Easton Training Center Community Podcast

From the Sidelines to the Mats: Being a Mom, Coaching Kids, and Winning Master Worlds ft. Tyra Pritt

In this episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Tyra Pritt—Academy Operations Director and Kids Department Head at Easton Longmont—shares her journey from parent to leader and how Jiu Jitsu transformed her life. Tyra and Mike discuss the power of discomfort in growth, what makes a great kids coach, and how martial arts build confidence, resilience, and strong character in both kids and adults. A must-listen for parents, coaches, and anyone passionate about the impact of Jiu Jitsu beyond the mats. Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

A Lifelong Martial Artist: Old-School Karate, Dojo Storms, and Finding Jiu Jitsu ft. River Mayfield

In this episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike sits down with River Mayfield, General Manager of Easton Longmont, to dive into his journey from a lifelong martial artist to a leader within the academy. River shares stories from his unconventional karate upbringing, his transition into Jiu Jitsu, and how those experiences shaped his approach to training, coaching, and leadership. This episode offers a raw look at discipline, culture, and what it takes to grow from student to leader inside a martial arts school. Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

Finding Purpose: Transitions, Growth, and Pursuing Excellence ft. Kyle Wright

In this episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike Tousignant sits down with Easton Arvada General Manager and Easton Jiu Jitsu black belt Kyle Wright. Kyle has been a part of the Easton community for years, but his path into the academy — and into leadership — is anything but typical. Before joining Easton, Kyle was competing in MMA and working at a hobby game shop in Denver, where he developed a reputation for being welcoming, patient, and great with people from all walks of life. That same ability to connect with people would later become a defining part of his coaching style. Kyle shares how he first connected with Easton through Ian Lieberman, what it was like transitioning from competitor to coach, and how he eventually stepped into a leadership role running the Easton Arvada academy. The conversation explores the realities of building a healthy gym culture, the responsibility that comes with coaching, and what it takes to lead a competition team while still creating an environment where beginners feel comfortable walking through the door. Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

Real World Conflict: Self-control, Responsibility, and Confrontation ft. Amal Easton

After a long break, the Easton Training Center Community Podcast is back and kicking off the year with ETC founder, Amal Easton. Amal shares personal stories that touch on self-control, responsibility, confrontation, and how years of martial arts training shape the way we move through the world. The conversation moves from real-world conflict to parenting, values, and what it means to draw clear lines in your life without losing your humanity. Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

Elevating the Martial Arts: Curriculum, Leadership, and Competition ft. Alex Huddleston

In this episode, CEO Mike Tousignant sits down with Alex Huddleston, Easton Training Center's Director of Martial Arts, to unpack the work happening behind the scenes to elevate martial arts across all Easton academies. Alex shares insights into the systems and strategy behind Easton's curriculum development, leadership training, and competition prep. The two dive deep into this year's Easton Open, the success of the Denver Open training camp, and the impact of creating inclusive spaces like women's randoris and teen-only sessions. You'll also hear a heartfelt discussion about the mental and emotional growth martial arts offers—especially through competition. Whether you're a coach, student, or simply passionate about martial arts culture, this episode gives a front-row seat to the vision, structure, and values that shape Easton's martial arts programs. Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/