Jiu Jitsu Dummies

Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Chris Mierzwiak, Partnership Manager at Wodify

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

In Episode 191 of the @JiuJitsuDummies podcast, we sit down with Black Belt Chris Mierzwiak from @MeruBJJ and @WODIFY to dive deep into the business and lifestyle of Jiu-Jitsu. 

From the journey of starting an academy to building a sustainable and thriving student base, this episode is packed with real-world insight for academy owners and instructors alike.

We also explore how tools like @WODIFY can be leveraged as a powerful CRM to streamline operations, improve student retention, and ultimately help grow your academy. Chris shares practical strategies, lessons learned, and actionable advice for anyone looking to take their Jiu-Jitsu business to the next level.

Whether you’re already running an academy or thinking about opening one, this conversation covers what it really takes to succeed, on and off the mats. Plus, we mix in plenty of Jiu-Jitsu talk, mindset, and community perspectives that make this art so powerful.

 

Instagram handles:

@merubjj

@wodify

 

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

Academy Safe - Join or Donate now 

Wodify - $100 off per month, for life!

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Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at milton@jiujitsudummies.com to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

Javier "Showtime" Vazquez, 5th Degree Black Belt, Former Professional MMA Fighter

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

In episode 190 of the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, we sit down with Javier “Showtime” Vazquez, 5th degree black belt, former professional MMA fighter, and author of The Master Plan: From Chaos to Clarity in Jiu-Jitsu, available on Amazon. Javier shares his journey from the MMA cage to building a complete Jiu-Jitsu operating system designed to bring structure, strategy, and calm to the chaos of grappling. We dive into his unique approach to Jiu-Jitsu, why so many students struggle under traditional curricula, and how The Master Plan helps practitioners see the art in a completely new way. If you love Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, or just the idea of turning chaos into clarity on and off the mats, you don’t want to miss this conversation.

 

Instagram handle:

@jvjiujitsu

@therealjaviervazquez

 

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

Academy Safe - Join or Donate now 

Wodify - $100 off per month, for life!

Flow N Roll - Get 20% OFF with Code: JJD

Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast Store - Get 15% OFF with code: JJD

FightTape.us - Get 10% OFF with code: JJD

Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at milton@jiujitsudummies.com to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

Dating, Background Checks & Jiu-Jitsu Academy Safety

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

On this episode of the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, Black Belts Milton Campis and Ben Stark sit down for a real conversation about some tough topics in the Jiu-Jitsu community. We talk about dating at your academy, background checks for coaches and academy owners, and the Melqui Galvão incident involving his arrest in Brazil. This one is all about boundaries, accountability, and keeping Jiu-Jitsu academies safe for everyone.

Instagram handle:

@mmacoachben

@jiujitsudummies

@academysafe

 

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

Academy Safe - Join or Donate now 

Wodify - $100 off per month, for life!

Flow N Roll - Get 20% OFF with Code: JJD

Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast Store - Get 15% OFF with code: JJD

FightTape.us - Get 10% OFF with code: JJD

Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at milton@jiujitsudummies.com to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

Dan 'Big D' Sachkowsky - Entrepreneur, Speaker, Business Coach, and Podcast Host

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

Episode 188 of the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast features entrepreneur, speaker, business coach, and fellow podcast host Dan 'Big D' Sachkowsky as we dive deep into the mindset and mechanics of building a successful life and business. We talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, sales, and communication, and how to turn hard lessons into practical strategies you can use right now to level up your career or company. From staying motivated when things get tough to creating opportunities through relationships and consistency, we get to know Big Dan “Big D” Sachkowsky and unpack the principles that have driven his success.

 

Instagram handle:

@_big_dan_official

 

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

Academy Safe - Join or Donate now 

Flow N Roll - Get 20% OFF with Code: JJD

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Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at milton@jiujitsudummies.com to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

Jiu-Jitsu Minds, Business Grind: Milton & Ben Unplugged

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

On episode 187, Milton Campis and Ben Stark go from the mats to the boardroom and everywhere in between as they sit down for a real, unfiltered conversation about jiu-jitsu, martial arts, and the lives we build around them. In this episode they riff on training, team culture, the state of the world, and how lessons from the academy bleed into business, family, and everyday life. Most of the talk is about being a better training partner and human being, with a few detours into business and academy ownership for the listeners who are building something of their own. When Milton and Ben go unplugged, you get stories, hard-earned perspectives, and plenty of laughs from two black belts who have been around the block on and off the mats.

Instagram handles:

@jiujitsudummies

@mmacoachben

@academysafe

@blackbeltdigitalmarketing

@attpbg

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

Academy Safe - Join or Donate now 

Flow N Roll - Get 20% OFF with Code: JJD

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Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast Store - Get 15% OFF with code: JJD

FightTape.us - Get 10% OFF with code: JJD

Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at milton@jiujitsudummies.com to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

Law Enforcement Officer, Black Belt, Defensive Tactics Expert, Steven Chin

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

In this episode, we sit down with Steven Chin, a law enforcement officer and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt with decades of experience on the mats. Steven brings a unique perspective as a defensive tactics expert who has spent his career bridging the gap between traditional martial arts and real-world application. We spend time talking about his deep roots in knife training, which remains one of his longest-running disciplines and a core part of his tactical foundation. From the technical nuances of being a long-time black belt to the practical realities of life in uniform, Steven shares the insights he has gained from his years of dedicated training and service.

 

Instagram handle:

@directactiontraining

 

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

Academy Safe - Join or Donate now 

Flow N Roll - Get 20% OFF with Code: JJD

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Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast Store - Get 15% OFF with code: JJD

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Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at milton@jiujitsudummies.com to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

The Current State of Jiu-Jitsu with Black Belts Milton Campis and Ben Stark

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

In this episode, Milton and Ben dive into the heavy headlines currently surfacing across the Jiu-Jitsu landscape. This week is a "solo session" where we address the mounting allegations and controversies involving major names and camps, including Atos, Kingsway, and Checkmat.

As black belts and academy leaders, we discuss the critical need for better boundaries and professional standards within our schools. We address the serious issues of misconduct and inappropriate behavior that have recently come to light, and we explore how the community can move toward a more transparent future.

Central to this conversation is the mission of Academy Safe. We discuss how formal accreditation and safety standards are no longer just an option; they are a requirement for protecting our students and the integrity of the sport.

Topics discussed:

• Recent community allegations and their impact on the culture.

• Holding owners and coaches to a higher standard of accountability.

• The role of Academy Safe in creating a secure environment for all practitioners.

Instagram handles:

@jiujitsudummies

@mmacoachben

@academysafe

@attpbg

 

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

Academy Safe - Join or Donate now 

Flow N Roll - Get 20% OFF with Code: JJD

Leao Optics - Get 10% OFF with Code: JJD

Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast Store - Get 15% OFF with code: JJD

FightTape.us - Get 10% OFF with code: JJD

 

Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at milton@jiujitsudummies.com to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

Law Enforcement Officer Ish Lopez, The Relentless Project Podcast Host

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

In this episode of the Jiu Jitsu Dummies, Milton and Ben sit down with Ish Lopez, a Pittsburgh-area Law Enforcement Officer and SRT (Special Response Team) operator who is deeply embedded in the professional side of the martial arts world.

Ish brings a unique perspective to the show as the host of The Relentless Project podcast and the Operations Manager for Seminar Stack. We discuss his experience on the front lines, the logistical side of organizing world-class seminars, and how his background in law enforcement shapes his view of the BJJ community.

We also dive into the mission of Academy Safe. Ish shares his insights from a first-responder's point of view on why background checks, safety certifications, and AED/CPR standards are essential components for any modern academy.

In this episode, we cover:

• Tactical Jiu Jitsu: The reality of being an SRT officer and how BJJ translates to law enforcement.

• Seminar Stack & Logistics: Behind the scenes of helping the industry's best organize and share their knowledge.

• The Academy Safe Standard: Why high-level safety and verification are the gold standard for gym owners.

• The Relentless Mindset: Lessons learned from hosting The Relentless Project.

Whether you're a first responder, a gym owner, or just a practitioner looking to understand the high-stakes side of the art, Ish brings a perspective you don’t want to miss.

 

Instagram handles:

@relentlessprjct

@theishlopez

@seminarstack

 

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

Academy Safe - Join or Donate now 

Flow N Roll - Get 20% OFF with Code: JJD

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Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at milton@jiujitsudummies.com to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

 

Black Belts Ben Stark and Milton Campis on Academy Safe and BJJ Life

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

What happens when you put two Black Belts behind the mics with no script? You get the raw, unfiltered reality of the Jiu-Jitsu journey.

In this episode, Milton Campis and Ben Stark sit down to discuss the vital mission of Academy Safe, why it’s needed now more than ever, and how it’s shaping the future of martial arts safety.

 

Instagram handles:

@mmacoachben

@academysafe

@jiujitsudummies

@blackbeltdigitalmarketing

 

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

Academy Safe - Join or Donate now 

Flow N Roll - Get 20% OFF with Code: JJD

Leao Optics - Get 10% OFF with Code: JJD

Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast Store - Get 15% OFF with code: JJD

FightTape.us - Get 10% OFF with code: JJD

 

Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at milton@jiujitsudummies.com to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

 

Scott Burr, Rickson Gracie Black Belt and Co-Author of 'Lessons from the Mat'

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

Episode 182: Scott Burr – Lessons from the Mat & Future Classics

In this episode of the Jiu-Jitsu Dummies Podcast, we sit down with 3rd-degree Black Belt, author, and philosopher of the mats, Scott Burr.

Scott is the co-author of the highly acclaimed book Lessons from the Mat (with Benjamin Chen), which explores the 12 martial arts principles that translate directly into business and life success. But Scott’s work behind the scenes of Jiu-Jitsu literature goes even deeper. We dive into:

• Writing with Legends: Scott shares insights into his current high-profile book projects with two of the most iconic figures in the art: Rickson Gracie and "Dirty Dozen" member Chris Haueter.

• Worth Defending: We revisit his collaboration with Richard Bresler, the man widely considered the first student of BJJ in America.

• The Creative Process: How do you capture the "invisible" concepts of Rickson or the unique, artistic philosophy of Haueter and put them into words?

Whether you are a white belt just starting or a black belt looking for deeper conceptual understanding, Scott’s perspective on the history and future of BJJ is invaluable. 

 

Instagram handles:

@enclavejiujitsu

@scottburrauthor

 

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

Academy Safe - Join or Donate now 

Flow N Roll - Get 20% OFF with Code: JJD

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Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast Store - Get 15% OFF with code: JJD

FightTape.us - Get 10% OFF with code: JJD

 

Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at milton@jiujitsudummies.com to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.