Our next guest is Steve Hordinski, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the founder of Katharo Training Center in Littleton, Colorado. Steve has spent decades studying and teaching martial arts, with roots in traditional striking arts, before dedicating himself to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Before becoming a full-time instructor, Steve served in the U.S. Navy as a deep-sea diver, conducting underwater recovery and salvage operations, an experience that helped shape his perspective on discipline, pressure, and brotherhood.

He later trained under members of the Gracie family, including time in Hawaii with Relson Gracie, and has gone on to develop his own teaching systems focused on efficiency, self-defense, and longevity in jiu-jitsu.

Today, he continues to teach, run his academy, and share his approach to practical jiu-jitsu and the mindset needed to stay on the mat for life.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/stevehordinski/

https://jiujitsuonthego.com/checkout/new?o=221995https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_steve-hordinski

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Come train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA @northbayjiujitsu

In this episode of Forever White Belt, I sit down with Kyvann Gonzalez, black belt and co-owner of Bodega Jiu Jitsu in Maplewood, New Jersey.

Kyvann has built a unique academy culture focused on skill development, time efficiency, and community. At Bodega, the emphasis isn’t on chasing belts or stripes, it’s on showing up, learning, and improving together.

We talk about Kyvann’s journey through jiu jitsu, how his perspective on training and teaching has evolved, and what it really takes to build a successful academy in today’s jiu jitsu landscape.

We also dive into:

• Why Bodega runs one-hour classes

• Concept-based coaching vs technique-based instruction

• Why social media doesn’t necessarily grow a gym (but can help retention)

• Opening and running a jiu jitsu academy

• Reinventing your jiu jitsu over time

• ADHD, creativity, and learning

Kyvann shares thoughtful insights about teaching, culture, and the long-term journey of jiu jitsu that will resonate with students, coaches, and academy owners alike.

If you train jiu jitsu, teach, or have ever thought about opening a gym, this conversation offers a lot to think about.

Kyvann Gonzalez @kyvanng

Black Belt

Co-Owner – Bodega Jiu Jitsu https://www.bodegajiujitsu.com/

Maplewood, New Jersey

https://www.instagram.com/kyvanng/

https://linqapp.com/Bodegajiujitsu

🎙 Forever White Belt Podcast

Conversations about jiu jitsu, life, and the long road of learning.F

ollow the show:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/foreverwhitebeltshow

SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes

Support the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt

Come train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA @northbayjiujitsu

Most successful martial artists know that mastery isn’t just about techniques; it's about relentless self-awareness, intentional training, and building a community grounded in authenticity. Dan Covel, a decorated black belt and seasoned gym owner, reveals how his unwavering focus on purpose, culture, and honest communication transformed his academy.

This episode uncovers the core principles behind cultivating a thriving, respectful jiu-jitsu community, one that values growth over ego. Dan shares practical insights on simplifying teaching, emphasizing foundational grips and movement, and fostering an environment where students train with purpose and autonomy. You’ll discover how controlling the narrative around position and control can exponentially accelerate skill development, and why the path to mastery is a steady journey of incremental wins, not shortcuts.

Dan also delves into the mental resilience built from overcoming injuries and setbacks early in his career, demonstrating how a fighting spirit fuels persistence. Plus, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at his evolving approach to business, from streamlining warmups to maintaining peak team culture, showing that humility and hard work are the real keys to long-term success in martial arts and business.

Perfect for coaches, gym owners, and practitioners ready to refine their craft and foster a community that breathes authenticity and respect, this is your blueprint for elevating both your skills and your gym’s culture. If you're committed to meaningful progress over superficial hype, this episode is a must-listen.

links:

https://www.instagram.com/dancoveljiujitsu/

https://coveljiujitsu.com/

https://digitsu.com/@DanCovel

BJJ Fanatics https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_dan-covel?list=1

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Check out the new FWB store https://fwb.printful.me/

Support the show by buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebelt