Breaking New Ground with Coach Lobes

Breaking New Ground with Coach Lobes

Sometimes the best things in jiu jitsu come from the plans that never worked out. This week, we sit down with Mike “Coach Lobes” Frausto, founder of New Ground Jiu Jitsu, to talk about building something meaningful from the ground up. From pursuing the dream of opening a 10th Planet academy, to relocating and navigating the uncertainty of the pandemic, and eventually teaching out of a one-bedroom apartment and a garage before opening New Ground’s doors in 2021, Mike shares the journey behind one of Southern California’s fastest-growing no-gi academies. We also dive into coaching philosophy, creating a gym culture where beginners feel welcome and experienced grapplers continue to grow, the evolution of modern no-gi jiu jitsu, and what it really means to lead a community. Whether you’re a gym owner, coach, competitor, hobbyist, or someone chasing a dream that hasn’t gone according to plan, this conversation is full of perspective, resilience, and plenty of laughs. Grab a coffee, hit play, and enjoy this episode of Chokeholds & Chill.   Thank You to Our Sponsors 🥋 2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp Indy Base Camp | July 10–12, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN www.rollmodelswanted.com Use code CHOKE50 for $50 off registration 🌿 MilUsos Skincare Skincare made for athletes who live on the mats Instagram: @milusos_skincare Shop: https://milusosskincare.com 🩹 Limitless Tape High-quality tape designed for grapplers who train hard Instagram: @limitless_tape Use code CHOKEHOLD Shop: https://limitlesstape.square.site/s/shop

Laura Kent: Building Rooms Full of Strong Women

In this episode, Mallory got to sit down with Laura Kent, a 10th Planet Black Belt, after dropping into one of her women's classes in Allentown, PA a couple of months ago. We talked about Lauras BJJ journey, the women's program she coaches, building up the ladies community in this sport and some upcoming events she has on the calendar!   Thank You to Our Sponsors 🥋 2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp Indy Base Camp | July 10–12, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN www.rollmodelswanted.com Use code CHOKE50 for $50 off registration 🌿 MilUsos Skincare Skincare made for athletes who live on the mats Instagram: @milusos_skincare Shop: https://milusosskincare.com 🩹 Limitless Tape High-quality tape designed for grapplers who train hard Instagram: @limitless_tape Use code CHOKEHOLD Shop: https://limitlesstape.square.site/s/shop

Chris Vazquez: @burro_bjj, Creating Content & Keeping Jiu Jitsu Real

This week on Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mal sit down with Chris Vazquez — better known online as @burro_bjj on Instagram, training out of Goodyear 10th Planet in Arizona Chris represents a side of jiu jitsu a lot of people connect with right now: authentic, community-driven, technical, funny as hell, and not overly polished for the internet. In this episode, we get into: * The story behind “Burro BJJ” * Social media, gym culture, and the weird side of internet jiu jitsu * Building community in a sport that can sometimes take itself way too seriously * The difference between “content jiu jitsu” and real training room culture * Competition, pressure, and why people actually stay in the sport long-term This conversation feels like hanging around after open mat with people who genuinely love training — equal parts funny, thoughtful, and brutally honest about the current state of jiu jitsu. If you’ve ever wondered whether jiu jitsu is becoming too polished online while still being beautifully chaotic in real life… this episode is for you. Thank You to Our Sponsors 🥋 2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp Indy Base Camp | July 10–12, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN www.rollmodelswanted.com Use code CHOKE50 for $50 off registration 🌿 MilUsos Skincare Skincare made for athletes who live on the mats Instagram: @milusos_skincare Shop: https://milusosskincare.com 🩹 Limitless Tape High-quality tape designed for grapplers who train hard Instagram: @limitless_tape Use code CHOKEHOLD Shop: https://limitlesstape.square.site/s/shop

US Coast Guard, Wrestling Roots & Discipline Through Jiu Jitsu with Kauhane Harding

This week on Chokeholds & Chill, we sit down with Kauhane Harding — Native Hawaiian, United States Coast Guard law enforcement officer, wrestler, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt training out of Ewa Beach, Hawaii Kauhane grew up in a strict household where discipline wasn’t optional. Between wrestling, family expectations, and eventually finding his way back to jiu jitsu, his path was built on structure, accountability, and learning how to handle pressure early. In this episode, we get into: * Growing up in Hawai‘i with a strict father and traditional values * How wrestling shaped his mindset long before jiu jitsu * Working law enforcement in the U.S. Coast Guard * The crossover between combat sports, discipline, and service * What training means to him mentally and physically * The realities of balancing duty, family, and life on the mats Kauhane brings a no-excuses mentality and a grounded perspective that comes from both the mats and real-world responsibility. This episode is about discipline, identity, pressure, and the work it takes to carry all of it well. Thank You to Our Sponsors 🥋 2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp Indy Base Camp | July 10–12, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN www.rollmodelswanted.com Use code CHOKE50 for $50 off registration 🌿 MilUsos Skincare Skincare made for athletes who live on the mats Instagram: @milusos_skincare Shop: https://milusosskincare.com 🩹 Limitless Tape High-quality tape designed for grapplers who train hard Instagram: @limitless_tape Use code CHOKEHOLD Shop: https://limitlesstape.square.site/s/shop

Adam Benayoun: Black Cat Jiu Jitsu, Discipline, and Building Community with Intention

This week on Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn sits down with Adam Benayoun — competitor, coach, dad, and the man behind Black Cat Jiu Jitsu.   Jenn and Adam first connected out in Costa Rica at Hero Academy BJJ, and this conversation picks up right where that energy left off — grounded, honest, and full of laughs.   In this episode, they talk about:   • Adam’s recent competition and what he’s focusing on for the 2026 season • His upcoming summer camp at Hero Academy and why that experience hits different • The release of his brand new Skool program and what he hopes it brings to the community • Building Black Cat Jiu Jitsu and creating a culture that people earn their way into   Jenn also dives into a more personal side of Adam, talking about fatherhood and what he hopes his daughter takes from watching him train. This episode is equal parts thoughtful, funny, and real — a look at someone building something meaningful both on and off the mats. Host: @jennholmberg Guest: @adambenayoun @blackcatjiujitsu ⸻   Thank You to Our Sponsors   🥋 2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp @rollmodelgrappling Indy Base Camp | July 10–12, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN www.rollmodelswanted.com Use code CHOKE50 for $50 off registration   🌿 MilUsos Skincare Skincare made for athletes who live on the mats Instagram: @milusos_skincare Shop: https://milusosskincare.com   🩹 Limitless Tape High-quality tape designed for grapplers who train hard Instagram: @limitless_tape Use code CHOKEHOLD Shop: https://limitlesstape.square.site/s/shop