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In this episode of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo sits down with John Valentine — 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 24–26 in D’Iberville, MS), plus the launch of the Combatives coaching platform.

Whether you’re 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.

🔗 Learn more about the Combatives Summit: combativesummit.com

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00:00 – Introduction and guest background

02:00 – The origin of the Combatives Association

04:30 – Building an honest community around fighting and training

09:00 – Why fighting is simple but training often overcomplicates it

12:00 – Core truths of stand-up clinch, striking, and grappling

16:30 – Positions that matter: parallel vs. perpendicular fighting

18:20 – Weapons considerations and the limits of BJJ

21:00 – Why pressure testing matters more than techniques

24:00 – Wrestling as the foundation of fighting

26:30 – Jiu-Jitsu as the best entry point for most people

28:30 – Has BJJ abandoned self-defense to Krav Maga?

33:30 – Striking, clinching, grappling, and weapons: it’s always “yes”

35:00 – Legal aftermath and what martial arts don’t teach

37:00 – Self-defense vs. fitness classes

39:00 – Why BJJ “on accident” builds fighting ability better than most systems

43:00 – The role of coaching and integrity in self-defense training

46:30 – How most training preserves systems, not effectiveness

48:30 – Why information isn’t the problem — coaching is

51:00 – The dangers of repackaging combatives material

55:00 – Skipping the process gets people hurt

56:00 – Drilling vs. ecological/constraints-based learning

01:00:00 – Good coaching vs. bad teaching in martial arts

01:04:30 – Anecdotes, authority, and developing skill

01:06:50 – Suggested path to becoming self-reliant in self-defense

01:10:30 – John’s advice for beginners starting martial arts

01:13:30 – Situational awareness and reducing vulnerability

01:14:30 – Legal education and concealed carry training

01:15:30 – Combatives Summit 2025 details (Oct 24–26)

01:18:45 – Coaching platform and professional community launch

01:21:20 – Sponsors and community support for the Summit

01:22:30 – The value of surrounding yourself with high-level people

01:23:30 – Closing thoughts and takeaways

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