Life Unraveled Podcast Life Unraveled Podcast

Join us for a long-awaited conversation on martial arts, self-defense, and life as I sit down with my friend and jiu-jitsu black belt, Ryan Stephens, affectionately known as 'Coach Thanos.' After years of anticipation, we finally got the chance to delve into various topics ranging from training methodologies to personal insights. I found myself genuinely engrossed, and it was tough to bring our discussion to a close. I'm eagerly looking forward to having Ryan back on the show for more captivating conversations.
Recently promoted to first-degree in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Ryan is the driving force behind Gray Beard Forge MMA, a thriving martial arts and fitness hub nestled in Conway, Arkansas. At 'The Forge,' our mission transcends physical fitness; we strive to foster a sense of camaraderie among our members, especially veterans, first responders, and their supporters. Through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, MMA, and fitness classes, we aim to cultivate not just physical prowess but also mental resilience and spiritual well-being. In line with our commitment to serving those who've served, we're proud partners of the We Defy Foundation, dedicated to empowering veterans through martial arts training.
With a background that spans continents and a former stint as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, Ryan is deeply passionate about supporting veterans and enriching the martial arts community, both locally and abroad.
For more information or to contribute to our cause, visit our website at GrayBeardForge.org or donate online using the link provided. Join Ryan for a class at Gray Bear. They are located at 3150 Vail Avenue, Conway, AR 72832. You can reach out to them through their website or via phone at 501-358-6960.

Richard Bresler, a sixth-degree black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Rorion Gracie's first student in LA, shares insights into some of the most historic events in martial arts. A quick online search reveals articles and photos of Richard alongside Hélio Gracie at UFC1 or training at the original Gracie Academy with notable members of the Gracie clan or the notorious Dirty Dozen (the first Jiu-Jitsu black belts in the United States). Rorion stated that Richard "is undoubtedly one of the pillars of Jiu-Jitsu in America." In this podcast episode, Richard discusses his life on and off the mats, along with insights into his and Scott Burr's 2020 publication, "Worth Defending: How Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Saved My Life."I first encountered "Worth Defending" on Audible during my travels back from California in mid-2023. Inspired by the recommendation from friend Jack Taufer, I promptly purchased the book and completed it just as I was arriving home after the last leg of my flight. Whether you're into martial arts or jiu-jitsu or not, "Worth Defending" offers an exceptional read or listen for anyone. With 298 five-star ratings on Amazon, including 157 detailed reviews, it is highly acclaimed. Pick up your copy at: https://richardbresler.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Worth-Defending-Gracie-Jiu-Jitsu-Saved/dp/B08NDZ2SFC

Chris Burns is a long time student and second degree black belt under Master Rickson Gracie. He is back on the show to talk about his recent travels, teaching, training, and more!

Scott Burr is a third-degree black belt under Master Rickson Gracie and Steve Maxwell, and is the co-author of Worth Defending: How Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Saved My Life, Richard Bresler's bestselling memoir of his over 40 years' involvement with the Gracie family and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. In this episode, Scott and I discuss some of his strategies for writing, interviewing, and publishing, as well as how some of his past and present projects came together. We discuss his involvement in editing Robert Drysdale's book, Opening Closed Guard, as well as the book he is currently working on with one of the first American Black Belts in Jiu-Jitsu, Chris Haueter. From stories about meeting and training with some of the most significant living minds in Jiu-Jitsu to private lessons with Master Rickson Gracie, there was no shortage of great conversation to be had! It was a pleasure sitting down with Scott for this podcast, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scott's writing at www.ScottBurrAuthor.com or on Facebook @ScottBurrAuthor; more information about his Jiu-Jitsu travels as well as seminar, group class, and private lesson booking information can be found at www.EnclaveJiuJitsu.com, or on Facebook and Instagram @EnclaveJiuJitsu.