Lineage & Authority in Ashtanga Yoga & Jiu Jitsu
This week on Tripp Talks, Marcus Shumate and I dive into two of our favorite practices — Ashtanga yoga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — and the strange parallels between them.
We start with the current drama in the Ashtanga world around authorization and certification: Who gets to say you’re a “real” teacher? What happens when lineage meets money, grief, and Western expectations?
From there, Marcus introduces the Jiu-Jitsu world, where belts, lineage, and self-defense programs create a similar tension. At what point do symbols of legitimacy help, and when do they become empty?
Along the way, we talk about:
* The difference between doing something for approval vs. doing it because you love it
* Why certifications often only matter inside the bubble
* How ego shows up in practice — and how it changes when you let go of needing to prove yourself
* What it means to find joy, creativity, and presence in the things you practice every day
If you’re into yoga, martial arts, or just the deeper question of what makes practice “worth” doing, this conversation will resonate.
“Certification only matters to the people already indoctrinated. Outside the bubble, nobody cares.” — Marcus Shumate
Marcus Shumate became a therapist after discovering classical philosophy and the value of contemplative practices. While therapy felt like a natural extension of those pursuits, he eventually recognized its limitations.
This realization led him to join Advaita Health as Director of Growth, where he works to build a system of care grounded in the classical concept of human flourishing.
He brings a non-dualistic practice and orientation to all his endeavors. Outside of work, Marcus enjoys training and coaching Jiu Jitsu, experimenting in the kitchen, and playing guitar—though he admits he’s far better at cooking than music.
Q: Why do certifications and belts matter so much in these traditions?
Marcus: They create symbolic authority inside the community. But outside of it, nobody cares. In Jiu-Jitsu, the only real test is what happens on the mat.
Q: Is Ashtanga any different?
Tripp: Not really. In theory it’s a spiritual practice, but progression is judged almost entirely by the shapes you can make. If gymnastics is the measure of enlightenment, something doesn’t add up.
Q: So why keep doing it?
Marcus: For me, because I enjoy it. I show up, I roll, I learn, I connect with people. That’s enough.
Tripp: Same with Ashtanga. It makes my life better, not because of certifications or authority, but because it grounds me and challenges me in ways I value.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trippjohnson.substack.com [https://trippjohnson.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]
