Off The Mat

Josh Dumoulin & Nicole Stratychuk
  • 4.9 (14)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Off The Mat, where we're dedicated to helping parents and athletes of all ages achieve their full potential in sports, particularly martial arts. Whether you're a parent looking to help your child improve their martial arts performance, or an adult looking to get more motivated and become a better version of yourself in martial arts, we've got you covered. Our goal is to provide you with valuable insights and practical tips on how to improve your mindset, training, and overall approach to martial arts. We'll also be sharing inspiring stories of martial artists who have overcome obstacles and achieved great success, discuss about different types of martial arts competitions, their rules and how to prepare for them. So join us on our journey to help you and your loved ones achieve greatness in martial arts, and become the best versions of yourselves. Thank you for being here.

  1. 1D AGO

    EP 55: Your Reaction Becomes Their Inner Voice

    Send a text When your child makes a mistake in class, what you do next matters more than what they did wrong. Because your reaction… becomes their inner voice. In martial arts — and in life — kids aren’t learning just technique. They’re learning whether mistakes are safe. And when a parent’s face, tone, or sigh signals frustration, it quietly tells them: don’t mess up again. In this episode, I  break down how small parental reactions shape big emotional patterns, and how to build confidence through calm. You’ll learn: Why frustration teaches fear, not discipline The 5-second rule that changes how your child experiences mistakes How to model emotional control without losing standards Why “you’re good, next” is one of the most powerful coaching tools a parent can use How calm builds confidence that lasts beyond the mats If this helped you, hit subscribe — and keep learning how to raise confident, resilient kids through martial arts. 🎥 Watch next: For Parents: Raising Strong Kids in Martial Arts → https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNG9pziJ_TmtPAIOJr9RLanf-ALPJ_Wrr&si=mQIhTB2roAbrp3nF 📱 Subscribe to Off the Mat Podcast HERE: Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/off-the-mat/id1672160372 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/17JWPk4LPRAyiXkyPWxHrD Amazon → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5eb5541a-ddf9-48b8-870e-eaace60ff7c8/off-the-mat Google → https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTEyODg1LnJzcw ⏱️ Timecodes: 00:00 Mistakes are part of training 00:31 The danger of frustration 01:02 Why kids stop feeling safe to struggle 01:48 What “protection mode” looks like 02:18 The 5-second rule for parents 02:55 The power of “you’re good, next” 03:27 Teaching emotional control at home 04:01 How calm builds confidence 📌 About Off The Mat Podcast We help parents and martial artists raise strong kids through martial arts and mindset. Our mission is to share lessons on confidence, discipline, and character that last a lifetime… on and off the mats. STAY CONNECTED Website → https://www.championtkd.ca Josh → https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole → https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ Email → championtkd15@gmail.com STAY CONNECTED WITH US Website | www.championtkd.ca Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ Email | championtkd15@gmail.com WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME? Website | www.nurecover.com Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

    4 min

  2. FEB 4

    EP 54: The Car Ride Home Rule Every Parent Needs

    Send us a text The car ride home is where confidence quietly disappears.  Not because your child failed…  But because the timing is wrong. After class, games, or tournaments, kids aren’t ready for feedback. Their emotions are high. Their nervous system is buzzing. And when parents try to coach in that moment, kids don’t hear help… they hear judgment. This is the car ride home rule for parents. And it’s one of the simplest ways to protect your child’s confidence without lowering standards. In this episode, we talk about why post-training feedback backfires, what sports psychologists say about emotional timing, and the three sentences every parent should stick to until their child is ready to talk. In this video, you’ll learn: Why the car ride home is emotional, not teachableHow well-meaning feedback turns into confidence erosionThree phrases that keep kids feeling safe and valuedWhen feedback actually sticksHow to hold standards without damaging the relationshipPrimary CTA: Watch this episode, then try the rule once this week… and notice the difference. 🎥 Watch next: For Parents: Raising Strong Kids in Martial Arts https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNG9pziJ_TmtPAIOJr9RLanf-ALPJ_Wrr&si=mQIhTB2roAbrp3nF =============================  📱 Subscribe to Off the Mat Podcast HERE:  Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/off-the-mat/id1672160372 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/17JWPk4LPRAyiXkyPWxHrD Amazon → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5eb5541a-ddf9-48b8-870e-eaace60ff7c8/off-the-mat Google → https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTEyODg1LnJzcw ⏱️ Timecodes: 0:00 Where confidence actually breaks0:23 Why parents coach too soon0:56 When feedback feels like judgment1:17 The car ride home rule1:25 Three things to say… only1:53 Why this doesn’t lower standards2:10 When kids can actually learn2:22 This applies beyond sports2:32 Protect the relationship first📌 About Off The Mat Podcast We help parents and martial artists raise strong kids through martial arts and mindset. Our mission is to share lessons on confidence, discipline, and character that last a lifetime… on and off the mats. STAY CONNECTED  Website → https://www.championtkd.ca Josh → https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole → https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ Email → championtkd15@gmail.com STAY CONNECTED WITH US Website | www.championtkd.ca Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ Email | championtkd15@gmail.com WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME? Website | www.nurecover.com Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

    3 min

  3. JAN 28

    EP 53: How One Beach Lesson Changed My Coaching

    Send us a text As parents, we think we’re just watching class. But our kids are listening… closely. What you look for in training becomes their inner voice. And that voice follows them long after they step off the mats. This episode came from a quiet moment on a beach in Mexico… and it turned into one of the most important parenting lessons I’ve learned through martial arts. Instead of scanning for mistakes, I’ll show you how to use a simple filter that helps your child build real confidence, resilience, and courage over time. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: Why your attention shapes your child’s mindsetThe hidden danger of focusing on mistakesHow effort builds confidence faster than talentWhy mistakes don’t matter as much as recoveryThe three behaviours that actually predict long-term successThis isn’t about more rules. It’s about choosing better lenses as a parent. 👉 Watch with this question in mind: What am I training my child to notice about themselves? 🎥 Watch next: Life Skills Through Martial Arts https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNG9pziJ_Tmu0SAoRn5_T9xSNAm2AsTcp&si=jnwiEufwxYd1ZeUp ============================= 📱 Subscribe to Off the Mat Podcast HERE: Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/off-the-mat/id1672160372 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/17JWPk4LPRAyiXkyPWxHrD Amazon → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5eb5541a-ddf9-48b8-870e-eaace60ff7c8/off-the-mat Google → https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTEyODg1LnJzcw ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 The beach lesson I didn’t expect 00:38 What changes when you get closer 01:12 Parenting works the same way 01:48 Why kids hear mistakes louder 02:04 The Three Shells filter 02:10 Shell 1: Effort 02:40 Shell 2: Reset 03:12 Shell 3: Bravery 03:42 The voice you’re creating 📌 About Off The Mat Podcast We help parents and martial artists raise strong kids through martial arts and mindset. Our mission is to share lessons on confidence, discipline, and character that last a lifetime… on and off the mats. STAY CONNECTED Website → https://www.championtkd.ca Josh → https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole → https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ Email → championtkd15@gmail.com STAY CONNECTED WITH US Website | www.championtkd.ca Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ Email | championtkd15@gmail.com WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME? Website | www.nurecover.com Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

    4 min

  4. JAN 21

    EP 52: Discipline Is Decided in Advance

    Send us a text Discipline isn’t about trying harder.  It’s about deciding earlier. Most parents aren’t dealing with lazy kids.  They’re dealing with daily negotiations that quietly drain consistency. When kids are asked to decide based on how they feel, the answer usually leans toward comfort. Screens. Couches. Skipping. That’s not a flaw. That’s human nature. In this episode, we break down how discipline for kids is built when decisions are made in advance, not debated in the moment. This simple shift removes emotional tug-of-wars and replaces them with calm, clarity, and follow-through. In this video, you’ll learn: Why asking “Do you want to go?” creates resistanceHow routine actually builds energy, not burnoutThe role identity plays in confidence and consistencyWhy preparation the night before matters more than motivationA simple phrase that removes daily negotiationsWhen kids hear “this is just what we do,” something changes.  Training stops being optional.  Discipline becomes part of who they are. 👉 Join our Off The Mat school community for deeper tools on discipline, confidence, and consistency: https://www.skool.com/off-the-mat-2701/about?ref=8abd7605a9694f68bcb79a2d393c903a 🎥 Watch next: For Parents: Raising Strong Kids in Martial Arts https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNG9pziJ_TmtPAIOJr9RLanf-ALPJ_Wrr&si=mQIhTB2roAbrp3nF =============================  📱 Subscribe to Off the Mat Podcast HERE:  Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/off-the-mat/id1672160372 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/17JWPk4LPRAyiXkyPWxHrD Amazon → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5eb5541a-ddf9-48b8-870e-eaace60ff7c8/off-the-mat Google → https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTEyODg1LnJzcw ⏱️ Timecodes 0:00 Discipline isn’t trying harder0:32 The hidden cost of negotiating1:02 Why feelings can’t lead decisions1:30 When the decision is already made1:47 Preparation kills resistance2:18 Why offering an out backfires2:46 Identity builds confidence2:55 One sentence that changes everything📌 About Off The Mat Podcast We help parents and martial artists raise strong kids through martial arts and mindset. Our mission is to share lessons on confidence, discipline, and character that last a lifetime… on and off the mats. STAY CONNECTED  Website → https://www.championtkd.ca Josh → https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole → https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ Email → STAY CONNECTED WITH US Website | www.championtkd.ca Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ Email | championtkd15@gmail.com WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME? Website | www.nurecover.com Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

    3 min

  5. JAN 14

    EP 51: Who’s Really Leading Your Kids? (And Why It Matters)

    Send us a text 👉 Join our SKOOL Community here: https://www.skool.com/off-the-mat-2701/about?ref=8abd7605a9694f68bcb79a2d393c903a If you feel like the world is louder, faster, and more confusing for your kids… you’re not wrong. This is why martial arts isn’t just an activity. It’s a guiding light. A moral compass that helps kids make the right choices when things get hard. 👉 Don’t miss out — Subscribe to Off the Mat: https://www.youtube.com/@OffTheMatPodcast 👉 What you’ll learn in this episode: • Why kids don’t drift toward greatness without direction • How martial arts builds values when no one is watching • The real reason quitting feels easier… and costs more • How discipline, respect, and integrity are trained daily • What parents should look for beyond belts and styles 🎥 Watch next: Life Skills Through Martial Arts https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNG9pziJ_Tmu0SAoRn5_T9xSNAm2AsTcp&si=jnwiEufwxYd1ZeUp ============================= 📱 Subscribe to Off the Mat Podcast HERE: Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/off-the-mat/id1672160372 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/17JWPk4LPRAyiXkyPWxHrD?si=k6WRAq-xRuWIrptEdJNRtw Amazon → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5eb5541a-ddf9-48b8-870e-eaace60ff7c8/off-the-mat Google → https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTEyODg1LnJzcw ⏱️ Timecodes: 00:00 Build the lighthouse early 00:47 Why kids feel lost today 01:12 The lighthouse metaphor 01:55 Screens vs structure 02:16 A direction problem, not discipline 02:58 How martial arts builds values 03:18 The voice that stops bad choices 03:36 When kids want to quit 04:08 Why hard things matter 04:57 Fewer bullies, stronger kids 05:22 What parents should look for 05:35 A message parent to parent 📌 About Off The Mat Podcast We help parents and martial artists raise strong kids through martial arts and mindset. Our mission is to share lessons on confidence, discipline, and character that last a lifetime—on and off the mats. 👉 Subscribe now and join our community of parents, athletes, and coaches building stronger kids through martial arts. STAY CONNECTED WITH US Website → https://www.championtkd.ca Josh’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ Email → championtkd15@gmail.com STAY CONNECTED WITH US Website | www.championtkd.ca Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ Email | championtkd15@gmail.com WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME? Website | www.nurecover.com Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

    6 min

  6. JAN 14

    EP 50: Martial Arts Makes School Easier for Kids (Here’s Why)

    Send us a text Join our free Skool community: https://www.skool.com/off-the-mat-2701/about?ref=8abd7605a9694f68bcb79a2d393c903a Every fall, parents feel the pressure. Homework piles up… tests hit… and suddenly martial arts feels like “the extra.” But here’s the truth most parents never hear — training actually improves school performance. This is martial arts mindset and confidence training at its best. 👉 Don’t miss out — Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly videos on martial arts, parenting, and raising strong kids: https://www.youtube.com/@offthematpodcast 👉 What you’ll learn: • Why physical training boosts focus, memory, and clarity • How martial arts builds better study habits and time management • The connection between exercise and executive function • How training reduces stress and improves emotional regulation • Why grit + repetition on the mats leads to better academic confidence • A simple mindset shift to help your child thrive at school 🎥 Watch next: Life Skills Through Martial Arts → https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNG9pziJ_Tmu0SAoRn5_T9xSNAm2AsTcp&si=jnwiEufwxYd1ZeUp ============================= 📱 Subscribe to Off the Mat Podcast HERE: Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/off-the-mat/id1672160372 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/17JWPk4LPRAyiXkyPWxHrD?si=k6WRAq-xRuWIrptEdJNRtw Amazon → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5eb5541a-ddf9-48b8-870e-eaace60ff7c8/off-the-mat Google → https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTEyODg1LnJzcw ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 The school-year struggle 00:22 Why parents feel pressure 00:40 Martial arts and focus 01:06 Strong body, sharp mind 01:24 How training boosts learning 01:46 Time management skills 02:08 Discipline equals freedom 02:11 Stress relief for kids 02:32 Why training improves studying 03:05 Grit, perseverance, and academics 03:36 Building confidence through challenge 04:00 What kids really need to succeed 04:42 Training supports education 05:00 Check out our new episodes 05:20 Join our parent community ============================= 📌 About Off The Mat Podcast We help parents and martial artists raise strong kids through martial arts and mindset. Our mission is to share lessons on confidence, discipline, and character that last a lifetime—on and off the mats. 👉 Subscribe now and join our community of parents, athletes, and coaches building stronger kids through martial arts. STAY CONNECTED WITH US Website → https://www.championtkd.ca Josh’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ STAY CONNECTED WITH US Website | www.championtkd.ca Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ Email | championtkd15@gmail.com WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME? Website | www.nurecover.com Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

    5 min

  7. 2025-11-21

    EP 49: Learning to Lose: Helping Kids Build Confidence Through Failure

    Send us a text Join our FREE Online School Community: https://www.skool.com/off-the-mat-2701/about?ref=8abd7605a9694f68bcb79a2d393c903a What if losing is the skill your child needs most? In this video, we dig into martial arts mindset, resilience, and how learning to lose actually builds confidence that lasts a lifetime. If your child struggles after tough sparring matches or setbacks, this one’s for you. 👉 What you’ll learn: • Why losing builds resilience, grit, and perspective • How to talk to your child after a hard match • What not to say when emotions run high • The questions that help kids take ownership • How athletes bounce back stronger after failure 🎥 Watch next: Martial Arts Mindset and Confidence → https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNG9pziJ_TmsBwBNbodowNFbT_XOouiUj&si=g944N1Wk31VALgQY ============================= 📱 Subscribe to Off the Mat Podcast HERE: Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/off-the-mat/id1672160372 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/17JWPk4LPRAyiXkyPWxHrD?si=k6WRAq-xRuWIrptEdJNRtw Amazon → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5eb5541a-ddf9-48b8-870e-eaace60ff7c8/off-the-mat Google → https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTEyODg1LnJzcw ============================= ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 Why losing matters 00:20 Parents wanting to protect 00:45 Growth through challenge 01:05 Let kids feel the loss 01:30 Ask questions, not answers 01:55 Recovering builds confidence 02:10 Feedback and small goals 02:35 Stories of young athletes 02:55 Free community invite ============================= 📌 About Off The Mat Podcast We help parents and martial artists raise strong kids through martial arts and mindset. Our mission is to share lessons on confidence, discipline, and character that last a lifetime — on and off the mats. 👉 Subscribe now and join our community of parents, athletes, and coaches building stronger kids through martial arts. STAY CONNECTED WITH US Website → https://www.championtkd.ca Josh’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ Email → championtkd15@gmail.com STAY CONNECTED WITH US Website | www.championtkd.ca Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ Email | championtkd15@gmail.com WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME? Website | www.nurecover.com Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

    3 min

  8. 2025-11-12

    EP 48: Why Most Athletes Stay Average (and How to Fix It)

    Send us a text Join our FREE Skool community: https://www.skool.com/off-the-mat-2701/about?ref=8abd7605a9694f68bcb79a2d393c903a Every athlete wants to be great… but very few are willing to feel uncomfortable long enough to actually get there. In this video, Josh breaks down the mindset shift that separates average athletes from high performers — and how parents can coach their kids to lean into discomfort instead of running from it. 👉 Don’t miss out — Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly videos on martial arts, parenting, and raising strong kids: https://www.youtube.com/@offthematpodcast 👉 What you’ll learn: • Why comfort is the biggest trap in training • The mindset elite athletes use to chase discomfort • How to reframe hard drills and tough feedback • Simple ways parents can help kids push through challenge • The real reason tolerance, not talent, builds champions 🎥 Watch next: Martial Arts Mindset and Confidence → https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNG9pziJ_TmsBwBNbodowNFbT_XOouiUj&si=g944N1Wk31VALgQY ============================= 📱 Subscribe to Off the Mat Podcast HERE: Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/off-the-mat/id1672160372 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/17JWPk4LPRAyiXkyPWxHrD?si=k6WRAq-xRuWIrptEdJNRtw Google → https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTEyODg1LnJzcw ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 Comfort vs growth mindset 00:36 The gap between talent and challenge 01:20 Why discomfort is the entry fee 02:00 Hard drills and chasing the burn 02:48 Choosing tougher partners 03:20 Asking for honest feedback 04:10 Tolerance builds champions 04:40 Challenge for parents and athletes 05:18 Join the free community ============================= 📌 About Off The Mat Podcast We help parents and martial artists raise strong kids through martial arts and mindset. Our mission is to share lessons on confidence, discipline, and character that last a lifetime—on and off the mats. 👉 Subscribe now and join our community of parents, athletes, and coaches building stronger kids through martial arts. STAY CONNECTED WITH US Website → https://www.championtkd.ca Josh’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ Email → championtkd15@gmail.com STAY CONNECTED WITH US Website | www.championtkd.ca Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/ Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/ Email | championtkd15@gmail.com WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME? Website | www.nurecover.com Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

    4 min
See All (55)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to Off The Mat, where we're dedicated to helping parents and athletes of all ages achieve their full potential in sports, particularly martial arts. Whether you're a parent looking to help your child improve their martial arts performance, or an adult looking to get more motivated and become a better version of yourself in martial arts, we've got you covered. Our goal is to provide you with valuable insights and practical tips on how to improve your mindset, training, and overall approach to martial arts. We'll also be sharing inspiring stories of martial artists who have overcome obstacles and achieved great success, discuss about different types of martial arts competitions, their rules and how to prepare for them. So join us on our journey to help you and your loved ones achieve greatness in martial arts, and become the best versions of yourselves. Thank you for being here.

Information

  • Creator
    Josh Dumoulin & Nicole Stratychuk
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Off The Mat
  • Show Website
    Off The Mat