Welcome to Beyond the Belt, a podcast that explores the intersection of Brazilian Jiujitsu and everyday life. In each episode, we sit down with black belts who don’t have Jiujitsu as their primary source of income. They are practitioners (and sometimes also coaches) who balance their love for BJJ with successful careers, family life, and personal passions.
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Brandon Gaspar, Black Belt, Geologist, Mineral Financial Analyst – Beyond the Belt #10
Brandon Gaspar is a black belt out of Ontario, Canada. Brandon is former gold miner, current geologist, and now works as a research analyst doing technical due diligence on mineral development projects.
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Alex Buch, Black Belt, Child Therapist, Philosopher – Beyond the Belt #9
Alex Buch is a black belt out of Wuppertal, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Alex is a lifelong martial artist, former MMA fighter, philosophy major, and social worker focusing childhood behaviorial therapy.
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Michael Zolondek, Black Belt, Jesus Historian, Child Therapist, Author – Beyond the Belt #8
Michael Zolondek, a black belt out of Gainesville, Florida, USA. Michael received his PhD in New Testament language, literature, and theology with a focus on Jesus as a historical figure. He’s also a childhood psychologist focusing on behavior and trauma with his own wellness practice.
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John Ethier, Black Belt, Train Conductor, Fitness Instructor – Beyond the Belt #7
This is a conversation with John Ethier, a black belt out of Ontario, Canada. John is a train conductor for the Canadian railroad. He runs a small fitness business and has a passion for Gothic architecture. We also had a great conversation about ADHD, dyslexia, and how to overcome learning disabilities in jiujitsu and in…
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Bryan Rumble, Black Belt, Clinical Epidemiologist, Dungeon Master – Beyond the Belt #6
Bryan Rumble is a clinical epidemiologist who focuses his work on genital urinary cancers. He has also had a life long fascination with science fiction and fantasy; both in written form as well as table top games.
