Jiu Jitsu Dummies

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

 

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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

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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

 

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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

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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

 

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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

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Jiu Jitsu for Law Enforcement with Officers Major John Bailey and Sgt. Wade Powers

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

This week we are honored to sit down with two leaders who are bridging the gap between the mats and the thin blue line: Sgt. Wade Powers and Major John Bailey of the Gwinnett County Police Department.

In this deep-dive conversation, we explore the "how" behind the headlines. Wade and John share the journey of successfully launching a Jiu-Jitsu program within a major police department, detailing the hurdles and the wins of getting a BJJ-based curriculum approved.

We discuss their unique roles as coaches, both within the police academy for new recruits and on the continuing education side for veteran officers. Whether you are interested in the evolution of defensive tactics, the mindset required to lead a department-wide training shift, or how BJJ is literally changing the face of law enforcement safety, this episode is a must-listen.

 

Instagram handles:

@jcb.blessed

@wadepowers85

 

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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

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Brandon Whitman from Moo-Jitsu

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

This week on the Jiu-Jitsu Dummies Podcast, we spice things up as we welcome Brandon Whitman, the co-founder of Moo-Jitsu Craft Spices!

Brandon joins us for a fantastic conversation that explores the surprising intersection of grappling and gourmet flavor. We dive into his personal journey, from stepping onto the mats and discovering the world of Jiu-Jitsu, to how that passion ultimately inspired him and his family to launch a very unique spice company.

Hear how the "craft spice" idea was born and get the inside story on the clever, BJJ-themed names they chose for their various blends. It's an episode proving that sometimes, the best business ideas come directly from your deepest passion!

 

Instagram handle:

@moo.jitsu

 

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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

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Black Belt Ben Chen, Author of Lessons From the Mat

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

What does it truly take to earn a Black Belt? We talk with Black Belt and author Ben Chen about his new book 'Lessons From the Mat' and the intensive training that shaped his philosophy.

Hear incredible stories from his time training with world-famous instructors like Rickson Gracie, and understand the core principles he distilled for success in any discipline. This episode is a deep dive into commitment, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Learn how the toughest lessons on the mat become the most valuable lessons in life.

 

Instagram handle:

@benjaminchen88

 

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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

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Seminar Stack - Where Jiu-Jitsu Meets Wellness, Warriors & First Responders

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

Episode 178: This week, the Jiu Jitsu Dummies host Kate and Eric from Seminar Stack! We discuss their personal journey, beginning with Eric, a law enforcement officer who sustained career-altering injuries when his patrol car was hit from behind.

His recovery led both him and his wife, Kate, to Jiu-Jitsu. This life-changing journey prompted Kate to establish Seminar Stack, a platform created to turn adversity into action.

Now, they host powerful events where the principles of Jiu-Jitsu meet essential Wellness support for Warriors and First Responders.

It’s a compelling conversation about resilience, finding purpose on the mat, and how Kate founded a mission to give back to those who serve.

Learn more about their events and purpose at seminarstack.com.

 

Instagram handle:

@seminarstack

 

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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

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Jiu-Jitsu in Public Schools with Black Belt Chris Ortiz

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

Welcome to the Jiu-Jitsu Dummies Podcast! In this pivotal Episode 177, we sit down with Black Belt Chris Ortiz, an educator who is fighting a challenging battle off the mats: getting jiu-jitsu approved and integrated into the public school curriculum.

Chris shares the compelling story of his own jiu-jitsu journey and gives us a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the roadblocks, speed bumps, and bureaucratic hurdles he’s encountered while trying to implement the program at his own school.

This is a critical conversation about the discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills jiu-jitsu offers students, and the powerful advocacy required to bring those benefits into our education system.

Tune in to hear how Chris is working to change the system from the inside out.

 

Instagram handle:

@chrisortiz3946

 

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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

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Top 10 Academy Red Flags, Moneyberg and More with Ben Stark and Milton Campis

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

This week, hosts Ben Stark and Milton Campis sit down for a candid, no-holds-barred discussion on some of the most talked-about topics in the BJJ community.

We dive deep into:

• ⚠️ The Top 10 Academy Red Flags: Essential viewing for anyone training or looking to join a gym! We break down the signs of a poor learning environment, bad business practices, and safety concerns that every student and parent should look out for.

• The Black Belt Debate: We tackle the viral discussion surrounding Derek Moneyberg and his rapid three-and-a-half-year journey to a Black Belt. Is it legitimate? What does it mean for the sport? We analyze the timeline and the overall significance.

• Plus: All the usual conversation and insight into all things Jiu-Jitsu!

Tune in for the unfiltered mat talk and let us know your thoughts on our Top 10 list!

 

Instagram handles:

@unclemiltybjj

@mmacoachben

@jiujitsudummies

@attpbg

 

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

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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

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Rose Gracie, Daughter of Rorion Gracie and Black Belt Charlie Vinch

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

In this episode, we're honored to sit down with Rose Gracie, daughter of the one and only Rorion Gracie. Joining us for a fascinating conversation is returning guest and Black Belt, Charlie Vince.

We dive deep into the roots of the gentle art, exploring the rich history of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and its profound impact on the martial arts world. Get ready for an insightful discussion that goes beyond the mats, covering everything from the early days of the UFC to the distinctions between sport jiu-jitsu and traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Rose also shares her passion for a cause close to her heart: the Concussion Legacy Foundation. Learn about her incredible work and unwavering dedication to helping MMA fighters and athletes who have suffered from head trauma. For more information, you can visit ConcussionFoundation.org.

This is an episode packed with history, passion, and invaluable insights you won't want to miss. Tune in now!

 

Guest Instagram handles:

@rosegracie

@concussionfoundation

@fightingfoundation

@charlievinch

@budomartialartsfl

 

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

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Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter 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.