Old Man On The Mat
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.
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Episodes
63 episodes
From Anorexia to Elite Athlete: Dasha "Pravda" Tereshchenko
Her journey from a 12-year battle with anorexia to becoming one of the most elite athletic coaches in the game is nothing short of inspiring.She’s a Muscle Activation Techniques practitioner, certified sports nutrition coach, fitness tr...
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1:03:22
Owner and Founder of Kingdom Grappling, Kayl Bryant
In this conversation, Kayl Bryant discusses bringing his vision to reality. He talks about his dream of building a gym that welcomes all. He also discusses the challenges of running a business, particularly the financial burdens that come with ...
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1:06:36
From Daycare to The Mat: Jabari Irons' Journey
In this engaging conversation, Jabari Irons shares his journey from a young boy in a daycare wrestling club to becoming an elite wrestler and coach. He discusses his early experiences with wrestling, the influence of coaches, the challenges fac...
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1:21:20
Bourbon and Ballistics: A Great Conversation with Joel Potter
In this engaging episode of Old Man on the Mat, host Tony Jones converses with Joel Potter, the creator of the Bourbon and Ballistics podcast. They delve into the challenges of promoting a firearms-related business in a restrictive social media...
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1:39:24
From Marine to Fitness Model and Actor: Kevin Caliber's Journey
In this engaging conversation, Kevin Caliber shares his journey from a Midwest upbringing to becoming a fitness model and actor in Los Angeles. He discusses the impact of travel on personal growth, overcoming injuries, and the discipline requir...
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1:21:42
Empowering Women Through Martial Arts with Andrea Harkins
*****PLEASE FORGIVE US FOR THE POOR SOUND QUALITY*****In this engaging conversation, Andrea Harkins shares her journey in martial arts, starting from her initial reluctance to embrace the disc...
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46:57
Empowering Divorced Dads: John Didio's Journey
In this episode, Tony Jones interviews John Didio, a personal trainer who specializes in helping divorced dads regain their power and confidence. John shares his journey from a troubled youth to a successful personal trainer, detailing the ...
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1:10:00
Transforming Lives Through Faith and Fitness with Salvador Torres "The Fit Christian Dad"
In this episode, Tony Jones interviews Salvador Torres, a Christian fitness coach who shares his transformative journey from a troubled past to becoming a fitness specialist. Salvador emphasizes the importance of treating the body as a temple, ...
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1:04:31
Transforming Lives Through Fitness, Ethan Buck (Iron Will PT)
In this episode, Tony Jones interviews Ethan Buck, a fitness coach who shares his inspiring journey of transformation from a 320-pound punk rocker to a fitness expert. They discuss the importance of sustainable lifestyle changes, the connec...
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1:09:13
From CPA to Ironman: Michael Lantz's Inspiring Journey
In this episode of Old Man on the Mat, host Tony Jones interviews Michael Lantz, a remarkable individual who completed 15 Ironman triathlons after the age of 50. Michael shares his inspiring journey of transformation through fitness and nut...
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1:26:49
The Dirty Demon Wrist Locker, Scott Taylor
In this episode, Tony Jones interviews Scott Taylor, a martial artist with a rich background in various disciplines including Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. They discuss Scott's journey in martial arts, the evolution of Taekwondo, the i...
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55:46
The Evolution of Fitness: Lee Hazard, the Burpee King
In this episode of Old Man on the Mat, host Tony Jones engages with Lee, a fitness enthusiast from Glasgow, who shares his unique journey into fitness, starting from childhood workouts with his mother to his current role in the fitness industry...
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1:08:07
From Marine to Jiu Jitsu Instructor: Grapple Cove's Daniel Nunez
In this episode of Old Man on the Mat, host Tony Jones welcomes Daniel Nunez, a Marine Corps veteran and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt. They discuss Nunez's journey from military service to becoming a Jiu Jitsu instructor, the importance of cr...
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1:06:30
From Combat to the Mat: With Matthew Montgomery
In this episode of Old Man on the Mat, host Tony Jones speaks with Matthew Montgomery, a Marine combat veteran and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. They discuss Matthew's journey into martial arts, the importance of community and relationships...
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1:06:50
Chatting with the owner of Aces Training Center, Coach Lou
Coach Lou is a Marine veteran, a dedicated family man, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and the owner of Aces Training Center in Round Lake, Illinois. His school is known for their grit and adherence to traditional training values....
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1:13:48
Chatting with Sexuality and Faith Coach, Freeman Voyles
Freeman is a Catholic content creator, writer, and podcaster with a deep passion for exploring faith, culture, and sexuality—especially as they relate to helping young people live boldly for God. She’s the voice behind the Instagram account and...
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1:05:23
Chatting with Marine and Purple Heart recipient, Jimmy Gentile
Jimmy Gentile — a retired U.S. Marine who served with Golf Company, 3rd Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines out of Camp Pendleton, California. During his deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, Jimmy faced the harsh realities of combat and proved his...
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51:03
Chatting with PSF Legacy Jiu-Jitsu gym owner, Jared Gahm
Jared is a former professional MMA fighter, a personal trainer, and the owner of PSF Legacy Jiu-Jitsu in Bloomington, Illinois.His passion for developing productive and upstanding athletes is unparalleled. Listen to his story ...
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1:13:01
Chatting with Neuroperformance coach, Yuka Sugiura
Yuka is a Neuroperformance Coach who has studied applied neuroscience athletic performance, wellness, and recovery. She also holds certifications in orthopedic massage, Pilates therapy, and dance medicine. She's the owner of LevelUp Neuroperfor...
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1:01:56
Chatting with Black Belt Gavin Wurth "Hilo Haole"
Gavin Wurth- Founder of the Louisville MMA Fight Club, established 1993- Record-breaking wrestling coach- Multiple black belt ranks in Judo, Taijutsu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Taekwondo, Karate, and Sambo- Trained under ...
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1:29:46
Chatting with Purple Belt Jeremy Litka
Jeremy is a 47-year-old maintenance worker at a manufacturing plant, a husband, and a proud father of two—a 22-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter. When he is not maintaining the machinery at work, he can be found training in Brazilian Jiu-...
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1:11:48
Chatting with Filipino Martial Artist, Robert Koenig
Robert is a dedicated Filipino Martial Arts practitioner who began his journey in Modern Arnis under Datu Kelly Worden. Encouraged to explore various systems, he trained with esteemed martial artists such as Ted Lucaylucay, James Keating, Dr. B...
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1:36:11
Chatting with Filipino Martial Arts Guro, Francis Serrano
The original "Tapi Tapi"Guro Francis Serrano is not only an internet sensation with videos that have been viewed more than 5 million times, but he is also the Chief Instructor at Filipino Martial Arts school in Riverside, CA. He has been...
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1:11:57
Chatting with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Podcaster, Ricky Pike
Ricky Pike is a first-degree black belt under renowned instructor Danny Dring of Arkansas, with 16 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and over 30 years dedicated to martial arts. He is the owner and head coach of All Heart Jiu Jitsu, lo...
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1:16:28
Chatting with Combat Sports Chaplain, Josh Boyd
Josh is a pastor and combat sports chaplain in Las Vegas, the Fight Capital of the World. At 47 years old, he began practicing Jiu Jitsu in January 2024 and recently earned his blue belt. A few months ago, he competed in his first tournament an...
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49:48