Off the Mats Podcast

Jake Dante

The Off the Mats Podcast is hosted by Jake Dante, a jiu jitsu practitioner in Maryland and all around regular guy. On the show, various topics are discussed ranging from training to dealing with injury and mental health as it relates to martial arts. We also talk about other topics outside of that realm that can go anywhere from comic books to films to pro wrestling and even just general family life.

  1. 1d ago

    Off the Mats Podcast #327- What Progress Really Looks Like feat. Steve Phillips

    This week on the podcast, I welcome back Steve Phillips as we follow up on his fitness journey, continuing from our previous conversation on episode #312 When Steve joined me back in May, we talked about making changes, setting goals, finding motivation, building discipline, and taking better care of yourself. A few months later, we're finding out what happened since then and where we are now. Steve and I talk about the progress he's made, the setbacks he's faced, changes to his workouts and nutrition, staying consistent when life gets in the way, and learning not to let one bad day turn into a bad week. We also get into getting older and staying active, accountability, confidence, the mental side of fitness, and whether his original goals have changed along the way. This isn't a before-and-after success story. It's a conversation about what trying to make lasting changes actually looks like: the wins, the struggles, and everything in between. Whether you're into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, fitness, weight loss, strength training, or simply trying to build healthier habits, there's something in this conversation for anyone who's ever tried to make a change and discovered that starting was the easy part. This week on the podcast, I welcome back Steve Phillips as we follow up on his fitness journey, continuing from our previous conversation on episode #312 When Steve joined me back in May, we talked about making changes, setting goals, finding motivation, building discipline, and taking better care of yourself. A few months later, we’re finding out what happened since then and where we are now. Steve and I talk about the progress he’s made, the setbacks he’s faced, changes to his workouts and nutrition, staying consistent when life gets in the way, and learning not to let one bad day turn into a bad week. We also get into getting older and staying active, accountability, confidence, the mental side of fitness, and whether his original goals have changed along the way. This isn’t a before-and-after success story. It’s a conversation about what trying to make lasting changes actually looks like: the wins, the struggles, and everything in between. Whether you’re into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, fitness, weight loss, strength training, or simply trying to build healthier habits, this conversation has something for anyone who’s ever tried to make a change and discovered that starting was the easy part.

  2. Aug 17

    Off the Mats Podcast #324- The Family That Trains Together... feat. Renee R., Joshua, and Annalena

    In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with my Crazy 88 MMA teammate Renee R., along with her son Joshua and daughter Annalena, to talk about what it’s been like discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu together as a family. Renee began training in January 2026 and is still in the early stages of her journey as a white belt, but she has already experienced how quickly jiu-jitsu can become more than just another hobby. We talk about what originally brought her to the mats, the nerves and challenges that come with being a beginner, learning to become comfortable with being uncomfortable, competing early in her journey, and the ways training has started to influence her confidence and mindset away from the gym. Joshua and Annalena also join the conversation to share their own experiences training at Crazy 88 MMA, giving us a look at jiu-jitsu through the eyes of younger athletes and what it’s like when martial arts becomes something the entire family can share. This episode is about more than submissions and techniques. It’s about starting something new, growing together, and finding community through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you’re a longtime grappler, a brand-new white belt, a parent considering martial arts for your kids, or someone wondering what it’s like to begin BJJ, this conversation offers a relatable look at life on and off the mats. Topics include: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for beginners, the white belt experience, kids in jiu-jitsu, family martial arts, BJJ competition, Crazy 88 MMA, confidence, personal growth, and building community through grappling.

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The Off the Mats Podcast is hosted by Jake Dante, a jiu jitsu practitioner in Maryland and all around regular guy. On the show, various topics are discussed ranging from training to dealing with injury and mental health as it relates to martial arts. We also talk about other topics outside of that realm that can go anywhere from comic books to films to pro wrestling and even just general family life.

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