In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Muay Thai coach and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt Brandon Davis, also known as Coach Thor, from Crazy 88 MMA in Severna Park.

Brandon returns to the podcast to catch up on everything that’s changed since his last appearance, including the stresses of coaching, his evolution as a martial artist, and what it actually takes to stay consistent on the mats over time.

We talk about recent Saturday training sessions at Crazy 88 and the mental stress that comes with retooling technique, something every grappler experiences but rarely talks about. From there, the conversation shifts into the pressure of being a coach, balancing personal growth while guiding others, and what responsibility really feels like when you’re leading a room.

We also break down the UFC Freedom 250 fight card with predictions and reactions to the main matchups, before closing things out with a discussion on the NFL offseason and how competition, preparation, and mindset carry across sports.

This episode is less about technique and more about what happens behind the scenes, the adjustments, the pressure, and the long-term commitment it takes to keep showing up.

If you train, coach, or just appreciate the process of getting better over time, this conversation will hit.

Shawn Gray returns to the Off the Mats Podcast. This time, as a newly promoted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt out of Crazy 88 MMA.

In his first appearance, Shawn was navigating the challenges of blue belt and building his foundation in jiu-jitsu. Now, the conversation shifts to what happens after that foundation is set, when expectations rise, responsibility increases, and your role on the mats begins to change.

We break down what earning a purple belt really represents, from the technical evolution of his game to the mental and emotional shifts that come with it. Shawn shares what his coaches saw in him, how his approach to training has changed, and why purple belt is often where grapplers either take a major step forward or begin to plateau.

We also explore leadership inside the gym, helping lower belts develop, dealing with pressure, and redefining what progress looks like at this stage of the journey.

This episode isn’t about techniques, it’s about identity, growth, and what it means to carry the responsibility of your rank.

Topics include:

• The transition from blue belt to purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Mental and technical growth in BJJ
• Leadership and mentorship on the mats
• Handling pressure, plateaus, and expectations
• Training culture at Crazy 88 MMA

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

Moe Brown returns to the Off the Mats Podcast for a conversation on discipline, identity, and general catching up on our thoughts about the current UFC and life on the mats.

In his first appearance, Moe, known for his “Moetivate” mindset, spoke about building structure through jiu-jitsu. But in this episode, we further expand on what that means. We break down what happens after the foundation is built, when life gets chaotic, motivation fades, and discipline is no longer optional.

We share our thoughts on the UFC 326 main event between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira and what mixed martial arts includes. We also discuss the upcoming UFC White House card and the upcoming interim heavyweight title fight. We return to jiu jitsu conversation as we talk about the difference between motivation and real discipline, how ego can quietly stall your progress, and why most people don’t quit jiu-jitsu because of technique, but because they lack structure outside the gym. Moe also opens up about burnout, pressure, and the reality of trying to live up to the mindset you promote.

This episode isn’t about techniques or highlight reels, it’s about who you become through jiu-jitsu.

We also discuss: • What discipline actually looks like on your worst days • The responsibility of leadership as others start watching you • Balancing consistency without becoming obsessive • Why longevity, not intensity, is the real key to progress

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or questioned your place in jiu-jitsu, this conversation will hit.

Because at the end of the day, jiu-jitsu isn’t just about getting better on the mats, it’s about becoming someone better off them.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all platforms.