Forever White Belt

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

Ultimate Jiu Jitsu Holiday Gift Guide

Join host Adolfo Foronda on a special edition of Forever White Belt as he unveils the ultimate 2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts. From budget-friendly essentials like finger tape and electrolytes to luxurious splurges like custom mats and AI grappling dummies, this episode covers a wide range of gift ideas for every budget. Whether you're shopping for yourself, your academy, or your fellow Jiu Jitsu friends, discover thoughtful and practical gifts that will delight any martial artist. Tune in for expert recommendations and personal insights to make this holiday season unforgettable. Don't forget to stay hydrated with Salt Electrolytes and train with us at North Bay 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/] Train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA @northbayjiujitsu DojoChimp Gi & Fightwear @dojochimp Links: Finger Tape https://www.amazon.com/Hampton-Adams-Official-Non-Slip-Weightlifting/dp/B07MQ2279R/ [https://www.amazon.com/Hampton-Adams-Official-Non-Slip-Weightlifting/dp/B07MQ2279R/] Avowal natural sanitizer @avowal.store https://avowal.store/ [https://avowal.store/] Odoban https://www.amazon.com/OdoBan-Multipurpose-Concentrate-Original-Eucalyptus/dp/B079Z6MJB1/ref=sr_1_1_sspa [https://www.amazon.com/OdoBan-Multipurpose-Concentrate-Original-Eucalyptus/dp/B079Z6MJB1/ref=sr_1_1_sspa] Liquid Bandage https://www.amazon.com/New-Skin-Liquid-Bandage-Ounce-Cover/dp/B0017JOF86/?th=1 [https://www.amazon.com/New-Skin-Liquid-Bandage-Ounce-Cover/dp/B0017JOF86/?th=1] Slides https://forever-white-belt.creator-spring.com/listing/fwb-slides?product=1896 [https://forever-white-belt.creator-spring.com/listing/fwb-slides?product=1896] Jiu Jitsu Books https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jiu+jitsu+books&crid=1YAYYWJ2B900N&sprefix=jiu+jitsu+books%2Caps%2C218&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jiu+jitsu+books&crid=1YAYYWJ2B900N&sprefix=jiu+jitsu+books%2Caps%2C218&ref=nb_sb_noss_1] Jiu Jitsu Notebooks https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jiu+jitsu+notebooks&crid=4FLPIRK7PLOL&sprefix=jiu+jitsu+notebooks%2Caps%2C205&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jiu+jitsu+notebooks&crid=4FLPIRK7PLOL&sprefix=jiu+jitsu+notebooks%2Caps%2C205&ref=nb_sb_noss_1] Rash Guards https://fwb.printful.me/ [https://fwb.printful.me/] Jiu Jitsu Bags https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jiu+jitsu+bags&crid=8AIBGVVNMLYD&sprefix=jiu+jitsu+bag%2Caps%2C289&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jiu+jitsu+bags&crid=8AIBGVVNMLYD&sprefix=jiu+jitsu+bag%2Caps%2C289&ref=nb_sb_noss_1] BJJ Fanatics Digital Gift Card https://bjjfanatics.com/products/gift-card [https://bjjfanatics.com/products/gift-card] Mats https://dollamur.com/ [https://dollamur.com/] Grappling Dummies https://www.amazon.com/s?k=grappling+dummy&crid=3JSDK60YPD40Y&sprefix=grapp%2Caps%2C217 [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=grappling+dummy&crid=3JSDK60YPD40Y&sprefix=grapp%2Caps%2C217] Rollbot https://rollbotbjj.com/ [https://rollbotbjj.com/] Red Light Therapy https://www.amazon.com/s?k=red+light+therapy&crid=3QVW7JGT79GJY&sprefix=red+light%2Caps%2C196 [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=red+light+therapy&crid=3QVW7JGT79GJY&sprefix=red+light%2Caps%2C196] Ice Bath/Cold Plunge https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ice+bath&crid=15GHI97CY3PQM&sprefix=ice+bath%2Caps%2C214 [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ice+bath&crid=15GHI97CY3PQM&sprefix=ice+bath%2Caps%2C214] BJJ Globetrotters Camps @bjjglobetrotters https://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/bjjcamps [https://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/bjjcamps] SilverFox BJJ Costa Rica Camp https://www.instagram.com/p/DOQlFkQgD83/ [https://www.instagram.com/p/DOQlFkQgD83/] Compression Boots https://www.amazon.com/s?k=compression+boots&crid=YRXMBOQNRTV2&sprefix=compression+boot%2Caps%2C213 [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=compression+boots&crid=YRXMBOQNRTV2&sprefix=compression+boot%2Caps%2C213] Open Mat Physio @openmatphysio https://www.openmatphysio.com/ [https://www.openmatphysio.com/] Grappling Strength & Performance @grapplestrong.sj https://grapplestrong.com/ [https://grapplestrong.com/] Dr. Wes Hendricks @drweshendricks Dr. Wes Hendricks [https://home.microsoftpersonalcontent.com/:fl:/g/contentstorage/CSP_17328ebb-7f94-4676-9c5c-6339c97b5f94/IQJPd834NpJMS5L90pDitOsRAS4W_WyNjmFjWnXMUiVZiA8?nav=cz0lMkZjb250ZW50c3RvcmFnZSUyRmNzcF8xNzMyOGViYi03Zjk0LTQ2NzYtOWM1Yy02MzM5Yzk3YjVmOTQmZD1iIXU0NHlGNVJfZGthY1hHTTV5WHRmbEp5N3pUems1bGhNdFBDZDBQS1hHN1hnOUZuZW5RbGxUN241Vy1rNWZVc2omZj0wMVpYUENKR0NQTzdHN1FOVVNKUkZaRjdPU1NEUkxKMllSJmM9] Backpack Mat Sprayer https://www.amazon.com/s?k=backpack+sprayer&crid=32OTDRXURJTLM&sprefix=backpack+s%2Caps%2C221 [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=backpack+sprayer&crid=32OTDRXURJTLM&sprefix=backpack+s%2Caps%2C221] Drew Weatherhead @drew.weatherhead https://drewjitsuonline.com/ [https://drewjitsuonline.com/] Digitsu @digitsu.bjj https://digitsu.com/ [https://digitsu.com/] BJJ365 @brandonmc.ninja https://bmac.mykajabi.com/ [https://bmac.mykajabi.com/] BJJ Concepts @islandtopteam https://bjjconcepts.net/ [https://bjjconcepts.net/] Silver Fox BJJ Global Academy @silverfoxbjj https://silverfoxbjj.app/ [https://silverfoxbjj.app/] Charles Harriott @charlesharriott https://www.patreon.com/charlesharriott [https://www.patreon.com/charlesharriott] Tom & Dean Astarita @youngjimihendrix https://www.patreon.com/c/DeanAstarita/home [https://www.patreon.com/c/DeanAstarita/home] Jon Calestine @jon_calestine https://www.patreon.com/JonCalestine [https://www.patreon.com/JonCalestine] Max Hanson @maxhansonbjj https://www.patreon.com/Maxhansonbj [https://www.patreon.com/Maxhansonbj] Randy William @black_belt_randy https://linktr.ee/blackbeltrandy [https://linktr.ee/blackbeltrandy] Nathan Haddad @nathanhaddad_ https://coreprobjj.com/ [https://coreprobjj.com/] #jiujitsu #grappling #bjj #christmas #gifts #holidays

Overcoming BJJ Pain with Wes Hendricks

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Dr. Wes Hendricks, who has a unique blend of expertise in exercise science and human biology. Wes shares his journey of integrating rehabilitation and training, offering a fresh perspective on managing pain and empowering individuals to take control of their health. From the importance of movement to the psychological and social aspects of pain, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their well-being. Tune in to discover how to navigate the complexities of pain and find empowerment in your fitness journey. Links: IG https://www.instagram.com/drweshendricks/ [https://www.instagram.com/drweshendricks/] YT @dr.weshendricks5994https://rebuildbrandco.com/dr-wes [https://rebuildbrandco.com/dr-wes] SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes  Check out the new FWB store Holiday Sale, everything at cost at https://fwb.printful.me/ [https://fwb.printful.me/] Please buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt [https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt] Train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA

AI in Jiu Jitsu Training

Join us in this engaging episode as Sid Nanda, CEO & Co-Founder of SubmissionSensAI, delves into the future of AI in sports coaching. Discover how AI-driven feedback is revolutionizing training in movement-based sports, particularly in jiu-jitsu. Sid shares his journey, the challenges faced, and the innovative solutions being developed to enhance self-study and training efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned grappler or new to the sport, this conversation offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of martial arts training. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of technology and sports. SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes  Buy our merchandise at https://fwb.printful.me/ [https://fwb.printful.me/] Train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA @northbayjiujitsu DojoChimp Gi & Fight wear @dojochimp #jiujitsu #grappling #bjj #ai #artificialintelligence #tech #apps

Positive Mental Attitude BJJ

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Felipe Simplicio, a third-degree black belt under the legendary JT Torres and owner of Red Zone Jiu-Jitsu Academy. From his early days in Brazil to establishing a thriving academy in Connecticut, Felipe shares his passion for teaching, the importance of continuous learning, and the unique programs he offers, including a scholarship initiative for families in need. Discover how Felipe balances the art of Jiu-Jitsu with the business acumen required to run a successful academy, all while fostering a welcoming and supportive community. Tune in for insights on training, personal growth, and the power of a positive mental attitude. Links: https://www.instagram.com/f__simplicio/ [https://www.instagram.com/f__simplicio/]https://linktr.ee/f__simplicio [https://linktr.ee/f__simplicio] Salt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb [https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb] Please buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt [https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt] Instagram @foreverwhitebeltshow [https://www.instagram.com/foreverwhitebeltshow/]. Buy Forever White Belt rash guards at https://fwb.printful.me/ [https://fwb.printful.me/]. Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt [https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Felipe Simplicio and His Journey 06:08 Innovative Class Offerings: Family Jiu Jitsu and Q&A Drills 10:28 Transitioning Students: From Beginners to Fundamentals 16:51 What Makes a Great Student and Instructor 24:51 Learning from the Best: Training with JT Torres 31:39 Overcoming Doubts and Challenges 36:42 Creating a Sense of Community 45:55 Fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu Training