Off The Mat

Josh Dumoulin & Nicole Stratychuk

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. 11/21/2025

    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
  2. 11/12/2025

    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
  3. 11/05/2025

    EP 47: How To Improve Your Child’s Focus Before Martial Arts Class

    Send us a text 🎯 Join our FREE Skool Community → https://www.skool.com/off-the-mat-2701/about?ref=8abd7605a9694f68bcb79a2d393c903a Parents say their kids can’t focus or get motivated for martial arts class... but it’s not about discipline—it’s about preparation. This one-hour tweak before training builds focus, confidence, and connection. 👉 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: • The hidden cost of screen time before class • A simple one-hour ritual that builds focus and calm • How to turn pre-class time into bonding time • Why unplugging sharpens both body and mind • The secret to helping kids love training again 🎥 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?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 Focus Problem Most Parents Miss 00:25 The One-Hour Rule Before Class 00:55 Why Screens Kill Focus and Energy 01:30 The Power of Preparation 02:00 How to Connect Before Training 02:25 The Secret to Sharper Martial Arts Focus ============================= 📌 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

    2 min
  4. 10/29/2025

    EP 46: 5 Ways to Get Your Kid to Class Without the Fight

    Send us a text Join our FREE Skool Community dedicated to helping parents with kids in Martial Arts: https://www.skool.com/off-the-mat-2701/about?ref=8abd7605a9694f68bcb79a2d393c903a Getting your kid to martial arts shouldn’t feel like a daily battle. In this video I give 5 real parent tips (schedule, mindset, rituals, language, encouragement) to help you build consistency, reduce whining, and protect their love for training. This is all about martial arts mindset, confidence, and routine… without the power struggle. 👉 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:  • How to build a consistent training schedule so class stops feeling optional  • The “snack and pack” system I use so we’re not scrambling and hangry in the car  • A simple language shift that makes class feel like a privilege, not a chore  • Why a pre-class ritual (not video games) can flip their mood fast  • How to use encouragement instead of pressure to get them out the door  • What to do if your child “doesn’t feel like going” but you know they love it 🎥 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?si=k6WRAq-xRuWIrptEdJNRtw Google → https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTEyODg1LnJzcw ⏱️ Timecodes  00:00 The daily battle to get them to class  01:39 Tip 1: Set the schedule (and stick to it)  03:03 Tip 2: Be prepared (snacks & gear ready)  04:11 Tip 3: Change the language you use  05:52 Tip 4: Create a pre-class ritual  07:36 Tip 5: Use encouragement, not pressure  08:46 Start with one win, build consistency  10:17 Your invite to our private 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. 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

    12 min
  5. 10/16/2025

    EP 45: Martial Arts Mindset: Turn Your Child’s Inner Critic Into a Coach

    Send us a text Your child’s inner critic is loud. Let’s train it to coach, not crush. In this episode we share five practical tools parents can use to help kids 6–12 build confidence in sparring and class with a strong martial arts mindset… starting today. 👉 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: • How to help your child “name the dragon” and lower its threat • Simple if then plans kids can use when they get flustered • Tiny wins ledgers that build real confidence, not hype • A pregame script and postgame debrief any parent can run • The single word that flips negative self talk into growth: yet • How to stop the comparison trap and focus on their path 🎥 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 the inner critic hurts kids 01:19 Tip 1: Name the dragon 05:40 Tip 2: Create an if then plan 08:14 Tip 3: Tiny wins ledger 10:12 Tip 4: Pregame script + debrief 18:16 Tip 5: Add “yet” to self talk 21:30 Question the dragon, stop comparisons 24:00 Parent coaching cues that help 26:33 Blueprint CTA + outro📌 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 💥 Want our at home Training Matrix? Comment “blueprint” and we’ll send you the Victory Blueprint. 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

    27 min
  6. 10/09/2025

    EP 44: Beat Your Own Excuses: 5 Steps to Stay Motivated

    Send us a text Ever feel stuck in a cycle of excuses, self-sabotage, and “I’ll start tomorrow”? You’re not alone. In this episode, Nicole breaks down her simple 5-step method to beat your own damn excuses—the same mindset she uses in martial arts training and everyday life to stay consistent even when motivation fades. 👉 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: The truth about motivation (and why you don’t need more of it)How to catch yourself in the act of self-sabotageThe power of one tiny aligned actionWhy visualizing success creates real momentumHow small wins build lasting self-trust💥 FREE RESOURCE: Want to help your kids train at home and stay consistent? Grab our At-Home Training Blueprint for Parents here → [ADD BLUEPRINT LINK] 🎥 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 Be proud you kept your promise 01:18 Why this matters 02:36 One good choice leads to another 03:14 Step 1 – Awareness: Stop and name it 05:12 Step 2 – Ask: What am I protecting myself from? 07:19 Step 3 – Take the smallest aligned action 09:10 Step 4 – Visualize success 5 minutes out 10:42 Step 5 – Celebrate the small wins 12:34 Quick recap of the 5 steps 14:17 Final thoughts: Say no to your excuses ============================= 📌 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

    16 min
  7. 10/01/2025

    EP 43: Get Kids to Practice at Home: 5 Proven Tips Parents Can Use Today

    Send us a text Struggling to get your kid to practice at home? You’re not alone. In this episode, we give you five practical ways to build the habit, keep it fun, and boost progress fast. Think martial arts mindset meets real parent tips that actually work. 👉 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: • How to give kids ownership so they want to train • The simple “start with why” script that sticks • Schedule, plan, strategize — the 3-step routine • Why you should train with them, not at them • Fun over form: the habit that leads to black belt • A free at-home training matrix to make it easy 🎥 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?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 training together matters 00:22 Welcome + the big question 01:28 Tip 1: Let them have a say 04:40 Tip 2: Start with why 06:06 Make the vision board visible 07:11 Tip 3: Schedule, plan, strategize 12:28 Put practice on the calendar 14:28 Tip 4: Do it with them, not at them 17:56 Ask their coach’s cues 19:58 Tip 5: Fun over form 22:40 Free Victory Blueprint details 23:43 Rapid recap + subscribe ============================= 📌 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

    24 min
  8. 09/24/2025

    EP 42: 10 Rules For My Sons: A Dad’s Guide To Strength, Integrity, and Service

    Send us a text This one’s for the dads. For parents who want to raise strong boys with martial arts mindset, character, and courage. If I were gone tomorrow… these are the 10 rules I need my sons to live by. Straight talk. Real tools. Parent tips martial arts that stick. 👉 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: • The simple discipline routine that builds grit • How to make integrity non-negotiable at home and on the mats • Why comfort kills growth… and how to seek challenge • A practical way to set higher standards for your family • Work ethic vs talent and how to coach your kid through it • The “serve first” rule that opens doors in sport and life 🎥 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?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 Cold open: serve first 00:20 Why this message for dads 02:06 Rule 1: Discipline first 02:58 Rule 2: Live with integrity 03:57 Rule 3: Growth over comfort 05:05 Rule 4: Adapt to change 05:40 Rule 5: Set high standards 06:38 Rule 6: Work ethic beats talent 08:10 Rule 7: Serve first 09:11 Rule 8: Be courageous and kind 10:04 Rule 9: Guard your health 10:58 Rule 10: Protect the tribe 12:07 Bonus Rule 11: Always remember to love 13:20 Final challenge to dads ============================= 📌 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. 👉 If this helped your family, thank you for subscribing. It truly supports the mission and means a lot. 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

    14 min

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.