In this episode of the Charge Forward Coaching Podcast, host James Blasco discusses the concept of mental toughness, focusing on the 90 second rule as a method for managing emotional surges and stress. He outlines three key steps to regain control after experiencing a setback, emphasizing the importance of deep breathing, recognizing emotions, and focusing on what can be controlled to improve outcomes and mental resilience.

Takeaways:

The 90 second rule and managing emotional surges.

Deep breathing is the first step to regain control.

Recognizing emotions is crucial for emotional management.

Label your feelings to acknowledge them.

Focus on what you can control after a setback.

Taking a moment to breathe can prevent spiraling stress.

Mental toughness can improve with practice.

Small steps can lead to better outcomes.

Emotional awareness is key to resilience.

Coaching can provide support in developing mental toughness.

Sound bites:

"You want to take a deep breath."

"Recognize it, give it a name." "Keep charging forward."

About the Host:

James Blasco is a CTA Certified Coach, and a Certified Functional Mental Toughness and Resilience coach, and a Certified Neuroscience Coach based in Ormond Beach, Florida, with a rich background in sales, media, and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, James has excelled in sales and sales coaching for some of the largest media companies, owned three successful businesses, and worked in media relations in the NFL. His diverse experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of leadership, communication, and the drive needed to achieve success. James is also trained specifically to coach to all aspects of mental toughness and resilience. Having received coaching and mentoring throughout his personal and professional life, James recognizes the profound impact of genuine, constructive, and meaningful guidance. He understands the passion required to pursue a goal, as well as the challenges of doubt, fear, and the need for perseverance. James’s coaching philosophy is rooted in compassion and results, focusing on helping clients uncover their goals, develop actionable plans, and persist through obstacles.

Resources: Website:

www.chargeforwardcoaching.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chargeforwardcoaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChargeForwardCoaching/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chargeforwardcoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChargeForwardCoaching Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/ChargeForwardCoaching Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ChargeForwardCoaching

In this episode of the Charge Forward Coaching Podcast, host James Blasco sits down with Igor Mancebo, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and owner of Spartan Academy in Palm Coast, Florida. They explore Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through the lens of mental toughness, discipline, and personal growth. Igor shares his journey from Brazil to the U.S., how he fell in love with Jiu Jitsu, and the commitment, routine, and emotional control required to excel. He explains how resilience is built on the mats, teaching athletes to handle adversity, stay composed, and push through difficult moments. Igor also discusses his coaching philosophy and the family‑driven culture at Spartan Academy, where athletes of all ages can thrive. He breaks down how he prepares young competitors for high‑stakes tournaments, emphasizing performance over results and blending technical precision with mindset‑based coaching. Founded by the Mancebo family, Spartan Academy has grown into one of the most respected martial arts schools in the U.S., known for humility, resilience, and personal development.

Affiliated with the Renato Tavares Association, the academy carries a strong lineage and technical heritage. Under Igor’s leadership, Spartan Academy has become a community rooted in discipline, family values, and the belief that martial arts can transform lives. This episode offers a powerful look at the intersection of sport, mindset, and personal development.

Takeaways

"The discipline will be more important than how much you like it or the excitement of being there."

"If you do that, the results will come. It's a long-term thing."

"The resilience that Jiu Jitsu teaches is good for life."

"Nobody trains more than you. They might train the same, but they don't train more than you."

"Winning or losing, I want to see you perform the moves or the strategy that we practice in class."

Sound bites

"Everything is new, everything is exciting."

"The more you know, the more calm you'll be."

"Hard work brings results."

About the Guest: Igor Mancebo is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and the owner of Spartan Academy, a family‑built martial arts school in Palm Coast, Florida. Founded by the Mancebo family, the academy has grown from a small vision into one of Palm Coast’s most respected training centers, known for its culture of humility, resilience, and personal growth. Spartan Academy is affiliated with the renowned Renato Tavares Association, giving the school a strong technical lineage and deep sense of heritage. Igor carries forward this tradition with high‑level technique, strong fundamentals, and the values passed down by Master Renato Tavares. As both a competitor and instructor, Igor blends technical precision with mindset‑driven coaching. He teaches students to stay calm under pressure, build emotional control, and develop the mental toughness needed to succeed on and off the mats. Under his leadership, Spartan Academy has become a true community rooted in family values, discipline, and the transformative power of martial arts.

About the Host: James Blasco is a CTA Certified Coach, and a Certified Functional Mental Toughness and Resilience coach, and a Certified Neuroscience Coach based in Ormond Beach, Florida, with a rich background in sales, media, and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, James has excelled in sales and sales coaching for some of the largest media companies, owned three successful businesses, and worked in media relations in the NFL. His diverse experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of leadership, communication, and the drive needed to achieve success. James is also trained specifically to coach to all aspects of mental toughness and resilience.

Resources:

Website: www.chargeforwardcoaching.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chargeforwardcoaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChargeForwardCoaching/ Instagram:...

n this festive episode of the Charge Forward Coaching Podcast, host James Blasco puts a fun holiday twist on mental toughness by using Santa Claus as the ultimate example of the Four C’s. James breaks down control, commitment, confidence, and challenge through Santa’s yearly marathon of delivering joy around the world. From Santa’s legendary emotional control under pressure, to his unwavering commitment to the mission, to the confidence he shows in both his abilities and his team of reindeer, James highlights how the big guy in red quietly models elite mental toughness every December. He also explores how Santa embraces challenge—weather, timelines, logistics, and the occasional cookie overload—with a mindset that keeps him moving forward. James invites listeners to reflect on their own mental toughness during the holiday season and shares ways to build these skills heading into the new year.

Key Takeaways:

Mental toughness consists of control, commitment, confidence, and challenge.

Santa Claus exemplifies emotional and life control.

He manages operations throughout the year, not just on Christmas.

Santa takes risks to bring joy to others.

He learns from mistakes and improves efficiency.

Goal setting is crucial for Santa's success. Santa's achievement orientation is high; he follows through every year.

Confidence is key for Santa in his abilities and communication. Interpersonal confidence is essential for teamwork with elves and reindeer. Santa serves as a relatable example of mental toughness.

Sound bites:

"What exactly is mental toughness?"

"He has to be a good communicator."

"He hasn't quit. He keeps going."

About the Host:

James Blasco is a CTA Certified Coach, and a Certified Functional Mental Toughness and Resilience coach, and a Certified Neuroscience Coach based in Ormond Beach, Florida, with a rich background in sales, media, and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, James has excelled in sales and sales coaching for some of the largest media companies, owned three successful businesses, and worked in media relations in the NFL. His diverse experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of leadership, communication, and the drive needed to achieve success. James is also trained specifically to coach to all aspects of mental toughness and resilience. Having received coaching and mentoring throughout his personal and professional life, James recognizes the profound impact of genuine, constructive, and meaningful guidance. He understands the passion required to pursue a goal, as well as the challenges of doubt, fear, and the need for perseverance. James’s coaching philosophy is rooted in compassion and results, focusing on helping clients uncover their goals, develop actionable plans, and persist through obstacles.

Resources:

Website: www.chargeforwardcoaching.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chargeforwardcoaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChargeForwardCoaching/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chargeforwardcoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChargeForwardCoaching Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/ChargeForwardCoaching Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ChargeForwardCoaching