Episode
E118: Leo Coates - Blue Belt
- Podcast
- JIU JITSU LOU
- Published
- Feb 28, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2712
- Processing state
processed
Actions
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Summary
Former rugby player Leo Coates shares how a career-ending injury led him to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the founding of Clinch Coffee. He discusses using his coffee business to support the next generation of BJJ athletes and build community.
Topics
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Clinch Coffee
- Entrepreneurship
- Rugby
- Community Building
- Specialty Coffee
- Athlete Sponsorship
- Injury Recovery
Highlights
- Main idea: Transitioning from high-impact sports like rugby to BJJ can provide a sustainable path for long-term physical activity
- Practical takeaway: Business owners can use niche products like specialty coffee to foster community engagement at martial arts academies
- Failure mode: Relying solely on high-level professional athletics without a secondary passion can lead to identity crises after injury
- Main idea: Supporting the next generation of BJJ practitioners requires both financial sponsorship and community-driven initiatives
- Practical takeaway: Using social media and local events to bridge the gap between specialized industries and local sports clubs
Chapters
1:00From Rugby to BJJ: Leo discusses his transition from a 20-year rugby career to discovering Jiu Jitsu during the lockdown period.4:20Finding Inspiration: How listening to fitness podcasts and seeing athletes like James Smith inspired a new martial arts journey.7:40The Pursuit of Continuous Improvement: Reflecting on the mindset of constant growth and using new disciplines to correct life's direction.11:10The Philosophy of Clinch Coffee: A deep dive into sourcing high-quality, sustainable coffee that supports the BJJ community.17:50Sustainability and Industry Knowledge: Discussing the importance of longevity in coffee crops and the depth of expertise required in the industry.21:20Supporting Young Athletes: The need for recognition and support for rising stars in the BJJ community beyond the major sponsors.28:10Building Community Through Coffee: Using pop-up coffee services at academies to engage parents and strengthen the local BJJ ecosystem.