Beyond the Belt

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

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