Beyond the Belt

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

This is a conversation with Toma Dragicevic, a black belt out of Ontario, Canada. Toma is senior manager in corporate North America as well as being the owner of a few gyms in Ontario, Canada.
 
Episode Links:
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/toma_rmnu_canada
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toma-dragicevic-7b92a022/
* Current BJJ: https://currentbjj.com
* Revo Jiujitsu: https://revojiujitsu.com
 
Contact:
* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest
 
Outline:
00:00 Intro
00:34 Journey to Black Belt
08:17 Grading Philosophy and Student Development
10:51 Training Smarter with Age
14:08 Training as an Instructor
19:30 Injuries and Recovery
28:47 Styles and Body Care
32:28 BJJ Associations
37:33 The Thrill of Corporate Life
41:16 Managing a P&L
43:30 Empowering Leadership and Team Engagement
47:33 Goal Setting Strategies
56:19 Work Life Balance
01:01:36 Hybrid Work Culture
01:06:21 Professional Atmospheres
01:11:13 Authentic Curiosity About People
01:14:32 Confidence and Life Advice
01:20:02 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

Jimmy Park is a black belt of New York, New York, USA. Jimmy is a climber, photographer, and Bonsai stylist. He is also an entrepreneur who runs Opascope, his digital marketing agency.
 
Episode Links:
* Photography IG: https://instagram.com/EasyStreetNYC
* Personal IG: https://instagram.com/Veritas247
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmypark/
* Opascope: https://opascope.com/
 
Contact:
* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest
 
Outline:
00:00 Intro
00:24 Journey to Black Belt
06:21 Training at the Renzo Gracie Academy
11:48 Training with Danaher
19:06 Competition for Hobbyists
26:28 BJJ Lessons for Life
30:05 Entrepreneurship Personality Types
37:27 Becoming an SEO Expert
44:48 Jimmy's Favorite Campaign
47:16 Evolution of SEO in the Age of AI
52:38 Generative AI Influences
57:34 Real Life Street Photography
01:08:57 The Journey of a Climber
01:20:30 Overcoming Fear After a Fall
01:23:38 Climbing Grades and Preparation
01:25:48 The Importance of Mentorship
01:30:42 The Art of Bonsai Gardening
01:39:48 Life Lessons and Balance
01:56:12 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 Gorka Uztarroz, a black belt out of Paris, France. Gorka is an artist who likes to focus most of his creative energy on comics. He also works for a medical repatriation company.
 
Episode Links:
* Art Website: https://www.gorkauztarroz.com
* Comic Website: https://www.lefrenchninja.com
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/cosmogol666
* Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=32726
 
Contact:
* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest
 
Outline:
00:00 Intro
00:20 Journey to Black Belt
02:55 Black Belt Legitimacy
06:18 Growth in Jiujitsu
09:24 Finding Joy in the Process
18:54 BJJ and Injuries
22:20 BJJ Saved My Art
26:35 Digital Art and Physical Mediums
31:12 Artistic Inspirations
34:33 Self-Publishing and Self-Promotion
42:56 Le French Ninja Inspiration
46:46 The Heart of Storytelling: Vulnerability and Authenticity
50:59 Understanding Medical Repatriation
01:03:37 Future Projects and Inspirations
01:12:53 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 Mike McLean, a black belt out of Torquay, Victoria, Australia. Mike is an artist who focuses mostly on painting on reclaimed materials. He has painted hundreds of thousands of Wagtails that have made it around the world. He's also an art teacher and a poet.Episode Links:* Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/@mikemcleanartist * Will the Wagtail Instagram: https://instagram.com/@willythewagtail * World Wide Wag Tails: https://instagram.com/@worldwidewagtails * Mike's Poetry: https://instagram.com/@mikemcleanpoet * YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MikeMcleanArtist Contact:* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest Outline:00:00 Intro00:22 Journey to Black Belt03:28 Training for Longevity08:29 Reflections on Life and Jiu Jitsu14:25 Getting Into Jiujitsu16:53 Balancing BJJ, Family, and Relationships19:51 Family Road Trip24:52 Artistic Journey and Career36:11 Getting Into Art45:23 Artistic Materials and Economic Choices50:35 The Wagtail Phenomenon59:02 An Emotional Painting for Jamie01:02:40 Immersive Activities 01:04:55 Getting Into Poetry01:11:32 Living a Life of Happiness01:15:53 OutroPodcast 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

Stephan Kesting is a black belt out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Stephan is a fireman, outdoorsman, podcaster, author, and BJJ instructor and OG jiujitsu content creator. He is currently making the rounds promoting his new book, "Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic."
 
Episode Links:
* Book: Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic: https://btb.fan/17-persevere
* Strenuous Life Podcast: https://youtube.com/channel/UCxFCWZJbnlRyhw3vmDx0Rlg
* Grapple Arts: https://www.grapplearts.com/
* Outdoors Site: https://essentialwilderness.com/
* Personal Site: https://www.stephankesting.com
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/stephan_kesting
* YouTube: https://youtube.com/@stephankesting
* Threads: https://threads.net/@stephan_kesting
* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephankesting
* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/stephankesting.bsky.social
* German Jiujitsu Commercial: https://youtube.com/watch?v=X6wpRVqD5VQ
* Book: Non-Stop Jiujitsu: https://btb.fan/17-nonstop
* High Percentage Leglocks: https://btb.fan/17-leglocks
 
Contact:
* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest
 
Outline:
00:00 Intro
00:36 Journey to Black Belt
09:29 The Early Years of BJJ
13:01 Online Content Creation and Teaching
19:20 BJJ as You Age
23:07 Protect Ya Neck
27:15 Firefighter Combat Challenge
31:50 From Biologist to Firefighter
35:14 First Fire Rescue Operations
42:51 Team Dynamics in High-Stress Situations
45:00 Prank Culture in Firefighting
50:43 Toxicity in Martial Arts
55:07 Loneliness and Finding Solitude in Nature
01:00:43 The Mental Focus of Wilderness Survival
01:06:13 The Importance of Sleep and Recovery
01:08:54 Journaling and Reflection
01:11:22 Grit, Perseverance, and Risk
01:15:50 Toughness is Transferable
01:20:57 Why Canoe in Canada
01:24:55 Luck and Averages
01:27:45 Work-Life Balance
01:29:17 The Power of Momentum in Taking Action
01:33:11 Lack of Future Plans
01:36:06 Perseverance and Promotion
01:39:05 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
* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social
* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod
* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

Bunmi Ojewole is a black belt out of Cape Town, South Africa. Bunmi is a doctor and currently finishing up her training to become an orthopaedic surgeon. In her spare time, she also fights MMA and dances Kazumba and Bachata. She is one of first few female black belts in South Africa.
 
Episode Links:
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/@bunmiojewole
* Lions Den Jiujitsu: https://instagram.com/@lionsdensa
* Pride Fighting Academy: https://instagram.com/@pf_sa
* South African Gi Girls: https://instagram.com/@southafricangirlsingi
 
Contact:
* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest
 
Outline:
00:00 Intro
00:23 Journey to Black Belt
02:47 Mentoring in Jiujitsu
06:21 Competitive Landscape
10:26 Opinions of Avatar, the Last Air Bender and Arcane
13:06 Bone Bender and Orthopaedics
16:46 Advice for Queer Women
22:00 Origin Story: Geography and Culture
28:28 Becoming a Orthopaedic Surgeon
32:03 Surgical Stories
37:08 Medicine in South Africa
41:44 Dancing: A Safer Hobby
47:02 Life Lessons: Giving Grace to Others
50:18 Looking to the Future
54:25 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
* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

Matt McPeake is a black belt out of Ontario, Canada. He is also an Engineer, director of Sales in the paper and packaging industry, and a Batman enthusiast.
 
Episode Links:
* Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=61
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/@jitzrollz
* Facebook: https://facebook.com/matthew.mcpeake.1
* BJJ Fanatics Introduction to the Power Line: Modified Kesa Gatame: https://btb.fan/15-bjjkesa
* BJJ Fanatics Power Line: Backpack Attack: https://btb.fan/15-bjjback
* Book 1984 by George Orwell: https://btb.fan/15-book1
* Book A History of Canada in 10 Maps by Adam Shoalts: https://btb.fan/15-book2
* Book Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink: https://btb.fan/15-book3
* Book Batman and Ethics by Mark White: https://btb.fan/15-book4
* Comic Batman Contagion by Chuck Dixon: https://btb.fan/15-comic1
* Comic Batman Cataclysm by Chuck Dixon: https://btb.fan/15-comic2
* Comic Batman No Man's Land by Bob Gale: https://btb.fan/15-comic3
 
Contact:
* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest
 
Outline:
00:00 Intro
00:26 Journey to Black Belt
07:37 Find Your Gym Culture
17:09 Guard Pulling and Rulesets
19:44 Have a Game Plan
22:26 Teaching Structure
27:14 Sticking to the Rules
30:13 The Reality of Competition
37:00 Reading and Lifelong Learning
44:56 Jiujitsu's Role In Life
48:40 Dealing with Injuries
54:16 Life Advice
58:15 Conversation Take 2
59:21 Journey into Engineering and Corporate Career
01:02:14 Understanding the Starch Industry
01:04:34 Making Cardboard Boxes
01:08:12 Sustainability and Innovations in Packaging
01:18:23 Greenwashing and Recycling
01:23:07 Corporate Life
01:25:58 The Path to Advancement
01:35:22 Batman: The Complexity of a Hero
01:41:25 Ethics and Morality: Batman's Dilemma
01:45:07 Different Batmans, Different Villains
01:50:29 Exploring Batman: Recommendations for New Readers
01:52:50 The Importance of Authenticity in Life and Business
01:55:41 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
* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb