Craig Donaldson, BJJ Black Belt & Integrity Martial Arts Founder: Leading with Integrity On and Off the Mats

Rolling Through Negotiations: First Nations Leadership, BJJ & Business Strategy · 2025-05-07

🥋 What does it mean to train with integrity and how can martial arts shape the way we show up in the rest of our lives?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew sits down with Craig Donaldson, founder and head instructor of Integrity Martial Arts Academy. With a deep lineage under legends like John Will and Raymond Floro, Craig shares how decades of experience across BJJ, Kali, Judo, Muay Thai and close quarters combat have shaped his skills and values.

Key Takeaways:

Integrity is lived: The name of Craig’s academy it’s a reminder that how you train, lead, and show up every day matters more than any rank or title.

Calm is a strategy: In martial arts and life, staying composed under pressure allows for better decision-making.

Leadership is shared: True leaders train alongside their team, not above them. Craig’s path reflects a commitment to walk with others, not ahead of them.

From building community on and off the mats to what it really takes to lead a martial arts academy with heart, this is a grounded and generous conversation with someone who lives what he teaches.

🎧 You can find out more about Craig and his team at Integrity Martial Arts Academy

New Rolling Through Negotiations episodes drop every Thursday.
Thanks for listening, peace and love to you and until the next one, take care.
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Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.

Rolling Through Negotiations: First Nations Leadership, BJJ & Business Strategy

🎙 Welcome to Rolling Through Negotiations, the podcast where strategy and resilience meet negotiation mastery.

Hosted by Matthew Karakoulakis, one of Australia’s top lawyers, this podcast blends the principles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), First Nations wisdom, and business strategy to help you negotiate like a pro.

Featuring insights from:
✅ First Nations leaders sharing traditional knowledge that strengthens negotiation techniques
✅ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes revealing how discipline, adaptability, and mindset shape decision-making
✅ Top business leaders and legal professionals breaking down high stakes negotiation strategies

We explore how mental resilience, business growth, leadership, and personal development are all connected. Whether you're in the boardroom, on the mats, or negotiating in everyday life, Rolling Through Negotiations brings you powerful strategies, transformative stories, and practical tools to sharpen your negotiation skills.

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