Corbin LaPorte may be best known as one of Nicky Rod’s key training partners and a rising talent at Simple Man Martial Arts, but this conversation is less about competition and more about how he became such an effective student and teacher of jiu-jitsu.We discuss Corbin’s unusually rapid learning curve, how his approach to studying instructionals has evolved, the difference between collecting techniques and developing usable skill, and why sleep, recovery, and time away from the mats can be essential parts of improvement.Corbin also explains how teaching has changed his understanding of jiu-jitsu, how he answers technical questions from elite training partners, what makes someone easier to coach, and how instructors can help students learn without overwhelming them.Topics include:• Learning how to learn jiu-jitsu• Turning instructional content into usable skill• Balancing obsession with rest and recovery• Developing problem-solving ability on the mats• Becoming a better instructor• Teaching techniques versus concepts• Creating productive training environments• Maintaining perspective while pursuing high-level goalsWhether you are a white belt, an experienced practitioner, or an instructor trying to improve your teaching, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it actually takes to keep developing.Follow Corbin LaPorte on Instagram:@corbin_laporteLearn more about Simple Man Martial Arts in Austin, Texas.Support the show:MatAdmin is simple academy-management software built for smaller martial arts schools. Manage members, classes, attendance, and more at MatAdmin.app.If you are near Novato, California, join me for the Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 a.m. classes at North Bay Jiu Jitsu.Please subscribe, like the episode, and leave a comment with the idea from Corbin that stood out most to you.Forever White Belt PodcastInstagram: @foreverwhitebeltshow

Tom Astarita, founder of Modern Art Jiu Jitsu, is a highly regarded instructor known for his thoughtful, conceptual teaching style and innovative approach to leg locks and guard. He’s trained with some of the best in the world and is dedicated to making Jiu-Jitsu accessible, fun, and sustainable.Most people think mastering hundreds of techniques is the key to unlocking Jiu-Jitsu greatness. Tom Astarita reveals a counterintuitive approach: focusing on just one or two "strange" moves, like the Baratoplata or Z-lock, can fundamentally transform your game. Rather than drowning in collections of techniques, learn how emphasizing concepts and simplicity accelerates your growth and keeps the art enjoyable.In this episode, Tom shares how his philosophy of "swords and shields" helps practitioners build a resilient, effective game without overcomplicating things. You'll discover: why most instruction is too dense and how to distill your training into core principles; the importance of safety, flow, and patient learning in progressing faster; and how adopting Japanese terminology brings clarity and focus to your technique. We also dive into how modern social media influences competition and why our love for the moment of rolling and competing can get clouded by highlight reels.Tom discusses how old-school Jiu-Jitsu prioritized genuine love for the art over social media fame, a mindset he believes we need to revive. He emphasizes that the best students are those who prioritize safety, presence, and a deep love for the craft over flashy moves or belts. Plus, Tom reveals his approach to gym ownership, blending community-building with concrete techniques, and how to keep your training fun, safe, and inspiring over the long haul.Whether you're a beginner looking to break through plateaus or a seasoned practitioner aiming for more meaningful progress, this episode will challenge conventional wisdom and inspire you to reframe your entire Jiu-Jitsu journey. Perfect for those who want to simplify, deepen their understanding, and fall in love all over again with the sport that captivates us all.Admin Software for your gym only $39/month - MatAdmin @getmatadminhttps://www.instagram.com/youngjimihendrix/https://www.instagram.com/modernartjj/Follow the show on Instagram: @foreverwhitebeltshowBuy some great rash guards fwb.printful.meBuy me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt

Join us for an enlightening conversation with jiu-jitsu innovator Javier Vazquez as he unveils insights from his new book, "The Master Plan." Discover how this groundbreaking work challenges traditional jiu-jitsu approaches and offers a fresh perspective on mastering the art.In this episode, Javier shares the core principles of his JVOS system, emphasizing the importance of biomechanics and energy efficiency. Learn why focusing on hand control and fatigue management can transform your practice, and how a systems mindset can streamline your learning.Javier's vision for a submission-only, effectiveness-first art emphasizes structure over flash, offering a blueprint for practitioners seeking clarity and mastery.Whether you're a white belt or a seasoned black belt, Javier’s concepts provide a strategic approach to grappling that saves energy and sharpens decision-making. His mission is to create high-level, intelligent practitioners through a foundation of biomechanics and systems thinking.If you’re ready to cut through the noise and understand what makes jiu-jitsu truly effective, this episode is your guide. Dive into the mind of one of the most innovative thinkers in grappling today, and learn how to control the fight by mastering the fundamental principles.Resources & Links:JVJujitsuonline.com - Javier Vasquez’s educational platformThe Master Plan Book JVOS Content and Courses - Deep dives into positional control, transition strategies, and moreInstagramSalt Electrolytes @saltelectrolytes Use code FWB for 15% offSupport The Show:Get The Best Gym Administration Software - MatAdmin @getmatadminFollow the show on Instagram: @foreverwhitebeltshowBuy some great rash guards at fwb.printful.meBuy me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt

What if becoming a better martial artist had less to do with collecting techniques and more to do with learning how to truly move?In this episode, I sit down with Cameron Shayne to explore a radically different approach to movement, martial arts, strength, and self-expression. Cameron shares how his background in martial arts, yoga, and movement training led him to create Budokon, a system designed to develop complete athletes and more conscious human beings.We dive into why so many athletes become disconnected from their bodies, how traditional martial arts systems can sometimes limit creativity, and why movement quality may matter more than brute strength. Cameron explains the importance of acceleration, deceleration, rebounding, adaptability, and movement intelligence, especially for fighters and grapplers looking to improve longevity and performance.We also discuss personality in martial arts, flow states, coaching philosophy, and why every practitioner should think beyond rigid systems and fixed identities.Whether you're into jiu jitsu, MMA, yoga, movement culture, or simply trying to move better and stay healthy for the long haul, this conversation will challenge how you think about training.Topics include:• The philosophy behind Budokon• Why self-expression matters in martial arts• Redefining strength and athleticism• Movement intelligence and longevity• Animal locomotion and dynamic training• How creativity impacts fighting style• Building capacity for lifelong movementFollow Cameron and learn more about Budokon:• Cameron Shayne on Instagram• Budokon Official WebsiteIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It really helps the show grow and reach more people in the jiu jitsu community.Sponsors and Links:• Salt ElectrolytesUse code FWB for 15% off• Follow the show on Instagram:@foreverwhitebeltshow• Forever White Belt rash guards and merch:FWB Store• All podcast and social links:Forever White Belt Linktree• Support the show:Buy Me a Coffee• Train with us at North Bay Jiu JitsuNorth Bay Jiu Jitsu Instagram

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 Brasa Belgium Academy BJJ FanaticsInstagram Personal Website SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytesSupport the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebeltCome train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA @northbayjiujitsu

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://jiujitsuonthego.com/checkout/new?o=221995https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_steve-hordinskiSALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes  Support the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebeltCome train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA @northbayjiujitsu

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 learningKyvann 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 @kyvanngBlack BeltCo-Owner – Bodega Jiu Jitsu https://www.bodegajiujitsu.com/Maplewood, New Jerseyhttps://www.instagram.com/kyvanng/https://linqapp.com/Bodegajiujitsu🎙 Forever White Belt PodcastConversations about jiu jitsu, life, and the long road of learning.Follow the show:Instagram: https://instagram.com/foreverwhitebeltshowSALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes Support the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebeltCome train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA @northbayjiujitsu

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://coveljiujitsu.com/https://digitsu.com/@DanCovelBJJ Fanatics https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_dan-covel?list=1SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytesCheck out the new FWB store https://fwb.printful.me/Support the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt

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 haveHow to spot red flags in unsafe or irresponsible gymsHow to talk to kids and training partners about safety, honestly, and clearlyThe legal and moral responsibility of background screeningHow raising standards can transform martial arts into a true community of trustWhether 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💧 SALT Electrolytes – use code FWB for 15% off👕 FWB Store: https://fwb.printful.me/☕ Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt#jiujitsu #bjj #martialarts #academysafe #gymowners #parentsafety

In this candid episode, Elizabeth Clay opens up about how pregnancy and postpartum recovery affected her competition results, leading to tough losses and a major life decision to move from Alaska to Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu in Texas with her husband and newborn son. A 6-time No-Gi World Champion, Elizabeth reflects on resilience, support systems, and her recent dominant comeback, winning double gold and finishing every match by submission, in today’s highly competitive women’s jiu-jitsu landscape.Links:https://www.instagram.com/elisabethclaybjj/SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes Check out the new FWB store https://fwb.printful.me/Please support the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt