Beyond the Belt

Eric Lubow
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Welcome to Beyond the Belt, a podcast that explores the intersection of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 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. In each conversation, we dive into how BJJ has helped their life, share stories that represent who they are as a person and show that there is more to them than just jiujitsu. We nerd out about the things important to them on and off the mats. Whether you’re a BJJ enthusiast, someone curious about the sport, or just looking for inspiration in balancing your passions with life’s demands, Beyond the Belt offers insights and stories that resonate on and off the mats.

  1. 2025-12-19

    Adam Marburger, Black Belt, Entrepreneur, Author, Gym Owner - Beyond the Belt #32

    This is a conversation with Adam Marburger, a black belt out of Alton, Illinois, USA. Adam is an author, owner and CEO of multiple businesses, speaker, coach, and gym owner.   Episode Links: * Alton Elite Jiujitsu - https://altonelite.com/ * Ascent Dealer Services - https://www.ascentdealerservices.com/ * River Bend Rescue - https://riverbendrescue.com/ * Book - You're The Fucking Problem - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09W64DPNK/ * Book - The Servant Leading F&I Manager - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1966840004/ * LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-marburger/ * Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adammarburger/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adampmarburger   Contact: * Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Journey to Black Belt 03:20 Coaching and Teaching 06:23 BJJ, MMA, and Muay Thai 09:29 Martial Arts and Family Life 14:57 Starting a BJJ Gym on the Side 20:44 Injuries 26:28 Entrepreneurship 35:12 All the Business Ventures 39:42 The Art of Delegation 46:25 Morning Routines and Gratitude 50:47 The Writing Process 56:33 Personal Transformation Through Adversity 01:10:16 Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 01:13:48 Future Aspirations and Family Focus 01:15:45 Outro   Podcast Links: * Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

    1h 16m

  2. 2025-11-28

    Randy McCarty, Black Belt, Electronics Tech, Hunter, MMA Fighter - Beyond the Belt #31

    This is a conversation with "Wreck It" Randy McCarty, a black belt out of Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA. Randy is a electronics technician, outdoorsman, lifelong rifle and bow hunter, and retired professional MMA fighter.   Episode Links: Instagram: https://instagram.com/wreck_it_randy_mc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randy.mccarty.58 Jesse Briggs MMA Academy: https://www.instagram.com/briggsmma/   Contact: * Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:21 Journey to Black Belt 03:22 Teaching and Learning in Jiu-Jitsu 06:20 Overcoming Challenges and Injuries 09:07 The Role of Jiu-Jitsu in Life 12:24 Fighting Background and Transition to MMA 24:46 Mental Warfare in Combat Sports 27:44 The Origin of Wreck-It Randy 32:12 The Impact of Knockouts on Health 37:44 A Life of Hunting 53:26 The Silence of Hunting and Self-Reflection 57:30 Hiking 01:02:57 Parenting Lessons and Personal Growth 01:05:26 Embracing Pain and Consistency in Life 01:13:19 Future Aspirations and Life Goals 01:19:43 Outro   Podcast Links: * Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

    1h 20m

  3. 2025-11-11

    Paris Lee, Black Belt, Immigration Lawyer, Gym Owner - Beyond the Belt #30

    This is a conversation with Paris Lee, a black belt out of Howell, New Jersey, USA. Paris is an immigration lawyer in the US. His practice focuses on families, but he also supports BJJ athletes with their American immigration needs. He also is also the co-owner of Holles Gracie Edison.   Episode Links: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjjvisalawyer * Website: https://www.njimmigrationattorney.com * Rolles Gracie Academy Edison: https://www.instagram.com/rollesgracieedison * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paris-lee-3b920b24/   Reference Links: * US EB1 Visa - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EB-1_visa * US O Visas - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_visa * US P Visas - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P_visa   Contact: * Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:22 Journey to Black Belt 03:19 Finding Passion in Jiu-Jitsu 09:07 Injuries in Jiujitsu 12:59 Smaller Bodies and Understanding Jiujitsu 22:25 Life as BJJ Visa Lawyer 26:49 Athlete Immigration 30:03 Understanding Visa Qualifications for Athletes 34:40 Challenges in Sports Immigration 39:01 Visa Types: O, P, and H1B Explained 43:22 Coaches and Support Staff in Sports Visas 46:53 Running a Small Immigration Law Firm 51:56 The Journey to Immigration Law 58:11 Long-Lasting Client Relationships 59:55 The Fulfillment of Helping Others 01:02:18 Transitioning to Immigration Law 01:05:21 Navigating Vulnerability in Immigration 01:11:15 Finding Hope in Adversity 01:14:59 Preparing for Change in Immigration 01:19:44 Building a New Jiu-Jitsu School 01:22:09 Creating a Positive Training Environment 01:27:54 Outro   Podcast Links: * Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

    1h 28m

  4. 2025-10-23

    Paulus Steyn, Black Belt, Pediatric Anesthesiologist, Scuba Diver, Professor - Beyond the Belt #29

    This is a conversation with Petrus Paulus Steyn, a black belt out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Paulus is a Pediatric Anesthesiologist, Assistant professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, and life long Scuba diver.   Episode Links: * Hospital: https://www.chop.edu/doctors/steyn-petrus-paulus * Instagram: https://instagram.com/southpaulu * Teaching: https://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g275/p9279638 * Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=36588   Contact: * Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:21 Journey to Black Belt 06:17 The Difficulty of Good Coaching 10:53 Life and Jiujitsu 18:34 Working with Children in Medicine 24:08 Navigating Patient Interactions 30:42 Being a Patient 32:20 The Reality of Anesthesia: High Stakes Moments 37:43 The Journey to Becoming a Doctor 42:22 The Impact of Malpractice Concerns 53:59 Teaching the Next Generation of Medical Professionals 01:07:57 The Fascination and Limitations of AI 01:15:48 Humility and Communication 01:29:59 The Joy of Scuba Diving 01:37:09 Overcoming Fear in Diving and Skydiving 01:43:07 The Thrill and Risks of Skydiving 01:50:36 The Importance of Humility in Life 01:56:28 Life Advice and the Future 02:02:55 Outro   Podcast Links: * Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

    2h 3m

  5. 2025-10-09

    Steve Jolly, Black Belt, Minister, Non-Profit Founder - Beyond the Belt #28

    This is a conversation with Steve Jolly, a black belt out of El Paso, Texas, USA. Steve is a Minister, traveled the world helping to provide clean water, and is the Founder/Director of the Rio Bravo project. If you have the financial ability to donate to the Rio Bravo Project, go to https://www.riobravoproject.com/give where you can either do a one-time donation or a regular monthly contribution. Or if you have the ability to donate kids Gis or other BJJ gear, reach out to Steve directly on Instagram.   Episode Links: * Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenjolly * Rio Bravo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riobravoproject * Rio Bravo Project: https://www.riobravoproject.com/ * Rio Bravo Donations: https://www.riobravoproject.com/give * Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=16487 * Give Clean Water Charity: https://givecleanwater.org/   Contact: * Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:47 Journey to Black Belt 03:46 Getting into BJJ 09:48 Ego and Tapping in Jiujitsu 12:56 Teaching Kids Jiujitsu 15:45 Discipline and Self-Control in Martial Arts 25:00 The Rio Bravo Project 33:24 Funding the Dream: Grassroots Support 36:15 Going Beyond Jiujitsu 41:08 Comprehensive Programs for Kids 50:17 Getting Clean Water to Fiji 59:40 Living Life for Others 01:09:01 Education to Ministry 01:11:41 Finding Your Own Definition of Ministry and Service 01:15:31 Connecting Through Service 01:22:01 Global Perspectives on Life 01:28:31 Looking Ahead 01:32:05 Outro   Podcast Links: * Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

    1h 33m

  6. 2025-09-26

    Heidi Cheng, Black Belt, 3D Fashion Engineer, Seamstress, Reclaimer - Beyond the Belt #27

    This is a conversation with Heidi Cheng, a black belt out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Heidi is a Fashion Engineer and Technical Designer, a seamstress, and a reclaimer of goods.   Episode Links: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hi.im_heidi * Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=45315 * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-cheng-449792a/ * Training Academy: "The Jiujitsu Company" - https://www.instagram.com/thejiujitsucompany * Decorative Embroidery: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sashiko * Mending Pottery with Gold: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi   Contact: * Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:17 Journey to Black Belt 01:18 Heidi's Seminar 06:58 Discovering the Love for Jiu-Jitsu 12:49 Advice for Women in Jiu-Jitsu 17:58 Overcoming Challenges in Training 20:10 The Joy of Learning and Problem Solving 23:11 Crafting and Creativity Beyond the Mat 26:54 Getting into Sewing 35:03 The Role of a Technical Designer 39:32 Navigating Challenges in Fashion Design 42:22 Seeing Your Work in the Real World 44:31 Transitioning to 3D Design 47:00 Personal vs. Professional Sewing 48:58 The Pursuit of Perfection 52:10 Embracing New Hobbies 56:27 Life Advice: Stick with It 01:02:19 Outro   Podcast Links: * Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

    1h 3m

  7. 2025-09-09

    Dylan Freedman, Black Belt, Corrections Officer Trainer, Combatives Trainer - Beyond the Belt #26

    This is a conversation with Dylan Freedman, a black belt out of Jamestown, New York, USA. Dylan is a Corrections officer trainer for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. He also travels the US and helps to teach defensive tactics for the company Effective Fitness Combatives.   Episode Links: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/freedbjj * Effective Fitness Combatives: https://www.efcombatives.com/   Contact: * Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:23 Journey to Black Belt 03:57 Naming Things 11:07 Transitioning from Military to Martial Arts 17:01 The Evolution of Grappling Sports 25:26 Combat Sports in the 90s 29:15 Importance of Fundamentals and Ego 34:15 Understanding Human Behavior in Corrections 44:06 Misconceptions About Corrections Officers 51:12 Martial Arts in Law Enforcement Training 01:05:48 Understanding Defensive Strategies in Self-Defense 01:18:06 Not Getting Into Filmmaking 01:24:28 The Impact of Military Experience on Personal Growth 01:27:41 The Journey Over the Destination 01:34:30 Outro   Podcast Links: * Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

    1h 35m

  8. 2025-08-22

    Fabian Fitzner, Black Belt, Entrepreneur, Network Marketer, Kite Surfer - Beyond the Belt #25

    This is a conversation with Fabian Fitzner, a black belt out of Dubai, UAE. Fabian is lifelong entrepreneur, network marketing expert, kite surfer, and BJJ school owner.   Episode Links: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/fabian.fitzner * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FabianFitzner * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabianfitzner/   Contact: * Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest   Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:17 Journey to Black Belt 04:49 Traveling and Training Unaffiliated 08:29 Injuries and Adaptations in Jiu-Jitsu 16:33 Life in Uganda: Adoption and Cultural Insights 25:31 Resourcefulness and Mentorship 35:17 Essence of a Mentor 40:58 Understanding Network Marketing 48:18 Helping Others Succeed 56:48 Selfishness and Selflessness in Success 01:00:42 Believing in Yourself 01:15:01 The Importance of Skillset and Network 01:24:09 Cultural Insights: Jiu-Jitsu in Dubai 01:28:46 The Contrast of Life in Dubai and Mauritius 01:34:23 Finding Freedom and Balance in Life 01:38:51 Defining Success: A Personal Journey 01:50:26 Mental Health and High Performance 01:57:45 Life Advice and the Future 02:00:17 The Impact of AI on Society 02:18:26 On a Positive Note 02:20:11 Outro   Podcast Links: * Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/ * Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify * Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple * RSS: https://btb.fan/rss   Social: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod * TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod * Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social * Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

    2h 21m
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About

Welcome to Beyond the Belt, a podcast that explores the intersection of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 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. In each conversation, we dive into how BJJ has helped their life, share stories that represent who they are as a person and show that there is more to them than just jiujitsu. We nerd out about the things important to them on and off the mats. Whether you’re a BJJ enthusiast, someone curious about the sport, or just looking for inspiration in balancing your passions with life’s demands, Beyond the Belt offers insights and stories that resonate on and off the mats.

Information

  • Creator
    Eric Lubow
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Belt