Beyond the Belt

This is a conversation with Petrus Paulus Steyn, a black belt out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Paulus is a Pediatric Anesthesiologist, Assistant professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, and life long Scuba diver.
 
Episode Links:
* Hospital: https://www.chop.edu/doctors/steyn-petrus-paulus
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/southpaulu
* Teaching: https://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g275/p9279638
* Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=36588
 
Contact:
* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest
 
Outline:
00:00 Intro
00:21 Journey to Black Belt
06:17 The Difficulty of Good Coaching
10:53 Life and Jiujitsu
18:34 Working with Children in Medicine
24:08 Navigating Patient Interactions
30:42 Being a Patient
32:20 The Reality of Anesthesia: High Stakes Moments
37:43 The Journey to Becoming a Doctor
42:22 The Impact of Malpractice Concerns
53:59 Teaching the Next Generation of Medical Professionals
01:07:57 The Fascination and Limitations of AI
01:15:48 Humility and Communication
01:29:59 The Joy of Scuba Diving
01:37:09 Overcoming Fear in Diving and Skydiving
01:43:07 The Thrill and Risks of Skydiving
01:50:36 The Importance of Humility in Life
01:56:28 Life Advice and the Future
02:02:55 Outro
 
Podcast Links:
* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/
* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify
* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple
* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss
 
Social:
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod
* Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social
* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Steve Jolly, a black belt out of El Paso, Texas, USA. Steve is a Minister, traveled the world helping to provide clean water, and is the Founder/Director of the Rio Bravo project.
If you have the financial ability to donate to the Rio Bravo Project, go to https://www.riobravoproject.com/give where you can either do a one-time donation or a regular monthly contribution. Or if you have the ability to donate kids Gis or other BJJ gear, reach out to Steve directly on Instagram.
 
Episode Links:
* Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenjolly
* Rio Bravo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riobravoproject
* Rio Bravo Project: https://www.riobravoproject.com/
* Rio Bravo Donations: https://www.riobravoproject.com/give
* Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=16487
* Give Clean Water Charity: https://givecleanwater.org/
 
Contact:
* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest
 
Outline:
00:00 Intro
00:47 Journey to Black Belt
03:46 Getting into BJJ
09:48 Ego and Tapping in Jiujitsu
12:56 Teaching Kids Jiujitsu
15:45 Discipline and Self-Control in Martial Arts
25:00 The Rio Bravo Project
33:24 Funding the Dream: Grassroots Support
36:15 Going Beyond Jiujitsu
41:08 Comprehensive Programs for Kids
50:17 Getting Clean Water to Fiji
59:40 Living Life for Others
01:09:01 Education to Ministry
01:11:41 Finding Your Own Definition of Ministry and Service
01:15:31 Connecting Through Service
01:22:01 Global Perspectives on Life
01:28:31 Looking Ahead
01:32:05 Outro
 
Podcast Links:
* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/
* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify
* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple
* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss
 
Social:
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod
* Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social
* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Heidi Cheng, a black belt out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Heidi is a Fashion Engineer and Technical Designer, a seamstress, and a reclaimer of goods.
 
Episode Links:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hi.im_heidi
* Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=45315
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-cheng-449792a/
* Training Academy: "The Jiujitsu Company" - https://www.instagram.com/thejiujitsucompany
* Decorative Embroidery: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sashiko
* Mending Pottery with Gold: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi
 
Contact:
* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest
 
Outline:
00:00 Intro
00:17 Journey to Black Belt
01:18 Heidi's Seminar
06:58 Discovering the Love for Jiu-Jitsu
12:49 Advice for Women in Jiu-Jitsu
17:58 Overcoming Challenges in Training
20:10 The Joy of Learning and Problem Solving
23:11 Crafting and Creativity Beyond the Mat
26:54 Getting into Sewing
35:03 The Role of a Technical Designer
39:32 Navigating Challenges in Fashion Design
42:22 Seeing Your Work in the Real World
44:31 Transitioning to 3D Design
47:00 Personal vs. Professional Sewing
48:58 The Pursuit of Perfection
52:10 Embracing New Hobbies
56:27 Life Advice: Stick with It
01:02:19 Outro
 
Podcast Links:
* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/
* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify
* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple
* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss
 
Social:
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod
* Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social
* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Dylan Freedman, a black belt out of Jamestown, New York, USA. Dylan is a Corrections officer trainer for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. He also travels the US and helps to teach defensive tactics for the company Effective Fitness Combatives.
 
Episode Links:
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/freedbjj
* Effective Fitness Combatives: https://www.efcombatives.com/
 
Contact:
* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest
 
Outline:
00:00 Intro
00:23 Journey to Black Belt
03:57 Naming Things
11:07 Transitioning from Military to Martial Arts
17:01 The Evolution of Grappling Sports
25:26 Combat Sports in the 90s
29:15 Importance of Fundamentals and Ego
34:15 Understanding Human Behavior in Corrections
44:06 Misconceptions About Corrections Officers
51:12 Martial Arts in Law Enforcement Training
01:05:48 Understanding Defensive Strategies in Self-Defense
01:18:06 Not Getting Into Filmmaking
01:24:28 The Impact of Military Experience on Personal Growth
01:27:41 The Journey Over the Destination
01:34:30 Outro
 
Podcast Links:
* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/
* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify
* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple
* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss
 
Social:
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod
* Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social
* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Fabian Fitzner, a black belt out of Dubai, UAE. Fabian is lifelong entrepreneur, network marketing expert, kite surfer, and BJJ school owner.
 
Episode Links:
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/fabian.fitzner
* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FabianFitzner
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabianfitzner/
 
Contact:
* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest
 
Outline:
00:00 Intro
00:17 Journey to Black Belt
04:49 Traveling and Training Unaffiliated
08:29 Injuries and Adaptations in Jiu-Jitsu
16:33 Life in Uganda: Adoption and Cultural Insights
25:31 Resourcefulness and Mentorship
35:17 Essence of a Mentor
40:58 Understanding Network Marketing
48:18 Helping Others Succeed
56:48 Selfishness and Selflessness in Success
01:00:42 Believing in Yourself
01:15:01 The Importance of Skillset and Network
01:24:09 Cultural Insights: Jiu-Jitsu in Dubai
01:28:46 The Contrast of Life in Dubai and Mauritius
01:34:23 Finding Freedom and Balance in Life
01:38:51 Defining Success: A Personal Journey
01:50:26 Mental Health and High Performance
01:57:45 Life Advice and the Future
02:00:17 The Impact of AI on Society
02:18:26 On a Positive Note
02:20:11 Outro
 
Podcast Links:
* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/
* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify
* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple
* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss
 
Social:
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod
* TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social
* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Matt Shamloo, a black belt out of Long Island, New York, USA. Matt is a wedding photographer and videographer, BJJ and MMA coach, and avid Tony Robbins supporter.
 
Episode Links:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattshamloo_bjjmma
* The Midnight Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themidnightprojectweddings
* The Midnight Project Website: https://www.themidnightproject.co/
* Tony Robbins: https://www.tonyrobbins.com/
 
Contact:
* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest
 
Outline:
00:00 Intro
00:17 Journey to Black Belt
05:41 What is the Tony Robbins Experience
09:51 Self-Discipline and Personal Growth
16:19 Finding Gratitude and Perspective in Martial Arts
19:16 Confronting Weaknesses
24:56 Misconceptions about Tony Robbins
28:39 Changes in Outlook and Training
32:01 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
38:45 Teaching and Guiding Students
41:53 Overcoming Physical Limitations in Martial Arts
49:01 Lessons from Jiujitsu
53:52 Getting Into Wedding Videography
01:01:17 Wedding Stories
01:04:37 Capturing Sentiment in Photography
01:07:48 Life Lessons from Weddings
01:10:06 Connecting with Shy Couples
01:13:05 Handling Difficult Situations at Weddings
01:19:07 Lots of Life Advice
01:27:16 Future Aspirations and Personal Growth
01:32:36 Outro
 
Podcast Links:
* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/
* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify
* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple
* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss
 
Social:
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod
* Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social
* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Paul Elliott, a black belt out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. Paul is a software engineer, BJJ coach and writer, backpacker, and photographer.
 
Episode Links:
* Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/simplebjj
* Website: https://www.simplebjj.com
* Most Popular Article: https://simplebjj.com/a-week-with-henry-akins/
* A Year With Henry Akins: https://simplebjj.com/a-year-with-henry-akins/
* Redline BJJ: https://www.redlinebjj.com/
* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplebjj
* Twitter (X): https://x.com/simplebjj
* Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/u/SimpleBJJ
 
Contact:
* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest
 
Outline:
00:00 Intro
00:18 Journey to Black Belt
06:29 Finding Jiujitsu-Life Balance
13:23 Writing for Jitjitsu
20:17 Starting BJJ at 38
29:14 Writing Software Since the 80s
34:26 Transitioning from C++ to C# for Better Memory Management
38:06 LLMs and Large Code Bases
44:21 Balancing AI Assistance with Best Practices
53:40 Solo Backpacking and Optimization
01:00:27 DIY Gear for Backpacking Adventures
01:13:28 Redundancy and Adaptability in Outdoor Equipment
01:19:21 Recording the Backpacking Trips
01:21:39 Getting into Photography
01:28:07 Skydiving and Finding Balance
01:32:24 Prioritizing Goals and Managing Emotions
01:42:40 Traveling and Teaching More Jiujitsu
01:49:14 Outro
 
Podcast Links:
* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/
* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify
* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple
* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss
 
Social:
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod
* Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social
* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Mikhail Oza, a black belt out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Mikhail is technology strategist with Microsoft, BJJ coach and commentator, and scuba diver.
 
Episode Links:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikhail-oza/
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baloothebeardog
* The Jiujitsu Company: https://www.instagram.com/thejiujitsucompany
* The Jiujitsu Shop: https://www.jiujitsuphilly.com/shop
* Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=3661
* 4 Archetypes of People (Jets Coach): https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jonathangreechan_according-to-robert-saleh-there-are-4-types-activity-7100209641984294912-tGBB/
* Arena Grappling: https://www.arenagrappling.com/
* FSM BJJ: https://www.instagram.com/fsmbjj
* Andrew Kochel vs Luke Staley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj37iy9aBO8
 
Contact:
Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest
 
Outline:
00:00 Intro
00:18 Journey to Black Belt
02:52 BJJ and Community
06:20 Evolution of Jiu-Jitsu Culture
09:46 Regulated Tension and Cruise Control
13:22 Reducing the Obsession
17:31 Finding Balance
19:50 Coaching Philosophy and Leadership
23:58 Strategic Thinking in Jiu-Jitsu and Work
28:46 The Platform Play
33:23 Perspectives on Coaching
44:30 The Importance of Resilience and Enjoyment in Life
50:24 Leadership and Coaching: Lessons from Jiu-Jitsu
01:00:20 Coaching People and Your Partner
01:07:46 Journey into Scuba Diving
01:15:38 The Role of Scuba Diving in Life
01:18:55 High-Stakes Moments in Diving
01:27:41 Respect, Value, and Fun
01:31:47 Commentary in Jiu-Jitsu Matches
01:39:36 The Future
01:43:39 Outro
 
Podcast Links:
* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/
* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify
* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple
* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss
 
Social:
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod
* Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social
* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb