Forever White Belt

Adolfo Foronda

Become a VIP Member: https://anchor.fm/foreverwhitebelt/subscribe A podcast about everything Jiu Jitsu / BJJ for those on the constant quest to learn from the perspective of a beginner's mindset.

  1. FEB 16

    What Is Intentional Training? Dan Covel

    Most successful martial artists know that mastery isn’t just about techniques; it's about relentless self-awareness, intentional training, and building a community grounded in authenticity. Dan Covel, a decorated black belt and seasoned gym owner, reveals how his unwavering focus on purpose, culture, and honest communication transformed his academy. This episode uncovers the core principles behind cultivating a thriving, respectful jiu-jitsu community, one that values growth over ego. Dan shares practical insights on simplifying teaching, emphasizing foundational grips and movement, and fostering an environment where students train with purpose and autonomy. You’ll discover how controlling the narrative around position and control can exponentially accelerate skill development, and why the path to mastery is a steady journey of incremental wins, not shortcuts. Dan also delves into the mental resilience built from overcoming injuries and setbacks early in his career, demonstrating how a fighting spirit fuels persistence. Plus, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at his evolving approach to business, from streamlining warmups to maintaining peak team culture, showing that humility and hard work are the real keys to long-term success in martial arts and business. Perfect for coaches, gym owners, and practitioners ready to refine their craft and foster a community that breathes authenticity and respect, this is your blueprint for elevating both your skills and your gym’s culture. If you're committed to meaningful progress over superficial hype, this episode is a must-listen. links: https://www.instagram.com/dancoveljiujitsu/ https://coveljiujitsu.com/ https://digitsu.com/@DanCovel BJJ Fanatics https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_dan-covel?list=1 SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes Check out the new FWB store https://fwb.printful.me/ Support the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt

    1h 33m
  2. FEB 2

    The Hidden Safety Crisis in Martial Arts Gyms | Protecting Kids & Women

    Most martial arts gyms assume they’re safe, but many are missing critical protections for kids and women. In this eye-opening episode, black belt Milton Campis exposes a hidden safety crisis inside martial arts and jiu-jitsu gyms, and explains what must change. After seeing repeated stories of misconduct, unsafe environments, and ignored warning signs, Milton created Academy Safe, a system designed to make background checks, health protocols, and safety standards the norm, not the exception. We discuss real-world examples of how abuse and negligence slip through the cracks, and more importantly, a clear, practical framework that gym owners, coaches, parents, and students can use right now. In this episode, you’ll learn: The 8 core safety measures every martial arts school must haveHow to spot red flags in unsafe or irresponsible gymsHow to talk to kids and training partners about safety, honestly, and clearlyThe legal and moral responsibility of background screeningHow raising standards can transform martial arts into a true community of trustWhether you’re a parent choosing a gym, a coach running a school, or a practitioner who wants a safer training environment, this conversation matters. This isn’t about fear; it’s about leadership, accountability, and protecting the people who trust us most. ▶️ Hit play and be part of the movement making martial arts safer for everyone. Links & Support 🔗 Academy Safe: https://linktr.ee/academysafe 💧 SALT Electrolytes – use code FWB for 15% off 👕 FWB Store: https://fwb.printful.me/ ☕ Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt #jiujitsu #bjj #martialarts #academysafe #gymowners #parentsafety

    1h 2m
  3. 12/22/2025

    Why Gym Culture Matters More Than Technique

    In this episode of Forever White Belt, I sit down with Nick Salles, a black belt under Mikey Musumeci and co-owner of Movement Art Academy alongside Daniel Maira. Nick shares his journey through jiu-jitsu with a deep focus on something that often gets overlooked: culture. We dive into why a positive gym environment is critical for learning, long-term growth, and athlete development—and how the right culture can unlock a student’s true potential. This conversation goes beyond techniques and belts. Nick breaks down his philosophy on training, coaching, and creating an environment where people actually want to show up, stay consistent, and improve over time. His approach to jiu-jitsu is thoughtful, intentional, and refreshingly grounded. On a personal note, this was one of those special episodes where you instantly click with someone. It was a genuine pleasure getting to know Nick, and I already know I’ll be learning a lot more from him in the future. This is absolutely an episode you’ll want to re-listen to, pause, and take notes on. It’s packed with essential insights and honestly feels more like a masterclass in jiu-jitsu philosophy than a typical podcast episode. If you’re a coach, academy owner, or practitioner who cares about training for the long game, this one’s for you. Links: https://www.instagram.com/thatnicksalles/ https://www.instagram.com/movementartjiujitsu/ https://movementartonline.com/ SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes  Check out the new FWB store https://fwb.printful.me/ Train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA northbayjiujitsu.com @northbayjiujitsu #jiujitsu #grappling #bjj

    1h 18m
  4. 12/15/2025

    Ultimate Jiu Jitsu Holiday Gift Guide

    Join host Adolfo Foronda on a special edition of Forever White Belt as he unveils the ultimate 2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts. From budget-friendly essentials like finger tape and electrolytes to luxurious splurges like custom mats and AI grappling dummies, this episode covers a wide range of gift ideas for every budget. Whether you're shopping for yourself, your academy, or your fellow Jiu Jitsu friends, discover thoughtful and practical gifts that will delight any martial artist. Tune in for expert recommendations and personal insights to make this holiday season unforgettable. Don't forget to stay hydrated with Salt Electrolytes and train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu! SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes  Check out the new FWB store https://fwb.printful.me/ Train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA @northbayjiujitsu DojoChimp Gi & Fightwear @dojochimp Links: Finger Tape https://www.amazon.com/Hampton-Adams-Official-Non-Slip-Weightlifting/dp/B07MQ2279R/ Avowal natural sanitizer @avowal.store https://avowal.store/ Odoban https://www.amazon.com/OdoBan-Multipurpose-Concentrate-Original-Eucalyptus/dp/B079Z6MJB1/ref=sr_1_1_sspa Liquid Bandage https://www.amazon.com/New-Skin-Liquid-Bandage-Ounce-Cover/dp/B0017JOF86/?th=1 Slides https://forever-white-belt.creator-spring.com/listing/fwb-slides?product=1896 Jiu Jitsu Books https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jiu+jitsu+books&crid=1YAYYWJ2B900N&sprefix=jiu+jitsu+books%2Caps%2C218&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 Jiu Jitsu Notebooks https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jiu+jitsu+notebooks&crid=4FLPIRK7PLOL&sprefix=jiu+jitsu+notebooks%2Caps%2C205&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 Rash Guards https://fwb.printful.me/ Jiu Jitsu Bags https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jiu+jitsu+bags&crid=8AIBGVVNMLYD&sprefix=jiu+jitsu+bag%2Caps%2C289&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 BJJ Fanatics Digital Gift Card https://bjjfanatics.com/products/gift-card Mats https://dollamur.com/ Grappling Dummies https://www.amazon.com/s?k=grappling+dummy&crid=3JSDK60YPD40Y&sprefix=grapp%2Caps%2C217 Rollbot https://rollbotbjj.com/ Red Light Therapy https://www.amazon.com/s?k=red+light+therapy&crid=3QVW7JGT79GJY&sprefix=red+light%2Caps%2C196 Ice Bath/Cold Plunge https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ice+bath&crid=15GHI97CY3PQM&sprefix=ice+bath%2Caps%2C214 BJJ Globetrotters Camps @bjjglobetrotters https://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/bjjcamps SilverFox BJJ Costa Rica Camp https://www.instagram.com/p/DOQlFkQgD83/ Compression Boots https://www.amazon.com/s?k=compression+boots&crid=YRXMBOQNRTV2&sprefix=compression+boot%2Caps%2C213 Open Mat Physio @openmatphysio https://www.openmatphysio.com/ Grappling Strength & Performance @grapplestrong.sj https://grapplestrong.com/ Dr. Wes Hendricks @drweshendricks Dr. Wes Hendricks Backpack Mat Sprayer https://www.amazon.com/s?k=backpack+sprayer&crid=32OTDRXURJTLM&sprefix=backpack+s%2Caps%2C221 Drew Weatherhead @drew.weatherhead https://drewjitsuonline.com/ Digitsu @digitsu.bjj https://digitsu.com/ BJJ365 @brandonmc.ninja https://bmac.mykajabi.com/ BJJ Concepts @islandtopteam https://bjjconcepts.net/ Silver Fox BJJ Global Academy @silverfoxbjj https://silverfoxbjj.app/ Charles Harriott @charlesharriott https://www.patreon.com/charlesharriott Tom & Dean Astarita @youngjimihendrix https://www.patreon.com/c/DeanAstarita/home Jon Calestine @jon_calestine https://www.patreon.com/JonCalestine Max Hanson @maxhansonbjj https://www.patreon.com/Maxhansonbj Randy William @black_belt_randy https://linktr.ee/blackbeltrandy Nathan Haddad @nathanhaddad_ https://coreprobjj.com/ #jiujitsu #grappling #bjj #christmas #gifts #holidays

    25 min
4.9
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Become a VIP Member: https://anchor.fm/foreverwhitebelt/subscribe A podcast about everything Jiu Jitsu / BJJ for those on the constant quest to learn from the perspective of a beginner's mindset.

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