Host Pete Deeley interviews Ryan Hurst of GMB Fitness about how martial arts shaped his life and teaching. Hurst began martial arts in high school, visited Japan at 18, and an influential kendo instructor encouraged him to stay; a planned short exchange became 28 years in Japan, including training connected to police/self-defense groups and working eight years at a martial arts complex in a shrine. He emphasizes posture, breath, and mindset as core principles for both fighting and life. After moving back to the U.S. four years ago, injuries and cultural differences in training made him consider quitting, leading him to form the non-competitive, free “Jiú Kai” group focused on longevity and mutual benefit. He discusses judo maxims (maximum efficiency, mutual welfare/respect, and pausing to ask “is this necessary?”), training modes (maintenance, exploration, “monk mode”), and how being an outsider improved his coaching awareness. He previews a forthcoming book on staying on the mat forever.

In this episode

• 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
• 01:36 Martial Arts as a Life Path
• 02:55 Japan Exchange and Kendo Mentor
• 06:02 Posture Breath Mindset Framework
• 09:54 Coaches and Work Ethic Origins
• 11:40 Kendo Culture Shock and Proving Yourself
• 15:58 Shrine Dojo Years in Osaka
• 17:21 Joyful Hard Work and Longevity
• 20:34 Judo Maxims and Training Philosophy
• 22:51 Moving Back and BJJ Injury Wake Up Call
• 26:34 Starting the Jiu Kai Training Group
• 28:03 Training Without Rivalry
• 28:27 Almost Quitting Martial Arts
• 29:40 Osaka Castle Dojo Lessons
• 31:17 Practice Is Mindset
• 32:04 Maintenance Play Monk Modes
• 32:50 Aging Without Comparison
• 36:31 Longevity And Staying On
• 38:52 New Book Staying Forever
• 39:40 Injury Pivot And GMB
• 43:54 Outsider Experience And Ego
• 49:24 Awareness Based Coaching
• 54:46 Jeans Guy And Farewell

Watch on YouTube · Subscribe to The Jiu Jitsu Mindset