Forever White Belt

Join us for an incredibly meaningful conversation with Tryfon Stathopoulos, a second-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the owner and head instructor of North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, California—my home academy and a place that has been truly life-changing for me. Tryfon has been among the most influential people in my Jiu-Jitsu journey and personal development. His leadership, guidance, and the incredible environment he’s created at North Bay Jiu Jitsu have shaped me both on and off the mat. This academy and its dedicated staff mean the world to me, providing not just a place to train but a community that has helped me grow in ways I could never have imagined. In this interview, Tryfon shares his journey from starting martial arts training in 2000 to becoming a full-time instructor and competitor. He discusses the challenges and rewards of running a successful academy, his passion for teaching, and his commitment to spreading the healthy and rewarding Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle within his community. We also dive into his impressive competitive achievements, including medals at the IBJJF World Championships and Pan American Championships, and explore his philosophy on training, competition, and personal growth through martial arts. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most impactful instructors in the North Bay area and someone who has profoundly influenced my journey. Links: ⁠https://www.northbayjiujitsu.com/⁠ [https://www.northbayjiujitsu.com/] ⁠https://www.instagram.com/northbayjiujitsu/ [https://www.instagram.com/northbayjiujitsu/] Filming by Serani Agency https://www.seraniagency.com/ [https://www.seraniagency.com/] Editing by Monks Media Works https://www.monksmedia.works/ [https://www.monksmedia.works/] Buy Salt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb [https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb] Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad free, uncensored, early episodes podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/foreverwhitebelt/subscribe [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/foreverwhitebelt/subscribe] Instagram @foreverwhitebeltshow [https://www.instagram.com/foreverwhitebeltshow/] Go buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt [http://teespring.com/forever-white-belt] Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt [https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt]

In this solo episode, Adolfo Foronda reflects on the past and future of Jiu-Jitsu, discussing trends for 2024, including the rise of the Craig Jones Invitational, the impact of economic factors, subscription fatigue, and the role of AI in training. He also shares personal insights on recovery innovations, the influence of podcasting, and the ongoing drama within the Jiu-Jitsu community while contemplating the sport's future growth and challenges. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb [https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb] Use code FWB for 15% off. Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad-free, uncensored, early episodes podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/foreverwhitebelt/subscribe [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/foreverwhitebelt/subscribe] Instagram @foreverwhitebeltshow [https://www.instagram.com/foreverwhitebeltshow/]. Go buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt [http://teespring.com/forever-white-belt]. Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt [https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt] #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsu #grappling #bjj

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Alan Titone, a multifaceted individual whose journey spans over two decades in corporate America, a distinguished tenure as an international yoga instructor, and a dedicated role as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach and academy owner. Alan is the co-founder of Karma Jiu Jitsu, a newly opened academy that reflects his deep passion for Jiu-Jitsu and community-building, which he has established as a purple belt. Alan's commitment to personal growth and wellness is evident through his ventures, including co-founding Breathe Social, an initiative that seamlessly integrates yoga, breathwork, and cold exposure to promote holistic well-being.  Beyond his professional endeavors, Alan is a U.S. Army veteran and an accomplished adventurer, having summited some of the tallest peaks in the contiguous United States and, in 2024, reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. In our conversation, Alan delves into his transition from a former corporate career to a life dedicated to coaching and teaching. He shares insights into the importance of accountability, the transformative power of yoga, and the life lessons gleaned from his experiences on and off the mat. Join us as we uncover the inspiring story of Alan Titone, a true embodiment of resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions. Links: https://www.instagram.com/the_life_of_alan_titone/ https://linktr.ee/alantitone https://www.gentleartlifestyle.com/breathe https://saltelectrolytes.com/ Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad free, uncensored, early episodes podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/foreverwhitebelt/subscribe Instagram @foreverwhitebeltshow. Go buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt. Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt

Today, we’re thrilled to have Jake O’Driscoll join us on the show. Jake is a highly accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the head coach at Essence BJJ in Perth, Australia. Beyond his impressive competitive accolades, Jake is best known as the coach of double ADCC gold medalist and friend of the show, Adele Fornarino. In this episode, Jake takes us through his inspiring journey in Jiu-Jitsu, sharing how his family shaped his path and the lessons he’s learned about balancing life and coaching. He dives deep into his coaching philosophy, offering insights on the importance of professionalism, mental preparation, and fostering a strong training environment. Jake also shares his perspective on the differences between Gi and No-Gi, the evolving landscape of Jiu-Jitsu, and the challenges faced by young athletes in the sport. With his experience coaching world-class athletes and ADCC medalists, Jake’s wisdom and passion for the art make this a conversation you won’t want to miss. Links: https://linktr.ee/essencebjj [https://linktr.ee/essencebjj] https://www.instagram.com/jakeod_essencebjj [https://www.instagram.com/jakeod_essencebjj] Please give us a 5 star review Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad free, uncensored, early episodes podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/foreverwhitebelt/subscribe [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/foreverwhitebelt/subscribe] Instagram @foreverwhitebeltshow [https://www.instagram.com/foreverwhitebeltshow/] Go buy your Forever White Belt merchandise at teespring.com/forever-white-belt [http://teespring.com/forever-white-belt] Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt [https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt]

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Rick Ellis, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Roy Dean and the visionary behind the 'The Art of Skill' platform. Rick shares profound insights into Jiu-Jitsu through his popular YouTube channel and website, featuring some of the world's top instructors. Based in San Diego, he offers online courses, and personalized training sessions, and leads seminars and camps domestically and internationally. In this episode, we delve into Rick's journey in martial arts, his philosophy on teaching, and the creation of 'The Art of Skill'. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to Jiu-Jitsu, Rick's experiences and perspectives will inspire and inform. Links: theartofskill.com [theartofskill.com] rickellis.com [rickellis.com] @artofskillhq [https://www.instagram.com/artofskillhq/] Give us a 5 star review on Apple Music [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/forever-white-belt/id1523232618?uo=4] and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5fqU5anGzhU4VBTJQBRjGJ] Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad free, uncensored, early episodes podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/foreverwhitebelt/subscribe [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/foreverwhitebelt/subscribe] Instagram @foreverwhitebeltshow [https://www.instagram.com/foreverwhitebeltshow/]. Go buy your Forever White Belt merch at teespring.com/forever-white-belt [http://teespring.com/forever-white-belt]. Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt [https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt]