Episode #35 - Caleb Holland and The Iron Wolf Tale

A lot of schools say, “iron sharpens iron.” Few build an entire culture around it. We sat down with Professor Caleb Holland, owner and head coach of Iron Wolf Academy in Braselton, GA, to unpack how a humble school without a sign on the door grew to a packed mat by focusing on faith-driven values, clear standards, and relentless community. Caleb shares the origin of the Iron Wolf name, why the vibe is designed not accidental and the three rules that guide everything: take care of your partner, do your best, and have fun.

Caleb’s path to black belt winds through tang so do and judo, into Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a humbling early tournament, and a knee injury right after earning black belt. The turning point? Returning at the Charleston Open, losing on points, and still realizing he belonged at black belt. He credits influence from judo coach Max Andrews and Atos black belt Kristian Woodmansee, plus years of cross-training that shaped his lens on modern leg locks, takedowns, and the balance between Gi and no-Gi.

We go deep on coaching: moving from technique lists to concept-first teaching, why short specific rounds sharpen competitive scrambles, and how early exposure to heel hooks actually makes rooms safer. Caleb explains why stand-up matters judo and wrestling included and how a women-led program created space for safer learning and real confidence. We also talk culture at scale: hygiene and standards, clean music and language, the role of faith, and why referrals beat ads when your room delivers consistent results and care.

If you’re a practitioner, you’ll get practical insights on building a game that fits your body and goals. If you’re a coach or owner, you’ll hear hard-won lessons on structure, growth, and guarding the vibe. Hit play, then tell us: what’s the one standard your gym should never compromise?

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Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome And Why This Guest Matters
• 4:15 Founding Iron Wolf: Name, Faith, And Mission
• 9:10 Early Years: Struggles, Structure, And Growth
• 16:30 Referrals Over Ads: Community As Engine
• 25:43 The Black Belt Path And Influences
• 35:33 Judo, Wrestling, And The Stand-Up Exchange
• 46:13 Defining Moments: Injury, Return, Belonging
• 55:33 Teaching Evolution: Concepts Over Checklists
• 1:06:53 Cross-Training, Style, And Coaching Adaptation
• 1:17:23 Culture, Safety, And Women’s Program Growth
• 1:27:13 Vibe By Design: Standards, Faith, And Future Plans
• 1:37:43 Quick Hits: Gi vs No-Gi, Favorites, Pet Peeves
• 1:50:13 Parting Advice: Don’t Quit, Keep Learning