From Mat Rat to Gym Owner with Black Belt Brandon Gebel

In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, we sit down with Professor Brandon Gebel to talk about the journey from mat rat to gym owner & everything it takes to build a life in jiu-jitsu. Starting in 2012 with no prior wrestling or martial arts background, Brandon committed fully to the art and never looked back. From teaching youth classes as a blue belt to coaching at a UFC gym to earning his black belt under multi-time world champion Diego Bispo, and eventually owning his own academy, his path has been built on discipline, consistency, and an unwavering passion for coaching. We talk about leadership and respect, what it really means to commit long-term in this sport, and what it looks like to coach and compete through injuries. Brandon shares the responsibility that comes with gym ownership, the culture he strives to build, and why longevity matters more than quick wins. We also get into life outside the academy — including his love for cooking and gardening — and the surprising parallels between tending a garden and developing in jiu-jitsu. Growth takes patience. You can’t rush roots. What you nurture consistently is what thrives. The long game always wins. This conversation is about perseverance, purpose, and building something that lasts, in jiu-jitsu and beyond.   Hosts: @itmaltime & @jennholmberg Pod: @chokeholdsandchillpod Guest: @b_man_jiujitsu owner of @ameliaislandbrazilianjiujitsu   Sponsors: ✨ Mil Usos Skincare — @milusos_skincare milusossskincare.com   👊 Limitless Tape — @limitless_tape Use code CHOKEHOLD   🤼‍♀️ 2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp Indy Base Camp | July 10–12, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN www.rollmodelswanted.com Use code CHOKE50 for $50 off camp   Hero Academy is offering $200 off any 2026 Hero Academy camp with code CHILLEN https://heroacademybjj.com