Journey to Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt w Shantelle Thompson Barkindji Warrior: Recent Episodes
Shantelle Thompson
What does it take to become a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu? What are the lessons and experiences along the way? How about weaving in being a woman, mother to x6 kids, being almost 40, First Nations Woman, Indigipreneur, Storyteller and more??? Come and wall with me as I share my journey of going from Brown Belt to Black Belt and everything in between.
Journey to Black Belt - Episode 2: "Finding Purpose: Why This Path Matters"
In this episode of the Journey to Black Belt podcast, I dive deep into the meaning of purpose and why it’s such an essential part of the journey. This is the second part of our four-part series, where I explore how Jiu-Jitsu became more than just a martial art for me – it became a path to healing, resilience, and self-discovery.
Join me as I share how this journey has transformed from a personal pursuit into a greater mission to inspire and empower others. We'll discuss the lessons learned on and off the mats, the challenges faced, and how embracing your purpose can help you overcome adversity and step into your own power. Whether you're on your own path to self-discovery or seeking motivation, this episode will guide you in finding the strength and courage to pursue your purpose.
Tune in to learn why the journey to black belt is more than just a destination – it’s a movement that encourages us all to rise and find our warrior within.
JourneyToBlackBelt #FindingPurpose #WarriorHeart
Evolving the Legacy: The Black Belt as a Movement
Podcast Brief: Welcome to the Journey to Black Belt podcast, where we explore the path of resilience, growth, and empowerment through the art of Jiu-Jitsu. In this episode, we're diving into the "why" behind the journey to black belt and the deeper reasons that drew me to Jiu-Jitsu. This episode kicks off a 4-part series where I’ll share my story, experiences, and insights on why the journey to black belt is more than just a destination—it's a movement, a concept, and a principle that embodies strength, purpose, and empowerment.
Episode Summary: In this first episode of our 4-part series, I introduce the foundation of my Journey to Black Belt and why Jiu-Jitsu became my path of healing, strength, and personal growth. Discover the challenges I faced, the lessons learned, and how the journey to black belt is not just about mastering martial arts, but about embracing a philosophy that can inspire and empower others. Join me as I share how this journey has evolved into a story of transformation, resilience, and a call to step into our own power.
Title: Tap Out Now, To Win Later: A Lesson for the Mats and Life
Podcast Series: Journey to Black Belt with Shantelle Thompson
Episode Theme: In this episode, Shantelle Thompson dives into the powerful metaphor of “tapping out” in Jiu-Jitsu and life. She explores how the moments when we surrender can be some of our most strategic and empowering decisions. This episode emphasizes that knowing when to step back or let go can set the stage for future victories. It teaches listeners how to play the long game, embrace vulnerability, and make smart choices for lasting growth and success.
Key Discussion Points:
- Personal Story of the First Tap Out: Shantelle shares an impactful personal experience of her first significant tap out in Jiu-Jitsu and the deep lessons she learned.
- The Power of Surrender: Understanding the philosophy behind tapping out on the mats and applying it to life's challenges.
- Playing the Long Game: How setbacks are a part of a larger journey toward success and resilience.
- Reflection Questions for Listeners: How can surrendering now lead to long-term success? What areas of life require a strategic ‘tap out’?
- Practical Tips for Listeners: Learn to recognize when it’s time to tap out, and develop strategies to return stronger in the long game of life.
Target Audience: This episode is for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating life’s challenges. It appeals to individuals who are on a journey of personal development, resilience, and strategic growth, both in their professional and personal lives.
Episode Summary (for Publishing):
Episode Title: Tap Out Now, To Win Later: A Lesson for the Mats and Life
In this episode of Journey to Black Belt, Shantelle Thompson, the Barkindji Warrior, explores the powerful concept of tapping out—both in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and life. Through personal stories and life lessons, Shantelle explains how sometimes surrendering in the moment can be the most strategic decision you make, setting you up for long-term success.
From the mats to the challenges of daily life, Shantelle shares how knowing when to step back can protect you from further harm and help you come back stronger. She offers practical tips on how to apply this philosophy, how to recognize when to tap out, and how to return with more strength and clarity.
If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode will remind you that playing the long game requires patience, self-awareness, and the courage to embrace vulnerability. Tune in to learn how to tap out now and win later—on and off the mats.
Takeaways:
- Surrendering is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Setbacks are part of the journey toward long-term success.
- Embrace vulnerability and make smart decisions to protect yourself and grow stronger.
Tune in and discover the power of playing the long game with Shantelle Thompson.
Episode Title: Dealing with the In-Between: Navigating Life’s Uncertain Phases
Description: In this episode of Warrior Heart Yarns, we dive into the often uncomfortable yet transformative space known as the "in-between"—those moments where you're no longer where you were but not yet where you want to be. Join Shantelle Thompson, the Barkindji Warrior, as she shares personal stories, insights, and practical tools on how to navigate life’s transitions with resilience, purpose, and heart.
Drawing from her experiences as a mother, mental health advocate, world champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and proud Aboriginal woman, Shantelle explains how the most uncertain times can lead to profound growth and transformation. Whether you're facing a personal challenge, career change, or emotional struggle, this episode offers wisdom on embracing discomfort, celebrating small wins, and finding purpose in the midst of uncertainty.
Weaving together wisdom and lessons learnt from the jiu jitsu mats, life, recovering and healing on her mental health journey and being an Entrepreneur.
Tune in to learn how to trust the process, stay grounded, and allow your "in-between" moments to become stepping stones toward a brighter future.
Keywords: Transitions, Resilience, Growth, Mental Health, Uncertainty, Personal Development, Micro-Steps, Warrior Heart, Barkindji Warrior, Shantelle Thompson
In this episode, we journey into the intricate weaving between the high-intensity world of Jiu-Jitsu competition and the essential practice of mental health care and living life.
Come and listen to a deep yarn and insight in what is happening in my world and the choices I am making to keep my dreams alive while meeting life. Yarning about how I am exploring how taking time away from the mats can be as crucial as the time spent on them. You will hear how as a seasoned competitor I share my personal journeys, revealing how the discipline of Jiu-Jitsu has equipped me with unique life lessons and strategies for managing stress and achieving mental clarity.
Whether you're a competitor, a casual practitioner, or just someone interested in the intersection of sport and wellness, this episode offers valuable insights into the pursuit of mental and physical harmony.
Is a dream or calling still worth it? Is the calling stronger than your fears? Stronger than the battles you have to face both within yourself and the external world?
It has been a while since I had the capacity to record an episode for the podcast. I have been drowning in the mental illness of this season and fighting to get my head above water.
Today and the last few days something has shifted, and I felt compelled to share some of the journey I have been moving through in life and in my Dreaming and this season.
As always I share a real, raw and honest insight into what is happening in my world and how I am making space to go deep on what is real, what is ego and FOMO. And what is worth fighting for, surrendering and allowing in this season.
Black belt lesson - humility.
As I make space to create a more reflective practise and to go deeper with 'Dadirri', I begin to create more space to sit with myself as a human-being in this season.
I realise how much I punish myself for not being who and where I think I 'should' or 'could' be. And yes there is 100% some accountability that needs to be had here, and the cost of not acting on my 'nudges/whispers' sooner means there are definitely prices to pay.
However, beating myself up is only holding myself back even more. So it is time to take a different approach and meeting myself with humiltiy and a willingness to 'begin again' as many times as it takes to learn the lesson, so I can create growth and progress from here.
I hope you enjoy this yarn and take something from it. Big love and gratitude Shantelle
First competition for the year done and dusted. It has been about 6 months or so since I last competed. And it has been to long both for the experience and for the love of the game.
On the 11th May, I competed at the VIC state titles, I was fortunate to get one match against another black belt in the Open weight adult female Black belt Gi division. And this match gave me a lot of insight as to my state for mental, physical, emotional, technical and strategy for my Jiu Jitsu. With 16 weeks to go until worlds this is what I need more of is experience and insight to grow from.
Forever grateful to still be able to do what I love. Here is my yarn reflecting on my experiences of VIC state titles 2024.
As I continue in my journey to make space for the journey to worlds 2024. Whilst meeting life and its moments and this season. This week was definitely about what do I need to say no to, or shift it is load and focus so I can create more space to go deeper on things that matter or are a priority in this season.
I hope this lands with you in someway. I am enjoying making space to share my journey with you and experiences, whilst allowing the podcast to be something that exist in the world. It is not about how often I get an episode done or how I market the podcast, it is about sharing the journey outside of myself and allowing it to exist in the world.
Big love and if this connects with please let me know.
What I was reminded of about the power and need for community. After travelling to LA this past week for a conference, called My First Million Live.
How community can be a support net and an activator for your next level. And how this is empowering me for what is to come.
It's now just over x4 months until world's 2024. It's now becoming more real, 'can' I do this? And 'will' I do this?
What does the energy and mindset need to be for this to become the marker for the next stage of training and preparation?
To set me on the foundations to be ready and prepared for World's 2024?
Life has been busy, lifying. And I've lost track of the weeks and the goal.
And that's ok. Update on the Dream to compete at Worlds 2024.
How is the journey to Black Belt evolving?
Realising I'm not living into my potential. I'm not consistently watering my potential and feeding my purpose.
What's shifting.
It's been a few weeks and my focus had to turn to my mental health.
Now I'm back on track and focusing on building a body, mind and commitment that is capable of competing at an international level, being competitive at this level and giving myself the best chance to win a black belt world title.
Had a very wise person share some wisdom with me recently during a challenging time.
Do you want to be right or do you want to well? And what is it costing you to be right?
It could be literally life and death . I share my journey with this question and why it matters.
What I'm learning from being with and walking with purpose.
And how accepting that being purpose and being with purpose and doing life is an act of co-creation.
X3 things I learnt from February and what that means for my journey to Black Belt.
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The power of purpose
How having a purpose that is bigger than your fears, can allow you to move through anything. -
Your community and relationships matter
Who is in your world and who you are in relationships has the power to make or break us -
Small steps done consistently are powerful
Small steps are powerful and can be underestimated
A lot of people say they want change. But what happens when the burn of that change meets the moment?
Something I'm learning and leaning into with my JiuJitsu practice. Is paying attention to how I make decisions and the results this is giving me.
And this applies to my life, business and JiuJitsu.
Walking a new layer of showing up in preparation to world's 2024. And consistency is beginning to feel good on me.
What if one of the things holding you back, is that your mind has not caught up to your heart. What I mean is our heart and spirit already knows our truth and power.
It is sometimes that our minds need time to catch up to our hearts truth.
If we have the courage to look ourselves in the eye in the mirror, to be with ourselves with mindfulness. We will know and hear the truth of if we are really showing up for ourselves, for our dreams, our calling and if our actions are congruent with our hearts and words.
Only we can truly know if we are showing up and doing the work.
Community is such a fundamental part of being a human being and our experiences and needs.
I share a yarn about what Community means to me and how I am evolving my community.
What if I feel like I have nothing left to give? If each step I'm taking is bringing up more obstacles not clearing the path?
What are my choices if I'm not willing to tap put on my life, myself or my dreams?
Surrender to my Dreaming and make space to just be in this moment.
So I GOT A deep lesson and consequences of not showing up and earning my right to be on the mat. By doing the things to set myself up to be prepared and ready for success.
It's not that I'm doing dumb things to get injured or not deliberately not putting in th world. It's more that I'm need to create space to do more of the things that serve me.
This journey to becoming, being and embodying a Black Belt in life, JiuJitsu, culture, entrepreneurship and my roles is taking me on a path I never dreamed.
And I yarn about how Resilience is taking on a new form and practice in my journey.
Yarning about how my movement practice is evolving into something so deep. That my road to worlds 2024 is evolving me as a person, Dreaming and how be and move through the world.
That our habits and how we show up in this moment is a love letter to our future self.
With 41 weeks until world's 2024. I am seeing the benefits and results of showing up and being consistent.
And it is building my confidence, courage and belief that this is possible for 2024...
Is the journey to Black Belt and world champion worth it???
A question been swirling in my spirit and world.
The path and preparation for World's 2024 is definitely not a linear or straightforward process and path.
So allowing it to be what it is. And this week I hit a PB with my weight lifting and this was the boost I needed. To stay focused on the bigger picture. That if I show up each week I can figure this out.
42 weeks until world's 2024. And the training is not going the way I wish. And I'm allowing the lessons to be what they need to be.
Why is it when we face challenges, some of us make it personal and make it mean we are shit people or not capable or good enough?
In this I yarn about a moment on the mat, where I was struggling with a move/technique. And instead of making it about the move, my mind immediately made it personal and that I wasn't capable.
And it was a simple perspective shift and a different view from a coach that helped me find a solution.
The last two weeks have been a fight to stay consistent and committed to my Dream Walking of Black Belt world champion in 2024. Having no where to train JiuJitsu at home, personal and professional challenges. Has had me playing the victim and making excuses.
Letting things be what they need to be is the lesson from the week. Staying attached to things or a version of things does not serve me or my training. It does not serve my Dreaming or resources my path.
I heard a yarn from Aunty Oprah (yes I call her Aunty, I see her as an Elder in my journey). Speak about the power of your intentions and your why behind what you do.
Here I am sharing my why and intentions behind finding a new way to access JiuJitsu and practice.
Hearing Lisa Nicole's story resonated so deeply with me, I went looking for more. And ohhh did I receive a deep gift in her story, teachings and wisdom.
In this episode I share about an activity that Lisa shares from her coaching practice. And it's titled 'The lies we tell' and she walks us through the exercise.
Here I share my first attempt at doing the activity. And how the lies I'm telling myself or believing about myself and my own potential.
Yarning about and sharing what it means to be creating space and grace for my own becoming in this season.
Of 'earning' my black belt after 20 years of doing JiuJitsu. And more...
What do you do in the moments before a 20 year dream is about to be realised? I reflect on what this moment means to me and what insights I'm gaining.
A level up is required before a Glow Up...
Maya Angelou said, 'When we know better, we do better' I call BS.
I know PLENTY of people, including myself. Who know better, and who either run from doing better or choose NOT to do better.
In this yarn, I share how I'm changing that in this season. And how registering and committing to competing in a 2023 world championship event. Even though I DONT know HOW I'm going to fund or resources the training and the trip itself for a family of x7 to Abu Dhabi.
I'm doing it anyway because I've 'known' this was the next step. And avoiding the knowing has only caused 'dis-ease' in self, mind and body.
The next moment in my journey towards black belt is at hand.
Yarning from beautiful Kabi Kabi Country. About a quote I heard from a brother at the powerful We Al-Li training I'm here to do.
Which is 'we all have free choice, however we are not free from tje consequences of those choices. Good and Bad.
Here I yarn about refocusing my choices to serve my journey, rather than harm.
Trigger Warning - mental health, suicide and other hard topics mentioned. And real, raw emotion shared.
What does it mean to be a First Nations woman, mother, Indigipreneur, mature age athlete etc etc in 2023?
What does it take? What does it take to be me this moment? I share a very vulnerable and raw yarn about the weight of being me in this season. Real emotions, real me and real storytelling...
Journey with me into a moment in my world... Remember this is MY STORY, MY TRUTH & experience. It's here to be debated by you or required for me to justify.
What happens when our best intentions don't mean shit? Well for me my intentions and Dreaming have not met my reality.
Here I share a candid update on where I am at in my Journey.
Black Belt is more than Jiu Jitsu and this why I am choosing to step away from my practice of Jiu Jitsu for a time period.
Because I had to accept the truth that I am trying to force my journey with Jiu Jitsu when the timing, space and capacity is not in alignment nor congruent with my vision and calling.
Here I share why Black Belt is more than jiu jitsu to me.
For me learning how to get out of my head and into my body, not only saved my life. It gave me a whole new of being and doing in the world.
In this yarn I reflect on where I am at. And that if something I am doing does not serve my family, than it has to go. And I yarn about being on country and the lessons available with deep listening.
For a lot of people they compete in elite sports or prepare to go the Olympics to win gold is one if not their main focus. It guides their preparation, they visualise about it.
However, winning gold has never been my sole or most important focus driving my why and preparation in Jiu Jitsu and competing. In this competition my main focus was to nurture my own self-belief and the belief and trust I hold in my own path towards being an elite athlete.
In this competition and these fights, I won something more precise than gold. I won my own self-belief and trust in my Ancestral Calling.
2023 is a new path of self-belief and trust.
The first competition of the 2023 season is coming up for me. And here I am in Puerto Rico and unable to train. So here I break down a little of how I am using my current knowledge to train and prepare for my first competition while travelling and working.
2023 is also the year I will be making my return to International Competition and share some insights into this and what is coming up.
What would you do if you had an opportunity in front of you and you would lose regardless of what you do? What if the opportunity presented growth or experience to be gained just by showing up and giving your best?
This is the situation I am finding myself in right now, in the lead up to my first competition of the 2023 season. Registered to compete at this competition is a young athlete Gabrieli Pessanha, who is the most dominate in the world right now for her weight division. And we happen to be in the same division.
And I competed against Gabrieli in 2019. I faced her x3 times, in x3 different countries, first round each time. And gotten beaten and dominated every time. She is a powerful athlete who has been consistent and developing globally since then. Ive had my own journey and JiuJitsu was not one of them until my return to the mats in 2022.
Im going to show up any, give it my all. Come and have a listen as I yarn about this experience and how I am preparing.
First yarn for the year about where I am at with my journey to black belt. I was asked by a friend how I found the motivation to keep to keep showing up. And I shared with her that what it is my purpose that is allowing me to show up. Not motivation.
Come and have a listen to my yarn.
Yarning today about being able to do hard things and leaning into the discomfort required to create a life of meaning.
What does it mean to be committed vs motivated? What are you willing to sacrifice and give to be committed to your calling, purpose or vision?
There is a common saying the in the motivation world, 'You cant be what you cant see'. But what if you can be, what you cant see. And your driving reason is so that you can be a role model for others?
Today I am yarning about the power of playing the long game, and how it is helping focus on taking aligned and purposeful action. That will clear space and lay the foundations for me to become the woman I need to become in order to birth my potential and vision and calling into this life and the world.
Sharing about my experience of how fracturing my tailbone during birth. Really bought me home to my physical body and how it's experience is deeply impacted by my emotional and spiritual selves.
How understanding that my jealousy and its physical symptoms. Was actually calling me to realise that I missed JiuJitsu.
Being in my body and understanding her better is helping me to create a more whole life. And allowing me to move deeper myself on all levels and layers in my journey to Black Belt...
Being intentional definitely serves me and how I want to show up in the world. Because this week my intentions where challenged with what was happening in the moment. I had to step up and be accountable for how I had created that moment and the role I had to play.
With a big acceptance that training jiujitsu in this moment for competition is not available to me. I only have a short time available, and I can either be angry and resentful. Or I can be accepting and accountable for the time I do have.
In my focus this week and in setting up my week, I am trying something new. Rather than merely setting goals for the week. I am setting intentions and goals.
Intentions is when I set an aim, which allows for things to unfold and for me to show up and meet each moment as it is. Whilst I am taking steps and creating energy towards the things I want to unfold in that moment or day.
Where as a goal is a defined thing with a set outcome. I look forward to sharing my reflections at the end of the week of how this process went.
Ngayi,
Why the journey to Black belt and going a little deeper into the purpose of this podcast. My journey in Jiu-Jitsu and what I hope to share with you through this journey.
If you liked this episode I would appreciate you leaving a review so I can learn and evolve. And if you connected or found value in this. Please share with someone you believe it can help or will find inspiration here.
Big Love,
Shantelle
Ngayi,
Thank you for being here. My name is Shantelle Thompson and I am excited to share my journey to black belt with you. In this I share some insights as to what this podcast is about and what you can expect.
I will sharing an audio log of my journey to black belt in jiu-jitsu, life, purpose, culture, self and entrepreneurship. At the start of each week (Sunday) I will share what are my intentions for the week ahead in those areas of predominantly life, business and jiu-jitsu. Any thoughts or feelings that I am being with.
At the end of the week either Saturday or Sunday I will share what have been my movements, progress, insights, lessons, experiences or wisdom from the week that was.
I am humbled to be sharing this journey. And look forward to sharing these steps and stories with you.
Big Love,
Shantelle