What Black Belts Wish You Knew Sooner

Connection Over Techniques with Wim Deputter

Most jiu-jitsu advice misses the mark. Wim Deputter, a fourth-degree black belt from Belgium, unveils a revolutionary approach that shifts the focus from memorized techniques to core principles like connection, control, and timing, clarity that transformed his long, injury-free career and now offers a fresh perspective for practitioners at every level. In this episode, Wim shares how early experiences, training without black belt coaches, observing Rickson Gracie’s mastery, and embracing concepts over techniques shaped his philosophy. He discusses how understanding mechanics and body intuition, rather than drills or rigid systems, is the secret to longevity and fluidity on the mats. Wim breaks down how core ideas like 'connection' and 'balance' underpin every successful move, whether in sport or self-defense, and reveals how to experience flow states that turn into nearly meditative moments during rolling. You'll discover: the importance of mental resilience at any age, why grip fighting and patience unlock guard passing, and how deep principles can replace endless drilling. Wim delves into the importance of posture, relaxed execution, and the art of creating “pockets” of calm within chaos, teaching that can radically shorten your learning curve and improve all aspects of your game. His perspective challenges traditional methods, advocating for an ecological, intuition-based approach that prioritizes comfort and authenticity over memorization. This episode is a goldmine for coaches, hobbyists, and competitors alike, perfect if you want to train smarter, stay injury-free, and unlock deeper levels of understanding. Wim’s honesty about doubts, the art of patience, and the philosophical depth of martial arts inspire a new way to see the sport, not just as a game of techniques but as a journey of self-discovery and connection. Wim is a highly respected instructor known for distilling jiu-jitsu to its essence, principles that make techniques work across diverse body types and situations. His insights cut through the noise, making complex ideas approachable and applicable. Whether you're a beginner feeling overwhelmed or a seasoned competitor seeking longevity, this conversation offers practical wisdom grounded in a lifetime of authentic exploration. Resources & Links: * Wim's YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@WimDeputterbjj] * Brasa Belgium Academy [https://brasabelgium.be/en/] * BJJ Fanatics [https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_wim-deputter] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wimdeputterbjj/] * Personal Website [https://wimdeputterb.com/] SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes Support the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt [https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt] Come train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA @northbayjiujitsu

What Black Belts Wish You Knew Sooner

Our next guest is Steve Hordinski, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the founder of Katharo Training Center in Littleton, Colorado. Steve has spent decades studying and teaching martial arts, with roots in traditional striking arts, before dedicating himself to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Before becoming a full-time instructor, Steve served in the U.S. Navy as a deep-sea diver, conducting underwater recovery and salvage operations, an experience that helped shape his perspective on discipline, pressure, and brotherhood. He later trained under members of the Gracie family, including time in Hawaii with Relson Gracie, and has gone on to develop his own teaching systems focused on efficiency, self-defense, and longevity in jiu-jitsu. Today, he continues to teach, run his academy, and share his approach to practical jiu-jitsu and the mindset needed to stay on the mat for life. Links: https://www.instagram.com/stevehordinski/ [https://www.instagram.com/stevehordinski/] https://jiujitsuonthego.com/checkout/new?o=221995 [https://jiujitsuonthego.com/checkout/new?o=221995]https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_steve-hordinski [https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_steve-hordinski] SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes  Support the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt [https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt] Come train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA @northbayjiujitsu

What If Belts Didn’t Exist in Jiu Jitsu? | Kyvann Gonzalez

In this episode of Forever White Belt, I sit down with Kyvann Gonzalez, black belt and co-owner of Bodega Jiu Jitsu in Maplewood, New Jersey. Kyvann has built a unique academy culture focused on skill development, time efficiency, and community. At Bodega, the emphasis isn’t on chasing belts or stripes, it’s on showing up, learning, and improving together. We talk about Kyvann’s journey through jiu jitsu, how his perspective on training and teaching has evolved, and what it really takes to build a successful academy in today’s jiu jitsu landscape. We also dive into: • Why Bodega runs one-hour classes • Concept-based coaching vs technique-based instruction • Why social media doesn’t necessarily grow a gym (but can help retention) • Opening and running a jiu jitsu academy • Reinventing your jiu jitsu over time • ADHD, creativity, and learning Kyvann shares thoughtful insights about teaching, culture, and the long-term journey of jiu jitsu that will resonate with students, coaches, and academy owners alike. If you train jiu jitsu, teach, or have ever thought about opening a gym, this conversation offers a lot to think about. Kyvann Gonzalez @kyvanng Black Belt Co-Owner – Bodega Jiu Jitsu https://www.bodegajiujitsu.com/ [https://www.bodegajiujitsu.com/] Maplewood, New Jersey https://www.instagram.com/kyvanng/ [https://www.instagram.com/kyvanng/] https://linqapp.com/Bodegajiujitsu [https://linqapp.com/Bodegajiujitsu] 🎙 Forever White Belt Podcast Conversations about jiu jitsu, life, and the long road of learning.F ollow the show: Instagram: https://instagram.com/foreverwhitebeltshow [https://instagram.com/foreverwhitebeltshow] SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes  Support the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt [https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt] Come train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA @northbayjiujitsu

What Is Intentional Training? Dan Covel

Most successful martial artists know that mastery isn’t just about techniques; it's about relentless self-awareness, intentional training, and building a community grounded in authenticity. Dan Covel, a decorated black belt and seasoned gym owner, reveals how his unwavering focus on purpose, culture, and honest communication transformed his academy. This episode uncovers the core principles behind cultivating a thriving, respectful jiu-jitsu community, one that values growth over ego. Dan shares practical insights on simplifying teaching, emphasizing foundational grips and movement, and fostering an environment where students train with purpose and autonomy. You’ll discover how controlling the narrative around position and control can exponentially accelerate skill development, and why the path to mastery is a steady journey of incremental wins, not shortcuts. Dan also delves into the mental resilience built from overcoming injuries and setbacks early in his career, demonstrating how a fighting spirit fuels persistence. Plus, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at his evolving approach to business, from streamlining warmups to maintaining peak team culture, showing that humility and hard work are the real keys to long-term success in martial arts and business. Perfect for coaches, gym owners, and practitioners ready to refine their craft and foster a community that breathes authenticity and respect, this is your blueprint for elevating both your skills and your gym’s culture. If you're committed to meaningful progress over superficial hype, this episode is a must-listen. links: https://www.instagram.com/dancoveljiujitsu/ [https://www.instagram.com/dancoveljiujitsu/] https://coveljiujitsu.com/ [https://coveljiujitsu.com/] https://digitsu.com/@DanCovel [https://digitsu.com/@DanCovel] BJJ Fanatics https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_dan-covel?list=1 [https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_dan-covel?list=1] SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes Check out the new FWB store https://fwb.printful.me/ [https://fwb.printful.me/] Support the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt [https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt]

The Hidden Safety Crisis in Martial Arts Gyms | Protecting Kids & Women

Most martial arts gyms assume they’re safe, but many are missing critical protections for kids and women. In this eye-opening episode, black belt Milton Campis exposes a hidden safety crisis inside martial arts and jiu-jitsu gyms, and explains what must change. After seeing repeated stories of misconduct, unsafe environments, and ignored warning signs, Milton created Academy Safe, a system designed to make background checks, health protocols, and safety standards the norm, not the exception. We discuss real-world examples of how abuse and negligence slip through the cracks, and more importantly, a clear, practical framework that gym owners, coaches, parents, and students can use right now. In this episode, you’ll learn: * The 8 core safety measures every martial arts school must have * How to spot red flags in unsafe or irresponsible gyms * How to talk to kids and training partners about safety, honestly, and clearly * The legal and moral responsibility of background screening * How raising standards can transform martial arts into a true community of trust Whether you’re a parent choosing a gym, a coach running a school, or a practitioner who wants a safer training environment, this conversation matters. This isn’t about fear; it’s about leadership, accountability, and protecting the people who trust us most. ▶️ Hit play and be part of the movement making martial arts safer for everyone. Links & Support 🔗 Academy Safe: https://linktr.ee/academysafe [https://linktr.ee/academysafe] 💧 SALT Electrolytes – use code FWB for 15% off 👕 FWB Store: https://fwb.printful.me/ [https://fwb.printful.me/] ☕ Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt [https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt] #jiujitsu #bjj #martialarts #academysafe #gymowners #parentsafety