The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

Chris Martin is one of the founding members of BJJ4CHANGE. Chris has a long history of doing martial arts and a big passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This episode we will talk about BJJ 4 Change, an organization that is dictated to helping kids through BJJ.

We talk about:

• What got Chris started in martial arts
• Why he has such a passion for BJJ
• Making a BJJ documentary
• How doing BJJ can help kids on and off the mat
• The goals of BJJ 4 Change
• How the plan for BJJ 4 Change has adapted and grown
• BJJ effecting social changes
• The lifestyles of the kids that need some help
• How Jiu-Jitsu helps with confidence
• Where the money goes when you attend a camp
• Some of the many benefits of BJJ

Links:

• BJJ4CHANGE.ORG
• BJJ4CHANGE Facebook page
• Just another lion to kill rashguard
• Article with my pick pocketing story
• BJJ and Grilled Cheese Sandwich 

Quote of the week: "Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." John Quincy Adams

Article of the week: "What I Wish You Knew Before You Started Teaching: A Student’s View"

Catch us next week my friends for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast!

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

We are excited to bring you Seph Smith this week on The BjjBrick Podcast.  Seph is the first person to be promoted to Black Belt under Ryan Hall.  Seph recently opened his own BJJ school called Up Stream BJJ.

We talk about:

• Opening his own school
• The type of game he plays
• Why some people have a negative view of leg locks
• Why leg locks can have a negative effect of some students progression
• When students should start to do leg locks
• Training safely
• Some difficulties with opening his gym
• Ryan Hall in the UFC
• The attitude it takes to get good at BJJ

Links:

• Up Stream BJJ
• Inverted Gear
• Just Another Lion To Kill LTD Edition Rashguard

Quote of the week: "A wrestling match in just the laws of physics"  Neil deGrasse Tyson

Article of the week: 12 life lessons kids learn fast in Jiu-Jitsu

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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This week we bring you Scott Boehler. Scott is a brown belt from Montana.  He has been traveling the United States and Canada in his van training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

We talk about:

• His goals with traveling
• How he decided to leave Montana to train
• Politics between schools in the same city
• How to approach a gym you don't know
• Paying mat fees
• Living out of a van
• Where to park a van over night and not get into trouble
• What it takes for your gym to be welcoming
• Teaching vs doing martial arts
• Learning from coaches and athletes
• A list of places that he have visited

Links:

• BJJ Rally Website
• BJJ Rally Facebook page

Quote of the week: “The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me.” Ayn Rand. Presented by Roli Delgado

Article of the week: Train in the Gi to improve your No Gi

Just Another Lion to Kill Rashguard

Your first year of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu audio book

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

Mark Fisher is a brown belt training at SGBi in Portland Oregon. He is one of the people that is running a Facebook page called Roll Out Jiu-Jitsu. Roll Out Jiu-Jjitsu is a online support group to help grapples that identify with LGBTQI.

We talk about:

• The facebook page RollOut
• The interview with Kurt Osiander from episode 108
• Trainnig BJJ and not being out
• How to find the correct BJJ gym for you
• Mark's first day of BJJ
• How to make you gym more friendly to the LGBTQI community
• The type of game that Mark plays
• Why he will try to not over use his flexibility
• Tips for new competitors
• The start of a BJJ match compared to the start of a chess match
• Developing a game plan
• Why you might want to shrink your game
• Training on a limited schedule

Links:

• Roll Out Jiu-Jitsu Facebook Page
• SGBi

Other SBGi coaches that have been on The BjjBrick Podcast!

• Epi 29 Stephen Whittier of 40 Plus BJJ
• Epi 51 Simple and Very Effective Training With Matt Thornton
• Epi 58 SBGi Black Belt Amanda Loewen
• Epi 62 Good Times and Training with John Kavanagh

Quote of the week: "Set a goal so big that you can't achieve it until you grow into the person who can."

Article of the week: Fools Gold

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

This week we bring you an interview with Michel Porfirio Pereira (Buiu). Michel is a 4th Degree Black Belt in BJJ training and teaching in Miami.  In this interview Michel shares his story and offers advice to help you along with your BJJ journey.  Check out Michel's profile here.

We talk about:

• His start in martial arts
• How he got his nick name Buiu
• Why he has a playful style
• Taking an opponents balance
• Gi and no-gi training
• The history of no-gi
• Learning BJJ on youtube
• Why it is important to explain techniques and not just show techniques
• Training with your weak side
• Doing his first tournament
• Doing in house tournaments
• Dealing with people who are negative about BJJ
• The Ghost Squad logo
• How Michel met Andre Monteiro

Links:

• Michel's website Carlson Gracie Miami
• BJJ Paracord
• The Buiu BJJ Team Blog

Article of the week: "Where On This Chart Do You Spend Most Of Your Sparring Time?"

Quote of the week:  "A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be." Wayne Gretzky

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

This week we are excited to bring you BJJ black belt Sarah Black.  Sarah received her black belt from Gustavo Dantas in July of 2015, and she is already making a name for herself in both the adult and masters divisions competing in gi and no-gi.

We talk about:

• Her start with Judo
• Training both BJJ and Judo
• Her work schedule
• Working full time and training full time
• Transitioning from high level Judo to doing BJJ
• Competing in the absolute divisions
• Dealing with injuries
• The BJJ Mental Coach
• Getting students to preform well
• Having a women's classes
• Training schedules
• Tips for women finding a BJJ gym
• Tips for men when rolling with a woman
• How they run kids classes

Links:

• Sarah Black's website
• The BJJ Mental Coach
• Q5
• Oss Arizona
• Our interview with Gustavo Dantas

Quote of the week: "There are two things in life of which we have complete control... effort and attitude." Chuck Wilson

Article of the week: "I Almost Quit Jiu Jitsu"

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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This week we bring you an interview with world champion Emily Kwok.  Emily was happy to share with you some of her knowledge from her many years and experiences doing BJJ.

We talk about:

• Her start in BJJ
• BJJ in Canada
• Doing local tournaments when she started
• Competition differences for women
• Her favorite types of training partners when she was new
• Advice for students that want to compete
• Equal pay for women in BJJ
• How money effects BJJ tournaments
• Her training schedule
• Starting a family and doing BJJ
• Kids in BJJ
• Groundswellgrappling.com
• Leadership of women in Jiu-Jitsu

Links:

• Emily's Apps 
• Equal pay for BJJ
• Groundswell Grappling Facebook page
• Princetonbjj.com
• Emily's Facebook page

Quote of the week: "Practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect"

Article of the week: "Noticing our Improvements" by John Will

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

This week we bring you an interview with Kurt Osiander.  Kurt is a BJJ black belt under Ralph Gracie.  This episode contains explicit language and some controversy, we did interview Kurt Osiander after all.

We talk about:

• The start of "Kurt Osiander's The Move of the Week"
• Etiquette and respect in his gym
• His Yelp reviews
• His don't ask don't tell policy
• Homosexuals at his gym
• Why he does not like classes for beginners
• BJJ is not for everyone
• His work with Mission 22
• What got him started with BJJ
• His students doing wrestling in school
• His MMA career
• The KO Finisher tournament
• Open mat at his school
• Learning new moves
• Learning online and still needing a coach
• Giving someone a blue belt
• Advice for a student doing a first tournament
• Training and hanging out with Anthony Bourdain

Links:

• Kurtosiander.com
• Kurt Osiander Move of the Week

Quote of the week: Presented by last weeks interview John Will "Never interrupt you enemy when he is making a mistake" Napoleon Bonaparte 

Article of the week: "All roads lead to Rome .... a BJJ concept." By John Will

After the interview Byron and Gary have a conversation about gay people training BJJ. Let us know what you think in the comments.

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

This week it is our honor to bring you John Will. John is one of the famous "Dirty Dozen" meaning that he is one of the first 12 non-Brazilians to reach the rank of black belt in BJJ. John was at the an early adopter to BJJ and he brought it home to Australia. This is a great interview for students and coaches to learn from.

We talk about:

• His start in the Martial Arts
• His first experiences doing Jiu-Jitsu in 1986
• The first time he met Rigan Machado
• Teaching at different skill levels
• Teaching with a language barrier
• His ongoing learning process
• BJJ in Australia
• He has created over 100 Black Belts
• BJJ before the internet
• How tournaments change Jiu-Jitsu
• Why he likes "fuzzy goals"
• How he does 100 seminars per year
• Backpacking in Australia
• The goal of teaching a seminar
• The importance of having structure for teaching
• The partnership between the student and teacher
• His passion for being a good student
• Tips for bring a good student
• The goal of doing your first tournament
• Doing BJJ as a older student

Links:

• John Will's Website
• John's Rogue Black Belt Books
• John's Facebook Page

Quote of the week: Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get" WP Kinsella

Article of the week: "10 Types of People Who Quit BJJ"

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

This is part 2 of our interview with BJJ Black Belt Jonathan Thomas.

We talk about:

• His mindset during a match
• Breaking BJJ down into mini battles
• Controlling your development in BJJ
• How BJJ is doing in Sweden
• The development of BJJ in Europe
• His experiences during travels
• Doing gymnastics for strength training

Links:

• Jonathan's Facebook Page
• Jonathan Thomas on Epi 32 

Quote of the week: “Talented players don’t always succeed. Some don’t even make the team. It’s more what’s inside.” Brett Favre

Article of the week: "10 Ways to Inject Positivity Into Your BJJ Community" 

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

This week we bring Jonathan Thomas back to the show.  He has some training tips and advice that could change the way you train.

We talk about:

• Why he is traveling
• What got him interested in strength and conditioning
• Baseline aerobic conditioning
• Your max heart rate ( 220- your age)
• Playing guard vs playing a passing game
• Developing a complete game

Links:

• Jonathan's Facebook Page

Quote of the week: “Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” Neil Gaiman

Article of the week: "8 Steps to Finding the Perfect BJJ Gi"

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

Alison is a black belt competitor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  This year she came in second at Black Belt IBJJF Worlds, and competed in ADCC in Brazil. She is from Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada.

We talk about:

• Training with her family
• Our interview with her brother Michael Tremblay
• The diversity of Alpha Mixed Martial Arts
• Her full time job (it is not BJJ)
• Going to school
• What type of game she likes to play
• Advice on getting the most out of rolling
• Her experience at ADCC
• Training for both Gi and No-gi
• What she does to get mentally for the competition
• Teaching the kids classes
• Why BJJ is good for kids
• What she was like as a blue belt
• What she learned playing hockey that helped her in BJJ
• Dealing with losses

Links:

• Alison's Facebook page

Quote of the week: "Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." William James

Article of the week: The Unsung Jiu Jiteiro

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

Mission 22 is a organization that raises awareness for Veteran suicide. It is a sad fact that 22 veterans take their lives due to PTSD every day.  Chris Papandria joins us this week to talk about Mission 22 and BJJ.

We talk about:

• What got Chris started in BJJ
• How Mission 22 was named
• BJJ seminars that benefit Mission 22
• How you can help your teammates that have PTSD
• The importance of a team
• The mental escape that BJJ provides
• Having a gym that is supportive to Veterans
• Supporting Mission 22

Links:

• Mission 22
  
• Elder Heart
• The Raider Project

Quote of the week: "Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." Winston Churchill

Article of the week: "Having A Good Drill Partner Is Crucial" jiujitsutimes.com

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

Lee Mein is from Lethbridge, Alberta Ca. He teaches Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing to kids and adults.  He has a black belt in American Kenpo Karate, a black belt in Bas Rutten's MMA system, and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Roy Harris.

We talk about:

• His background in martial arts
• His MMA promotion Rumble in the Cage
• The importance of confidence for law enforcement
• Dealing with bullies
• Training as you get older
• Why he enjoys competing
• His son Jordan Mein that is fighting in the UFC
• What they teach in the kids class
• Keeping training fun
• Conditioning
• Doing BJJ and MMA
• Hockey
• How he warms up his body before competing
• The mental aspect of fighting and training
• Training on a limited schedule and setting goals

Links:

• cmcmma.com
• Lee on Facebook

Quote of the week: 1) "In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." 2) “Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical.” Yogi Berra

Article of the week: The Four "D's" of Success, My Experience At Polaris 2 By  The Bjj Mental Coach

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

This week we bring you an interview with one of the Dirty Dozen of BJJ Chris Haueter.  This a fun interview that covers a large range of topics, but mostly Jiu-Jitsu.

We talk about:

• What got him involved in martial arts so early
• Early BJJ in the United States
• His first thoughts of Jiu-Jitsu
• Learning moves on Youtube
• MMA fans
• Trying to see things from a different perspective
• Being a "coach" vs a "master"
• Getting a good balance with your training
• Kids BJJ and Kids MMA
• Violence in MMA
• First tournament advice
• Training on a tight schedule
• His art work

Links: Email chaueter1041@mac.com instagram Chrishaueterart

Quote of the week: My mind's never gone very far away from what I wanted to accomplish. Dan Gable

Article of the week: The Biggest Delusion in BJJ by John Connors

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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We wanted to make episode 100 of The BjjBrick Podcast a special episode that included both listeners and past guests.  This episode is full of people sharing the ways that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has benefited their lives. You will hear stories about weight loss, friendships, healthy lifestyles, drug addiction, stress relief, confidence,intellectual stimulation, and more.

The goals we had in mind with this episode.

• If you are already training, you keep training for the long run. Hopefully you can relate to some of the off the mat benefits that BJJ is giving you and stay motivated.
• If you do not train BJJ we want you to recognize some of the many benefits of doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  After recognizing these benefits you do what is often one of the hardest things in BJJ, you start BJJ.

Budo Jake (7min)- Our interview with Jake is here.  Keep up with Jake on Facebook.

Stephen Whittier (13min)- Our interview with Stephen is here. Grapplers over 40 should check Stephen's website.

Mike Bowser (17min)- Shares his story of incredible life saving weight loss.  You can find Mike training at Pacific Top Team of Corona.

Brian Marvin (21min)- Our interview with Brian is here. Train with Brian in Sugar Land, Tx.

Roli Delgado (22min)- Our interview with Roli is here. Train with Roli in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Blake (27min)- Listener and friend of The BjjBrick Podcast.

PJ Waicus (28min)- Our interview with PJ is here. Train with PJ at South Jersey Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy.

Samir Chantre (33min)- Our interview with Samir is here. Learn more about Samir on his website.

Mike (39min)- Listener and friend of The BjjBrick Podcast.

Matt Thornton (41min)- Our interview with Matt is here. Train with Matt at SBG.

Dewaine (43 min)- Listener and friend of The BjjBrick Podcast. He trains at Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy San Francisco.

Andrew Nerlich (51 min)- Listener and friend of The BjjBrick Podcast. He trains at Langes MMA in Sydney, Australia.

Jim (56 min)- Listener and friend of The BjjBrick Podcast.

Tim Sledd (58 min)- Our interview with Tim is here. Train with Tim at Small Ax BJJ.

Jason Goldstein (1h 6min)- Listener and friend of The BjjBrick Podcast. He is from Charleston South Carolina.

Brian Freeman (1h 11min)- Our interview with Brian is here.  Connect with Brian on his Facebook page.

John Connors (1h 13min)- Our interview with John is here. Connect with John on his Facebook page.

Nick Albin (1h 17min)- Our interview with Nick is here.Train with Nick at Derby City MMA.

Eli (1h 22min)- Listener and friend of The BjjBrick Podcast.

Byron Jabara (1h 24min)- Your friend from The BjjBrick Podcast.

Gary Hull (1h 28min)- Your friend from The BjjBrick Podcast.

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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This week we have an interview with BJJ black belt Alexander Trans. Alexander is on the top of the competition scene.  He has been recently sidelined by a knee injury while competing at the worlds. Check out Alexanders Bio here.

We talk about:

• Teaching BJJ in the public schools of Abu Dhabi
• Teaching regular classes in Abu Dhabi
• His upcoming knee surgery
• His plans on moving to Brazil
• How he injured his knee during Worlds
• His focus while he is training
• Why he gets so many leg locks
• What he eats before a tournament
• Advice for dealing with nerves and adrenaline
• What he was like as a blue belt
• Advice for new students
• Watching competition videos

Links:

• Tatami Fightwear
• KnockOut Sports
• Alexanders Facebook page

Quote of the week: "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent." Calvin Coolidge

Article of the week: "How to get the most out of a BJJ class"

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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This week we are excited to bring you Roy Harris, he is one of the first non Brazilian Black Belts (Dirty Dozen).  Roy shares many of his countless stories and great advice about BJJ.

We talk about:

• The early days of training BJJ in the United States
• Developing skills outside of class with a partner
• What you should be doing for the first 2 or 3 years of training
• His first BJJ Brick was a footlock
• Why some leglocks can be more dangerous
• The 4 mindsets he teaches to students that are over 40
• How to train safely
• How to evaluate your progress
• Differences between gi and no gi
• How to train if you can only train twice a week

Links:

• royharris.com/
• His Apps for iphone
• Check out his about page it is amazing!

Quote of the week: "I always got nervous the nights we played in the World Series. First pitch, I was nervous. Then after that, forget it; I'd start playing." Yogi Berra

Article of the week: "BJJ Biomechanics – Rib Injuries"

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

This week we have part 2 of Sam Spiegelman answering your questions about strength and conditioning. Sam is a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Mark Vives, he trains at New Breed Training Center.  He has written a bunch of great articles on Breaking Muscle.  Sam is also available for online consultations.

Sam answers these questions:

• What supplements do you recommend?
• How do you deal with cramps during training?
• What should I ear before a competition?
• How do I improve my flexibility?
• What are your thought on training multiple times per day?
• What muscle groups are used more for offence or defense?
• If someone can roll only twice a week what off the mat training should they do?
• Does the training mask work?
• What tips do you have for recovery after training?
• What apps for your phone do you recommend using for conditioning training?

Links:

• Applied Strength and Conditioning
• New Breed Training Center
• Facebook Twitter
• Breaking Muscle

Quote of the week: "Drillers make killers" presented by Gary Hull

Article of the week: "What Happened When My Son Got Beat by a Girl"

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

This week Sam Spiegelman answers your questions about strength and conditioning. Sam is a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Mark Vives, he trains at New Breed Training Center.  He has written a bunch of great articles on Breaking Muscle.  Sam is also available for online consultations.

Sam answers these questions:

• How often should you train when you are new to BJJ?
• What level of Jiu-Jitsu class is best to start with?
• Should I do extra cardio to get in shape for BJJ?
• What are the benefits of joint mobility?
• What is a quick and healthy breakfast?
• When cutting weight is it necessary to run?
• Do you need to compete in BJJ to get better?
• How many times per week should I strength train?
• What should your exceptions be if you are just starting a strength program?
• What is the best strength and condition program for BJJ?

Links:

• Applied Strength and Conditioning
• New Breed Training Center
• Facebook Twitter
• Breaking Muscle
• Epi 82 BJJ, Strength, and Conditioning with Sam Spiegelman

Quote of the week: "Frustration is a useless emotion" Amanda Lowen

Article of the week: "What Sharpens Iron?" sandhillsbjj

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

This week we have a Pioneer of American BJJ practitioners David Meyer. David started Jiu-Jitsu is 1991 and was one of the first americans to reach the rank of black belt.

We talk about:

• His early experiences with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Competing at some of the first BJJ competitions in the united states
• Being an athlete and a vegan
• Kicking ass and saving animals
• Getting more out of each class
• Doing BJJ home work
• Doing a tabata workout
• How to push yourself when you are tired
• BJJ for MMA
• Early MMA
• Performing better at competitions
• Developing new techniques
• Being a good training partner
• The importance of a game plan
• Training with Eddie Bravo
• Adopting a pet

Links:

• fuel for the fighter
• Training for Competition
• BJJ America
• Adopt a pet

Quote of the week: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." Aristotle, Presented by Ryan Hall

Article of the week: "4 Ways Submission Grapplers Can Apply Wrestling Concepts to Their Practice"

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

This week on the podcast we have an interview with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Stephan Kesting.  Stephan has written some of the best articles about BJJ.  He is very well know for teaching BJJ on his websites Grapplearts.com, BeginningBJJ.com and his newsletter.

We talk about:

• His start with Martial Arts
• Doing BJJ before it was popular
• Content vs context when learning BJJ online
• Taking responsibility for your own training
• Your training environment
• The overall role of a BJJ coach
• Learning from lower belts
• The firefighting and BJJ
• BJJ and self defense
• Advice for people who can only train 2 or 3 times per week
• The ideas for a BJJ roadmap

Links:

• A Roadmap for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
  How to Progress FAST in BJJ
• Grapplearts Facebook page
• Grapplearts.com
• Twitter
• Youtube

Quote of the week: "never give up, and believe in yourself" Franjinha

Article of the week: 5 Difficult Concepts For BJJ Beginners To Grasp, check out the authors site here

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

This is the best video I could find for Hammer Pants. Mc. Hammer make an appearance at 3 min.

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

This week we have an interview with one of the top BJJ coaches Ricardo Miller.  Ricardo is also known as Franjinha.  You can find a full bio on Franjinha here.  Check out his school Paragon website here.

We talk about:

• A brief history of Franjinha
• His coaching style
• His 32 Black belts under him
• Jeff Glover and Bill "The Grill" Cooper
• How BJJ is always changing
• He has 10,000 people that have came to his gym, and out of that he has made 32 Black belts that is one person per every 312
• His goal of when he has a new student
• Helping his students
• What Paragon means
• The small percent of people that actually compete
• Advice for the first time competitor
• Advice for the person who can only train once a week
• Comparing BJJ to a puzzle

Links:

• Jiu-Jitsu Pedia
• Paragon

Quote of the week: "respect all, fear none" Danny Alvarez

Article of the week: "Does Technique Really Conquer All? 3 BJJ Masters Give their Opinion" BJJEE.com

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

Danny Alvarez is a 2nd Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Danny is affiliate under 4th degree Black Belt Bruno Bastos. Check out his full bio and huge competition history here.

We talk about:

• Dealing with a loss
• Coaching kids
• Why it is important to set a schedule to train
• The growth of BJJ
• Training only once a week
• Note taking
• Balancing your personal life and BJJ

Links:

• Alvarez BJJ
• Alvarez Facebook page
• Twitter @alvarezbjj
• Instagram

Quote of the week: "If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month.” Theodore Roosevelt

Article of the week: "5 Tips To Take Your BJJ Sparring To The Next Level"

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

Danny Alvarez is a 2nd Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Danny is affiliate under 4th degree Black Belt Bruno Bastos. Check out his full bio and huge competition history here.

We talk about:

• His start with BJJ
• Leaving a good full time job to teach BJJ
• Balancing work and family
• His aggressive style of BJJ
• Doing BJJ as a family
• Overcoming travel difficulties
• Cutting weight as you travel
• How to use internet to help your training
• The importance of doing private lessons
• Avoiding frustration when learning a new technique
• Advice for doing your first tournament

Links:

• Alvarez BJJ
• Alvarez Facebook page
• Twitter @alvarezbjj
• Instagram

Quote of the week: "Shoot for the moon and even if you miss you will be among the stars" Bernardo Faria. This is a must listen to quote! it starts at 2min 30sec.

Article of the week: Rickson Gracie “Should Put More Value On Learning Than On Competing With Your Training Partner”

The video Gary was talking about "Kid Destroys Bully With Punch And Double Leg"

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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This week we have part 2 of our interview with Tim Sledd. Tim is a 1st degree black belt under  Andre Galvao. Tim not only runs his own gym Small Axe BJJ, he is also the Director of affiliates for Atos. Tim shares lots of information about what is going on behind the scenes at Atos.

If you missed part 1 of this interview check it out first here!

In part 2 of this interview we talk about:

• What Atos does differently than other BJJ teams
• Systems building with your techniques
• Drilling, and how to drill properly
• Specific sparing and how it is used
• Speed drills, flow drills, and fine motor skills drills
• The culture of Atos
• The culture of Small Axe BJJ
• Left brain right brain confusion
• Advice for a student doing a first tournament
• How to start off a match strong
• The Leg Drag

Links:

• Email Tim Sledd: smallaxebjj@gmail.com
• Small Axe website
• Essays by Tim Sledd
• Leg Drag Workshop Dvd by Tim Sledd

Quote of the week: ”Everything Should Be Made as Simple as Possible, But Not Simpler” Albert Einstein- Presented by Matt Thorton

Article of the week: "BJJ Promotions, and Lack Thereof" By: White Belt Survival Strategy

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

This week we have an interview with Tim Sledd. Tim is a 1st degree black belt under  Andre Galvao. Tim not only runs his own gym Small Axe BJJ, he is also the Director of affiliates for Atos. Tim shares lots of information about what is going on behind the scenes at Atos.

In part 1 of this interview we talk about:

• His training history
• Washing your belt and what your belt should mean to you
• Who helps you get better at BJJ (not just coaches and teammates)
• Leaving his job as a prosecutor to do BJJ full time
• Real world lessons matching up with things learned on the mat
• The name of his gym Small Axe BJJ
• The idea of a chain saw vs an axe
• Check out the Bob Marley Small Axe video
• His thoughts about the berimbolo
• Building systems in BJJ
• How purple belts begin to speak the BJJ language
• Comparisons of BJJ to learning a new language
• Organizing your jiu-jitsu

Links:

• Email Tim Sledd: smallaxebjj@gmail.com
• Small Axe website
• Essays by Tim Sledd
• Led Drag Workshop Dvd by Tim Sledd
• Learn more about Myelin check out our interview with New York Times bestselling author Daniel Coyle

Quote of the week: "The most important thing you can do to get better at jiu-jitsu, is jiu-jitsu" Presented by Eduardo Telles

Article of the week: "Focus on the Fundamentals: No Shame in Your Game" by A skirt on the Mat

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

"Small Axe" Bob Marley

Why boasteth thyself
Oh, evil men
Playing smart
And not being clever?
I said, you're working iniquity
To achieve vanity (if a-so a-so)
But the goodness of Jah, Jah
I-dureth for-I-ver

So if you are the big tree
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down

These are the words
Of my master, keep on tellin' me
No weak heart
Shall prosper
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it, fall in it
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it (... fall in it)

If you are the big tree, let me tell you that
We are the small axe, sharp and ready
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down(To cut you down)(To cut you down)

These are the words
Of my master, tellin' me that
No weak heart
Shall prosper
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall fall in it, uh, bury in it
And whosoever diggeth a pit
Shall bury in it, uh (... bury in it)

If you are the big, big tree
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down
If you are the big, big tree, let me tell you that
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
To cut you down
Sharpened

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

This week we are excited to bring you an interview with Eduardo Telles.  Eduardo is well know for his creativity on the mat, he is always trying to surprise his opponents. Check out more of Eduardo's Bio here.

In the interview with Eduardo Telles we talk about:

• Training in both Sao Paulo and Rio
• Starting BJJ at 17 years old
• How having fun was so important to getting good at BJJ
• The use of the turtle guard
• The benefits of using the turtle guard
• Common mistakes when using the turtle guard
• How he attacks someone that is using the turtle guard
• His ideas about how points can distract opponents and lead to more submissions
• The idea of giving points for side control
• Advice for a first time student competing
• What he was like as a blue belt
• Some of his most favorite matches.
• Watch his match with Felipe Pena
• His online training academy

Links:

• 99 Jiu-Jitsu San Diego
• Turtle guard on line training here
• Nine Nine Jiu-Jitsu on Facebook
• Eduardo's sponsors Kingz Kimonos and Choke Republic, Tell them Eduardo sent you :)

Quote of the week: "The goal of Jiu-Jitsu is not to be undefeated but no to lose" Presented by Brian Freeman

Article of the week: When rolling with a visitor be aware of these rules of etiquette

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Brian Freeman is back on the BjjBrick Podcast! His last appearance was episode 16. Brian is a disabled vet with a T4 spinal cord injury with Brown-Sequard syndrome. He is from Rockingham, North Carolina. Brian is now a blue belt under Renzo Gracie.

We talk about:

• What caused his injury
• Getting started in BJJ
• Doing some techniques in his chair, and training to not get separated from his chair in a self defense situation
• What it is like to be part of a BJJ team
• Competing with able bodied competition
• His game and strategies that he uses
• Why some techniques are difficult for him to defend, and how he deals with them
• His experience at IBJJF Pan 2015
• How everyone adapts Jiu-Jitsu to their bodies
• How he moves around differently off the mat because of Jiu-Jitsu
• His story of getting his blue belt
• Competing two weeks after getting his blue belt
• His goals when he competes
• Competing in the expert division
• His plans of teaching motivational and educational seminars

Links:

• Grapplers Heart
• Brian Freeman Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Email-Wheelchairjitsu@gmail.com
• Support Brian's sponsor deusfight.com/ Brian25 for 25% off

Quote of the week: "You can get help from teachers, but you are going to have to learn a lot by yourself, sitting alone in a room" Dr. Seuss

Article of the week: "Injury Prevention in BJJ: Put the Odds in Your Favor"

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Submission Series Promotions is the biggest submission only host in Canada.Their second event "The Takeover" takes place Saturday, June 20 in Halifax Ns.  In this episode we bring you interviews with two of the athletes that are competing in this event.

Jason Gagnon- Jason is a brown belt under Cobrinha.  You can find Jason training at Genesis Martial Arts in Abbotsford, BC. He will be competing against Hood Rich of Zuma MMA.  Jason's Facebook page.

Josh Wincey- Josh is a black belt under Kevin Taylor.  Josh trains at Titans MMA.  His is competing against Andris Brunovskis on The Takeover card.  Josh's Facebook page.

Quote of the week: Presented by James Puopolo "True strength is not always shown through victory.  Stand up, try again and display strength of heart." Rickson Gracie

Article of the week: "The One Secret Trick to Getting Good at BJJ"

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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This week we have a interview with Rafael Lovato Jr black belt James Puopolo.  He has been doing BJJ full time since leaving his middle school math teaching job.  He can be found on the mats at Salem-Keizer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. You can find out more about James here on BJJ Heroes.

We talk about:

• Running his academy
• His ever changing style of BJJ
• Training with out the use of a timer
• Fitting your BJJ into many different rule sets
• The importance of finishing your opponent
• His training schedule
• Training other grappling arts
• Training with Luke Tirey
• His first training experience with RLJ
• Doing 14 competitions last year
• His future goals
• Keeping a training journal
• The process he goes through before a competition
• Basic meditation to get you in your zone
• Advice for a students first tournament

Links for James Puopolo's sponsors:

• Check out the gis at Origin
• Green Strength
• Elite Flexibility
• Iron Lion Soap

Keep up with James on his Facebook page

Quote of the week: Presented by PJ Waicus "The big, strong, tough guy goes to class, and he keeps getting tapped by the skinny, technical guy. It begins to change him. It makes him humble. That's what Jiu Jitsu does to you. It makes you humble." Relson Gracie

Article of the week: "What Can The Stock Market Teach You About Jiu-Jitsu?" From Jiu-Jitology

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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PJ Waicus joins us this week for an interview.  He has been training BJJ for about 5 years.  He trains at South Jersey Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy.  PJ has two children that have Angelman Syndrome.  This interview we talk a lot about BJJ, learn about Angelman Syndrome and we face off the mat challenges that life presents.

We talk about:

• Starting BJJ at the age of 39
• Size differences on the mat
• How Angelman Syndrome is passed on
• The effects of Angelman Syndrome
• The Angelman community
• Bipolar Disorder and BJJ
• Training with a busy schedule
• How BJJ is like a church to him
• Training BJJ for the long term
• Advice for parents that have kids with Angelman Syndrome

Links:

• Voices for Angels/ devoted to Angelman Syndrome awareness for our children
• South Jersey Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
• Angelman.org
• Contact PJ on his Facebook page here

Quote of the week: Presented by: A double quote! Presented by Mark Mullen.

• "It is not who is good, it is who is left. It's hours on the mat, if you put in the time natural athlete or not, practice the art you will be a black belt. "Chris Haueter
• "I don’t have talent, I have tenacity. I have discipline, I have focus. And I know without any illusion, where I come from and where I can go back to"  Henry Rollins

Article of the week: "When Jiu Jitsu is Like Brushing Your Teeth"  From A Skirt on the Mat

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Mark Mullen is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a brown belt in judo from Canada, now based in Taipei, Taiwan.

Mark Started training in judo in 1995 and inspired by Royce Gracie winning the early UFC's he became obsessed to learn BJJ.

When Marcus Soares 7th degree coral belt of the Carlson Gracie Team moved to Vancouver in 1997 (the first black belt to teach in Canada) Mark became on of the earliest students.

Mark discovered an early aptitude and love for teaching BJJ when head instructor Soares would return to Brazil and Mark would teach the class.

Mark started Training with Gracie Barra black belt Josh Russel when Josh moved back to Canada after training and living in Rio De Janeiro for several years.

Mark was one of the original founders of Gracie Barra Calgary and graduated to purple, brown and finally black belt under Josh Russell 3rd degree.

In 2014 Mark accepted an offer to relocate to Taipei, Taiwan to be the BJJ coach for 2 MMA gyms (Marital Armor and Tough MMA in Taipei and Hsinchu) and runs the BJJ program for the schools as well as coaching the fighters.

Mark writes for popular online BJJ blogs Gracie Barra Blog and Grapplearts.com. Mark is also available for writing on other blogs.

We talk about:

• What got him started in BJJ
• Changes in BJJ over the years
• The 3 types of BJJ students (Competitors, BJJ lifestyle, Fitness)
• His travels to Taiwan
• Why most students come to his BJJ school
• The differences between teaching and performing BJJ
• Teaching class as a blue belt
• Traveling to Brazil
• BJJ master minds that change and advance the sport
• BJJ before and after youtube
• Making complex things simple
• Doing BJJ as a life style
• Mario Sperry - Day of the Zen Documentary
• Life as a Jiu-Jitsu Bum
• Diet advice
• The development of BJJ in Asia
• How overwhelming BJJ can be for beginners
• Advice for white belts
• The importance of movement drills

Links for Mark Mullen: Twitter, Facebook

Quote of the week: "it's not supposed to be easy" Samuel Spiegelman

Article of the week: "3 Important Questions to Help Recalibrate Your Training Focus" By Valerie Worthington

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, Stitcher radio, and RSS link for Andriod

Sam Spiegelman is a author and strength and conditioning coach.  Sam is a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Mark Vives, he trains at New Breed Training Center.  He has written a bunch of great articles on Breaking Muscle.  Sam is also available for online consultations.

We talk about:

• What brought him to BJJ
• Strength and conditioning for BJJ
• Strength and conditioning for people who are new to the mats
• Training differently for your particular game or style.
• Off the mat training for BJJ
• Doing a self assessment of your strength
• The importance of having your body strength balanced to help you be efficient
• Why people gas out on the mats
• Increasing your cardio for BJJ
• Staying motivated with your off the mat training
• The importance of having a healthy diet
• Starting BJJ after having a sedentary lifestyle
• Advice for doing your first tournament
• Goals for students their first 6 months and year

Links for Sam Spiegelman:

• Applied Strength and Conditioning
• New Breed Training Center
• Facebook Twitter
• Breaking Muscle

Quote of the week: "Know your why? Chris Easter

Article of the week: 5 Competition Essentials

Support Amber as she chokes cancer out!

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Chris Easter is a Black Belt and has been training BJJ since 1998.  Chris has a game that focuses on the basics.  Chris has moved many times due to being in the military, this has given him the opportunity to train with many amazing practitioners and share Jiu-Jitsu.  He is now training at Sergio Penha's. 

We talk about:

• Moving and finding a new gym
• Training in the military
• The importance of drilling
• Different types of drilling and what they will accomplish
• How his off the mat training has changed over the years
• Dealing with injuries
• His favorite techniques
• Training with Paul from Open Mat Radio
• Finding an instructor that is a good fit for you
• Coaching advice
• "Its all about angles"
• The amount of details for basic techniques
• What he focuses on before a match
• How BJJ helps you when you are going through problems
• First tournament advice

Chris Easter Facebook Page

Links:

• Help out our friend Amber by pitching in on the grapple-a-thon fund raiser
• Need help with your schools graphics, check out Taylor's work here.

Quote of the week: "If you try to avoid responsibility people will push it back on you, if you take accountability when things go wrong people will take it away from you" Jay Bell

Article of the week: "10 Benefits of Playing Sports"

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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This week we have an interview packed full of great information from Coach Jay Bell. Jay went from white belt to brown belt under Royce Gracie, He later received his black belt from Marco Delima.  Jay is currently training under Rob Kahn & Marcio Stambowsky.  Jay is the owner and head BJJ instructor at Gracie Farmington Valley located in CT.

We talk about:

• His start in BJJ
• How he has grown his women's class
• How he likes to run his kids class
• Kids self defense (talk, tell, and tackle)
• Opening a BJJ gym and making it profitable
• The growth of BJJ
• Why it is important to not quit the first 6 months
• How his game has changed since getting his black belt
• Breaking down complex ideas into simple explanations
• His youtube channel
• Advice for a first BJJ tournament
• Advice for big students
• What he was like as a blue belt
• How to develop a game plan
• Goals for first year students

Jay's Links: Email: jay@graciefv.com, Youtube, facebook 

Quote of the week: Presented by Jared Dopp “There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.” Miyamoto Musashi

Article of the week: 6 Great Ways to Get Information About BJJ by Mark Mullen

Choke Cancer out fund raiser for Amber

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Jared "Megalo" Dopp is a Brown belt under Rafael Lovato Jr.  He is a Blue, Purple, and Brown Belt No-Gi World Champion. Blue, Purple, and Brown Belt Pan Champion. Blue Belt Gi World Champion, and two time Purple Belt World Gi Silver medalist.  In 2013 as a Purple belt he took 4th place at ADCC.

We talk about:

• His accomplishments with only 4 years of serious training
• His push the pace style
• How he is able to force his opponents to make mistakes
• How he views Gi and No-gi differently
• Ways to get around an opponent that is stalling
• Passing the guard to the right side
• He is in school for chemical engineering
• Balancing school and BJJ
• His training schedule
• Off the mat training including rugby
• His research in growing nano tubes
• His thoughts on competing in 2015 ADCC
• His hopes of doing submission only matchs
• Strategy for a submission only match
• Advice for a student doing a first tournament
• His advice for cutting weight to compete

Links for Jared: Do or Die, True Nutrition, Jared's Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

Other links:

• https://jiujitsuka.co/,   Coupon code "bjjbrick" 10% off
• http://www.thebjjbox.com/   Coupon code "BJJBRICK" 20%off
• Grapplethon for our friend Amber: Twitter, Facebook, email, Donate here

Quote of the week: "It never gets easy, but always gets better" presented by Vic Torres

Article of the week: "The 5 Ways Resilient People Get Over Failure"

Check out the audio book here!

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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This episode we talk with Vic Torres of "Torres MMA and Fitness at The Jungle" in Wantagh, New York.  He is a purple belt under Matt Serra.  Vic uses Jiu-Jitsu and his diet to help control his symptoms from Multiple sclerosis (MS).  He was diagnosed with MS in 2010.

We talk about:

• How he discovered that he had MS
• What his symptoms are like
• How BJJ helps reduce his symptoms
• Doing MMA before he was diagnosed and after
• Advice for new students
• Training with someone that is not as good as you, about the same as you, and better than you
• Training with lower belts

Quote of the week: "Fighting is the best thing a man can do for his sole" Renzo Gracie

Article of the week: "Review- Banana" http://grapplergourmet.com/

Links:

• Serra BJJ
• http://provepeoplewrong.com/
• http://www.defensesoap.com/
• Contact Vic on: Facebook or Twitter

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Ricardo Castaneda is a purple belt that runs the website Jiu-Jitology.com.  He has a unique perspective about BJJ and training that we are sure you will find interesting and beneficial.  You can find Ricardo training at Gracie Barra South Austin.

We talk about:

• His start to BJJ
• How BJJ has helped him off of the mat
• How he uses his psychology background to benefit his BJJ
• Dealing with anxiety
• Mental health and BJJ the good and the bad
• The mindset of a new student
• Controlling your heart rate and breathing rate to learn better
• The John Wayne Sweep and how he learned it
• How to start basic meditation
• Training while injured

Ricardo's Links:

• Natural Stacks Use the discount code RICARDOP for 15% off
• Jiu-Jitology.com
• Jiu-Jitology Facebook Page

Quote of the week: “The difference between someone who is in shape, and someone who is not in shape, is the individual who is in shape works out even when they do not want to.” Unknown

Article of the week: "The exercise that predicts your DEATH: Struggling with 'sitting-rising test' means you're 5 times more likely to die early" http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

Byron's Grilled cheese cooking fail

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Master Danny Dring has 5 different black belts including a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  He got his BJJ black belt in 2001.  You can find Danny training in Sherwood, Arkansas at Dring LDMA.

We talk about:

• The striking arts that he is involved in
• Training law enforcement
• A cool concept of hardware and software of your martial arts
• Early MMA
• How learning BJJ has changed over the years
• Why he like to play a top game
• Getting over having his hip resurfaced
• Training in Brazil
• BJJ and self-defense
• Advice for your first BJJ tournament
• What is was like for him as a blue belt

Links:

• livingdefense.com/
• Danny's Facebook page
• His book "Stay In the Fight"

Quote of the week:  "One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself" presented by: Vinicius "Draculino" Magalhaes

Article of the week:"The Almost-Blue Belt Mistake – Don’t Be in a Hurry!"

Check out Byron's cooking for BJJ video!!

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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This week we are very excited to bring you an interview with Vinicius "Draculino" Magalhaes. Draculino is a 5th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he has been training since around 1984.  Find out more about Draculino at BjjHeroes.com.

We talk about:

• His school in Houston Texas
• Being a lawyer and how it has helped him with BJJ
• His history with the spider guard
• Why he has a well balanced game
• Doing moves both on the right and left side of your body
• Why the lighter weight classes like to play the guard
• Why it is important to learn BJJ, No-gi, and Self-defense
• Doing MMA and still training with the Gi
• The future of BJJ
• How the internet is changing the way we learn BJJ
• Advice for a student doing their first tournament

Links:

• Gracie Barra Tx
• draculinobjjtraining.com
• Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Quote of the week: "The best luck of all is the luck you make for yourself." Douglas MacArthur

Article of the week: "Appreciating the BJJ Journey on Your Own Terms" learningbjj.com

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

This is part 2 of our interview with Steve Maxwell, part 1 can be found here. Steve Maxwell is one of the first Americans to receive a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  He was the first person to start teaching kettlebells in the United States.  At the age of 62 he travels the world teaching BJJ and life style fitness.  Find more info about Steve Maxwell here.

We talk about:

• When people hit their physical peak
• Not getting injured with your off the mat training
• Training BJJ into your 70's, 80's and 90's
• Over training and the point of diminishing returns
• Explosive training and BJJ
• Strength training for any sport
• The myth of Cardio training
• Sport specific training
• His traveling minimalist lifestyle (every thing he owns fits in this 45L backpack)
• Some great life advice for everybody

Links:

• Steve Maxwell's website
• Steve Maxwell's Facebook page
• Steve Maxwell's Twitter

Quote of the week: "Don't measure the work, measure the change, and use that to evaluate your work" The BjjBrick Podcast, Episode 73

Article of the week: "4 Jiu JItsu Lessons From Bruce Lee" by jiujitsubrotherhood.com

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Steve Maxwell is one of the first Americans to receive a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  He was the first person to start teaching kettlebells in the United States.  At the age of 62 he travels the world teaching BJJ and life style fitness.  Find more info about Steve Maxwell here.

We talk about:

• His start to martial arts as a kid
• Getting his blue belt fast and getting stuck at purple belt
• How he learned how to teach Jiu-Jitsu
• History of early BJJ in the United States
• The combat aspect of Jiu-Jitsu
• Why the age 45 seems to be a road block for people that do BJJ
• Setting intrinsic goals and not extrinsic goals
• How age effects you ability to do BJJ
• How his game has changed over the years
• Proper breathing techniques
• A method of training to force you use better breathing

Links:

• Steve Maxwell's website
• Steve Maxwell's Facebook page

Quote of the week: "no victory without sacrifice" Robson Moura

Article of the week: "7 REASONS WHY YOUR CHILD SHOULD PRACTICE MARTIAL ARTS" breakingmuscle.com

Catch us next week for part 2 of this interview on The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

This week we are happy to bring you an interview with Robson Moura.  In the Black belt Super Featherweight division Robson won gold in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and then again in 2007.  He credits much of his competition success in going for a fast submission.

Some Highlights from the interview:

We also talk about:

• How BJJ helps him off of the mat
• Starting BJJ as a kid in the adult class
• Why he likes to have a fun environment in his school
• How the mind of the Jiu-Jitsu competitor has changed over time
• What he is looking for in a super fight
• The possibility of doing Metamoris
• Advice for first time competitors
• Why most people are joining  BJJ schools today
• Why survival is a good goal for a 1st year student

links for Robson Moura

• His Facebook page
• His website

Quote of the week: "every champion was once a contender that refused to give up" Presented by Isaac Doederlein

Article of the week: "Jiu Jitsu And The Mature Athlete" jjgf.com

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Isaac Doederlein is a 22 year old brown belt under Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles.  He recently went to IBJJF European and won featherweight gold and then he stepped up for the absolute and got silver.

We talk about:

• Starting martial arts as a kid
• Moving as an 18 year old to California to train
• The different guards he likes to play
• His goal of getting absolute titles
• His goal for remaining undefeated in his weight class
• How to train for competing in the absolute division
• How to watch your tournament footage to get better
• What he does for off-the-mat training
• Dealing with his injuries (neck and wrist)
• The benefits of competing
• Gaining confidence on the mat
• Advice for students in their first tournament
• His first tournament as a kid
• What he was like as a blue belt
• Tips for doing an omoplata
• Advice for developing your game plan
• Why it is important for new students to focus on understanding Jiu-Jitsu

Links:

• The book he recommends "Psychology of Champions"
• Moya Brand
• Stock MMA
• Arm Bar Soap
• Bass Chiropractic
• Ubatuba Acai

Connect with Isaac Doederlein: Instagram and Facebook

Breast Cancer Charity BJJ Seminar: Their Facebook Page, Donate online here.

Quote of the week: "What we do in this life echoes in eternity" Presented by Henry Akins

Article of the week: "Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & the Internet, Part 1" by learningbjj.com

Want a better Guillotine Choke? Check out this seminar by our friend Roy Marsh!

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast, we will have an interview with Robson Moura

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

In 1995 Henry Akins started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the Rickson Gracie Academy. He received his black belt from Rickson in 2004.  He now has his own school called Dynamix MMA located in west LA.

Some of the Highlights:

"Making sure that the Jiu-Jitsu you learn is effective whether you have a gi on or not, and if you need to use it on the streets to protect yourself or someone that you care about."

"My focus has always been how to use Jiu-Jitsu as a martial art, as a way to instill confidence in a person... and if there is ever a confrontation they feel prepared to deal with it."

"It's not about speed, a lot of people think you need to be fast.... it is about timing"

"The focus for a competitor is the complete opposite from the focus of a teacher.  If you are competing the focus is on yourself.... as a teacher your focus is on others."

We also talk about:

• Training with Rickson Gracie
• Having a style that doesn't rely on grips
• BJJ and confidence
• The main reasons why students join Dynamix MMA
• The importance of getting good at the basics
• How BJJ has changed and remained the same since he started
• Teaching versus competing
• What he does to help his teachers learn how to teach
• How BJJ can affect the larger community
• Training BJJ specifically for self defense
• What happens to students that use strength or speed
• Different types of pressure you can put on your opponent
• How the BJJ community is one big group regardless of where you train

Links:

• Dynamix MMA in West LA Train with Henry Akins, Antoni Hardonk, and Vladimir Matyushenko.
• On The Mat- OTM is a very positive force in the BJJ community
• Henry Akins Facebook page

Quote of the week: "Learn how to learn" Billy Robinson. This quote was presented by Roli Delgado.  Roli suggests- Learn how your body works and apply that to what you are trying to do.

Article of the week: "Stepping off the Mats: Top Ten" by jiujitsutimes.com

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

This week we have an interview with Rolando Delgado often called Roli.  Roli is a 2nd degree black belt that trains in Little Rock Arkansas at West Side MMA. Roli has fought in the UFC and Bellator, but he is most widely known in the BJJ community for his ability to teach and preform leg locks.

Some highlights from this interview:

"The most dangerous moves in Jiu-Jitsu are take-downs and kimuras"

"Reaping the knee is a risk that is way overstated and blown out of proportion"

"With the Gi on I am okay with no heal hooks.... we need a sport that we can all do and grow old with."

We also talk about:

• His start to the martial arts
• What he does off of the mat (hunting deer and owning a pawn shop)
• His recent trip to Brazil
• How he started focusing on leg locks
• His app "Legal Leg Locks for BJJ"
• Why some people don't like leg locks
• Using legs locks to be used for a Bjj Brick
• The rules for BJJ and leg locks
• Why mid level blue belt is a good time to start working on leg locks
• Finding confidence in your game from hard work
• Advice for students that are competing for the first time
• Why you should be trying to funnel your match into your strong areas
• The concept of defend than attack
• His match with Jason Bircher in Respect 1 on Feb 28

Connect with Roli:

• Facebook
• His website

Quote of the week: "Therefore, those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him." Sun Tzu

Article of the week: "Drill To Kill: Science Backs Up Effectiveness of Drilling for Jiu-Jitsu" 

Want a better Guillotine Choke? Check out this seminar by our friend Roy Marsh!

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Christian Graugart is know as the BJJ Globetrotter because of his amazing trip around the world training in 24 countries and 56 gyms.  Christian has learned may lessons from training and traveling, we are lucky to learn from him.  Christian has also started an amazing community called BJJ Globetrotters.

Good times on the mat with Christian Graugart

A quote from the interview:

“A key component to life is to be open to all social connections, and treat everyone you meet as a potential next best friend.”

We talk about:

• Why he started traveling to learn BJJ
• How he likes to teach classes
• Some of the similarities all over the world in Jiu-Jitsu
• The BJJ Globetrotters community
• The BJJ camps he is doing in 2015
• The values of BJJ Globetrotters
• How his gym treats travelers
• His ideas about how to treat people on and off the mat

Links

• Check out BjjGlobetrotter.com
• Join the BJJ Globetrotters community
• BJJ Globetrotter book by Christian Graugart
• The BJJ Globetrotters on Facebook

Quote of the week: “Victory is always possible for the person who refuses to stop fighting.” Napoleon Hill- Presented by: Rafael Lovato Jr.

Article of the week: “Staying Motivated for BJJ” By White Belt Survival Strategy.Everyone needs a little help staying motivated with training, this article should help.

Want a better Guillotine Choke? Check out this seminar by our friend Roy Marsh!

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Rafael Lovato Jr. is the most decorated BJJ competitor from the United States.  He is known for an aggressive style and being fun to watch.  In 2007 he was the first Non-Brazilian to win the Brazilian National Championship (Brasileiro) in the Black Belt division. Again in 2007 Lovato became the 2nd American to win the World Championship (Worlds) as a black belt.  Lovato has a lot going on and we cover a big range of topics in this interview including his injury, BJJ goals for the year, his Save Jiu-Jitsu Podcast, MMA career, and much more.

Some Highlights from the interview:

"My goal, is to jump right back into the Worlds. If I can be healthy and strong enough to train hard in March, that will give me two months to get ready, as long as I don't miss the Worlds I am happy."

"If you are so afraid of losing that you play not to lose instead of to really win.... then you are not going to learn very much walking off the mat.... you will not be able to go back home and find what you need to work on."

About his Save Jiu-Jitsu Podcast, "Really my goal with it was to inspire people".

When asked about what rules should be changed  Rafael says "The number one thing that I would do is get rid of advantages.... they really don't make sense".

"The most evolution that you see in jiu-jitsu is from the guard, there is always new guard games, there is always new grips, angles, and ways to sweep....but there is not new submissions.... most of the evolution is from the guard and it is mostly sweeps."

"I remember when I felt like I knew the rules in and out....Nowadays there are many of the refs that struggle with knowing."

About what he would like to do this year. "Some pretty big things, Worlds, ADCC, another MMA fight.... If I could get on a Metamoris show I would love to be there."

We talk about:

• What he has been doing with his extra time, because of his injury is keeping him off the mats
• The Save Jiu-Jitsu Podcast
• How he is healing after his surgery
• Changing the rules of BJJ
• How having advantages makes the game less exciting
• Some ideas of how we can deal with tied matches
• Rule changes in other sports
• Advice for students who are competing
• How he explains advantages to his students before a competition
• Training advice for different competitions
• Training with Saulo and Xande
• Doing Metamoris in the future
• His goals with MMA
• ADCC 2015
• His plans to write a book

Keeping up with Rafael Lovato Jr:

• His Facebook fan-page
• Save Jiu-Jitsu Podcast
• Lovato BJJ vidoes
• Twitter
• Website
• His school's website

Quote of the week: "Through the sports, our mission is promote a better quality of life and add social value, education, morals, and create a better citizen not only on the mats but in life. Propagate values in our community is valuable for the future" Andre Monteiro Check out Andre's new Gym A-Force.

Article of the week: "What Is The Etiquette For Rolling With Black Belts?" JiuJitology.com

Want a better Guillotine Choke? Check out this seminar by our friend Roy Marsh!

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast!

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Submission Series 902 takes places January 23, 2015 New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Canada.  These are 15 min, submission only fights. In this episode, you will discover what these six athletes are doing to prepare for this submission only event.  Check out their Facebook page to keep up to date with all the action.

Cat Clark- We start off this interviews by talking with Cat Clark.  Cat is the guy who is putting Submission Series 902 together. (Starts at 21m32s)

We talk about:

• How to watch the event
• What the name "Submission Series 902" is about
• Why he is doing this event
• The rules the athletes must follow
• His vision for the sport in the long term

Kyle Sandford Vs. Jonathan Satava

Kyle Sandford- Kyle has been training BJJ since 1996. He received a black belt from Renzo Gracie in July 2014. He is representing Titans BJJ and Renzo Gracie. He has a Nogi match with Jonathan Satava. (Starts at 32m45s)

Jonathan Satava- Jonathan is a brown belt under Marcelo Garcia.  He is 25 years old, and he trains and teaches at The Marcelo Garcia Academy. His game is very similar to Marcelo's. (Starts at 52m2s)

Joel Jacquard Vs. Michael Tremblay

Joel Jacquard- Joel has been Training BJJ for about 8 years. He is a purple belt under Kevin Taylor.  He has trained in a variety of martial arts, but he is now focused on BJJ and this submission only fight.  He is very motivated to compete with Michael Tremblay. (Starts at 1h7m8s)

Michael Tremblay- Michael is 22 years old and a brown belt from Carleton Place Ontario. He trains with his family at Alpha Mixed Martial Arts.  His time is spent between being a full-time student of philosophy and a competitor. (Starts at 1h28m28s)

Scott Nauss Vs. Kevin Thibault (Kevin replaces Dana Dickenson)

Scott Nauss- Scott is a brown belt from Truro, Nova Scotia. He trains at Marmac Athletics, and Titans BJJ.  Scott has a lot of competition experience and he is excited to do a longer submission only match. (Starts at 1h45m18s)

Kevin Thibault- (Kevin replaces Dana Dickenson)- Kevin Trains under Shane Rice at Clinch Martial Arts Academy.  Kevin usually plays a heavy top game. (Starts at 1h58m59s)

Check out the Gis the fighters are talking about at BC Kimonos

Quote of the week: "Train with everyone" Dave Camarillo. Loyalty is important for your team and academy,  but you can still train at other gyms and be loyal at the same time.

Article of the week: "5 Tips to Fast Track Your Jiu-Jitsu Evolution Starting Today" by Graciemag

Want a better Guillotine Choke? Check out this seminar by our friend Roy Marsh!

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Dave Camarillo has been training in the martial arts since he was five years old.  He started Jiu-Jitsu when he was 19 years old.  He is also known for coaching some of the best in the world of MMA.  He also shares a story of a robbery that happened to him on a bus in Brazil.

Some highlights from the interview:

"I really don't think that martial arts is for sport first, I sincerely believe that it is for self defense and self awareness."

"Competition is not for everyone because it definitely has a psychological positive and negative."

"I would rather a child be a good person than win a tournament."

"I see an over emphasis on winning, that's not good for kids, kids need to be happy."

About students wanting to do MMA, "For 99% of people out there trying to fight, it should not be for a career.... It is for people who want to test themselves in that arena.... If your goal is to be famous (doing MMA) I won't train you."

When asked about goals for new students "Your first goal is attendance."

"Jiu-Jitsu is not just about armbars... it is about being a better person... You will increase the quality of your life in all aspects, because you are in a safe environment around like-minded people."

We also talk about:

• His involvement with a combatives program
• How his situational awareness in Brazil helped him avoid making a big mistake
• Dealing with weapons in a street fight
• Self defense and jiu-jitsu
• Advice on how to flow your jujitsu techniques
• The power of family members training together
• Kids and martial arts
• Forcing kids to take a martial art and other life skill
• Having a positive training environment for kids to train
• The differences between Gorilla Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• How hard he was pushed as a kid doing Judo
• Advice for someone wanting to do MMA
• Advice for someone transitioning from Jiu-Jitsu to MMA
• Some of the rules of Judo and how people adjust to them
• How it is important for a kids program to have a rewards system
• Goals for new students

Want more Dave Camarillo? Here is how you keep up with him:

• DaveCamarillo.com
• GorillaJiuJitsu.com
• Facebook
• Twitter

Quote of the week: "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor" English proverb. Sometimes you need to be pushed and go through some hard times in order to become better.  When you are on the mat, don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

Article of the week: The All Time Best 5 Submissions In MMA /UFC

Want a better Guillotine Choke? Check out this seminar by our friend Roy Marsh!

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast