"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

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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

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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

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

For Brandon Ryan, martial arts isn't about belts, trophies, or proving people wrong.

It's about helping others discover what they're truly capable of.

Despite living with cerebral palsy, Brandon found his purpose in teaching, inspiring, and creating opportunities for people who thought martial arts wasn't for them.

His passion for helping students build confidence, overcome obstacles, and believe in themselves is what makes this conversation so powerful.

This episode is packed with lessons on resilience, purpose, leadership, and helping people become the best version of themselves.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brandon Ryan's Journey
02:45 Overcoming Challenges: The Role of Family
05:18 The Early Days of Martial Arts Training
08:38 Defining Moments in Martial Arts
11:05 Teaching Adaptive Martial Arts
14:00 The Evolution of Adaptive Martial Arts
16:25 Building a Community and Following
19:11 The Importance of De-escalation
20:26 Understanding Violence and Legalities
25:03 Responsibility in Self-Defense
26:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
26:46 The Equalizer: Firearms and Self-Defense
28:31 Training for Real-Life Situations
31:11 Challenges in Martial Arts Training
35:05 Becoming an Author: A Personal Journey
37:52 Adapting Martial Arts for Everyone
40:38 Overcoming Physical Limitations
46:15 The Importance of Realistic Training
46:21 What's Next: Life After Adversity
50:42 1756849464234 (2).wav

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

In this episode of Old Man On The Mat, Tony Jones reconnects with Daniel Nunez of Grapple Cove to discuss the journey of building a community-focused Jiu-Jitsu academy in Melbourne, Florida.

We dive into faith, perseverance, business growth, overcoming struggles, and how staying true to your core values can help build something meaningful both on and off the mats.

This conversation is packed with lessons on leadership, mindset, community building, and personal growth for martial artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing a bigger purpose.

Like, follow & subscribe to Old Man On The Mat New episodes weekly

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background of Daniel Nunez
03:16 Growth and Community at Grapple Cove
06:34 The Importance of Personal Connection in Jiu-Jitsu
09:18 Investing in the Business and Community
12:18 Adding Value to Students' Lives
15:12 Taking the Leap: Business Growth and Challenges
18:07 Overcoming Personal Struggles and Finding Purpose
22:45 Overcoming Darkness: A Personal Journey
25:43 The Power of Faith and Support
28:45 Mindset Shift: Embracing Struggles
32:57 The Importance of Connection and Community
38:17 Future Aspirations: Growth and Expansion
40:36 Core Values: Staying True to Yourself
44:15 1756849464234 (2).wav

#bjj #jiujitsu #martialarts #grappling #community #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #faith #motivation #mindset #oldmanonthemat #personalgrowth

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In this powerful interview, Tiffany Trixtr shares how she transformed her life from depression into strength through martial arts, dog training, and firearms.

From learning how to protect herself to empowering other women, her journey is about more than skills—it’s about confidence, mindset, and refusing to stay stuck.

“I built my parachute on the way down.”

If you’ve ever felt lost, this conversation will push you to take action.

👉 Like, follow & subscribe for weekly conversations on strength, mindset, and personal growth👉 New episodes every week on Old Man On The Mat

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tiffany Trixtr

05:30 The Challenges and Rewards of Dog Training

10:22 Understanding Dog Behavior and Training Techniques

15:18 The Importance of Owner-Dog Relationships

20:08 Overcoming Personal Struggles and Finding Purpose

24:00 Embracing Challenges and Learning from Failure

27:47 The Impact of Martial Arts on Personal Growth

30:13 Real-Life Applications of Martial Arts

36:42 Empowerment Through Self-Defense

39:26 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Martial Arts

39:56 Empowering Women in Martial Arts

40:46 Overcoming Gender Bias in Training

41:56 The Love for Firearms

42:57 From Novice to Enthusiast in Shooting

44:36 Exploring Advanced Shooting Techniques

45:53 Training with Law Enforcement

47:39 Future Aspirations in Martial Arts and Firearms

48:44 The Art of Blades and Self-Defense

51:56 Understanding Knife Fighting Dynamics

56:04 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

59:17 1756849464234 (2).wav

#selfdefense #martialarts #womensafety #empowerment #mentalstrength #personalgrowth #dogtraining #confidence #overcomingfear #discipline #oldmanonthemat #motivation #nevergiveup 💪🔥🥋

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

On this episode of Old Man On The Mat, we sit down with Damian Bunting—whose journey from military and law enforcement into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shows exactly what it means to start over after 40.

This isn’t about being the best in the room.
It’s about refusing to stay the same man.

We break down:

• What it’s like starting BJJ later in life
• The mental toughness built through adversity
• Why ego is the biggest enemy on the mats
• How martial arts rebuilds discipline, purpose, and identity

If you're over 40 and feel that pull to do something harder… this is it.

You’re not too old. You’re just untested. Follow & Subscribe to Old Man On The Mat for real conversations on BJJ, fitness, and staying dangerous after 40.

www.youtube.com/@oldmanonthemat

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Community Support
01:31 Meet Damian: A Unique Perspective
02:35 Living in Portland: A Cultural Contrast
03:54 The Politics of Jiu Jitsu
05:03 Creating Spaces for Older Practitioners
06:18 The Challenges of Training Over 40
08:11 Personal Journeys and Emotional Challenges
09:59 Midlife Reflections and Jiu Jitsu
11:15 The Journey of Learning Jiu Jitsu
13:11 The Role of Jiu Jitsu in Personal Safety
15:09 Finding Balance in Training
17:49 Mindset and Enjoying the Process
20:05 Education and Personal Growth
21:50 Measuring Progress in Jiu Jitsu
24:04 The Challenge of Learning New Skills After 40
26:11 The Importance of Perseverance in Jiu Jitsu
29:20 Understanding Growth in a Competitive Environment
31:11 Mindset and Progress in Martial Arts
33:49 Fitness Routines for Older Adults
36:13 Nutrition and Diet for Optimal Performance
39:54 Transitioning from Military to Security Work
46:47 Coping Mechanisms in High-Stress Environments
49:25 The Therapeutic Nature of Jiu Jitsu
50:38 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Martial Arts
55:02 Lessons from Coaching and Business Failures
58:41 Facing Fears and Embracing Competition
01:03:27 Documenting the Journey: Sharing Experiences and Insights
01:05:58 1756849464234 (2).wav

#foryourpage #foryou #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral

#oldmanonthemat #bjjover40 #jiujitsu #bjj #fitnessover40 #mensmentalhealth #mentalwarfare #discipline #resilience #grapplinglife #selfdefense #staydangerous #over40men #hardtokill #combatmindset #nevertoolate #bjjlifestyle #motivationdaily #masculineframe #trainhard

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

Strong body means nothing without a strong mindset.

Coach Cal on Mental Toughness, Faith & Building Winners | Wrestling & Jiu Jitsu Mindset

In this powerful conversation, Coach Cal shares his journey of overcoming challenges, building a successful wrestling program, and helping others grow through discipline and relationships.

From Wrestling to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he breaks down the importance of mental toughness, faith, continuous learning, and maintaining a positive mindset—especially as you get older.

This episode is about more than training… it’s about building stronger people and a lasting impact.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Podcast
04:06 Starting Wrestling: Coach Cal's Journey
06:56 Building a Wrestling Program from Scratch
10:48 Success Stories: From Few to Many Wrestlers
12:26 Motivation and Relationships in Coaching
14:45 Involvement in Jiu-Jitsu and Its Impact
16:39 Creating a Positive Team Environment
18:31 The Rise of Women's Wrestling
19:28 The Equalizing Power of Wrestling
20:49 Belief and Responsibility: Shaping Young Minds
23:30 Life Lessons from Adversity
25:22 Faith and Transformation
27:07 Influence and Purpose in Life
30:03 Finding Love and Support
38:46 Facing Fears and New Challenges
40:34 Overcoming Challenges in Martial Arts
42:37 Learning and Growth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
44:41 The Importance of Community and Mentorship
47:57 The Benefits of Martial Arts for All Ages
49:20 Finding the Right Training Environment
52:52 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Podcasting
56:01 Inspiration and Resilience in Life
59:44 The Role of Experience in Learning
01:02:26 The Impact of Technology on Real-Life Skills
01:02:30 The Evolution of Conflict Resolution
01:08:26 Reflections on Modern Youth and Morality
01:09:36 Faith, Identity, and Personal Beliefs
01:15:00 The Importance of Standing Firm in Beliefs
01:18:34 The Power of Positive Attitude and Connection
01:24:21 1756849464234 (2).wav

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