In this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee, hosts Mike and Scott sit down with Khaldon Roukie, an MMA fighter, coach, and the son of a butcher; based out of District Martial Arts in Arlington, Virginia. Khaldon shares his inspiring transformation journey, highlighting his entry into the world of mixed martial arts in 2018, dropping 40 pounds, and becoming a dedicated athlete. He talks about his experience of being motivated by the haters and playing the heel.

They discuss his unique path from studying political science and Islamic studies to becoming an MMA fighter, and how martial arts unexpectedly became a significant part of his life. Khaldon also opens up about the challenges of coaching versus competing, the goals for his MMA and Jiu-Jitsu career, and his ambitions to go pro and fight in high-profile tournaments like the UFC and IBJJF.

Find Khaldon on Instagram: @sonofabutcher_mma

Join us for an engaging episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee, where we sit down with Andrea Tang, a renowned author, passionate BJJ competitor, and host of the BJJ Today podcast for BJJ Mental Models. Andrea shares insights from her bustling year in the competition scene, discussing potential matchups, her ambitions in the IBJJF Nogi season, and her experiences with ADCC events.

Away from the mats, Andrea excels as a young adult novelist with Penguin Random House, where her works explore imaginative realms in science fiction and fantasy. Listen as she explains the discipline required in both writing and jiu-jitsu, offering a unique perspective on balancing creativity, coaching aspirations, and professional commitments.

To find Andreas podcast: https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/

And her most recent book release: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/702412/these-deadly-prophecies-by-andrea-tang/

Follow Andrea on Instagram: @atangwrites

Welcome to another exciting episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee! Today, we delve into the dynamic world of cross-training in Jiu-Jitsu, highlighting the experiences and benefits that arise from training with diverse groups. From expanding one's skill set to facing different competition styles, we uncover the value of stepping out of your comfort zone. Join us as we explore how cross-training can enhance both the mindset and abilities of competitive fighters.