EPISODE · Jan 12, 2026 · 1H 2M
Unbreakable on the Mats: Kari Summers & Mendi Carlson on Motherhood, Competition, and Building Women’s Jiu Jitsu
from Chokeholds and Chill Podcast · host chokeholdsandchillpod
This week on Chokeholds & Chill, we’re joined by Kari Summers and Mendi Carlson, the women behind Unbreakable Jiu Jitsu Camps. Training out of the DFW area under Professor Karen Banes, both women are mothers, heavily active competitors, and leaders in the women’s jiu jitsu community. They created Unbreakable with one clear goal: make jiu jitsu more accessible for women by bringing the camp experience to them—so they can train, grow, and still go home each night. We talk motherhood, competition, adversity, and why community-driven women’s spaces matter so much in this sport. If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent, felt intimidated walking into the gym, or wondered if jiu jitsu can fit into your real life—this episode is for you. Find the guests: • @kari_genesisBJJ • @mendicarlson_bjj Unbreakable Jiu Jitsu Camps: 📲 @unbreakablejiujitsu 🌐 www.unbreakable-bjj.com 🎟 Use code 50OFF for $50 off registration Proudly sponsored by: Mil Usos Skincare | milusosskincare.com Limitless Tape | Trusted by athletes on and off the mats
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What this episode covers
In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory sit down with Kari Summers and Mendi Carlson, founders of Unbreakable Jiu Jitsu Camps—a women-focused camp experience built to remove barriers and get more women confidently onto the mats. Both Kari and Mendi train in the DFW area under Professor Karen Banes, are dedicated mothers, and compete heavily in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Their shared mission is simple but powerful: help women overcome adversity, stay consistent in training, and build confidence—without needing to leave home for an entire weekend. Unbreakable Jiu Jitsu Camps bring high-level instruction to women, allowing them to train hard, grow their skills, and still return home each night. In this conversation, we talk about motherhood and competition, why accessibility matters in women’s jiu jitsu, and how creating intentional spaces can change someone’s entire relationship with the sport. Guests: • Kari Summers — @kari_genesisBJJ • Mendi Carlson — @mendicarlson_bjj Camp Info: 📍 Follow: @unbreakablejiujitsu 🌐 Website: www.unbreakable-bjj.com 💸 Use code 50OFF for $50 off a one- or two-day registration Sponsors: 🧴 Mil Usos Skincare — milusosskincare.com 🩹 Limitless Tape — Built for grapplers who train hard.
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Unbreakable on the Mats: Kari Summers & Mendi Carlson on Motherhood, Competition, and Building Women’s Jiu Jitsu
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