{"id":227,"date":"2025-08-18T07:01:46","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T14:01:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/?p=227"},"modified":"2025-08-18T07:01:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T14:01:46","slug":"what-if-you-want-to-learn-self-defense-with-john-valentine-stronger-is-better-podcast-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/what-if-you-want-to-learn-self-defense-with-john-valentine-stronger-is-better-podcast-10\/","title":{"rendered":"What if You Want to Learn Self Defense? With John Valentine | Stronger Is Better Podcast #10"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"lyte-wrapper\" title=\"What if You Want to Learn Self Defense? With John Valentine | Stronger Is Better Podcast #10\" style=\"width:640px;max-width:100%;margin:5px;\"><div class=\"lyMe hidef\" id=\"WYL_AVw33iRGxP0\" itemprop=\"video\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\"><div><meta itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" content=\"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FAVw33iRGxP0%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg\" \/><meta itemprop=\"embedURL\" content=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AVw33iRGxP0\" \/><meta itemprop=\"duration\" content=\"PT1H25M16S\" \/><meta itemprop=\"uploadDate\" content=\"2025-08-18T05:15:00Z\" \/><\/div><div id=\"lyte_AVw33iRGxP0\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FAVw33iRGxP0%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"pL\"><div class=\"tC\"><div class=\"tT\" itemprop=\"name\">What if You Want to Learn Self Defense? With John Valentine | Stronger Is Better Podcast #10<\/div><\/div><div class=\"play\"><\/div><div class=\"ctrl\"><div class=\"Lctrl\"><\/div><div class=\"Rctrl\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><noscript><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/AVw33iRGxP0\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FAVw33iRGxP0%2F0.jpg\" alt=\"What if You Want to Learn Self Defense? With John Valentine | Stronger Is Better Podcast #10\" width=\"640\" height=\"340\" \/><br \/>Watch this video on YouTube<\/a><\/noscript><meta itemprop=\"description\" content=\"In this episode of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo sits down with John Valentine \u2014 BJJ black belt, active-duty military instructor, and founder of the Combatives Association. They discuss the fundamentals of real-world self-defense, the importance of pressure testing in training, and how martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fit into the broader self defense picture. The conversation covers coaching integrity, effective learning methods, and how to build sustainable skills that actually work under stress. John also shares details about the upcoming Combatives Summit (October 24\u201326 in D\u2019Iberville, MS), plus the launch of the Combatives coaching platform. Whether you\u2019re a coach, martial artist, or someone interested in personal protection, this episode will help you think more clearly about what training really prepares you for. \ud83d\udd17 Learn more about the Combatives Summit: combativesummit.com \u2e3b 00:00 \u2013 Introduction and guest background 02:00 \u2013 The origin of the Combatives Association 04:30 \u2013 Building an honest community around fighting and training 09:00 \u2013 Why fighting is simple but training often overcomplicates it 12:00 \u2013 Core truths of stand-up clinch, striking, and grappling 16:30 \u2013 Positions that matter: parallel vs. perpendicular fighting 18:20 \u2013 Weapons considerations and the limits of BJJ 21:00 \u2013 Why pressure testing matters more than techniques 24:00 \u2013 Wrestling as the foundation of fighting 26:30 \u2013 Jiu-Jitsu as the best entry point for most people 28:30 \u2013 Has BJJ abandoned self-defense to Krav Maga? 33:30 \u2013 Striking, clinching, grappling, and weapons: it\u2019s always \u201cyes\u201d 35:00 \u2013 Legal aftermath and what martial arts don\u2019t teach 37:00 \u2013 Self-defense vs. fitness classes 39:00 \u2013 Why BJJ \u201con accident\u201d builds fighting ability better than most systems 43:00 \u2013 The role of coaching and integrity in self-defense training 46:30 \u2013 How most training preserves systems, not effectiveness 48:30 \u2013 Why information isn\u2019t the problem \u2014 coaching is 51:00 \u2013 The dangers of repackaging combatives material 55:00 \u2013 Skipping the process gets people hurt 56:00 \u2013 Drilling vs. ecological\/constraints-based learning 01:00:00 \u2013 Good coaching vs. bad teaching in martial arts 01:04:30 \u2013 Anecdotes, authority, and developing skill 01:06:50 \u2013 Suggested path to becoming self-reliant in self-defense 01:10:30 \u2013 John\u2019s advice for beginners starting martial arts 01:13:30 \u2013 Situational awareness and reducing vulnerability 01:14:30 \u2013 Legal education and concealed carry training 01:15:30 \u2013 Combatives Summit 2025 details (Oct 24\u201326) 01:18:45 \u2013 Coaching platform and professional community launch 01:21:20 \u2013 Sponsors and community support for the Summit 01:22:30 \u2013 The value of surrounding yourself with high-level people 01:23:30 \u2013 Closing thoughts and takeaways *Connect With* #startingstrengthgyms https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/startingstrengthgyms https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/startingstrengthgyms https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/starting-strength-gyms \ud83d\udd17 *Book your free 30-min session:* https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/free-session.html?utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_medium=video&amp;utm_campaign=ytreferral \ud83d\udd17 *Own a Gym:* https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/own-a-gym.html?utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_medium=video&amp;utm_campaign=ytreferral \ud83d\udd17 *Train at a gym:* https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/locations.html?utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_medium=video&amp;utm_campaign=ytreferral \ud83d\udd17 *Coach at a gym:* https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/become-a-coach.html?utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_medium=video&amp;utm_campaign=ytreferral \ud83d\udd17 *Shop for apparel:* https:\/\/store.startingstrengthgyms.com?utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_medium=video&amp;utm_campaign=ytreferral #startingstrengthgyms #startingstrength #strengthtraining #fitness\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"lL\" style=\"max-width:100%;width:640px;margin:5px;\"><\/div><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>In this episode of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo sits down with John Valentine \u2014 BJJ black belt, active-duty military instructor, and founder of the Combatives Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They discuss the fundamentals of real-world self-defense, the importance of pressure testing in training, and how martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fit into the broader self defense picture. The conversation covers coaching integrity, effective learning methods, and how to build sustainable skills that actually work under stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>John also shares details about the upcoming Combatives Summit (October 24\u201326 in D\u2019Iberville, MS), plus the launch of the Combatives coaching platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re a coach, martial artist, or someone interested in personal protection, this episode will help you think more clearly about what training really prepares you for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udd17 Learn more about the Combatives Summit: combativesummit.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2e3b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>00:00 \u2013 Introduction and guest background<br>02:00 \u2013 The origin of the Combatives Association<br>04:30 \u2013 Building an honest community around fighting and training<br>09:00 \u2013 Why fighting is simple but training often overcomplicates it<br>12:00 \u2013 Core truths of stand-up clinch, striking, and grappling<br>16:30 \u2013 Positions that matter: parallel vs. perpendicular fighting<br>18:20 \u2013 Weapons considerations and the limits of BJJ<br>21:00 \u2013 Why pressure testing matters more than techniques<br>24:00 \u2013 Wrestling as the foundation of fighting<br>26:30 \u2013 Jiu-Jitsu as the best entry point for most people<br>28:30 \u2013 Has BJJ abandoned self-defense to Krav Maga?<br>33:30 \u2013 Striking, clinching, grappling, and weapons: it\u2019s always \u201cyes\u201d<br>35:00 \u2013 Legal aftermath and what martial arts don\u2019t teach<br>37:00 \u2013 Self-defense vs. fitness classes<br>39:00 \u2013 Why BJJ \u201con accident\u201d builds fighting ability better than most systems<br>43:00 \u2013 The role of coaching and integrity in self-defense training<br>46:30 \u2013 How most training preserves systems, not effectiveness<br>48:30 \u2013 Why information isn\u2019t the problem \u2014 coaching is<br>51:00 \u2013 The dangers of repackaging combatives material<br>55:00 \u2013 Skipping the process gets people hurt<br>56:00 \u2013 Drilling vs. ecological\/constraints-based learning<br>01:00:00 \u2013 Good coaching vs. bad teaching in martial arts<br>01:04:30 \u2013 Anecdotes, authority, and developing skill<br>01:06:50 \u2013 Suggested path to becoming self-reliant in self-defense<br>01:10:30 \u2013 John\u2019s advice for beginners starting martial arts<br>01:13:30 \u2013 Situational awareness and reducing vulnerability<br>01:14:30 \u2013 Legal education and concealed carry training<br>01:15:30 \u2013 Combatives Summit 2025 details (Oct 24\u201326)<br>01:18:45 \u2013 Coaching platform and professional community launch<br>01:21:20 \u2013 Sponsors and community support for the Summit<br>01:22:30 \u2013 The value of surrounding yourself with high-level people<br>01:23:30 \u2013 Closing thoughts and takeaways<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this episode of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo sits down with John Valentine \u2014 BJJ black belt, active-duty military instructor, and founder of the Combatives Association. They discuss the fundamentals of real-world self-defense, the importance of pressure testing in training, and how martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fit into the broader self [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[9,10],"class_list":["post-227","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-podcast","tag-starting-strength-gyms","tag-stronger-is-better"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":219,"url":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/better-people-through-learning-to-fight-stronger-is-better-podcast-9\/","url_meta":{"origin":227,"position":0},"title":"Better People through Learning to Fight | Stronger is Better Podcast #9","author":"Bre Acosta","date":"August 4, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/6syqDRzigUg In this episode of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo is interviewed by Hari Fafutis of Tavros Strength in Mexico. 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In this episode of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick goes deep on the press, why it's good for you, and how to program it long term. https:\/\/youtu.be\/vzUc7QNO_ME?si=9Qth1EmVX-tSzc5t Programming\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Podcast - Stronger Is Better&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Podcast - Stronger Is Better","link":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/category\/podcast\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/vzUc7QNO_ME\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":167,"url":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/grit-and-resilience-with-mike-kelly-and-alex-ptacek-stronger-is-better-podcast-5\/","url_meta":{"origin":227,"position":3},"title":"Grit and Resilience with Mike Kelly and Alex Ptacek | Stronger Is Better Podcast #5","author":"Bre Acosta","date":"June 11, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/iT00Ow3DP_w In this episode of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, host Nick Delgadillo speaks with Alex Ptacek, Head Coach at Starting Strength Chicago, and his trainee Mike Kelly. Mike shares the gripping and ultimately inspiring story of suffering a catastrophic quad injury\u2014followed by multiple surgeries, setbacks, and an unwavering commitment\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Podcast - Stronger Is Better&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Podcast - Stronger Is Better","link":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/category\/podcast\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/iT00Ow3DP_w\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":266,"url":"https:\/\/www.startingstrengthgyms.com\/library\/a-parents-strength-support-for-disabled-children-stronger-is-better-podcast-14\/","url_meta":{"origin":227,"position":4},"title":"A Parent\u2019s Strength: Support for Disabled Children | Stronger is Better Podcast #14","author":"Bre Acosta","date":"October 13, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/IvKT0M6dgLg In this powerful episode of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo is joined by UK-based client and father James Collinge to discuss how strength training has transformed his life\u2014not just in the gym, but in parenting a disabled child. 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