A mental health counselor by day and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA practitioner by night, former Invicta FC Atomweight Champion Jillian "The Lionheart" DeCoursey chats with Master Joe in the Black Belt Way of Life Studio. We learn how she balances her career as a business owner and professional mixed martial artist en route to becoming a world champion at the age of 38 and how her late start in martial arts did not deter her from beating Jessica Delboni to win the 105lb belt. DeCoursey breaks down what goes into a championship fight camp from proper dieting, nutrition, having a mental health coach, and, most importantly - the right team around you in a gym like Long Island MMA and Eric Ruiz from Ringsport Muay Thai. Plus, how she was able to use her own career as a mental health counselor to help herself and others in life to become a better person in and out of the cage. This is one episode you will not want to miss!

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Meet Sensei Charles Jardines, a 6th Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate under Sensei Toyotaro Miyazaki. A Karate pioneer in the United States. Besides his accolades in martial arts, Jardines is a retired member of the greatest law enforcement community in the country with the NYPD, and a former teacher from St. Francis Preparatory in Fresh Meadows, New York. If that wasn't enough, he has now joined the humanitarian fight with Habitats for Humanity to help those in need. And by the way, he still instructs Karate students all over the country! Amazing story with an amazing man. In this episode, he dives into and captivates us with stories of the ups and downs in life, how Karate helped him become the man he is, and how it helped him through the struggles and dark moments.

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Learn more about the New York Black Belt Center: https://nybbc.org/

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On this week's episode of A Black Belt Way of Life, meet Master Chet Bridgewater. He is a founding member of the New York Black Belt Center, 4th Degree Black Belt, AAU National Team Member, USA Masters Team Team Member, and founder of the New York Black Belt Center Westchester. Follow his journey as he navigates through racism and self-struggles to become a champion, father, and Taekwondo master. All while staying true to himself, sacrificing time and travel, and remaining loyal to his family, friends, and craft.

Follow the Black Belt Way of Life podcast on:

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Learn more about the New York Black Belt Center: https://nybbc.org/

Subscribe to the New York Black Belt Center YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRk9IlttzWlGyA6fHjHOmRA

With no direction and down the wrong path, Mrs. Rodriguez takes her troubled son John into Grandmaster Joseph Lupo Sr.'s Taekwondo school in search of a better life and guidance for her son. Learn how that event changed John Rodriguez's life trajectory and put him on a path to become a taekwondo master, champion, and teacher.

Master John Rodriguez is a prime example of a black belt way of life, and hopefully, his story can help you embark on your journey to earn your black belt.

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Learn more about the New York Black Belt Center: https://nybbc.org/

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Meet Frankie Yournett, a product of the tough streets of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Follow his journey of struggle and humility to a life of positivity at the New York Black Belt Center.

Follow the Black Belt Way of Life podcast on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565583651797

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltwayoflife/

Learn more about the New York Black Belt Center: https://nybbc.org/

Subscribe to the New York Black Belt Center YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRk9IlttzWlGyA6fHjHOmRA

Master Joseph Lupo Jr. takes you along his journey and past to what has inspired him to tell his story about what a black belt represents and means, on and off the mats. Lessons taught to him by his father, who is also his original Taekwondo instructor, will last a lifetime. This is a simplistic message of positivity for the world to share.

Follow the Black Belt Way of Life podcast on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565583651797

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltwayoflife/

Learn more about the New York Black Belt Center: https://nybbc.org/

Subscribe to the New York Black Belt Center YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRk9IlttzWlGyA6fHjHOmRA