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.

In this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee, join us as we sit down with Dallas Ducote, the dynamic owner of Rising Tide in Montgomery County. We discuss his business goals, fighting journey, and how he went from engineer to gym owner.

He opens up about the challenges of starting a gym, the importance of creating a welcoming community, and his commitment to personal freedom and authenticity in both his business and personal life.

Find more about Dallas and his gym at:

MoCoMartialarts.com

Instagram:

@dallasducote_mma

@risingtidemoco

On this episode, we highlight the ups and downs of competition. Mike shares his experience with a super fight at Copa Elite 4 and participation in the Virginia Open for IBJJF. We reflect on returning to competition after a long hiatus, knocking off the rust, overcoming unexpected illnesses and injuries, the benefits of confidence, and the idea of growing from a loss.

Scott breaks down his lead up and competition at the IBJJF Chicago open. We discuss takeaways, changes from prior competitions, as well as his focuses and how he approached competition day.

Scott and Mike also delve into the nuances of competition mentalities, sharing advice on managing nerves, the importance of preparation, and strategies to maintain peak performance.

Scott and Mike go over an ever present aspect of competing in BJJ, weight classes and weight cuts. We discuss some methodologies that we use when cutting weight, how to pick a weight class, and different types of weight cuts depending on time between weigh ins and stepping on the mat. We also discuss how cutting weight may not necessarily be ideal for some competitors and how to approach a first competition.

Join our discord: https://discord.gg/a7n3baG3

We sit down with owner of NoVa Barbell Club, Asim Fayyaz. Asim is a Strength and Conditioning Coach who specializes in programming for grapplers and BJJ athletes. We cover some training ideologies, how programming differs for the different types of athletes he works, special considerations for grapplers, and dive in to the idea of "create-a-fighter", strong man competitions, upcoming projects and more.

Find Asim at the following:

Instagram: Asim_NVBC nova.barbell.club

YouTube: Novabarbellclub

TikTok: StrongAF

join our discord: https://discord.gg/a7n3baG3