.printful.me/] Support the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt [https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt]

The Hidden Safety Crisis in Martial Arts Gyms | Protecting Kids & Women

Most martial arts gyms assume they’re safe, but many are missing critical protections for kids and women. In this eye-opening episode, black belt Milton Campis exposes a hidden safety crisis inside martial arts and jiu-jitsu gyms, and explains what must change. After seeing repeated stories of misconduct, unsafe environments, and ignored warning signs, Milton created Academy Safe, a system designed to make background checks, health protocols, and safety standards the norm, not the exception. We discuss real-world examples of how abuse and negligence slip through the cracks, and more importantly, a clear, practical framework that gym owners, coaches, parents, and students can use right now. In this episode, you’ll learn: * The 8 core safety measures every martial arts school must have * How to spot red flags in unsafe or irresponsible gyms * How to talk to kids and training partners about safety, honestly, and clearly * The legal and moral responsibility of background screening * How raising standards can transform martial arts into a true community of trust Whether you’re a parent choosing a gym, a coach running a school, or a practitioner who wants a safer training environment, this conversation matters. This isn’t about fear; it’s about leadership, accountability, and protecting the people who trust us most. ▶️ Hit play and be part of the movement making martial arts safer for everyone. Links & Support 🔗 Academy Safe: https://linktr.ee/academysafe [https://linktr.ee/academysafe] 💧 SALT Electrolytes – use code FWB for 15% off 👕 FWB Store: https://fwb.printful.me/ [https://fwb.printful.me/] ☕ Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt [https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt] #jiujitsu #bjj #martialarts #academysafe #gymowners #parentsafety

Losses, and a Team Move — How Elizabeth Clay Came Back to Win Double Gold

In this candid episode, Elizabeth Clay opens up about how pregnancy and postpartum recovery affected her competition results, leading to tough losses and a major life decision to move from Alaska to Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu in Texas with her husband and newborn son. A 6-time No-Gi World Champion, Elizabeth reflects on resilience, support systems, and her recent dominant comeback, winning double gold and finishing every match by submission, in today’s highly competitive women’s jiu-jitsu landscape. Links: https://www.instagram.com/elisabethclaybjj/ [https://www.instagram.com/elisabethclaybjj/] SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes  Check out the new FWB store https://fwb.printful.me/ [https://fwb.printful.me/] Please support the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt [https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt]

2025 Changed Jiu Jitsu - Charles Harriott

Join Charles Harriott and Adolfo Foronda as they reflect on how 2025 has impacted the state of Jiu-Jitsu. From the traditional roots of the gi to the modern dynamics of no-gi, they explore the cultural shifts and personal journeys that shape the martial arts landscape. Discover insights on teaching methodologies, the impact of AI, and the ever-changing roles within the community. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the mat, this episode offers a thoughtful reflection on the art and sport of Jiu-Jitsu. SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes  Check out the new FWB store https://fwb.printful.me/ [https://fwb.printful.me/] Please support the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt [https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt] #jiujitsu #grappling #bjj #bjjglobetrotters Links: IG @charlesharriott https://www.instagram.com/charlesharriott/ [https://www.instagram.com/charlesharriott/] Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/charlesharriott [https://www.patreon.com/c/charlesharriott] BJJ Fanatics https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_charles-harriott [https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_charles-harriott] Gaidama https://gaidama.com/ [https://gaidama.com/] BJJ In Paradise https://www.bjjinparadise.com/ [https://www.bjjinparadise.com/] BJJ Globetrotters https://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/ [https://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/]

Why Gym Culture Matters More Than Technique

In this episode of Forever White Belt, I sit down with Nick Salles, a black belt under Mikey Musumeci and co-owner of Movement Art Academy alongside Daniel Maira. Nick shares his journey through jiu-jitsu with a deep focus on something that often gets overlooked: culture. We dive into why a positive gym environment is critical for learning, long-term growth, and athlete development—and how the right culture can unlock a student’s true potential. This conversation goes beyond techniques and belts. Nick breaks down his philosophy on training, coaching, and creating an environment where people actually want to show up, stay consistent, and improve over time. His approach to jiu-jitsu is thoughtful, intentional, and refreshingly grounded. On a personal note, this was one of those special episodes where you instantly click with someone. It was a genuine pleasure getting to know Nick, and I already know I’ll be learning a lot more from him in the future. This is absolutely an episode you’ll want to re-listen to, pause, and take notes on. It’s packed with essential insights and honestly feels more like a masterclass in jiu-jitsu philosophy than a typical podcast episode. If you’re a coach, academy owner, or practitioner who cares about training for the long game, this one’s for you. Links: https://www.instagram.com/thatnicksalles/ [https://www.instagram.com/thatnicksalles/] https://www.instagram.com/movementartjiujitsu/ [https://www.instagram.com/movementartjiujitsu/] https://movementartonline.com/ [https://movementartonline.com/] SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes  Check out the new FWB store https://fwb.printful.me/ [https://fwb.printful.me/] Train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA northbayjiujitsu.com [https://www.northbayjiujitsu.com/] @northbayjiujitsu #jiujitsu #grappling #bjj