Inside the Wave

In this episode of Inside the Wave, I sat down with Aaron Rindt—jiu-jitsu practitioner, coach, and longtime member of Utopia. Aaron’s journey is one of resilience and transformation, offering a candid glimpse into how martial arts shaped his life.
We explored Aaron’s path from UFC-inspired curiosity to becoming a dedicated jiu-jitsu coach. Key themes include the struggle of balancing family life with training, the mental challenges during plateaus, and how jiu-jitsu provides a safe space for personal growth. Aaron shared his transition from student to coach, offering insights on mentorship and the importance of discipline.
Aaron’s influence stretches beyond the mats—his dedication to building community and guiding teens reflects his commitment to fostering personal growth through jiu-jitsu. His ability to juggle life as a parent, coach, and mentor showcases how martial arts can seamlessly intertwine with everyday responsibilities.
Whether you’re just starting jiu-jitsu or are deep in your martial arts journey, Aaron’s story is packed with lessons on persistence, growth, and accountability. Don’t miss this episode! Tune in now and discover how his experiences can inspire your own path.
Learn more about Aaron and connect with him:📱 Aaron Rindt (@a_rindt)

In this episode of Inside the Wave, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Joby Phillip, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and Doctor of Physical Therapy. With a wrestling background and years of experience in physical therapy, Dr. Joby shared his journey and insights into keeping the body healthy and strong for Jiu-Jitsu. We talked about how Dr. Joby transitioned from working in hospitals to starting his own practice, Fortify Health and Performance. We dive into some key topics like managing common Jiu-Jitsu injuries, the role of strength training in injury prevention, and how the physical therapy world is always evolving. Dr. Joby’s passion for combining physical therapy with his love for Jiu-Jitsu was really clear in this episode. We discussed how his background in wrestling led him to Jiu-Jitsu, and he gave some practical advice for athletes looking to stay injury-free and improve their game. If you’re a Jiu-Jitsu athlete or someone interested in optimizing performance and recovery, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Be sure to check out more from Dr. Joby at Fortify Health and Performance! 📱https://www.instagram.com/jobyphilip.dpt/ 🌐https://www.fortifyhealthperformance.com/

In this episode of Inside the Wave, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend Dan LaSavage, the founder of Combat Corner, a company that has grown significantly since its inception in 2007. We delved into the fascinating journey of Combat Corner, from its humble beginnings in a small shop next to an Indian restaurant to its current status as a major player in the combat sports equipment industry, operating out of a 30,000 square foot facility and serving athletes worldwide.
Dan's passion for combat sports extends beyond business. Combat Corner is deeply involved in the community, providing space and support for local organizations and youth programs. Their headquarters even hosts a gym built for nonprofits, offering free training for underserved areas in Milwaukee. This dedication to giving back highlights the company's mission to elevate the entire industry and support the next generation of athletes.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in combat sports, entrepreneurship, or community building. Dan's journey and insights are truly inspiring. Check out the full episode now and let us know your thoughts!You can check out Combat Corner's website here:🌐https://combatcorner.com/
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes!

In this episode of the Inside the Wave podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bob Duffy, a longtime friend and a significant figure in both the jiu-jitsu and law enforcement communities. Bob is not only a gym owner but also a seasoned law enforcement officer (LEO) and a dedicated trainer for other officers. Our conversation delved deep into his journey, the integration of martial arts into law enforcement training, and the challenges faced by officers today.
This episode provided a comprehensive look at the intersection of jiu-jitsu and law enforcement, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for improving officer training.
Bob Duffy's insights underscored the importance of ongoing, realistic training and the potential for martial arts to play a crucial role in law enforcement wellness and effectiveness.
Stay connected with Bob and explore his impactful work here:
Bob’s Instagram
C4CPJJ Wisconsin
Crossover BJJ
C4C Operator (focused on police training)
 

In this episode of "Inside the Wave," I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark England, a communication and mindset coach from Enlifted Coaching. Mark shared his journey from being a former fighter with a victim mentality to becoming a coach who helps others transform their mindset through language and breath control.
Mark discussed the importance of mindset and how it is the story we tell ourselves every day. He emphasized the impact of words and breath on our mindset, highlighting the significance of slowing down our rate of speech and using positive language to overcome plateaus and recognize progress.
The conversation delved into the concept of the victim mentality and how soft talk, such as using words like "maybe" or "could," can hinder confidence and success. Mark introduced the idea of "four-stepping the progress" to track personal growth and increase confidence.
The episode also touched on the practical application of mindset coaching in various aspects of life, including jiu-jitsu training, public speaking, and personal relationships. Mark emphasized the power of controlling our words to feel more in control of our lives and make positive changes.
Listeners were encouraged to pay attention to their language, slow down their speech, and eliminate soft talk to gain clarity and control over their mindset. Mark's insights provided a valuable perspective on the transformative power of language and breath in shaping our thoughts and actions. 
Learn more about Mark and Enlifted at: https://enlifted.me/

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Inside the Wave podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with two of my favorite students at Utopia Martial Arts, Steve and Audrey. Steve, a dedicated member of the community for 13 years, and Audrey, who started training at the young age of 7, shared their journey in the world of grappling.
We delved into their motivations for starting jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and judo, with Steve highlighting his initial interest in getting in shape and Audrey expressing her love for the sport from a young age. The conversation touched on their proudest moments in martial arts, with Steve emphasizing his pride in watching Audrey develop her skills and excel in wrestling, while Audrey reflected on her achievements in grappling competitions.
The podcast also explored the challenges they faced in their journey, from injuries to self-doubt, and how they overcame them with perseverance and a love for the sport. Steve and Audrey shared valuable advice for families looking to get started in grappling, emphasizing the importance of having fun and not taking the sport too seriously.
Audrey revealed her big goals in wrestling and freestyle wrestling, aiming to win state championships and compete at the national level. Steve, on the other hand, expressed his desire to achieve his black belt in jiu-jitsu and focus on coaching and giving back to the community.
The episode concluded with a message of encouragement for parents to join their kids on the mats, as Audrey shared how having her dad train with her has been a significant factor in her continued involvement in the sport.
Overall, the episode highlighted the power of family bonding through martial arts, the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, and the joy of pursuing one's passion in the world of grappling. Tune in to the next episode for more inspiring stories and insights from the world of martial arts!

Welcome to episode three of Inside the Wave! Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of my dedicated students, Tanner Brooks. Tanner, who owns a tree cutting service, shared his journey into Jiu Jitsu and how it has impacted his life.
Tanner recounted how he stumbled upon Jiu Jitsu through a Facebook ad offering a two-week free trial. Intrigued by the idea of trying something new and getting back into shape, Tanner decided to give it a shot. Despite initial nerves and feeling out of place in his basketball shorts among the gi-clad practitioners, Tanner found himself hooked on the art of Jiu Jitsu.
Throughout the episode, Tanner shared insights into his training approach and mindset. He emphasized the importance of showing up consistently, seeking mentors, and being open to learning from others. Tanner's dedication to self-improvement and willingness to step out of his comfort zone have been key factors in his growth as a practitioner.
We delved into Tanner's training routine, his favorite submissions (with a soft spot for the kimura), and his preference for no-gi training. Tanner also highlighted the significance of seeking mentors and engaging with educational content, such as philosophy podcasts and YouTube channels.
In a heartfelt message to parents considering Jiu Jitsu for their children, Tanner encouraged them to take that first step onto the mat, emphasizing the transformative power of the art.
Overall, Tanner's story serves as a testament to the transformative impact of Jiu Jitsu on both physical and mental well-being. His dedication, open-mindedness, and commitment to growth are inspiring reminders of the profound benefits that come from stepping onto the Jiu Jitsu mat.
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to leave us a five-star review and share the podcast with your friends. Thank you for tuning in to Inside the Wave with Tanner Brooks!

In this episode of Inside the Wave podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing my BJJ coach and mentor, Jon Friedland. Jon shared his journey into the world of Jiu-Jitsu, starting in the late 90s after being inspired by the performances of Royce Gracie in the early UFCs. He discussed how the perception of martial arts shifted after witnessing the effectiveness of BJJ in real combat situations.
Jon also shared a humorous anecdote about receiving his black belt in Taekwondo while in basic training in the military, highlighting the challenges and unique experiences he faced during that time. He emphasized the empowering nature of jiu-jitsu and how it transformed his life from being a victim to feeling confident and capable.
The conversation delved into Jon's transition from being an athlete to a coach and eventually a gym owner. He shared valuable insights on the importance of creating a supportive and empowering environment for students, especially children, in jiu-jitsu. Jon emphasized the significance of keeping jiu-jitsu fun and safe for kids to foster their growth and development both on and off the mat.
As the discussion progressed, Jon reflected on his MMA career, sharing lessons learned from his fights and the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges. He highlighted the role of teamwork and support in overcoming setbacks and finding success in BJJ and life.
Jon also touches on the concept of balance in his life, emphasizing the power of saying no and prioritizing what truly matters to him. He shared his excitement for the future of his Jiu-Jitsu journey, looking forward to seeing how others use jiu-jitsu to grow and evolve, both personally and artistically.
Overall, the episode provided valuable insights into the mindset and experiences of a dedicated BJJ practitioner, coach, father, and gym owner, showcasing the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu in shaping lives and fostering a sense of community and growth.

Welcome to the first episode of Inside the Wave with Perry Wirth, brought to you by Utopia. Today, we're delving into the heart of our mission at Utopia and exploring why our vision, coupled with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is vital for our community.
Join us as we share the inspiring journey of Coach Vern - a military veteran turned technologist, now the passionate Jiu-Jitsu head coach at Utopia. Vern shares his transformative experiences and how discovering his calling in Jiu-Jitsu led to significant personal growth and a positive shift in his life and those around him.
This episode dives deep into the essence of purpose and discipline, and how it helps in battling complacency. We discuss the powerful Japanese concept of Ikigai and the unparalleled fulfillment found in pursuing true passions. Drawing parallels between Jiu-Jitsu and life's challenges, we highlight how this martial art teaches us to navigate through life's turbulent waves.
We also explore how Jiu-Jitsu shapes the mindset of children, contrasting it with traditional team sports. Jiu-Jitsu instills a mindset of growth, focusing on learning from every experience rather than fearing failure.
Delving deeper, we discuss Jiu-Jitsu's transformative power - not just as a sport but as a catalyst for overall personal development, community engagement, and lifelong learning. Coach Vern shares his personal journey with Jiu-Jitsu, highlighting the myriad benefits he's gained, including physical strength, mental resilience, and a sense of community. He also addresses the misconception that Jiu-Jitsu is universally suitable, acknowledging certain limitations for individuals with specific health conditions.
We wrap up the episode reflecting on Utopia Academy's ethos - fostering future leaders and developing invaluable life skills in children through our distinctive programs. Tune in to discover how martial arts, particularly Jiu-Jitsu, can be a transformative force in personal growth and community development. Join us for an insightful journey inside Utopia's mission and the profound impact of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.