BJJ Panda Journeys, Stories from the Mats artwork

BJJ Panda Journeys, Stories from the Mats

35 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago -

Listen to the journey of people training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We talk to people of all ages, skill levels and styles. Each episode Nick and Vic will talk with a BJJ practitioner learning more about who they really are, where they started and what makes their journey unique.

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Episodes

Episode - 32 Welcome Back

September 26, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 46.9 MB

We are back.  Very excited to get back to it after a short break.  We figured the best way to welcome everyone back is to talk about our journey and what we have been up to the last couple of months. Make sure you like and follow us on Instagram @bjj_Pandas and Face Book Bjj Pandas and let us know if you are interested in sharing your journey. You can also check out all of our cool gear at BjjPandas.com Shadowrealmbjj.com and BjjPandasgear.com/store Sit back, relax and enjoy... To join ...

Episode 31 - The Journey of Dillon Vowell "The Cross Fit Panda"

April 25, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 59.7 MB

This week we meet Dillon Vowell.  Dillon may be a white belt, but has an amazing journey that includes MMA fights, wrestling, No-Gi BJJ and a whole lot more.  Dillon has an amazing out look and an amazing Journey.  You can connect with Dillion on Instagram @relentlessdillonvowel  Also check out his sponsor, Driveway Dumpsters and Paper St Coffee, paperstcoffee.com    Thanks again to Dillonfor coming on the show!!! Sit back, relax and enjoy...   Really excited to announce this is also our ...

Episode 30 - The Journey of Drew Milden "The Podcast Panda"

April 04, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 46.3 MB

This week we meet Drew Milden an fellow podcaster. Drew has a really cool journey that include more than just Jiu Jitsu, but is certainly passionate about Jiu Jitsu!  While he has just started his BJJ Journey he has certainly had an interesting journey in order to get to this point.  Check out his podcast for more just search for "Drew Vs the World Podcast" Also find Drew on instagram @drewvstheworldpodcast   Thanks again to Drew for coming on the show!!! Sit back, relax and enjoy...   Rea...

Episode 29 - The Journey of Ben Tallini "The Haven Panda"

March 28, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MB

This week we meet Ben, he is a Black belt, a coach, an academy owner and a really cool guy. Ben has recently opened his own academy Haven Jiu Jitsu in Baldwinsville NY (Central NY) and it is amazing.  Ben is also doing some really awesome work with the local police departments and Syracuse University to study the effects of BJJ training in Law Enforcement.  Not that you want to miss any of these episode, but this is a BIG ONE!! Thanks again to Ben for coming on the show!!! If you want con...

Episode 28 - The Journey of Sebastian "The Traveling Panda"

March 21, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 62.2 MB

This week we meet Sebstian, he is currently a purple belt and trains from where ever he happens to be.  We get to walk through his journey staring in high school as a wrestler.  We get to hear about his experiences as he has traveled all over the country for work and has been able to train at the same time.   Thanks again to Sebastian for coming on the show!!! If you want connect with Sebastian you  can find him on instagram @seabass859 Sit back, relax and enjoy...   To join our Discord C...

Episode 27 - The Journey of Dylan Gebhart "The Judo Panda"

March 07, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 53.4 MB

This week we meet Dylan Gebhart, Dylan is currently a white belt in BJJ and ranked in Judo.  We get to talk to Dylan about his Journey and what he has experienced just starting out. It was a lot of fun chatting Dylan and hearing his perspective and thoughts.   Thanks again to Dylan for coming on the show!!! Sit back, relax and enjoy...   To join our Discord Community Click here: BJJ Pandas Discord Make sure to let us know what you think by commenting on our Facebook Page: Panda Power Hour...

Episode 26- The Journey of Bella Gondim "The Little Sister Panda"

February 21, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 42.4 MB

This week we meet Bella Gondim, Vic's little sister.  She is an amazing blue belt and at only 18 years old has a very promising Jiu Jitsu journey in front of her.  It was great to hear about her starting her journey and some of the people that have influenced her life in a positive way through Jiu Jitsu. Thanks again to Bella for coming on the show!!! Sit back, relax and enjoy...   To join our Discord Community Click here: BJJ Pandas Discord Make sure to let us know what you think by comm...

Episode 25 - The Journey of Chris Ziegler "The Early Morning Panda"

February 14, 2022 05:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MB

This week we meet Chris Ziegler, the most consistent member of Panda Power Hour. We always say we want to hear journeys from White to Black and everything in between... So we have our first adult white belt.  Listen to how it began for Chris and why he continues to train. Thanks again to Chris for coming on the show!!! Sit back, relax and enjoy...   To join our Discord Community Click here: BJJ Pandas Discord Make sure to let us know what you think by commenting on our Facebook Page: Pand...

Episode 24- Pandas Chatting

February 07, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 48.6 MB

This week we bring a little different spin on our normal conversations.  We sat down with Aaron Vince "The Philosophical Panda" and just talked... We talked about Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Martial arts in general along with some other random topics.  We plan to bring a little different spin once per month so let us know what you think. Sit back, relax and enjoy...   To join our Discord Community Click here: BJJ Pandas Discord Make sure to let us know what you think by commenting on our Face...

Episode 23 - The Journey of Nakana Costa "The Hawaiian Panda"

January 31, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 61.8 MB

This week we meet Nakana Costa "The Hawaiian Panda".  Nakana has been training Jiu Jitsu for over a decade. He also has three kids that train and plenty of crazy stories!!  He is a Black Belt that trains under Professor Shawn Hammonds out of Guardian MMA in Nashville, TN. One of the funniest people I know and a ton of fun to talk with.  Thanks again to Nakana for coming on the show!!! Sit back, relax and enjoy...   To join our Discord Community Click here: BJJ Pandas Discord Make sure to ...

Episode 22- The Journey of Betty Broadhurst "The Roll Forever Panda"

January 24, 2022 01:00 - 2 hours - 86 MB

This week we meet Betty.  You may remember her from her instagram fame a couple of months ago when she won double gold at Worlds, but that wasn't the coolest part, she was also awarded her Black Belt by Professor Diego Bispo at age 65!! She started training BJJ at 54 years old because... she didn't want to join a book club!   This is truly one amazing Journey with so many fun stories.   Thanks again to Betty  for coming on the show!!! Sit back, relax and enjoy... If you want to support b...

Episode 21 - The Journey of "The Panda Family"

January 17, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 60.5 MB

This week we meet the Pender's. Marissa and Jeremy Pender, husband and wife, both black belts under the Team Shawn Hammonds. We hear not only about how they started their martial arts Journey, but also how they started as a couple.  This is truly one amazing family that is all in when in comes to living the Martial Arts lifestyle. Thanks again to Jeremy and Marissa  for coming on the show!!! Sit back, relax and enjoy... If you want to support the story you hear today you can do so by goi...

Episode 20 - The Journey of Aaron Vince "The Philosophical Panda"

January 11, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 53.9 MB

This week we meet Aaron, the "The Philosophical Panda".  Aaron has been training Jiu Jitsu for over three year and has also trained in Karate, Krav Maga and Kick Boxing. He has a very different approach and a very cool story.  This episode was really fun and you get to hear how Aaron has progressed on his Journey and brought friends along with him. Excited to see where this Journey leads Aaron in the future. Thanks again to Aaron for coming on the show!!! Sit back, relax and enjoy...   To...

Welcome to the new Year New Episode Tomorrow

January 10, 2022 03:00 - 1 minute - 1.1 MB

Hello Everyone, Due to some technical issues, we will be posting this week's episode tomorrow instead of the normal Monday.  Stay tuned, it is going to be good.

Episode 19 - The Journey of Sadie, Calvin, Lilllian and Emma "The Panda Cubs"

January 03, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 42 MB

Happy New Year!!!  This week we meet we have a very special episode.  We talk with four kids that train BJJ. Meet Sadie Chernoff, Calvin Rogers, Lillian Upchurch, and Emma Ziegler.  All four of these kids work hard, train hard, compete hard and know how to have fun.  This was such a great episode to record, talking to these kids and hearing about the Journey they have been on.   Some people are intimidated by combat sports, but these kids have not only jumped right in, most of them have a...

Episode 18 - The Journey of Ryan "The Mind Panda"

December 27, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 52.3 MB

This week episode is a little different.  This week we meet Ryan, the "The Mind Panda".  While Ryan doesn't train Jiu Jitsu, he does understand the mental aspect of combat and combat sports.  During his time on the show we talk about the different ways your mind and body can work together to help you be more comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Ryan works with vets from all walks of life, helping lift up their experiences and lives after life in the uniform.  Ryan also has a podcast,...

Episode 17- The Journey of Mike Schaffeld "The Big Strong Panda"

December 20, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 45.4 MB

This week we meet Mike Schaffeld, the Big Strong Panda.  Mike has been training for over three years.  In this episode we hear about the apprehensions that people can have just starting this sport. We also get to hear how training Jiu Jitsu has impacted not only Mike's life, but his family in a positive way.  Oh yea and we also hear about the time Mike almost got sick on the mats!! Hahaha Hear about his very first days starting as a "fighter" training in a trailer with shag carpet for mats...

Episode 16- The Journey of Mike Schaffeld "The Big Strong Panda"

December 20, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MB

This week we meet Mike Schaffeld, the Big Strong Panda.  Mike has been training for over three years.  In this episode we hear about the apprehensions that people can have just starting this sport. We also get to hear how training Jiu Jitsu has impacted not only Mike's life, but his family in a positive way.  Oh yea and we also hear about the time Mike almost got sick on the mats!! Hahaha Hear about his very first days starting as a "fighter" training in a trailer with shag carpet for mats...

Episode 16 - The Journey of James Fisher "The On Fire Panda"

December 13, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 50.9 MB

This week we meet James "On Fire" Fisher.  James has been training sine the mid 2000s, and has certainly had one heck of a journey.    Hear about his very first days starting as a "fighter" training in a trailer with shag carpet for mats!! You can learn directly from James via his Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=26807337 you can subscribe and get videos weekly showing detailed descriptions of different positions. James will be fighting this coming weekend in 12/19/2021 at t...

Episode 15 - The Journey of Gabe Slone "The Long Lost Panda"

December 06, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 47.1 MB

This week we meet Gabe Slone.  Gabe has been training for just over 13 years.  Most recently competed at the Worlds and won GOLD in Brown Belt Masters Open weight!!! He as also competed and won Silver and is currently ranked number 3 in the world at Brown Belt Masters level!!  Hear about his very first day on the mats and gain insight and wisdom he shares from his years of experience.  Gabe also started a Non-Profit that helps young people in the community develop through Jiu Jitsu by pr...

Episode 14 - The Journey of Logan Glass "The Lanky Panda"

November 29, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 46.2 MB

This week we meet Logan Glass.  Logan has been training for just over 3 years.  In that time he has had some amazing personal growth.  Hear all about how he got his start and what he has overcome in just the past year alone. Thanks again to Logan for coming on the show!!! As a reminder we have a new line of BJJ apparel including rash guards and Gis ARE OUT and ready for Pre-Order.  You can order yours at www.ShadowRealmBJJ.com or check us out on Instagram at Shadowrealmbjj and Facebook at...

Episode 13- The Journey of Levi Batta "The Soon to be New Dad Panda"

November 22, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MB

This week we meet Levi Batta of "Bright Jiu Jitsu" in Bright Indiana. Levi has been training for over 13 years and has seen a lot.  Not only does he talk about his experience on the mats, he also talks about person struggle and victories that his family has endured. Levi is getting ready for a Super Fight you can see him in Kentucky at the Madison Theater.  For tickets you can go to: https://madisontheater.com/events/2021/12/kumite-ii Thanks again to Levi for coming on the show!!! As a ...

Episode 12 - The Journey of Coach Dirk "The Georgia Peach Panda"

November 15, 2021 04:00 - 56 minutes - 38.9 MB

This week we meet Coach Dirk owner of "Against the Grain MMA and Boxing" out of Columbus Georgia.  As US Army vet, fighter and coach he is on an amazing journey. We got to not only hear about the things that have made him the person he is today, we also got some sound advice from someone that has been in the sport of over 14 years. Thanks again to Dirk for coming on the show!!! As a reminder we have a new line of BJJ apparel including rash guards and Gis coming out soon and can be found o...

Episode 11- The Journey of Alisa Hampton "The Person Training Panda"

November 08, 2021 03:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MB

This week we meet Alisa Hampton.  She has an amazing background as a Muay Thai practitioner and coach, a person trainer, yoga instructor AND a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  We walk through her experiences transitioning and mixing all of these forms of fitness and martial arts and how they have worked together to for her Journey. Alisa has also started a new Women's line of BJJ apparel including rash guards and Gis coming out soon and can be found on Instagram at Shadowrealmbjj and F...

Episode 10- The Journey of "The Vegan Panda"

November 02, 2021 02:00 - 1 hour - 43.9 MB

This week we meet Zack Thompson.  He is an Artist, a philosopher, a kickboxer, a Jiu Jitsu practitioner and all around fun guy!! Not to mention the guy that coined the phrase "F that guy!!" so you know this is going to be good. Sit back, relax and enjoy...    Make sure to let us know what you think by commenting on our Facebook Page: Panda Power Hour, Instagram: BJJ_Pandas or at our website BJJPandas.com   Special thank you to Drew Knote for supporting the podcast

Episode 9 - The Journey of Jeremy Martin "The Panda Doctor"

October 25, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MB

This week we meet with Jeremy Martin.  He is a Physical Therapist and the main person everyone in the gym goes to with all of their broken bits.  Jeremy has a long history with martial arts and most recently started his Journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  We had a lot of fun exploring all of the experiences that have led Jeremey to the point he is at today. Sit back, relax and enjoy...    Make sure to let us know what you think by commenting on our Facebook Page: Panda Power Hour, Instagram: B...

Episode 8 - The Journey of Mike Little "The Bronze Medalist Panda"

October 18, 2021 04:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MB

This week we get to meet Mike Little. Mike is a Brown Belt in BJJ and has been with Jordan Sullivan for almost his entire Journey.  During our time with Mike we hear about how this amazing journey started and some of the trial and tribulations Mike has had along the way.  We also get to hear how Jiu Jitsu saved Mikes life!! This is certainly an episode you aren't going to want to miss. Sit back, relax and enjoy... Make sure to let us know what you think by commenting on our Facebook Page:...

Episode 7- The Journey of Drew Knote "The Army Panda"

October 11, 2021 09:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MB

This week we meet Drew Knote, a Chief Warrant in the US Army and the reason Nick started Jiu Jitsu. Drew walks us through his journey starting in the mid 2000s, taking a break and starting again after time off. Sit back, relax and enjoy... Make sure to let us know what you think by commenting on our Facebook Page: Panda Power Hour, Instagram: BJJ Pandas or at our website BJJPandas.com Special thank you to Drew Knote for supporting the podcast

Episode 6- The Journey of Jesse Romans "The Prideslayer Panda"

October 04, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 44 MB

This week we meet Jesse "Prideslayer" Romans and BBJ practitioner, and pro kickboxer. We hear about Jesse's journey, from the beginning  through the present. Jesse was an over weight back yard brawler, who found BJJ and became a pro kickboxer and work on pro MMA fighter, Make sure to let us know what you think by commenting on our Facebook Page: Panda Power Hour, Instagram: BJJ Pandas or at our website BJJPandas.com Special thanks to Drew Knote for the support.

Episode 5- The Journey of Russ Kenney "The Giant Panda"

September 27, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 45.1 MB

This week we meet Russ Kenney, Masters 3 Black Belt Silver Medalist at the most recent IBBJF Pans!! We hear about Russ' journey, from the beginning  through the present.  Russ has an amazing journey starting 13 years ago, including his latest experience competing at the Pans under the Team Shawn Hammonds flag. Russ' Journey as a Ronin with Team Shawn Hammonds, affords him the opportunity to work with multiple Team Shawn Hammonds gyms though out Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. Rus...

Episode 4 - The Journey of Victor Gondim "The Young Panda"

September 16, 2021 17:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MB

Earning a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu is a great achievement. Imagine earning one before your 20th Birthday! This episode we introduce Victor Gondim the youngest panda in our embarrassment (the name of a group of pandas, for real, look it up).  Starting from his early years training to today. Join us while we follow the journey of this young up and coming superstar. Make sure to let us know what you think by commenting on our Facebook Page: Panda Power Hour, Instagram: BJJ Pandas or at our ...

Episode 2- Journey of "That Big Fat Panda??" Nick Chernoff

September 12, 2021 22:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MB

Please bear with us as we continue to improve the audio experience, still trying to figure all this out... Enjoy!! This episode we walk through the Journey of the "THE Big Fat Panda" Nick Chernoff.  We hear about how and why he started his BJJ Journey along with his two kids, Maddison and Sadie, and wife Tara. Nick Talks through not only his Jiu Jitsu Journey but his journey to a healthier lifestyle. Make sure to let us know what you think by commenting on our Facebook Page: Panda Power ...

Episode 3- The Journey of Shawn Snyder "The Not-So-Fat Panda"

September 12, 2021 22:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MB

We are getting better, still please bear with us as we continue to improve the audio experience, still trying to figure all this out... Enjoy!! In this episode we meet Shawn Snyder the other Panda that started Panda Power Hour and THIS podcast.  We listen to Shawn walk through his journey from starting martial arts as a child, then becoming a Marine,  moving to Florida and start kickboxing and BJJ, 10 Years later getting his blue belt at Triple Crown MMA in Kentucky!  Wild ride. Make sure ...

Episode 1- The Journey Begins

September 09, 2021 03:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MB

Please bear with us as we continue to improve the audio experience, still trying to figure all this out... Enjoy!! This episode is a brief background on the host, Shawn and Nick.  We talk about why we started this podcase, talking about the different journeys that we are all on as we travel down the road of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu . We hope you enjoy and please be patient with us as we figure out this recording thing LOL, we promise we will be working hard to get better audio. Make sure to let...

Quick Introductions

September 05, 2021 02:00 - 2 minutes - 1.93 MB

Meet Shawn and Nick, the hosts of "BJJ Panda Journey, Stories from the Mat". Hear why we decided to start this podcast along with what we will be talking about during future episodes. Together we will walk though different people's journey throughout Brazilian Jiu Jujitsu.