Gentle Art Of War: Recent Episodes
TJ Woodham and Miles Fortner
Gentle Art Of War discusses the foundations for physical and mental health which lead to a happier and fulfilling life. This is through interviewing Jiu Jitsu professors, health care providers and fitness professionals.
Today we talk about getting established as a new patient at a clinic of your choosing to avoid waiting if you get injured.
Today we talk with Dr. Aaron Proefrock:
Dr. Aaron Proefrock is one of the many talented physical therapists at Rehab solutions in Gillette, WY and he works primarily with orthopedic and sports injuries including concussion management.
He is originally from Buffalo, New York, but moved out West in hopes of finding a place to work during the great pandemic of 2020. After searching for jobs in the region, he found Rehab Solutions to be the most patient-centered clinic he visited and the rest is history. Aaron is currently pursing further education in sports medicine, orthopedic rehab, and concussion care. Aaron seeks to help each patient develop personal goals and reach their highest potential.
He enjoys backpacking, cycling, skiing, and exploring the outdoors. Aaron’s a man of many talents, but he is best known for his servant mindset in the clinic and in his free time. His pasta sauce is to die for, but it is a secret family recipe.
Professor Matt Jubera is a multiple time World Champion and Pan American Champion. He is the first person that Xande Ribeiro (7-time world champion) put a black belt around and is Saulo Ribeiro’s 4th American black belt. Saulo and Xande Ribeiro are two of the top competitors of all time and known for their coaching skills after authoring the best selling book Jiu-Jitsu University. Professor Matt’s competition accolades, lineage of instructors and passion for teaching make Jubera Brazilain Jiu-Jitsu the best place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Colorado.
Lineage: Helio Gracie→Royler Gracie→Saulo/Xande Ribeiro
Highlights of his competition record include:
- 2017 Master’s World Champion (Black Belt)
- 2013 No Gi World Championship 3rd Place (Black Belt)
- 2012 Master’s World Champion (Black Belt)
- 2011 American Nationals Champion (Black Belt)
- 2009 Las Vegas Grapplers Quest Heavyweight Champion (Black Belt)
- 2009 Pan American Champion (Brown Belt)
- 2009 Pan American Absolute 3rd Place (Brown Belt)
- 2008 Pan American Champion (Brown Belt)
- 2006 World Cup 3rd Place (Purple Belt) 2006 Pan American Champion (Purple Belt)
Doctor Professor Evan Katz:
Professor Evan Katz is both a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a Chiropractor. He has been published numerous times in spine journals:
- Non-surgical management of upper cervical instability via improved cervical lordosis, Journal of Clinical Medicine | March 2023
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Improvements in Cervical Spine Canal Diameter and Neck Disability Following Correction of Cervical Lordosis and Cervical Spondylolistheses Using Chiropractic BioPhysics Technique: A Case Series. Curtis Fedorchuk1*, Douglas Frank Lightsone1, Robert Devon Comer1, Evan Katz2, Justin Wilcox3. Radiology Case. 2020 April 14(4):21-37
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International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Article. Diagnostic Accuracy of Video Fluoroscopy for Symptomatic Cervical Spine Injury Following Whiplash Trauma. Michael D. Freeman 1, Evan A. Katz 2, Scott L. Rosa 3, Bryan G. Gatterman 4, Ellen M. F. Strommer and Wendy M. Leith 1. Published March 05, 2020
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Increase in cerebral blood flow indicated by increased cerebral arterial area and pixel intensity on brain magnetic resonance angiogram following correction of cervical lordosis. Brain Circulation, Vol. 5, Issue 1, January-March 2019. Evan A. Katz, Seana B. Katz, Curtis A Fedorchuk, Douglas F Lightstone. Chris J Banach, Jessica D Podoll.
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The Journal of Legal Nurse Consulting, Article: ‘Digital Motion X-Ray, DMX Identifying Cervical pathologies with ’ pp 34-39, Vol. 28, Issue 3 Fall 2017
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Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, Supplement No. 50, 2011
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Whiplash Injury in the Upper Cervical Spine: Controversy or Confounding? The Spine Journal. 03.
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Total Cervical Transaction as a Function of Impact Vector as Measured by Flexion-Extension Radiography. Pain Physician, 2007;10 (5):667-71.
- Clinical Application of Digital Motion X-Ray, Abstract 5th International Conference
- Accessing Changes in the Cervical Curve Before and After a Car Crash Using Before and After Digitized X-rays. Journal of Whiplash and Related Disorders. Vol. 4, No. 2, 2002
He has been awared many notable achievements:
- Chiropractic BioPhysics Researcher of the Year | 2022
- Innovator of the Year from Colorado Chiropractic Association | 2021
- International CBP Chiropractor of the Year | 2016
- Biophysics – CBP: The Science of Spinal Health | October 9, 2016
- Lake Geneva, Wisconsin | October 2016
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Nominated for Clinic Excellence Award at D.C. from Life West Chiropractic College
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Selected to be involved with chiropractic and curve restoration on brain injured patients
In his spare time he likes to train and learn Brazilian jiu jitsu, fly fishing, ski, hike, walk his dogs, and most importantly spend time with his wife and daughter Sophie.
PROFESSOR ROBERT WUNDERLICH Professor Wunderlich began his BJJ career at Colorado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in October of 2004 under the tutelage of Professor Dave Ruiz. Professor Ruiz was one to the first Americans to be included in the instructors program at the Gracie Academy in Torrance, California in the early 1990’s. The Gracie Family, the founders of BJJ, took professor Ruiz under their wing and passed on information vital to teaching BJJ properly. Professor Wunderlich trained as much as he could for several years (up to 13 times per week) until he found out he was accepted to Graduate School at the University of Wyoming. He would begin Graduate School in the fall of 2006 in Laramie, Wyoming. Being that he had fallen in love with BJJ, he felt that he needed to continue his journey somehow, so he asked Professor Ruiz if he could teach BJJ in Wyoming. Professor Ruiz obliged and Professor Wunderlich was inducted into an intense and complete instructors programs focused on the teaching aspect of BJJ. Professor Wunderlich began to teach BJJ through the Community Enrichment Program at the University of Wyoming in the fall of 2006. His modest beginnings included only 6 students the first semester, eventually growing to over 45 students by his fourth semester at the University of Wyoming. Professor Wunderlich returned to Denver after the completion of his course work and taught under the watchful eye of Professor Ruiz at Colorado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. BJJ Lineage:
- Helio Gracie > Carlos Gracie Jr. > Rigan Machado > Dave Ruiz > Robert Wunderlich
Notable Highlights:
- Received Black Belt from Professor Dave Ruiz (2012)
- Founder of the Wyoming Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (WBJJF)
- Head referee for Fight to Win Jiu Jitsu and Submission Grappling Tournaments.
PROFESSOR DAVID WENIG:
Owner/Head Instructor - Professor David Wenig Professor David has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2007 directly under Professor Robert Wunderlich. David has competed in Jiu Jitsu competitions since late that same year, winning competitions both in the gi and no-gi divisions. David began teaching informally at first, but has been learning how to precisely teach under the watchful eyes of Professor Robert. David was promoted to the rank of Black Belt in August 2021.
Mike Sian is a Retired Special Agent, BJJ Black Belt, Full Contact Karate 3rd Degree Black belt, Shooting Instructor and Medic. Today we have him on the podcast to share his life insights in martial arts, life lessions/experiences and his philosophy on training.
We also welcome Chad Trebby for his first appearance on the podcast today. Chad served in the US air force - responsible for law enforcement operations, resource protection and and air base defense. He then took a position a patrol officer for the Gillette Police Department (Wyoming). While with the GPD served as a patrol officer, field training officer, tactical team member, director of the bike patrol program, narcotics investigation, general detective, and the shifts senior officer. Chad then landed at the Northern Wyoming Community College District in a position as a police officer. After about two years, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and is second in command of the department in addition to being responsible for all law enforcement operations on the Gillette Campus.
Today we talk about how stress in our lives make us better and how you can prevent/recover from a shoulder and knee injury:
Links/Resources:
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Shoulder Rehab - Buchberger-12: https://activehealthalaska.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Shoulder-Strengthening-Buchberger-12.pdf
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Knee Rehab - Knees over toes guy (Ben Patrick):
https://www.youtube.com/c/thekneesovertoesguy
Instagram: @kneesovertoesguy
Today we do a live tasting of our newest Brain Refresher drink "Bee Better" to give our first impressions. We also talk about stories that apply to this drink and why other drinks may not be the best option. There are also some other funny stories and expriences shared on this one! We had a great time on this episode. We hope you enjoy!
Today we talk about:
The political climate regarding school bullying.
Miles' performance after using Muscle Whisperer
Grappling Industries tournament recap from last weekend.
TJ talks about our brand new brain refresher drink, BEE BETTER, (nootropic drink) that we specifically formulated for brain health, endurance, recovery and full body wellbeing. He discusses every single ingredient in the beverage and what each one of the ingredients does for your health. You will see the message behind BEE BETTER is worth more than the physical drink itself. What have you done today to BEE BETTER?
Today we talk about how Jiu Jitsu relates to your everyday movements and function that you may not even be aware of. We talk technique and a specific illegal technique. New art is up on the wall at WPBJJ and some miscellaneous goofiness.
Today we talk about about the meaning of what being a purple belt is. We talk the different layers behind other belt levels and promotions.
Today we talk about training even with permanent diabilities and the things you CAN do if you have such conditions. We also recap the outcomes of Western Plains BJJ at Grappling Industries last weekend in Helena, Montana.
EP 4 we talk about how to train with an injury and how to prevent certain injuries from worsening. We also talk about the type of shape you should be in before doing Jiu Jitsu and why this may not be the be all, end all.
We talk on TJs experience of BJJ thus far, Miles shares some great stories of BJJ in the real world and we discuss our upcoming No Guilt Energy Drink BEE Better.
Francisco Gonzalez is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico.
From Professor Francisco:
I’ve always been involved in contact and extreme sports, mostly playing football and skateboarding during high school and college and listening to punk reggae music. Constantly watching boxing matches, kick boxing and MMA fights. After leaving college and not able to play football anymore, I tried different ways to exercise. I tried boxing, kick boxing, Muay Thai. Everything was good with Muay Thai, until one of my closer friends invited me to try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I was immediately amazed by how easily a smaller person beat me up and how Professor Cristian Beck was able to submit all people at the gym. That night I made one of the best decisions of my life and enrolled myself in Jiu Jitsu classes. Training under Professor Cristian Beck, I earned my blue belt from Professor Ricardo de la Riva. Years later, I was honored to receive my purple belt under Professor Cristian Beck. After living almost all my life in my hometown, I decided to move to Colorado 5 years ago, leaving my family and team to find new challenges in my life. I didn’t know what destiny would bring to me but I was sure that I would be welcome at whatever Jiu jitsu gym I tried because the Jiu Jitsu community makes you feel at home without caring who you are or where you come from. So, it wasn’t the exception here in Fort Collins. I was welcome in different gyms and open mats all around town until I decided to train under Professor Finnie McMahon, where I earned my brown belt. Constantly making new Jiu jitsu friends and looking expand this community, I had the opportunity to roll with Professor Troy P. Thomas. I was impressed by his technique and leadership and his excellent taste in punk music. Talking with him about his values, vision, and the love that we both share for Jiu Jitsu, I made the decision to follow him under his leadership. Now, I have the opportunity to share my 8 years of knowledge and love for Brazilian Jiu jitsu. I hope to see you soon on the mats!! Oss!
The first episode of Gentle Art Of War discusses the foundations for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), stories of the past in which BJJ was used in real life situations and what someone can expect if they are just getting into BJJ. This episode features T.J. Woodham and Miles Fortner as the main hosts.