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Old Man On The Mat

Old Man On The Mat

By: Tony Jones
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Follow Old Man On The Mat — Where Real Talk, and Real Life Meet!

Old Man On The Mat is your home for BJJ stories, martial arts insight, fitness motivation, veteran support, and down-to-earth conversations with athletes, coaches, and everyday warriors. Whether you’re over 40 getting back in shape, a lifelong martial artist, or someone who loves raw, honest conversation — this page brings weekly podcasts, training tips, gear drops, and behind-the-scenes content you won’t find anywhere else.


Hit FOLLOW now to stay connected, learn, laugh, and grow with a community built on grit, humility, and the love of the mat.
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Episodes
  • Train for Life: Ryan Hurst on Martial Arts Longevity, Movement & Mental Toughness
    Feb 24 2026

    "Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

    In this episode, Tony Jones interviews Ryan Hurst, co-owner and head coach at GMB Fitness, who shares his extensive journey in martial arts, including his experiences living in Japan for nearly 30 years. Ryan discusses his early beginnings in martial arts, the cultural differences in training, and the importance of mental toughness in practice. He emphasizes the philosophy behind his project, 'On The Mat Forever,' which aims to help individuals maintain their martial arts practice throughout their lives, focusing on personal choice and overcoming limitations. In this conversation, Ryan discusses his experiences of moving to the United States, the challenges faced, and the importance of understanding one's 'why' in life. He emphasizes the significance of posture, breath, and mindset in martial arts and fitness, and shares insights on the GMB approach to movement. The discussion also touches on cultural differences, healthcare experiences in Japan versus the USA, and the evolving social norms regarding respect. Ryan highlights the importance of training in self-defense and expresses his goals for the future of GMB.


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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Blending Styles with Isaac Wilson
    Feb 17 2026

    "Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

    In this episode of Old Man on the Mat, host Tony Jones engages with Isaac Wilson, a young martial artist from Florida, discussing his journey through various martial arts disciplines including Muay Thai, karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and more. They explore the influence of martial arts movies, the evolution of training styles, the importance of blending different martial arts, and the challenges of competition. Isaac shares insights on how traditional arts have changed over time and emphasizes the significance of wrestling in martial arts training. The conversation highlights the value of being open to learning from various styles and the personal growth that comes from martial arts practice. In this engaging conversation, Isaac Wilson and Old Man On The Mat discuss various aspects of martial arts, including the importance of ego in personal growth, the journey of a martial artist, the challenges of injuries and recovery, and the significance of community support. They also touch on nutrition, the role of contracts in martial arts schools, and the upcoming black belt test for Isaac, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in the martial arts community.


    Support the show

    Like and comment on our social media below:

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    https://x.com/oldmanonthemat1

    https://www.tiktok.com/@old.man.on.the.mat

    https://www.instagram.com/oldmanonthemat

    www.youtube.com/@oldmanonthemat

    Check out our AMAZING T-Shirts, Hoodies and Rash Guards @ www.OldManOnTheMat.com

    support us at:
    https://www.buzzsprout.com/2351260/support


    Thank you for listening!


    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Judo for Jiu-Jitsu, Sensei Cole Stanley
    Feb 10 2026

    "Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

    In this episode, Cole Stanley shares his journey in martial arts, starting from his early days in judo to becoming a dojo owner and instructor. He discusses the evolution of martial arts in small towns, the challenges of starting a martial arts school, and the importance of community support. Cole emphasizes the significance of teaching philosophy focused on understanding and growth, as well as the role of passion in his teaching. He reflects on his experiences in networking within the martial arts community and the future of his dojo. In this conversation, Cole Stanley discusses the challenges of attracting students to his judo dojo, the importance of engaging teaching methods, and the need to tailor lessons to meet the needs of students. He emphasizes the significance of promoting judo as an accessible martial art for all ages and abilities, while also sharing his future plans for growth and community engagement. The conversation highlights the misconceptions surrounding judo and the importance of presenting it in a way that appeals to a broader audience.

    Support the show

    Like and comment on our social media below:

    (1) Facebook

    https://x.com/oldmanonthemat1

    https://www.tiktok.com/@old.man.on.the.mat

    https://www.instagram.com/oldmanonthemat

    www.youtube.com/@oldmanonthemat

    Check out our AMAZING T-Shirts, Hoodies and Rash Guards @ www.OldManOnTheMat.com

    support us at:
    https://www.buzzsprout.com/2351260/support


    Thank you for listening!


    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 32 mins
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