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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.
Let’s roll!

#OldManOnTheMat #BJJLifestyle #JiuJitsuCommunity #PodcastLife #BJJOver40 #VeteranSupport #TrainHardLiveHard #Fitness #MartialArts #Podcast

© 2026 Old Man On The Mat
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Episodes
  • Michael Spyrou / The Martial Arts School Growth System Every Academy Owner Needs to See | AI, Marketing & Automation
    Jul 21 2026

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

    Want to grow your martial arts school without working longer hours?

    In this episode of Old Man On The Mat, Tony Jones sits down with Michael Spyrou to discuss how AI, automation, and proven business systems are transforming the way martial arts schools attract students, improve retention, and build thriving communities.

    If you're a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor, karate school owner, taekwondo coach, MMA gym owner, or martial arts entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement immediately.

    Inside this episode:

    🥋 How AI is changing martial arts marketing
    📈 Lead generation systems that convert prospects into students
    🤖 Automation strategies that save time and improve communication
    👥 Building a community students never want to leave
    💼 Business systems that help scale your academy sustainably
    🔥 The importance of relationships, culture, and leadership

    Whether you're opening your first academy or looking to take your existing school to the next level, this conversation delivers real-world insights from someone helping martial arts businesses grow every day.

    🚨 The FULL episode is LIVE NOW!

    🎥 Watch now on YouTube!

    🎧 You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

    👍 If you enjoyed this episode, Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future interviews with world-class martial artists, coaches, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

    What's the biggest challenge you're facing in growing your martial arts school? Let us know in the comments!

    #OldManOnTheMat #MichaelSpyrou #MartialArtsBusiness #MartialArtsMarketing #AI #Automation #LeadGeneration #BusinessSystems #JiuJitsu #BrazilianJiuJitsu #Karate #Taekwondo #MMA #GymOwner #SchoolOwner #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #Marketing #Podcast #YouTubePodcast

    Support the show


    Support Our Podcast:

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldmanonthemat


    Like and comment on our social media below:

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

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    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
    57 mins
  • Train Smarter. Recover Better. Keep Fighting. | Nathan Ng
    Jul 14 2026

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

    Train Smarter After 40 | Nathan Ng on Injury Recovery, Mobility & Martial Arts Longevity

    🔥 The new episode of Old Man On The Mat is LIVE!

    In this episode, Tony Jones sits down with Nathan Ng to explore what it really takes to keep training for life.

    Nathan shares his journey through Muay Thai, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and strength & conditioning, along with the lessons he's learned from injury recovery, competition, and adapting his training over the years.

    In this episode, you'll learn:
    🥋 How mobility can extend your martial arts journey
    💪 Why training smarter beats training harder
    🩹 How injuries can become opportunities for growth
    🧠 The mindset needed to stay competitive as you age
    ⚔️ The differences between Gi and No-Gi training
    👊 Why passing on knowledge is one of the greatest legacies a martial artist can leave

    Whether you're a lifelong martial artist, a weekend warrior, or someone looking to stay active after 40, this conversation is full of practical advice and inspiration.

    🎥 Watch the full episode NOW on YouTube!

    🎧 Prefer audio? Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    👉 If you enjoyed this episode, LIKE, FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and share it with a training partner who's committed to staying on the mats for life.

    #OldManOnTheMat #NathanNing #MartialArts #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJ #MuayThai #Judo #Mobility #InjuryRecovery #FitnessOver40 #FitnessOver50 #Longevity #StrengthAndConditioning #SelfDefense #Mindset #HealthyAging #YouTubePodcast #Podcast #TrainSmart #KeepRolling

    Support the show


    Support Our Podcast:

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldmanonthemat


    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 22 mins
  • Why You're NEVER Too Old for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Shane Close | Graybeard Grapplers
    Jun 30 2026

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

    Old But Not Dead... Just More Dangerous | Shane Close

    What if getting older actually made you a better martial artist?

    In this inspiring conversation, Shane Close of Graybeard Grapplers shares why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn't just a sport—it's a lifestyle that keeps you moving, learning, and growing for life.

    From mobility and nutrition to injuries, mindset, and building a welcoming community for older grapplers, Shane proves that age isn't the end of your journey—it's just another chapter.

    💥 "Old but not dead... dangerous old men."

    🎥 Watch the full episode NOW on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

    👉 Like, Follow & Subscribe to Old Man On The Mat for weekly conversations about martial arts, fitness, longevity, and living life with purpose.

    #oldmanonthemat #bjj #jiujitsu #graybeardgrapplers #fitnessover40 #fitnessover50 #martialarts #mobility #longevity #healthyaging #grappling #mindset #nutrition #mentalhealth #podcast #youtubepodcast #staystrong #keeprolling 🥋🔥

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Shane Close and His Journey
    03:38 The Evolution of Martial Arts Training
    06:39 Transitioning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
    09:37 Injuries and Their Impact on Training
    12:39 The Importance of Staying Active
    15:36 Mindset and Ego in Jiu-Jitsu
    18:36 Balancing Jiu-Jitsu with Other Activities
    21:57 Training Regimens and Recovery Strategies
    24:54 Nutrition and Dietary Adjustments
    28:42 The Role of Supplements in Fitness
    30:35 Welcoming Newcomers in Martial Arts
    33:12 The Evolution of Martial Arts Culture
    39:39 The Therapeutic Benefits of Jiu Jitsu
    41:36 The Healing Power of Physical Activity
    43:42 The Birth of Graybeard Grapplers
    51:57 Building a Community for Older Grapplers
    59:11 Connecting with the Graybeard Grapplers Brand
    01:00:27 1756849464234 (2).wav

    Support the show


    Support Our Podcast:

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldmanonthemat


    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 1 min
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