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Rob Ingram | McDojo Life Founder, Journalist, Author, and Business Consultant
October 30, 2024 · 107 min

Rob Ingram is a Journalist, Martial Arts Business Consultant, Author, and lifelong martial artist.

In this episode, Rob discusses the mission of McDojo Life, an online community with over 1.6 million followers across all platforms. They are dedicated to improving the martial arts community through accountability and transparency while actively discussing the issues within the martial arts industry, including criminal behavior and cult-like dynamics

You can learn more about Rob & McDojo Life online:

mcdojolife.com

⁠www.tiktok.com/@mcdojolife⁠

⁠www.youtube.com/@McDojoLife⁠

⁠@mcdojolife⁠

⁠@academysafe

Rob shares his journey into martial arts, detailing the impact of bullying during his childhood, how martial arts provided a sense of belonging, the transformative power of training, and the value of diverse training.

As a martial artist, Rob discusses the role coaches play in martial arts and emphasizes the need to understand student goals and motivations. He critiques the traditional ego-driven culture in martial arts and advocates for a more honest and supportive coaching approach.

As a business consultant, Rob shares his views on the importance of treating martial arts as a business and the influence of mentorship on personal growth.

Rob is also the EVP of Academy Safe, a Non-Profit Organization that ensures safety and accountability in martial arts studios through background checks and transparency.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to McDojo Life and Its Mission

05:58 The Impact of Bullying and Finding Martial Arts

16:22 The Beauty and Brutality of Martial Arts

17:08 Journey Through Martial Arts: From Karate to Jiu Jitsu

19:05 Lessons from Mentors: The Duality of Teaching

20:57 The Quest for Knowledge: 10 Black Belts Before I Die

22:36 Nunchucks: A Fun Yet Practical Tool

25:51 The Value of Weapons Training in Martial Arts

28:57 The Influence of Legends: Learning from the Best

29:18 The Birth of McDojo Life: Addressing Industry Issues

36:05 The Real Problems in Martial Arts: Criminal Behavior

41:45 Cult-like Dynamics in Martial Arts

49:52 Unity in Diversity: Embracing All Martial Arts Styles

50:55 The Role of Coaches in Student Success

52:22 Understanding Student Goals

53:21 Ego and Expectations in Martial Arts

54:21 Setting Standards in Martial Arts

56:13 The Importance of Honesty in Coaching

57:55 Introducing Academy Safe

01:00:22 The Need for Background Checks

01:02:10 Creating a Safer Environment in Martial Arts

01:04:36 Treating Martial Arts as a Business

01:06:44 Influences and Mentorship in Martial Arts

01:10:07 Learning from Every Interaction

01:12:55 Understanding Cult Dynamics in Martial Arts

01:15:34 The Power of Suggestion in Martial Arts

01:20:49 Grooming and Manipulation in Martial Arts

01:24:57 The Controversy of Urban Survival Training

01:26:00 Documentary Development Journey

01:30:25 Challenges of Filmmaking During COVID

01:37:38 Navigating Industry Politics and Partnerships

01:48:44 The Importance of Goal Setting in Pursuits

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Keywords

martial arts, McDojo Life, Rob Ingram, bullying, jiu-jitsu, martial arts training, business systems, martial arts community, personal growth, resilience, martial arts, McDojo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Karate, weapons training, mentorship, industry issues, criminal behavior, cult dynamics, coaching, martial arts, student goals, background checks, safety, business, mentorship, cult dynamics, martial arts, documentary, goal setting, industry politics