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Today, I interviewed the jiu-jitsu black belt Christina Houck, the co-founder of the nonprofit organization A New Grip, along with Samantha Glenn. The Mission of A New Grip is to help sexually exploited individuals and human trafficked survivors regain their lives and find their inner peace again using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a form of therapy and exercise. Let me give you more information on the matter: Human trafficking is a significant problem worldwide, affecting millions yearly. Most victims of human trafficking are women and girls, accounting for 71% of all victims. Sexual exploitation is a form of human trafficking involving the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit someone for commercial sex. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), an estimated 4.8 million people are victims of forced sexual exploitation worldwide. In the United States, sex trafficking is the most commonly reported type of human trafficking, with the National Human Trafficking Hotline receiving reports of 6,326 cases in 2019. The average age of entry into commercial sex work in the United States is 12-14 years old, and many victims have a history of abuse, neglect, or trauma. Sexual exploitation and human trafficking often occur in industries such as strip clubs, massage parlors, and escort services, as well as through online platforms. Globally, an estimated 25 million people are victims of forced labor worldwide, including forced sexual exploitation. In addition, human trafficking generates an estimated $150 billion in profits each year for traffickers, making it one of the most profitable criminal activities in the world.  It's important to note that these statistics are estimates based on available data, and the number of victims may be higher. Furthermore, due to the clandestine nature of human trafficking, it can be challenging to accurately measure the extent of the problem. However, by raising awareness and taking action to support victims and prevent human trafficking, we can work towards ending this heinous crime. That is what we're doing here today.  Christina is an accomplished fitness and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach with experience in local and international events. After training in MMA at Ultimate Athletics in New York, she competed in multiple grappling tournaments. Eventually, she taught Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at an all-girls school in Abu Dhabi, UAE. While there, she won three consecutive UAE Jiu Jitsu World Pro Championship coach titles.  Christina received her black belt in 2022 under Rene Nazare-Azevedo, and since 2020 she has partnered with Samantha Glenn to make their dream come true, passing on their passion and knowledge to those who need it. Enjoy! Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org www.thebjjmentalcoachpodcast.com Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3 #bjjpodcast #jiujitsupodcast

Calder Powers is the Executive Director of Guardian Project. Calder grew up in Oakland, California, where he faced numerous challenges during high school. Struggling with low self-esteem and depression, he turned to alcohol and drugs to escape his unhappiness. However, everything changed when he tried his first Jiu-Jitsu class during his senior year. Calder was immediately drawn in by the martial art's fun and violent nature and the sense of community and acceptance he found among his peers. Jiu-Jitsu gave him a newfound belief in himself and a positive emotional state.  After community college, Calder joined Claudio Franca Jiu-Jitsu academy in Santa Cruz and continued to train Jiu-Jitsu while pursuing higher education at UC Berkley. When he returned to the Bay Area in 2017, he volunteered at Guardian Project, which his friend Ben Kovacs had founded in Oakland. Guardian Project's mission to provide Jiu-Jitsu training to underprivileged youth resonated with Calder, who has been with the program ever since. He has seen firsthand the transformative impact Jiu-Jitsu can have on young people's lives and helped the academy expand its reach to serve more communities worldwide. Calder is now a brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu and loves to train and teach. Please join us today as we learn more about his journey and the incredible work he and his team are doing at Guardian Project. Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org www.thebjjmentalcoachpodcast.com Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3 #bjjpodcast #jiujitsupodcast

The GDT #7 is dedicated to Zac Bighorn, a jiu-jitsu athlete who, at the age of 38, was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Despite the news, Zac continued to train and compete, inspiring his family and friends with his unbreakable spirit, determination, and gratitude. Even when he was weak and told he had only months to live, Zac signed up for tournaments and won matches. The message of Zac's journey is to be grateful for your time on earth, never give up, and pursue your passions with determination and purpose.

Sam Crook is a first-degree black belt, 4-time IBJJF Black Belt National Champion, 4-time British Champion, and the Jiu-Jitsu head coach of the nonprofit organization FRANCIS NGANOU FOUNDATION in the Village of Bati, Cameroon, Africa. His cousin encouraged Sam to start his jiu-jitsu journey to lose weight, and as a result, he began an impressive story that has led him around the World; Sam has trained from London to Rio making stops at multiple places in between to capitalize on world-class training, all while competing as much as he could. Since 2019 Sam has been a volunteer instructor for the Francis Ngannou Foundation. The social project aims to utilize martial arts as personal development tools, especially jiu-jitsu, and a way out poverty. Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org www.thebjjmentalcoachpodcast.com Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3 #bjjpodcast #jiujitsupodcast

Welcome to episode 134; today, we have Tiago Mascarenhas. Tiago is a purple belt in jiu-jitsu living in Dublin, Ireland, and a serial entrepreneur passionate about education and learning. He is the co-founder and CEO of SEDA College, a first-class educational institution that offers English language courses to international students. SEDA College was established in 2009 and now welcomes around 2,000 students annually from approximately 40 countries. If you're listening to the Audio Version, stick around for my final thoughts after the interview when I expand on one of Tiago's favorite quotes: "Done is better than perfect." ENJOY!🤜🏽🤛🏽 Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org www.thebjjmentalcoachpodcast.com Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3 #bjjpodcast #jiujitsupodcast

Welcome to episode 133, I’m your host Gustavo Dantas, and today I interview for the second time, Renato Santos, a jiu-jitsu black belt and the owner of Braus Fight. Their team include big names in the sport such as: ROGER GRACIE, PAULO MIYAO, THALISON SOARES and many others. With a vision to support the growth of BJJ at the same time as providing for the community, in 2014 BRAUS Fight was born. Founded by a couple of entrepreneurs with a shared passion for BJJ, charitable initiatives and authenticity the brand established itself around 6 core values which continue to remain the foundation for operating today. Authenticity, Compassion, Connection, Service, Quality and Innovation. You will learn about Braus partnerships with the ADCC, big BJJ teams, Rolling for a reason and charity water. Enjoy! Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org www.thebjjmentalcoachpodcast.com Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3 #bjjpodcast #jiujitsupodcast

Jeff Mata is a brown belt under Baret Yoshida, a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, business owner and an athlete. He is the founder and president of Matavation, co-founder of Haabu, Inc. and a partner with Poway Jiu-Jitsu. Very inspirational episode. Enjoy!  Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org www.thebjjmentalcoachpodcast.com Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3 #bjjpodcast #jiujitsupodcast Resources: Facebook: Jeff Gordon Mata Instagram: @mata.vation www.matavation.com www.haabuinc.com www.powaybjj.com Book suggestions:  The Power of now – Eckhart Tolle https://tinyurl.com/2p8wkm27 The Celestine Prophecy – James Redfield https://tinyurl.com/yc2tj2c2 The Power of the subconscious mind – Joseph Murphy https://tinyurl.com/2p9brfkz Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki https://tinyurl.com/yjy7m8ft “It’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do about it.” – W. Mitchell https://tinyurl.com/2p9autfc  

Dr. Mike Piekarski graduated from Binghamton University in New York with a bachelor's degree, it was during this time he found MMA and began competing, eventually turning professional while competing in Muay Thai and submission Grappling also.  After he began his professional MMA career he decided to shift his focus and return to school and earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy.  Upon completion of graduate school Mike moved to Los Angeles and earned his black belt in jiu-jitsu as well as becoming a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist by the American Physical Therapy Association. Check out "Dr. Kick-Ass" Instagram profile @doctor_kickass Enjoy! Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org www.thebjjmentalcoachpodcast.com Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3 #bjjpodcast #jiujitsupodcast

Tim Welch is a black belt in jiu-jitsu under Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes. He is a former professional fighter with 23 fights in his career. He currently owns and operates TW BJJ & MMA in Peoria, Arizona, and he is Sean O’Malley’s MMA Head Coach. He is also the host of the podcast Timbo & Sugar Show Podcast & The Red Hawk Recap Podcast. Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org www.thebjjmentalcoachpodcast.com Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3 #bjjpodcast #jiujitsupodcast

Nicholas Hoekstra is a purple belt under Trevor Rivers as well as a black belt in Judo. He received his Judo black belt in 2011 from former World Champion Katsuhiko Kashiwazaki while attending the International Budo University in Katsuura, Japan. Nick, who is visually impaired, is currently pursuing his Ph.D in Special Education at the University of Kansas. Due his work Nick has had the opportunity to travel the world and always found a place to train no the country he was in and able to find a community he can thrive in. Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org www.thebjjmentalcoachpodcast.com Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3 #bjjpodcast #jiujitsupodcast

Andre Motta is a 5th Black Belt under Andre Pederneiras. He has had an extensive competition career as he ascended through the belts, medaling in almost every major tournament. Today, Andre is an instructor at Vitor Shaolin's academy in New Jersey. Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org www.thebjjmentalcoachpodcast.com Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3 #bjjpodcast #jiujitsupodcast

James Clingerman is a 3rd-degree black belt under Anibal Braga. He spends the vast majority of his time teaching at two different schools in Indiana, Endurance BJJ in Zionsville and the Indiana Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Greenwood. James also owns and operates The Fight Hub which is one of the Internet's top resources for online instruction in BJJ. He also has his own instructional videos with BJJ Fanatics. Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3 #bjjpodcast #jiujitsupodcast

Henry Akins moved to Los Angeles in 1995 and began training, achieving his black belt in 2004, becoming the third black belt promoted by Rickson Gracie. He is currently sharing his knowledge via his website Hidden Jiu-Jitsu and his YouTube channel Hidden Jiu-Jitsu where he has recently started "Mat Chats" in which Henry hopes to share with viewers the soul of Jiu-Jitsu. Enjoy the interview! Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3 #bjjpodcast #jiujitsupodcast

Greg McLarty is a jiu-jitsu purple belt, physical therapist, and owner of Control Physical Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ. He earned his Doctorate degree in physical therapy in 2016, and founded his business in 2019, with a goal to help active adults maintain their ability to participate in sports. Although he helps people maintain all activities, he has a large client base of jiu-jitsu athletes. In this episode, Greg shares his jiu-jitsu and entrepreneurial journey. Enjoy! Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org  Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3

Todd is a 3rd-degree black belt, who has trained under Rodrigo Vaghi. He is also a former Marine who has spent his career in executive protection, with his company Tour Protection, which provides world-class protection services to celebrities and VIPs. He is the author of the book "Protection for and from Humanity". Here is the link for the book https://tinyurl.com/xpbw63c Check him out at www.toddafox.com Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3 #bjjpodcast #jiujitsupodcast

Aaron Benzrihem is a black belt in jiu-jitsu under the four-time world champion Bernardo Faria. He has a long entrepreneurial career which has included such ventures as, The Jiu-Jitsu, Gainesville Digital Agency, and Rise K9 Training. For the last seven years, he has worked for Fanatics, LLC. And has been part of the growth of BJJ Fanatics, the world's premier resource for digital BJJ instruction. Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3 #bjjpodcast #jiujitsupodcast Aaron’s YouTube Channel and video suggestion: Ankle Picks From Everywhere - EASY Takedown FOR BJJ https://youtu.be/sinAMBKt6bk Instagram: @abenz239

Welcome to episode 122, Today we have Elliot Bayev. Elliott is a returning guest to the podcast first appearing on Episode 31 published on December 23, 2018.Elliot is a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the owner OpenMat mixed martial arts in Toronto. Since he last appeared on the podcast he has written a book with Daniel Moskowitz - Sales Jiu-Jitsu - The Secret Black Belt System for Champion Leaders. A book designed at aiding the already high-performing person or company to reach an elite level. Enjoy! Gustavo Dantas https://www.salesjiujitsubook.com www.jiujitsutribe.org Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3 #bjjpodcast #jiujitsupodcast

Welcome to episode 121; this is Gustavo Dantas, and today we Robbie Stahl. Robbie is a jiu-jitsu blue belt and the owner of THE FITNESS DOCTOR. He runs his company with doctorate and masters level professionals who transform their client’s bodies and lives through fitness training systems. All of their programs are based on each client’s unique body issues, needs, and goals. Robbie is now an exercise physiologist, biomechanist, world-class fitness expert, and a product of his process. He shares valuable fitness and entrepreneurship content that will help you during your jiu-jitsu and business journey. Enjoy! Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org  Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3

Lee Baucom is a blue belt in jiu-jitsu and the host of the Thriveology Podcast. He is an established author who has written several books including The Immutable Laws of Living and the Thrive Journal. Recently,he turned his attention, along with co-creator and MMA fighter, Bethany Marshall, to helping people effectively learn and improve their jiu-jitsu through the Jiu-Jitsu Training Journal. Before the interview, I share with you a message related to the Non-profit Organization Jiu-Jitsu Tribe. The interview starts at 08:30. Gustavo Dantas www.jiujitsutribe.org  Itunes – https://tinyurl.com/y45kymp4 Google Plus – https://tinyurl.com/ydetberf Spotify – https://tinyurl.com/4wxs83y3  

Welcome to episode 119, today; we have 8th-degree coral belt under Rickson Gracie, Pedro Sauer. He was one of the first Brazilians to migrate to the US to teach jiu-jitsu in the late '80s & '90s. The interview starts at 10:40. Before the interview, I share with you some jiu-jitsu history. It's about one of the most important events that took jiu-jitsu to an entirely different level, the 1991 Vale Tudo Jiu-Jitsu vs Luta Livre. Enjoy! Gustavo Dantas