Grappling with Fatherhood

Blake Kasemeier and Uday Malhotra
  • 5.0 (21)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Lessons learned in fatherhood and jiu jitsu and where they sometimes overlap. This weekly conversation between Blake Kasemeier and Uday Malhotra unpacks the learning, struggles and triumphs of two dads who also happen to be high-level jiu jitsu practitioners. Topics covered range from raising toddlers with emotional intelligence to balancing jiu jitsu with real-world responsibilities to our weekly snack haul from Trader Joes.

  1. Ep 32: Perception vs. Reality

    09/09/2025

    Ep 32: Perception vs. Reality

    Episode 32 of Grappling with Fatherhood is all about the myths we pretend to believe—like black belts always know what they’re doing, or dads have unlimited patience (spoiler: neither is true). Blake and Uday pull apart the gap between the polished version of Jiu Jitsu and parenting that people imagine, and the actual day-to-day reality: getting smashed on the mats, bribing your kids with snacks, and realizing “dad strength” has less to do with muscle and more to do with carrying six bags of groceries in one trip. Expect plenty of laughs, some uncomfortable truths, and the reminder that the messy version is the one worth embracing.

    1h 17m
  2. Ep 31: Teaching Self-Defense and Dealing with Bullies

    05/20/2025

    Ep 31: Teaching Self-Defense and Dealing with Bullies

    Get Uday’s BJJ Fanatics Tutorial: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra Use Blake's link to get 20% off of Better Help: https://www.betterhelp.com/blakeoftoday/ Get Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix: https://store.livefluid.com/ In this episode of Grappling with Fatherhood, we dive deep into the real meaning of self-defense — not just as a physical skill, but as a mindset we can pass on to our kids. We explore: How to teach our children the why behind self-defense — building confidence without aggression Strategies for navigating bullying — when to step in, when to listen, and how to empower kids to handle conflict What it means to model that restraint as a father and practitioner Personal stories from the mats and the playground that reflect the daily balancing act of being strong and safe Whether you're raising little white belts or just trying to raise kids who know their worth, this episode offers perspective, tools, and a few hard-earned lessons to carry with you — on and off the mats.

    1h 6m
  3. Ep 30: Leading by Example: Parenting & Jiu-Jitsu

    03/11/2025

    Ep 30: Leading by Example: Parenting & Jiu-Jitsu

    Get Uday’s BJJ Fanatics Tutorial: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra Check out Blake’s Noticing Journal: https://stilclassics.com/products/stil-x-blake-of-today-the-noticing-journal?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blake&utm_campaign=stilxblake&utm_id=stilxblake&variant=41454031175778 Get Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix: https://store.livefluid.com/ Actions speak louder than words—both on the mats and at home. In this episode of Grappling with Fatherhood, Uday Malhotra and Blake Kasemeier explore the power of setting an example in parenting and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From demonstrating discipline and resilience to modeling respect and patience, they discuss how leading by example shapes future generations. Through personal stories and practical insights, they break down what it means to inspire growth in your kids, your training partners, and yourself. Tune in and lead the way.

    1h 9m
  4. Ep 29: Getting Started: The Journey into Jiu-Jitsu and Fatherhood

    02/15/2025

    Ep 29: Getting Started: The Journey into Jiu-Jitsu and Fatherhood

    Every black belt was once a white belt, and every experienced dad was once a first-time father. In this episode of Grappling with Fatherhood, hosts Blake Kasemeier and Uday Malhotra explore what it means to start from scratch—both on the jiu-jitsu mats and in the world of parenting. Blake and Uday share their personal stories of stepping into the unknown, from the nervous excitement of their first jiu-jitsu class to the overwhelming (and sometimes terrifying) reality of becoming a dad for the first time. They discuss the mix of emotions—fear, frustration, joy, and triumph—that come with learning something completely new and the patience required to grow in both arenas. Whether you're a new dad, a fresh white belt, or someone navigating the early stages of a new challenge, this episode is for you. Tune in for an honest and inspiring discussion that reminds you: no one starts as an expert, and every stumble is just part of the journey. Elite Fundamentals from Uday: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra?srsltid=AfmBOoodyRMR1F0eMjuihtS9-mXReX5-pdDwuQFFJ2UD7VLY9mJ-dquq Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix: https://fluidtactical.com/

    1h 12m
  5. Ep 28: The Joys of the Journey: Parenting & Jiu Jitsu

    10/29/2024

    Ep 28: The Joys of the Journey: Parenting & Jiu Jitsu

    Get Uday’s BJJ Fanatics Tutorial: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra Get Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix: https://store.livefluid.com/ Join Uday Malhotra and Blake Kasemeier on this uplifting episode of "Grappling with Fatherhood" as they celebrate the joy found in both parenting and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Through heartfelt stories and reflections, they share how small victories—whether on the mats or in family life—bring lasting fulfillment. Uday and Blake discuss the unexpected moments of laughter, connection, and growth that make the challenges worthwhile. Tune in to rediscover the joy in both fatherhood and grappling, and be inspired to savor the journey, every step and roll along the way.

    1h 11m
  6. Episode 27 - Overcoming Failure: Finding Self-Worth on the Mat and at Home

    09/30/2024

    Episode 27 - Overcoming Failure: Finding Self-Worth on the Mat and at Home

    In this episode of Grappling with Fatherhood, hosts Blake Kasemeier and Uday Malhotra tackle one of the most universal struggles for parents and jiu-jitsu practitioners alike: the feeling of failure and the constant battle to feel "enough." Whether it’s a tough day on the jiu-jitsu mats or moments of self-doubt in parenting, Blake and Uday share their own experiences of falling short, feeling overwhelmed, and learning to embrace imperfection. Join the conversation as the hosts dive into the emotional challenges of striving for excellence in both fatherhood and BJJ. They explore how external pressures, comparison, and self-criticism can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Whether you're a dad trying to juggle the demands of family life or a jiu-jitsu enthusiast grappling with performance plateaus, this episode provides a space to reflect, reset, and move forward with confidence. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that reminds you that perfection isn’t the goal—growth is. Subscribe to Grappling with Fatherhood for weekly episodes where parenting and jiu-jitsu intersect, offering wisdom, humor, and real talk for dads on and off the mat. Get Elite No Gi Fundamentals: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra?srsltid=AfmBOoqqK949BdyECkdS1fhW0C0ceeia-qNMNcKBooo6je-5ldBPG3DW

    1h 31m
  7. Ep 26: The Power of Pausing: Taking Breaks in Parenting & Jiu-Jitsu

    09/10/2024

    Ep 26: The Power of Pausing: Taking Breaks in Parenting & Jiu-Jitsu

    Get Uday’s BJJ Fanatics Tutorial: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra Get Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix: https://store.livefluid.com/ On this episode of "Grappling with Fatherhood," hosts Uday Malhotra and Blake Kasemeier explore the often-overlooked value of taking breaks in both parenting and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (taking breaks in parenting?!). They discuss the importance of rest and recovery, not just for physical health, but for mental clarity and emotional well-being. Through personal stories and practical advice, Uday and Blake show how stepping back can lead to growth—whether it's taking a breather from the mats or finding moments of pause in the chaos of parenthood. Tune in for tips on striking the balance between action and rest.

    1h 5m
  8. Ep 25: Myths

    08/06/2024

    Ep 25: Myths

    Get Uday’s BJJ Fanatics Tutorial: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra Get Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix: https://store.livefluid.com/ Join hosts Uday Malhotra and Blake Kasemeier on "Grappling with Fatherhood" as they unravel common myths in both parenting and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this episode, they debunk misconceptions and provide clarity on widely held beliefs. From parenting myths about discipline and having a social life to Jiu-Jitsu fallacies about training, excuses, and if size really does matter. Uday and Blake separate fact from fiction. Tune in for a candid discussion filled with personal stories and expert insights that will empower you to navigate both fatherhood and grappling with greater confidence and understanding.

    1h 5m
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Lessons learned in fatherhood and jiu jitsu and where they sometimes overlap. This weekly conversation between Blake Kasemeier and Uday Malhotra unpacks the learning, struggles and triumphs of two dads who also happen to be high-level jiu jitsu practitioners. Topics covered range from raising toddlers with emotional intelligence to balancing jiu jitsu with real-world responsibilities to our weekly snack haul from Trader Joes.

Information

  • Creator
    Blake Kasemeier and Uday Malhotra
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Grappling with Fatherhood