"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

On this episode of Old Man On The Mat, we sit down with Damian Bunting—whose journey from military and law enforcement into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shows exactly what it means to start over after 40.

This isn’t about being the best in the room.
It’s about refusing to stay the same man.

We break down:

• What it’s like starting BJJ later in life
• The mental toughness built through adversity
• Why ego is the biggest enemy on the mats
• How martial arts rebuilds discipline, purpose, and identity

If you're over 40 and feel that pull to do something harder… this is it.

You’re not too old. You’re just untested. Follow & Subscribe to Old Man On The Mat for real conversations on BJJ, fitness, and staying dangerous after 40.

www.youtube.com/@oldmanonthemat

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Community Support
01:31 Meet Damian: A Unique Perspective
02:35 Living in Portland: A Cultural Contrast
03:54 The Politics of Jiu Jitsu
05:03 Creating Spaces for Older Practitioners
06:18 The Challenges of Training Over 40
08:11 Personal Journeys and Emotional Challenges
09:59 Midlife Reflections and Jiu Jitsu
11:15 The Journey of Learning Jiu Jitsu
13:11 The Role of Jiu Jitsu in Personal Safety
15:09 Finding Balance in Training
17:49 Mindset and Enjoying the Process
20:05 Education and Personal Growth
21:50 Measuring Progress in Jiu Jitsu
24:04 The Challenge of Learning New Skills After 40
26:11 The Importance of Perseverance in Jiu Jitsu
29:20 Understanding Growth in a Competitive Environment
31:11 Mindset and Progress in Martial Arts
33:49 Fitness Routines for Older Adults
36:13 Nutrition and Diet for Optimal Performance
39:54 Transitioning from Military to Security Work
46:47 Coping Mechanisms in High-Stress Environments
49:25 The Therapeutic Nature of Jiu Jitsu
50:38 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Martial Arts
55:02 Lessons from Coaching and Business Failures
58:41 Facing Fears and Embracing Competition
01:03:27 Documenting the Journey: Sharing Experiences and Insights
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#foryourpage #foryou #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral

#oldmanonthemat #bjjover40 #jiujitsu #bjj #fitnessover40 #mensmentalhealth #mentalwarfare #discipline #resilience #grapplinglife #selfdefense #staydangerous #over40men #hardtokill #combatmindset #nevertoolate #bj

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"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

Strong body means nothing without a strong mindset.

Coach Cal on Mental Toughness, Faith & Building Winners | Wrestling & Jiu Jitsu Mindset

In this powerful conversation, Coach Cal shares his journey of overcoming challenges, building a successful wrestling program, and helping others grow through discipline and relationships.

From Wrestling to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he breaks down the importance of mental toughness, faith, continuous learning, and maintaining a positive mindset—especially as you get older.

This episode is about more than training… it’s about building stronger people and a lasting impact.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Podcast
04:06 Starting Wrestling: Coach Cal's Journey
06:56 Building a Wrestling Program from Scratch
10:48 Success Stories: From Few to Many Wrestlers
12:26 Motivation and Relationships in Coaching
14:45 Involvement in Jiu-Jitsu and Its Impact
16:39 Creating a Positive Team Environment
18:31 The Rise of Women's Wrestling
19:28 The Equalizing Power of Wrestling
20:49 Belief and Responsibility: Shaping Young Minds
23:30 Life Lessons from Adversity
25:22 Faith and Transformation
27:07 Influence and Purpose in Life
30:03 Finding Love and Support
38:46 Facing Fears and New Challenges
40:34 Overcoming Challenges in Martial Arts
42:37 Learning and Growth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
44:41 The Importance of Community and Mentorship
47:57 The Benefits of Martial Arts for All Ages
49:20 Finding the Right Training Environment
52:52 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Podcasting
56:01 Inspiration and Resilience in Life
59:44 The Role of Experience in Learning
01:02:26 The Impact of Technology on Real-Life Skills
01:02:30 The Evolution of Conflict Resolution
01:08:26 Reflections on Modern Youth and Morality
01:09:36 Faith, Identity, and Personal Beliefs
01:15:00 The Importance of Standing Firm in Beliefs
01:18:34 The Power of Positive Attitude and Connection
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"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

In this engaging interview, Nakapan Phungephorn shares his journey through martial arts, from overcoming childhood health challenges to becoming a multi-disciplinary martial artist and school owner. Discover his philosophies on training, community, and the evolution of martial arts in modern society. In this engaging interview, Nakapan Phungephorn shares his journey from martial arts enthusiast to successful school owner and mentor. Discover insights on growing martial arts schools, training older athletes, and balancing passion with business acumen.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Martial Arts Journey
03:02 Overcoming Adversity: The Start of a Martial Artist
04:51 The Influence of Martial Arts Movies
07:18 The Evolution of Martial Arts Training
10:09 Cultural Connections and Martial Arts
11:29 The Transition to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
14:36 The Importance of Community in Martial Arts
18:42 Navigating the Politics of Martial Arts
21:10 Philosophies of Training and Learning
22:26 The Value of Diverse Martial Arts Training
24:18 Curriculum and Teaching Philosophy in Martial Arts
27:23 The Role of Respect and Discipline in Martial Arts
28:38 Managing a Successful Martial Arts Academy
31:27 Transitioning from Corporate Life to Martial Arts
35:30 Building a Community Through Martial Arts
37:33 The Financial Realities of Running a Martial Arts School
40:07 Encouraging New Students to Start Martial Arts
42:18 Embracing Aging in Martial Arts
46:40 The Importance of Community and Support in Martial Arts
51:03 Gi vs. No Gi: A Personal Journey
57:31 Preparing for Competition: The Road to the Triple Crown
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Resources:

Beta Academy - https://betaacademy.com
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Jiu-Jitsu
Muay Thai - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai
Pedro Sauer Jiu Jitsu - https://pedrosauer.com
UFC History - https://www.ufc.com
Bruce Lee Philosophy - https://www.amazon.com/Striking-Thoughts-Bruce-Lee/dp/0897501744
Beta Academy - https://betaacademy.com
Black Belt Syndicate - https://blackbeltsyndicate.org
Nakapan Phungephorn's Courses - https://knockuponmma.com

Support the show

Support Our Podcast:

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Thank you for listening!