Shawn Melanson joins the show to talk about running a gym specifically for competitors, how anxiety has impacted him on and off the mats, and developing take downs. He also shows his impressive reptile collection (check out the video episode on YouTube)
Robert Drysdale joins the show to share his latest research on the history of BJJ. He also discusses the ways that commercialization has helped and hurt the art and his thoughts on professional grappling's influence on the culture and future of BJJ
Chris Wojcik joins the show to talk about goal setting, finding purpose, the value of regret and removing self-doubt from your mind. He also talks about his beginnings as a wrestler, his passion for writing and his recent performance at CJI 2!
Malachy Friedman returns to talk about his recent shift back into coaching high level athletes. He talks about competition mindset, how to gameplan for specific opponents and implementing your game intelligently.
Roy Dean returns to talk about ego-less training, the balance of ego for competitors and how to process losses in a healthy way. He also details his nomadic teaching lifestyle and talks about his recent trip to Japan, where he trained at the Kodokan!
Kurt is back! In this episode, Kurt responds to lots of questions from the listeners, we talk music and the passing of the legend Ozzy Osbourne, Kurt breaks out his Boston accent and he talks about his desire to start a new cooking show!
JFlo is back! In this episode he talks about building good habits on your feet. He shares valuable insights for older or injured grapplers that breaks the traditional Wrestling meta; to not fight for positions so hard and yet still be dangerous.
Rick Ellis joins the show to discuss Jiu-Jitsu for older guys! He talks about what your goals should be and reframing your mentality as you age on the mats. He also talks about pitfalls to avoid like not regulating your intensity and comparing to others
Renato Canuto joins the show fresh off his professional MMA debut! He talks about his experience stepping into the cage, balancing grappling competitions with his MMA training, and gives a detailed breakdown of the 100 men vs a gorilla question!
Eric Silver is one of the early Americans to study Jiu-Jitsu and one of the first to open a gym on the east coast. He talks about learning directly from Rickson Gracie, challenge matches, how to preserve energy as an older practitioner and Half Guard.
Living legend Murilo Bustamante joins the show to talk about his dedication to guiding the next generation of competitors and students. We discuss "old school" BJJ, creating pressure and surfing. Murilo also talks about learning to be patient as a coach.
Brian Glick returns to talk about the importance of strong communication skills as a teacher, the skill of simplifying complex concepts to make them more digestible and why he chose Judo over Wrestling for BJJ. He also breaks down escaping back control
Jason Rau returns to talk about growing his schools, the ethics and etiquette of filming training sessions, and how to track your own progress on the mats. He also gives a deep breakdown on his guard passing system!
Kyle "The Bull" Sleeman joins the show to talk about the BJJ scene in Canada, making competition second nature, developing a well rounded game and weight training for Jiu-Jitsu. He also details the road to becoming the #6 ranked athlete in his category!
Kurt is back! He talks about his health, lifting weights, "old guy" Jiu-Jitsu and conspiracy theories. He also takes questions from listeners, which include dealing with people who fight dirty, dealing with gym drama, dumb tattoos and learning to teach.
Matt Castaneda is a white belt who recently used Jiu-Jitsu he learned from BJJ Fanatics instructionals to defend himself and protect others from a violent attacker at his job. He shares the full story in detail!
Anthony Budion shares his story of training with prominent UFC fighters and his years with the NYPD, NYFD and USAF. He also shares insight on growing a school. Other topics include pizza, the heavyweight rodents of NY and using the Crabride for counters!
Tom DeBlass joins the show to talk about bullying, being consistent in training while battling depression, and some final thoughts on his recent debate about the Ecological approach in Jiu-Jitsu. He also gives some technical insight on Half Guard!
Charles Harriott returns to talk etiquette when visiting another school, the pros and cons of running a tournament, advice for future promoters, knee bars and how growing up in Florida has prepared him to battle some of nature's most deadly creatures!
Neil Melanson returns to talk about attacking structures in grappling, funky gyms he's visited and the origin of the K Guard. He also shares the story of dying and coming back to life recently. Other topics include Bigfoot, Mothman and predatory birds
David Petrone joins the show to talk about the increasing physical intensity seen in competitive grappling. Clubbing collar ties, neck cranks, smother chokes, and the psychological warfare side of grappling are all discussed in this episode!
Roger Machado joins the show to talk about the zen side of Jiu-Jitsu. Topics include ego-less training, mindful teaching and he explains how Yoga has had a dramatic impact not only on his body, but the way he approaches Jiu-Jitsu.
Tomer Alroy returns to discuss competition strategy and tactics. He also shares how a well-prepared competition training room should feel very much like the actual competition so that the athlete is completely prepared. He also discusses the mental game
John Machado joins the show to share his insights on what the "BJJ Lifestyle" means in modern times. He also shares stories from the old days in Rio De Janeiro as well as old stories from the early days in the US.
Robson Moura returns to talk about the keys to remaining consistent on the mats, finding motivation to train later in life and he hints at a possible return to competition!