EP 42: 10 Rules For My Sons: A Dad’s Guide To Strength, Integrity, and Service Artwork

Off The Mat

Welcome to Off The Mat, where we're dedicated to helping parents and athletes of all ages achieve their full potential in sports, particularly martial arts. Whether you're a parent looking to help your child improve their martial arts performance, or an adult looking to get more motivated and become a better version of yourself in martial arts, we've got you covered. Our goal is to provide you with valuable insights and practical tips on how to improve your mindset, training, and overall approach to martial arts. We'll also be sharing inspiring stories of martial artists who have overcome obstacles and achieved great success, discuss about different types of martial arts competitions, their rules and how to prepare for them. So join us on our journey to help you and your loved ones achieve greatness in martial arts, and become the best versions of yourselves. Thank you for being here.

All Episodes

Off The Mat

EP 42: 10 Rules For My Sons: A Dad’s Guide To Strength, Integrity, and Service

September 24, 2025 • Josh Dumoulin & Nicole Stratychuk • Episode 42

Send us a text

This one’s for the dads. For parents who want to raise strong boys with martial arts mindset, character, and courage. If I were gone tomorrow… these are the 10 rules I need my sons to live by. Straight talk. Real tools. Parent tips martial arts that stick.

👉 Don’t miss out — Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly videos on martial arts, parenting, and raising strong kids: https://www.youtube.com/@offthematpodcast

👉 What you’ll learn:
• The simple discipline routine that builds grit
• How to make integrity non-negotiable at home and on the mats
• Why comfort kills growth… and how to seek challenge
• A practical way to set higher standards for your family
• Work ethic vs talent and how to coach your kid through it
• The “serve first” rule that opens doors in sport and life

🎥 Watch next: For Parents: Raising Strong Kids in Martial Arts → https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNG9pziJ_TmtPAIOJr9RLanf-ALPJ_Wrr&si=mQIhTB2roAbrp3nF

=============================
📱 Subscribe to Off the Mat Podcast HERE:
Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/off-the-mat/id1672160372

Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/17JWPk4LPRAyiXkyPWxHrD?si=k6WRAq-xRuWIrptEdJNRtw

Amazon → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5eb5541a-ddf9-48b8-870e-eaace60ff7c8/off-the-mat

Google → https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTEyODg1LnJzcw

⏱️ Timecodes
00:00 Cold open: serve first
00:20 Why this message for dads
02:06 Rule 1: Discipline first
02:58 Rule 2: Live with integrity
03:57 Rule 3: Growth over comfort
05:05 Rule 4: Adapt to change
05:40 Rule 5: Set high standards
06:38 Rule 6: Work ethic beats talent
08:10 Rule 7: Serve first
09:11 Rule 8: Be courageous and kind
10:04 Rule 9: Guard your health
10:58 Rule 10: Protect the tribe
12:07 Bonus Rule 11: Always remember to love
13:20 Final challenge to dads

=============================
📌 About Off The Mat Podcast
We help parents and martial artists raise strong kids through martial arts and mindset. Our mission is to share lessons on confidence, discipline, and character that last a lifetime… on and off the mats.
👉 If this helped your family, thank you for subscribing. It truly supports the mission and means a lot.

STAY CONNECTED WITH US
Website → https://www.championtkd.ca

Josh’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/

Nicole’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/

Email → championtkd15@gmail.com

People on this episode

Josh Dumoulin

Host

Nicole Stratychuk

Host