Inside the Wave

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.