Survival, Discipline, and Dedication: Insights from Professor Daniel "Coyote" Souza

The Jiu-Jitsu Mindset

Have you ever wondered how martial arts could transform your life from the ground up?

In a world where personal safety and self-improvement are paramount, this episode explores how jiu-jitsu and other martial arts can provide practical solutions to real-life challenges, from building confidence to escaping violent situations.

- Gain insights on how martial arts can instill discipline and confidence

- Learn about the transformative power of jiu-jitsu for survivors of violence

- Understand the differences between sport and self-defense jiu-jitsu, and why learning various martial arts is beneficial

Tune in now to hear Professor Daniel Coyote Sousan's inspiring journey and discover how martial arts could revolutionize your own life.

In this episode of The Jiu Jitsu Mindset, host Pete Deeley welcomes Professor Daniel Coyote Souza, a 6th degree black belt with over four decades of experience in martial arts. Professor Daniel shares insights about his early life in Brazil, the importance of martial arts in shaping his life, and how jiu-jitsu provided a positive escape from a troubled environment. The discussion covers his journey in various martial arts, including his experiences in Vale Tudo and MMA, and the impact of these disciplines on his teaching. Highlighting the transformative effects of jiu-jitsu, Professor Daniel discusses how training has helped his students, including his own family, build confidence, discipline, and resilience. The episode also touches on the value of hardships in personal growth and the essential role of humility and maturity in becoming a skilled martial artist.

Have you ever wondered how martial arts could transform your life from the ground up?

In a world where personal safety and self-improvement are paramount, this episode explores how jiu-jitsu and other martial arts can provide practical solutions to real-life challenges, from building confidence to escaping violent situations.

- Gain insights on how martial arts can instill discipline and confidence

- Learn about the transformative power of jiu-jitsu for survivors of violence

- Understand the differences between sport and self-defense jiu-jitsu, and why learning various martial arts is beneficial

Tune in now to hear Professor Daniel Coyote Sousan's inspiring journey and discover how martial arts could revolutionize your own life.

In this episode of The Jiu Jitsu Mindset, host Pete Deeley welcomes Professor Daniel Coyote Souza, a 6th degree black belt with over four decades of experience in martial arts. Professor Daniel shares insights about his early life in Brazil, the importance of martial arts in shaping his life, and how jiu-jitsu provided a positive escape from a troubled environment. The discussion covers his journey in various martial arts, including his experiences in Vale Tudo and MMA, and the impact of these disciplines on his teaching. Highlighting the transformative effects of jiu-jitsu, Professor Daniel discusses how training has helped his students, including his own family, build confidence, discipline, and resilience. The episode also touches on the value of hardships in personal growth and the essential role of humility and maturity in becoming a skilled martial artist.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:11 Introducing Professor Daniel Coyote Sousan

02:18 The Impact of Martial Arts on Life Choices

06:22 Overcoming Bullying Through Martial Arts

08:53 Real-Life Encounters with Violence

16:50 Transition to MMA and Training Insights

23:05 The Value of Cross-Training in Martial Arts

28:42 The Character of Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners

29:19 The Daily Grind and Humility in Training

29:48 The Importance of Technique and Transition

31:24 Emotional and Mental Growth Through Jiu-Jitsu

33:11 Survival Mode Training

38:09 Building Confidence and Overcoming Trauma

43:16 The Role of a Mentor and Community

46:21 The Value of Hard Work and Resilience

50:38 Connecting with the Jiu-Jitsu Community

51:38 Looking Ahead: Goals and Legacy

Professor Daniel “Coyote” Souza

Professor Daniel “Coyote” Souza was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and raised in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. In 1981 Professor Souza began training Judo. In 1985 he started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Master Rui Diniz Ferreira, 7th Degree Coral Belt and Master Hilton Leao Silva, 9th Degree Red Belt. Professor “Souza” earned his Degree in Physical Education in 1998. In 1993, Professor Souza began teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the school of his former master. In 1996 he began teaching under his own name, Coyote Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In 2000, Professor Souza founded Coyote Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Brazil, now affiliated with Carlson Gracie Team.

Professor Souza began teaching in the United States beginning in 2002, San Diego, CA. He finally moved permanently to Albuquerque, NM in 2016 holding the rank of a 6th Degree Balck Belt. There, he has built his Coyote Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy/Carlson Gracie Team from the ground up. He is married with Gabriela Souza who is also owner of the academy, and has four kids; Ryckson(27), Rollyson(23), Alex, and Sarah, they all practice BJJ.

Professor Souza has won multiple titles and medals as an individual athlete throughout his martial arts career, and his school has earned multiple first place titles and trophies.

Professor Souza’s martial arts career summarized:

42 years of Judo, Godan 5th Dan Black Belt 37 years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, 6th Degree Black Belt 20 years of Muay Thai, Silver/Red Kruang-Prajied 1994-2008 MMA (21-2)