The BjjBrick podcast will be taking a break for a while. 

Many thanks to the listners!

Byron Jabara

This week we bring you an interview with Dan Covel. Dan is a BJJ black belt training under Marcelo Garcia. He also teaches at Marcelo Garcia Academy and in Hoboken New Jersey.

We talk about:

• Starting martial arts with Judo
• Doing MMA at age 17
• Using the closed guard
• What makes the closed guard such a strong position
• How to pass the closed guard
• Getting the most out of kids BJJ
• Why he stores his tournament medals in a drawer
• The benefits of competing
• The use of BJJ in a street fight
• What he does to get ready to compete
• Good goals for new students

Links:

• Dan's Black Magic Closed Guard DVD use coupon code "bjjbrick" for 15% off this dvd on budo videos!
• Dan's Facebook page
• Dan on Twitter

Quote of the week: "Men who wish to know about the world must learn about it in its particular details." Heraclitus

Article of the week: Character building from Goulburn Martial Arts Academy Helping kids deal with bullies.

This week we learn how to say "good bye" in Portuguese with part two of our language learning segment.

Gary's future book is called "defensive driving, offensive driving, and driving over the neighbor's fensive"

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This week Gary and Byron will be discussing several myths about BJJ.  Do you agree with our discussion of these myths?  We have personal experiences with most of these myths and we share them.

Myth 1 Upper belts don't get tapped out by lower belts

Myth 2 You can earn your belt in a certain amount of time

Myth 3 Size and strength are not very important

Myth 4 Black belts know all the answers

Myth 5 Watching the pros is a great way to get better

Myth 6 More training is always better for you

Myth 7 Because you train BJJ you will be ready for a street fight

Myth 8 If someone is better than you at BJJ they will always be better than you at BJJ

Myth 9 Your excuse for not doing BJJ is valid

Myth 10 A black belt is the best teacher

Myth 11 Going home beat up everyday is okay

Myth 12 Bonus Myth- BJJ works on zombies

Quote of the week: "If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly" Gilbert K. Chesterton-  In this quote Gary shares an example about his poor golfing skills.  If you want to be good at BJJ you need to accept the fact that you will be doing it badly for a while and improvement will come with practice.

Article of the week:"The Quick and Easy Way to Dye Your BJJ Gi" by Attacktheback.com Tons of cool pictures about how to dye your gi.  Check out the stitching!

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

John Kavanagh received his BJJ black belt in March 2007 from Matt Thornton.  He now runs the Straight Blast Gym(SBG) in Ireland. SBG Ireland is home to fighters Gunnar Nelson, Conor McGregor, Aisling Daly, and many more.

Highlights from the interview:

"I think when people are enjoying themselves, they are going to stick with something longer rather than just embracing the grind."

"I understand what people mean when they say someone is talented, but it is a lazy word.  It is kind of like describing a chemical reaction as being magic."

"If I see someone who is not enjoying it (training) I don't want them part of the team, because it can be detrimental to the mindset of everybody else. So I will advise them to take some time off and do a different sport or activity for awhile and try to come back with a fresh mindset."

Do your MMA athletes train in a gi?  " Yes, they do..... physically the main benefit is that it tightens up the escape game, you can't escape an armbar by just by ripping your arm out... On the flip side training nogi tightens up your attacking side of the game."

"Training with a gi also is a huge benefit to keeping your mind awake and alert."

"You are all going to finish fighting (MMA) at some stage, why not have earned your black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu during that period.  Maybe you could open your own school. You want to be 50 or 60 (years old) and still on the mat, you are not going to be doing MMA at that stage but you and me could be two old farts in the corner of the room rolling around in a gi"

About taking some time off- "I would go as far as to say that I have never seen somebody come back that was not actually better than when they went away..... A guy takes 4-6 weeks off because of an injury or something and he always comes back better.....I have a theory. Time away from physically doing it (training) allows techniques to sink a little bit deeper in.  When you are training all the time whatever you have done latest is in your head, but when you take a couple of weeks off, what you have been doing over the last couple of months can sink in deeper into your consciousness... going between time on and time off the mat is very important... people come back sharper"

About new students- "I found the most efficient way of weeding out the weak, I made strong people stronger.... That's the exact opposite of what I am supposed to have been doing as a martial arts coach.... I was bullied as a kid, I went to martial arts to help protect myself.  The approach I was taking was not going to be of much use to somebody that was not already athletic. We changed around everything that we are doing"

"I really think sport should be a positive experience. Even if you lose it should be positive because of when you went through in order to be able to compete."

In this episode we talk about:

• The SBG upcoming fights in the UFC
• Why he does not like the idea of a training camp
• The two things you need to get good at MMA (enjoy it, and patience)
• How he changes a class to keep it fun
• His views of calling fighters talented
• The mindset of training
• Training MMA and still using the gi
• Taking time off from training
• His program for dealing with new students
• His four tier program for beginners
• Teaching new people how to train safely
• Advice for a new student
• His goal he has for his new students
• He wants BJJ to be a lifestyle for you
• How amateur MMA in Ireland has several steps, and why it is a good system
• Advice for MMA athletes
• Why you shouldn't focus on what your opponent does

Quote of the week: "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." Henry Ford

Article of the week: Background checks required by IBJJF

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

Thanks for listening, we will catch you next week!

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Yanal Shahzadeh

Yanal Shahzadeh is a brown belt from Jordan under 4th degree black belt Samy Aljamal.  Yanal is one of the top competitors in his region, and he is always looking for a good match.  He competes at 94 kg, and open weight.

This interview we talk about:

• Getting over an injury to his elbow
• How Jiu-Jitsu has changed in Jordan over the years
• Winning 4 gold medals at the 2014 Abu Dhabi Cup
• His favorite technique the arm crank
• His submission only super fight in February
• He tells a story of a time his competition asked him to not submit him
• He describes the brown belt like a white belt for the legs, because leg locks are now allowed
• He explains some of his most favorite training methods
• How he likes to coach during a match
• What it was like for him to travel by himself and compete without a coach
• Why he feels like he discovered Jiu-Jitsu as a blue belt
• Why he recommends a top control drill for new students
• How the scissor sweep can help you understand other parts of Jiu-Jitsu

You can find Yanal here on his Facebook page

The website for his BJJ school

Check out this article about Yanal Shazadeh to find out more about him

Quote of the week:  “If you are looking for a big opportunity accept a big challenge” This weeks quote was presented by Gustavo Dantas

Article of the week: “3 Things You Will Learn About Yourself Through Jiu Jitsu” From Jiujitsutimes.com

This episode was sponsored by:

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

Listeners doing good work!!

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Have you ever failed to deliver your best when it counts?  This week our friend and BJJ black belt Gustavo Dantas will help you do your best on and off the mat.  Gustavo has been training BJJ for 25 years, he is a 4th degree black belt.  He has a passion for teaching BJJ and helping coach people to reach their goals.  His coaching website is TheBjjMentalCoach.com.

In this interview we talk about:

• Doing BJJ as a kid in Rio
• Listening to audio books
• Why he recommends the book Psycho-Cybernetics
• The BJJ Mental Coach blog
• How he was able to overcome a bad start to competing
• Overcoming mental blocks in competing
• Moving to the United States from Brazil
• Dealing with competition anxiety
• A recent interview he did with Budo Videos
• Dealing with a high pressure situation
• How he runs competition students different from the students that don't compete
• Learning from failure
• The three types of training partners that you need to be training with
• How BJJ can benefit someone off the mat
• Fixing mistakes after a tournament
• Living up to your full potential
• Dealing with fear
• Focusing on only the things that you can control
• His four Dvd set Inner Discovery for outer success

Contact Info for Gustavo Dantas- Email: info@thebjjmentalcoach.com, His Facebook Page, The Bjj Mental Coach website

Gustavo's Sponsors Shoyoroll, Aggro Brand

Quote of the week:  "Everybody want to be a champion but not many are willing to do what it takes to become one" Presented by Joe Solecki

Article of the week:"5 Tips for BJJ Over 35"

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

This episode also has the first of our series of "The Most Interesting Grappler"

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Joe Solecki has been training BJJ since he was six years old.  His is now 21 years old and a very active light weight brown belt.  He spent the first 12 years of his BJJ learning from John Hassett in NJ.  He now lives in Myrtle Beach, SC and trains with Frankie Patches of Serra BJJ.

In our interview with Joe Solecki we talk about:

• Starting BJJ so young
• Building a strong defense
• How his game has changed over time
• What tv show got him interested in martial arts
• Balancing going to school full time and training BJJ
• Training at a cross-fit gym
• Staying motivated to train and study
• His goal of going to ADCC
• How he is able to have fun and take competition seriously
• His favorite method of training
• Watching instructional videos vs competition footage
• What he expects the ADCC trials to be like
• Moving across the country and finding a new place to train
• How he warms up before a match
• Advice for someone doing their first tournament
• Why he values safety, fun, and learning in a tournament
• What it was like being a 16 year old blue belt
• Advice for kids doing BJJ
• Tips for developing your own game plan
• Goals for a first year student
• His off the mat training
• How he likes to teach a kids class

Links to keep up with Joe Solecki, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram

Quote of the week: "Frustration is a useless emotion" presented by Amanda Loewen

Article of the week: How to Improve Your Guard in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Want a better Guillotine Choke? Check out this seminar by our friend Roy Marsh! This week we get a tip to help one of teh biggest mistakes with a guillotine

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Amanda Loewen has been training BJJ and competing for about five years, and she has recently received her black belt from Matt Thornton.  You will find her training at SBGi in Portland.

We talk about:

• Her start to BJJ
• Getting her black belt in five years
• Some troubles finding competition
• Her hobbies off the mat
• Why she prefers a "basic style"
• Her six day a week training schedule
• Training off the mat
• Staying motivated
• Her goals of competing with the black belts
• She is going to the European Championships in Jan 2015
• Posture, pressure and possibilities
• Keeping things very simple when teaching BJJ
• The basic class format she likes
• How she handles the stresses of competition
• Her experience at her first tournament
• A mental trick she uses to avoid sweeps
• Tips for making your own game plan
• Why she rolls with a poker face
• Goals for a first year BJJ student
• Why it is important to focus on defense first then learn offense

*note Amanda Loewen was recently married and her new name is Amanda Diggins

Keep up with Amanda on her Facebook Page.

Amanda is sponsored by Fenom Kimonos

Quote of the week: "With great power comes great responsibility" Presented by Comprido

Article of the week: "Advice for Begginners Competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu" 10thplanetsm.com

Want a better Guillotine Choke? Check out this seminar by our friend Roy Marsh! This week Roy Marsh talks about attaining the guillotine position.

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Rodrigo Comprido Medeiros is a legend in the sport of BJJ.  The first year he was a black belt he was able to win the absolute division. He not only won it, but he was the first person to win by submission in absolute black belt history.  He also won it with the fastest submission in black belt history.  Comprido currently has a gym called Comprido BJJ in Bloomingdale IL.

In this interview we talk about:

• How he got the name Comprido
• Yuri Simoes in Metamoris
• Sustainable Jiu-jitsu
• Competition advice
• Adjusting jiu-jitsu to your body and age
• Bjj Camp
• Training with Felipe Costa
• His goals for the future
• Competing very well as a new black belt
• Advice on training safe
• What it was like at his first tournament
• Dealing with and using your adrenaline
• What he was like as a blue belt
• Advice for a first year student
• The possibility of doing another Metamoris

Keep up with Comprido

• compridobjj.com/
• His Facebook Page
• His Twitter Page

Comprido's Sponsors

• Defense soap
• Storm Kimonos

Quote of the week: "Strength and solidarity" Shama Ko From Girls in Gis

Article of the week: "Injuries: The Jiu-Jitsu Plague" Blog.gameness.com

Shama Ko is the program director of an organization called Girls in Gis (GIG).  GIG supports a growing and supportive community of women in BJJ.  Chapters of GIG are springing up all over the Midwest. Shama has been training BJJ for 13 years.  GIG had about 30 events this year.

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

We talk about:

• The main goal of GIG
• The Community of women in BJJ
• The large growth of GIG
• How she got her start in BJJ
• Girls doing BJJ for the first time
• Tips to get your friends to try BJJ
• How BJJ helps to change lives
• What to expect at a GIG event
• Why a women introductory BJJ class is so important
• Advice for guys to be a good training partner
• Why it is important to be patient in your BJJ journey

Contact Shama Ko: Girls in Gis Facebook Page, Website, Email girlsingis@gmail.com

Quote of the week: "Risk more than others think is safe, care more than others is wise." Presented by AJ Agazarm

Article of the week: "How to Survive a Training Layoff" grapplearts.com

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

AJ Agazarm is a former DI wrestler and a very active light weight black belt. He is known for his aggressive style and never quit attitude. He received his black belt a couple of years ago from Eduardo de Lima.  This is a fun interview and AJ shares tons of great advice for any grappler.

We talk about:

• AJ's love for extreme sports
• AJ's passion for travel
• Why he likes to enter the absolute division
• As a black belt he has had over 75 matches in less than 2 years
• The fine line between being reckless and tenacious
• His training as he travels
• His competition goals that he has met and not met yet
• What he does before he compete
• How he views a competitive BJJ match
• How BJJ has changed him off the mat
• The cultural differences between BJJ and wrestling
• How he practices mental toughness
• How he keeps his emotions out of his match
• How he gets out of tight submissions
• Advice for a student competing for the first time
• Enjoying the entire process of the tournament not just the match
• Why he loved being a blue belt
• How to find your game plan
• Why it is important to take notes in class
• Advice for competing in the absolute division

Check out AJ's Sponsors

• Budovideos
• Shoyoroll
• OC Fight Docs
• RevLocal
• Sambazon

Connect with AJ

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Video of AJ skydiving and drinking açaí

Quote of the week: "Nothing takes the place of hard training on the mats" Budo Jake

Article of the week: 5 Important Things Your Instructors Want You to Stop Doing

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Last week at Fox Fitness Byron was given a Black belt from Andre “Tim” Monteiro and John Castillo. Gary interviews Byron about his journey from white belt to black.

Gary ask Byron about:

• The journey at each belt color
• Him off the mat
• A description of his game and what he likes to do
• Advice for your first BJJ tournament
• How to make your first BJJ Brick
• A good goal for a 1st year student
• Did he ever think about quitting
• Using BJJ as a firefighter

Quote of the week: "High expectations are the key to everything" Sam Walton

Article of the week: "3 Ways to Become Happier with Your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training"

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Rafael Ellwanger is from Rio De Janeiro, he has been a BJJ black belt since April 10, 2006.  He opened his won gym called Gracie United, in Hammond Louisiana.  Gracie United has 15 schools in or near the Louisiana area.

We talk about:

• Rafael's early BJJ, and an accident off the mat that broke both his legs
• Why it can be difficult to start BJJ
• How safe BJJ can be compared to training other sports
• The rules of IBJJF
• His thoughts on the double guard pull and the 50/50
• Some of the current rules of BJJ
• His early training in Brazil
• His family not wanting him to do BJJ for a living
• Some of the rewards off the mat of BJJ
• The social benefits of BJJ
• Teaching BJJ full time
• Training with lower belts
• Some older BJJ matches

Contact Rafael Ellwanger on his website or on his facebook page.

Check out the new Bernardo Faria DVD

The BjjBrick Podcast has been going for 1 Year with this episode!!  We have managed to pull off an episode every week.  We (try to quickly) go down the episode list for anyone who has missed something that you might want to go back and check.

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: Breaking Down the Notebook by White Belt Survival Strategy 

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Matt Thornton is the founder of Straight Blast Gym.  He was introduced to BJJ in 1991.  In 2001 Chris Hauete awarded Matt his black belt.  He can be found running his own Academy in Portland, Oregon, when his is not traveling.

This episode we talk about:

• His personal training history
• We go deep into what are the fundamentals of BJJ
• Why he recommends not teaching your style, just teaching fundamentals
• How to find your own game after you get the fundamentals
• The process of becoming a black belt in BJJ
• Why many people make the "all you can eat buffet" mistake when studding martial arts
• Conor McGregor's striking style and movement
• Fundamentals are not style specific
• The principal of Aliveness
• The iMethod (introduction, isolation, integration)
• Why it is important to make BJJ simple
• The SBG kids program Growing Gorillas
• Some advantages for kids to do BJJ vs other sports
• Advice for students competing for the first time
• Staying calm during competition
• His early BJJ techniques
• Why learning to relax is a key to beginner BJJ
• Conor McGregor getting his brown belt
• Having passion for the martial arts

Contact Matt Thornton by Email here sbginfo@yahoo.com or visit the website http://www.straightblastgym.com/

Quote of the week: “I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.” Abraham Lincoln

Article of the week: "How To Be A Douche In Jiu-Jitsu" by http://jiujitsutimes.com/

We end the podcast with Ultimate dancing with Byron's Mom talking about Randy Couture on dancing with the stars.

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Matheus Diniz is a rising star in the world of BJJ. He is a Brown Belt training at Marcelo Garcia's academy.  On Saturday 9-27-2014 he won the Pans nogi, Brown belt in the heavyweight division.

In this interview we talk about

• What it is like to train at Marcelo Garcia's acdemy
• Winning the Pans on 9-27-2014
• Why it is important for him to have exciting fights
• His training schedule
• What makes MGinaction such a great environment
• Advice for a first time competitor
• What he was like as a blue belt
• What happened in his first 2 BJJ matches
• What he does before a match
• Advice for developing a game plan
• What it means to "start the match" and "always move forward"
• Advice for people during their first year of BJJ

Matheus Diniz is sponsored by MGinAction.com

Matheus Diniz Facebook page

Quote of the week: "Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you will be among the stars" Bernardo Faria

Article of the week: "When Hugs Get Dangerous: Guys Rolling w/ Women" by Jesse J. Saxon

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radioBernardo Faria is one of the top BJJ black belt competitors on the mat today.  He credits a lot of his success not to being talented but to training very hard everyday.  He is currently training and teaching at Marcelo Garcia's Academy. Look for him this October competing in Worlds No-Gi, IBJJF PRO and NY PRO.

Bernardo talks about:

• His early training and school
• Teaching and training hard for competition
• Training with Marcelo Garcia
• Why he is able to put all his effort and determination in a match
• Why he likes his half guard so much
• His deep half guard dvd that will be released soon
• His short term and long term goals
• Focusing on doing your best and not focusing on winning
• How he gets ready before a match
• His omoplata and why he goes 100% for the submission and not the sweep
• His very first BJJ match
• Advice for someone doing their 1st tournament
• What he was like as a blue belt (his longest belt)
• Why it is important to develop you own game
• Why you should set your own goals
• Traits he likes to see in his students
• His matches with Rodolfo Vieira

Contact info Bernardo Faria on facebook page here

More info on Bernardo's Deep Half Guard DVD!!

Quote of the week: "train hard fight easy" this quote was presented by Yuri Simoes

Article of the week: Teamquestmma.net "8 Tips For Teaching Kids Martial Arts"

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

This week we have our first repeat guest Roy Marsh from Sandhills Jiu-Jitsu. Roy is a Black Belt under Royce Gracie. He has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2001.  In this episode we talk about learning other martial arts and training Jiu-Jitsu.  He gives lots of great advice and he may just change the way you thing about the martial arts.

Some of the martial arts we talk about in this episode

• Hapkido
• Judo
• Muay Thai
• Taekwondo
• Boxing
• Wrestling
• Karate
• Kung Fu
• Fencing
• MMA
• and more

Quote of the week: "Iron sharpens iron. So that one man sharpens another. I think that it is very true. If you are not in a training environment where you are getting smacked in the head, you are getting tapped out, you are getting challenged on a daily basis, then you are not getting any better. You’re not improving. Your workout partners are a very important piece of your progression as an athlete and the character that you are building as a person as well. Those are key components and finding that right place is a piece of it.”
Randy Couture “Wrestling For Fighting”

Article of the week: How to Accelerate Your Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ) Game By Brandon Groce From appliedmma.com

Lots of great BJJ and MMA information at http://www.roymarshjiujitsu.com/  Email Roy at roymarshjiujitsu@gmail.com

Epi 17 Interview with BJJ Black Belt Roy Marsh

Epi 16 Brian Freeman- Training BJJ with a T4 Spinal Cord Injury

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Ways to help develop a culture of learning at your BJJ school

• Recognize improvement and accomplishments
• Keep trying new things (everyone, the teacher and student)
• Have a system of teaching and order to the class
• Don’t teach, help students learn
• Experience vs being taught- we learn more from experience (people learn more in the field than at school)
• Enjoyment- improves performance, and learning
• Promoting positive peer relationships
• Get on the mat with your students- you might feel things that you cannot see
• Have students figure out answers to their own questions (with your help) positional spar. Give them to tools to learn on their own.
• Trial and error
• Answer and encourage “Why” questions. “why do you grab his leg like that?”
• Mistakes and Failure are ok, this is how people learn

Making leaders at your BJJ School

• How can everyone have a leadership role?
• Answer your student’s questions- This will encourage other students to help lower belts. Be an example of a good student/instructor
• Help build people’s confidence with real and honest feedback
• Positive attitude- Toward the training, and about the people
• Be Passionate (don’t just show up and go through the motions)
• Care about your training partners, (Learn names of new people, Get to know their life off the mat)
• Have students show techniques they are performing well
• The Meme about the birds crapping on each other Sucks!
• It’s about PEOPLE!- Dr Carol A. Johnson example “I know that I am no more well educated, no smarter, no richer, no braver than any of you. You have everything you need. Everything you need to go and to serve and to help those who are poor, ill, injured, hurting, forgotten. You just need to do it. And you will find that the rewards that you receive are far greater than the things you sacrifice to do so. You are already so blessed, and you can be further blessed. I have been around the block a few times and I think I know what really matters in this world."   1. Relationships, not things.   2. What we do for others, not for ourselves.   3. What we do for eternity, for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”-Carol A. Johnson, MD 2012 Kansas Humanitarian Award recipient

Quote of the week: "If you are tired, don't show me" Ken Primola

Article of the week: "It Takes A Very Steady Hand, Or Foot" Dirty White Belt

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

This week we bring you top black belt competitor Samir Chantre. Samir is a No-gi Worlds, Gracie Worlds and 6X American Nationals champion.  Listen to find out what technique he has been doing since he was a blue belt and now he does it as a high level black belt.  Samir is training and teaching full time with the Caio Terra Association. He has been training BJJ for 17 years (since he was 8 years old).  This interview is packed full of great tips and advice to help you in your BJJ journey.  Samir is also doing a BJJ Vacation Camp from August 29th to September 1st, full details in the interview.

We talk about:

• Doing BJJ full time
• Old style of BJJ and the new style of BJJ
• Doing some of the same techniques since blue belt
• The first BJJ Vacation Camp, August 29th to September 1st 2014, in San Diego.
• What you can expect to do at the BJJ Vacation Camp
• His busy tournament schedule
• What he does before and after every match
• Why BJJ can be so frustrating your first year
• How BJJ has helped him with his scoliosis
• The development of the Berimbolo
• Advice for a first year BJJ student
• He competed every weekend as a blue belt
• Dealing with and overcoming losses as a blue belt
• Tips to figure out your own game plan
• Why focus and commitment is so important for students

Check out the Bjj Vacation Camp Facebook page

Email him at SamirChantrebjj@gmail.com

Quote of the week: We have 2 quotes from Felipe Costa "Don't let what you want now, take away what you want in the future". "Don't let the fear of loosing take away your desire to win".

Article of the week: The Triangle from Bjjheros.com

Check out our sponsor Fujisports.com

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Felipe Costa

This week we bring you an interview with Black belt world champion Felipe Costa.  Not every world champion is relatable to the common grappler. Felipe shares his story, and I can guarantee that you will find many themes and feelings that you can relate to. With students being able to relate to him this has giving him a powerful teaching tool.

We talk about:

• He has been training since he was 12 years old
• He never won a major tournament until he became a black belt
• It took him 10 years to get to his black belt
• Being a black belt means much more than rolling like a black belt
• His favorite techniques and positions
• His early competition career
• Overcoming being nervous and self doubt
• Beating a competitor that is better than you
• BJJ camp 2014 Sept 5- Sept 15. in Cancun
• His current neck injury that has kept him off the mat for over 2 months
• He describes the level of pain he has with his injury

   

  

  Felipe Costa giving Ryan Hall his black belt

• Goals for a bjj student for their 1st year
• History of some of the rules in the IBJJF
• His current goals
• Advice for a BJJ students first tournament
• What he was like as a blue belt
• How the internet has changed BJJ training
• Learning basic techniques vs the fancy techniques
• Advice for making your own strategy
• What he does before he competes

Connect with Felipe Costa:

• Brazilianblackbelt.com
• BJJ Camp
• Felipe Costa on Facebook
• His facebook fanpage

Quote of the week: The Man in The Arena by Theodore Roosevelt “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” Thank you Wil Horneff, from Training Grounds Jiu-Jitsu & MMA for presenting the quote.

Article of the week: Have You Ever Seen Someone Humiliated Like This in Jiu Jitsu… By Coach John Connors.  Check out John Connors interview here

Check out our sponsor Fujisports.com 

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

This week we talk to Wil Horneff. This interview is packed full of great training advice and you can tell Wil has a passion for training and helping his students. Wil is a Black belt under Ralph Gracie, he owns a school in Westwood NJ called Training Grounds Jiu-Jitsu & MMA. At Training Grounds they teach BJJ, MMA, kickboxing, and have a kids program.

We talk about:

• How some movies eventually got Wil into BJJ
• What it is like running his school
• Books he recommends: Gold Medal Mental Workout for Combat Sports, and The Inner Game of Tennis
• Why he focuses on adding pressure to his game
• Training with some high level BJJ athletes
• The current rules for IBJJF and why they are set up the way they are
• BJJ and self-defense
• Some of the ways BJJ needs to be changed to help in a street fight
• How training in the Gi can help for self defense
• He gives advice for 1st year students
• The importance of drilling until you can't do the move wrong
• S-Training and how it helps develop skill
• Wil's current goals
• Why creating space is bad for BJJ
• Why you need to not drill moves in isolation
• Getting more confidence and being calm during competition
• Advice for your first time compeating
• What Wil was like as a blue belt
• Advice for developing your own game plan
• Developing a culture of learning and leadership in his gym
• Some traits that Wil looks for in a good student
• We talk about some of Wil's history in acting
• He played the bully in the movie "The Sandlot"
• He gives behind the scenes stories of "The Sandlot", "Born to Be Wild", and "The Shining"

Wil Horneff Contact info- Westwood NJ Training Grounds Jiu-Jitsu & MMA, His email wil@njtraininggrounds.com

Quote of the week: "Don't forget that i cannon see myself - that my role is limited to being the one who looks in the mirror." Jacques Rigaut

Article of the week:"To Wash or NOT to Wash Your Belt?" From: The Jiu Jitsu Transformation

Check out our sponsor Fujisports.com

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

This week we talk about making changes to your BJJ and developing a game plan.  We break it down into 3 main steps: 1) Define the objectives 2) Get help 3) Do the work.  You are the only person how is ultimately in charge of your BJJ development take responsibility and make it happen.  To help you obtain your goal we strongly recommend that your write it down.

1) Define the objective- Make a realistic objective that is attainable but not too easy.  Your objective can be a new move or you can try to change your style.  You might decide to make one of your best moves (a brick) even better, or you could make a week area of your game stronger.  Your objective could also be to drop a few pounds or become more flexible. It is up to you what you want to work on, make sure it is something that will pay off in the long run. Try to avoid picking a fad.

2) Get help- Tell your coach what you are working on, that way you two are on the same page. Get a small group of training partners together that will be able to help you. Find someone who is good at the area you are working on. Find a book that covers what you are working on, or watch YouTube videos(if you have not seen this YouTube thing, it's pretty sweet).

3) Do the work- No one can do the work for you, and no one knows if you are working as hard as you can. The bottom line is you gotta work hard to make changes happen.  At first making changes will be difficult, it will feel like you took a step backwards.

Toward the end of the show Byron explains how he is doing this 3 step process.  He will be working on his back defense. He then goes through the 3 step process with his objective.

Quote of the week:“Do you listen, or do you just wait to talk?” Pulp Fiction

Article of the week: "Beware The Belt Chaser" Grapplearts.com

Sponsor: FujiSports.com check out the High Capacity Duffle Bag

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

This week we talk to Nick Albin otherwise known as “Chewy”. He teaches and trains BJJ full time and is the head instructor at Derby City Mixed Martial Arts in Louisville, KY. Chewy is a Black Belt under Renato Tavares. He also has a website with lots of great information about BJJ here http://chewjitsu.net/ 

We talk about

• How your teammates help you shape your game
• Training with Renato Tavares
• The idea that you always need to be learning in BJJ
• Adding new techniques to your game
• Chewy's style of BJJ, he moves a lot and pushes the pace
• How his wrestling effects his BJJ
• Competing as a wrestler and advantages for BJJ
• His BJJ Blog chewjitsu.net
• How he got the name Chewy
• An article he wrote about chasing the next belt rank
• Managing expectations at each belt level
• How shorter time limits could effect grappling matches
• Using competition video for training
• Training with injuries
• Advice for people competing for the first time
• What he was like as a blue belt
• Developing your own game plan for BJJ

Quote of the week: "Given the choice between the experience of pain and nothing, I would choose pain." William Faulkner

Article of the week: 10 Reasons you’re still a white belt

Links:

• Check out Nick's blog chewjitsu.net
• Nicks email is chewjitsu@gmail.com
• Nicks facebook page

Check out our sponsor Fujisports.com

Carlos Machado is a Red Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  He has been teaching BJJ in the United States for over 20 years.  He moved to Texas in 1995, and he is now running 6 BJJ schools. He is the oldest of the five legendary Machado brothers.

We talk about

• A little bit of history about early BJJ in the United States
• His style of rolling
• Why he rolls for 20 or 30 min at a time
• How his Jiu-Jitsu is getting better as he gets older
• Using proper breathing techniques
• Benefits of proper breathing
• Why he feels that he could beat the younger version of himself
• Examples of different breathing techniques (chew chew chew, 1,2,1,2)
• What his brothers are up to
• How he tries to make the techniques he already knows better
• Some tips on escaping the mount and how he has changed his escape over the years
• How he teaches complex moves by breaking them down
• Advice for blue belts
• Advice for competing in your first tournament

Vegas July 4 weekend 2014 Martial Arts SuperShow
Carlos is teaching an arm triangle July 1, 9:00 am
Carlos and John are also going to be at a booth for Q&A!! Swing by and check it out my friends!

Summer camp in Dallas Tx, starting July 7th for 4 days, and a second week starting on July 14th also for 4 days.

Thanks to our friend Jake Burroughs from The Ground Never Misses for setting up this interview with Carlos Machado.

Quote of the week: “The measure may be thought bold, but I am of the opinion the boldest are the safest” Haratio Nelson.  This Quote was presented by Nick Albin (Chewy) check out a full explanation about this quote from Chewy here. Chewjitsu.net

Article of the week: "BJJ for Beginners: A simple plan for weight loss" From http://alchemymartialarts.net/

Carlos Machado's website is www.carlosmachado.net
Like the Carlos Machado facebook page here

Check out our sponsor Fujisports.com enter to win a Moko Rashguard or a Robo Rashguard

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

This week we have more stories from our listeners.  These are stories about getting injured and overcoming the injury. This episode is packed full of great advice for anyone who has been injured, or if you have a teammate that has been injured. It is important to know what to expect and the advice will help get you back on the mat my friends. Tommy- Our friend Tommy shares his story of his battle with testicular cancer.  He was diagnosed in 2010 with cancer after he found a lump on his testicle (Symptoms and Signs of Testicular cancer). He had surgery and then went through chemotherapy. The chemo was more difficult than the surgery. We talk about getting back on the mats and getting life back to normal.

Adam Sachnoff (Big Red)-

Check out some of Adam's accomplishments here.  Adam tore his ACL about five years ago doing judo and did not get it fixed  He did physical therapy and continued training and competing without an ACL.  He re-injured his knee while training for ADCC years later. After his ACL surgery he had very bad nerve pain in his foot. He gives a strong warning about the misuse of prescription pain killers. Adam has his own school, if you are in San Mateo be sure to check it out.

Jon Haskew- He is only 32 years old and has had 9 surgeries. The surgeries include 2 ACL and a MCL. He also has a bulging L5 disk, and 2 major staph infections. His knee injuries have contributed to his bulging disk. Jon got a staph infection with each ACL surgery. The infection was bad enough for the doctor to put in a picc line in his arm. Jon is now a big advocate of using Defense Soap to prevent getting staph infections. Check out Jon's gym here.

Michael Crampon-
 Michael suffered a broken rib while drilling take-downs. His training partner landed with his elbow directly on his rib.  He was off the mat for about 2 months to heal. He did lung exercises on an hourly basis to keep his lungs healthy. Since his injury he has had no lasting effect of the broken rib.  We also talk about some of the mechanics involved in his injury that involve grapples falling to the mat.

Mike- 
He tore his pectoral muscle trying to escape a kimura. Mike shares some of the test that his doctor had him do that help diagnose the problem. The doctor explained his options and Mike decided to get surgery to help get his body back to full health. For a while the only workout that he could do was the stationary bike. He was off the mat for about two months. Now he is back and trying to take it easy. He is selective with his training partners and wears a bright color sleeve on his bad arm so his training partners are aware of his injured arm.

Wil Horneff- 
Wil had a herniated disc and 5 bulging disks. This happened by lifting too much weight and being too tried during his kettlebell exercises. He decided to use a recovery tool called Antalgic machine. A year after using this machine he competed in the nogi brown belt pan am and won. After his initial recovery he worked hard to strengthen his core mostly doing planks. Besides being a serious BJJ athleate Wil was in the movie Sandlot. Check out his gym here!

Quote of the week: “What to do with a mistake: recognize it, admit it, learn from it, forget it.” Dean Smith Article of the week: "4 Keys to Better BJJ" from scienceofskill.com by: Willie Laney FujiSports.com is giving a listener a free rash guard.  There are two rash guard to choose from. The Robo and the Moko.

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

This week we have stories from our listeners.  These are stories about getting injured and overcoming the injury. This episode is packed full of great advice for anyone who has been injured, or if you have a teammate that has been injured. It is important to know what to expect and the advice will help get you back on the mat my friends.

Devin Pirata-(14m20s)

Devin was in his junior year of high school wrestling when he sustained what he thought was a shoulder injury. The injury came back in to play years later when he was a blue belt at a hard training camp.  He experienced intense pain in his right arm and shoulder.  Devin soon lost a lot of muscle mass due to atrophy. He found that he had a complete herniation of c5 and c6 and was told by his doctor that he would never train BJJ again.  After neck surgery he was able start training in three months and has since regained the muscle he had lost from the atrophy.  Devin occasionally has a stiff neck, but he has no major lasting effects.  Devin also gives some great advice for anyone who is going through a similar situation.

Michael Green- (34m40s) Michael suffered a torn labrum from a keylock submission while drilling.  This is a very rare situation in BJJ that someone gets injured during the drilling portion of the class.  About a month later Michael went to his doctor, he was told that he would need surgery to get better.  Michael credits his full recovery to taking his time in getting back on the mat and doing the proper rehab.

Mike- (45m19s)

Given enough time most of us doing BJJ will get ringworm. Normally it is no big deal and can be treated with an over the counter ointment like Lamisil.  Mike got ringworm on his scalp. He was given a topical treatment which actually made things worse.  It drove it deeper into his skin.  It then appeared to go away and come back even stronger, with a resistance to the medicine.  He was eventually able to get rid of it with tea tree oil.  Mike also talks about how this gave him a condition where he was very sensitive to ringworm and would get it even if he was not on the mat.

Jim- (59m50s) Jim's back was injured as a young man. About 25 years later his doctor told him that he had a major problem with his back from his old injury and it required surgery.  He found the best surgeon he could to do his spinal fusion.  Jim gives us a valuable warning about researching surgery online and the people who tell horror stories. BJJ has actually helped him get back into shape and strengthen his back.  Jim recommends being in the best shape that you can be in and finding the best surgeon for the job. We then talk about breaking the addiction to the prescription pain killers.

Arielle- (1h23m55s) Arielle shares a recovery story of when she injured her knee.  She had a full thickness tear in her ACL, MCL and a partial tear of her meniscus.  Her teammates did the drawer test to her leg and they knew that she had torn her ACL.  She was on crutches for two months and slowly got back on the mat after about 5 months. Arielle did yoga to help get her knee back to health.  After almost a full year she feels that her knee is 85-90% back to normal.  Arielle also gives some really good advice about overcoming the mental side of the injury.  Check out Arielle's gym here.

Dusty Grant- (1h42m26s)Our friend Dusty tore his ACL and medial meniscus during his first BJJ competition.  The drive home was over 2 hours and his knee got very sore sitting in the car.  Dusty got some bad advice from his first doctor and then he went to a specialist and his injury was confirmed.  Dusty was off the mat for a little over a year. Today his knee usually feels great, but it is a little stiff sometimes.  He credits his recovery to doing the rehab that was prescribed.  Dusty is in a great 5-piece metal/hard-rock band called Empire Falling.  He also let us play the song "Guilty" for the closing music.  Check out Empire Falling here!!

FujiSports.com is giving a listener a free rash guard.  There are two rash guard to choose from. The Robo and the Moko.

Quote of the week: "There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs."

Article of the week: "Separation Anxiety: How To Instantly Improve Your Guard Game" by Stephen Whittier on http://40plusbjjlive.com/ 

This week we take a break from having a guest on the show and Gary and Byron talk about making changes to your BJJ game.

In this episode we talk about:

• When to make changes to your game
• Why we prefer certain types of styles
• Why making changes creates a lot of growth
• Why it is difficult to make major changes to your game
• Changing your habits of your rolling style
• Making changes to get over a plateau
• Making changes can be a lot of fun
• When not to make changes
• Making changes during a match

  

  Enter to win one of these great Fuji Sports rash guards.

We are giving away a Fuji Sports rash guard (Moko or Robo).  We are doing a contest over the next four episodes. We will pick one of the four episodes at random and then choose a random winner from that episodes pool of people.  You will have 24 hours to respond, then I will try someone else. Ways to enter the contest:

• Leave a comment on this episodes page.
• Facebook- Go to our Facebook page and comment, like, or share this episode or the picture later in the week of the rash guard.
• Double your chances on Facebook by changing your profile picture to the rash guard picture.
• Twitter- Re-tweet this episode.

The quote of the week: "It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great." Tom Hanks, A League of Their Own

Article of the week: 3-star Army general earns his black belt  armytimes.com

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Ostap Manastryski is a brown belt under Elliott Bayev, he trains and teaches at OpenMat Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Toronto Canada.  Ostap breaks down BJJ videos on his YouTube channel, this is a great resource for anyone wanting to better understand BJJ.

We talk about

• Ostap's YouTube Channel
• Some of his notable tournament victories
• Traveling and training BJJ for an extended amount of time
• Teaching BJJ full time
• Common mistakes in lower level BJJ
• How he breaks down tournament footage
• Advice for students that are going to do their first tournament
• His first tournament experience
• Competing a lot in a short amount of time
• Preparing mentally for a tournament
• The book With Winning in Mind, and how it has helped him
• Coaching at a tournament and how to not be a "remote control coach"
• Tips for coaching
• Different Mantras that he uses during a match
• Advice for blue belts overcoming difficulties
• Researching different BJJ schools
• Having the proper motivation for training
• What a full day of training is like for Ostap
• Training yoga to help deal with injuries
• His long term goals
• The new double guard pull rule
• How to get Ostap to break down your videos

Quote of the week: "Don't be a Jack of all trades be a master of one"  This quote was presented by Jonathan Thomas.  This saying is a big pet peeve of his and he explains why.  Check out Jonathan's interview here.

Links
Ostap's YouTube Channel
OpenMat Mixed Martial Arts Academy
Book With Winning In Mind
Ostap's Facebook page
More info about Ostap
Ostap's Email ostapbjj@gmail.com

Article of the week- "3 Ways to Deal With Injuries in BJJ" Grapplearts.com

Check out these videos

BJJ Video Anaylsis - Otavio Sousa omoplata attack vs Lucas Lepri
Ostap Analysis - Ostap vs Joao Miyao, Worlds 2012

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

This week we are joined by Jonathan Thomas.  Jonathan was recently awarded his black belt from Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti. You will find Jonathan training, teaching, and positional sparring at The Alliance headquarters in Atlanta.

This interview we talk about:

• Jonathan's goal in his first tournament
• Why developing a good guard is so important for beginners
• Jonathan's basic definition of recomposing
• Why recomposing is so important to BJJ
• What attracted him to Jiu-Jitsu
• How Jiu-Jitsu is like a large series of mini games
• How he was able to train less than most of his competition and still win
• Having a logical process to how you train
• Why mindless drilling does not do much for your development
• How Jonathan likes to positional spar and break down positions
• The current rules and how they could change
• Why passing the guard can be more difficult than using a specific guard
• How the sport would change if the guard puller got a -1 point
• His goals in competing
• His mindset during competition
• Doing Tabata for cardio training
• Managing stress levels to clam down and not get tired
• Developing long term development by focusing on positions

  

  2011 Mundials Jonathan Thomas

Quote of the week- "Fail, fail again, fail better" Samuel Beckett.  This quote was presented by New York Times bestselling author of The Talent Code Daniel Coyle.  Check out our interview with Daniel Coyle here

Sponsor- Fujisports.com Save 10% off your purchase at Fujisports.com with the coupon code “BJJBrick”

Links

Article of the week- "5 Things to Focus on When Teaching BJJ to Children" from blog.gameness.com

Alliance

Jonathan's facebook page

Find more info about Jonathan Thomas here

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Daniel Coyle is a New York Times bestselling author of The Talent Code and The Little Book of Talent.  He is one of the leading authorities on developing talent.  He may not be a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but his ideas about how to practice can help you understand how you learn.  The methods he has found could help catapult your game to the next level and beyond.

We start off with these basic definitions:

Talent Hotbed- A place that has an unusual amount of extraordinary performers.  These places can be studied and we can learn about their different training techniques.

Muscle Memory- This is a not a real thing, all your muscle is controlled from your brain.  Muscle has no memory.

Myelin- When you build new skills they are insulated by a myelin sheath.  This sheath gets thicker as you practice and push yourself.  The thicker it becomes the faster and easier your connections become.

Deep Practice- This is the sweet spot when you are putting a lot of myelin between your connections.  People who continually put their selves in a deep practice learn quickly.  An example of this would be sparring with someone who is a little better than you.

We talk about:

• The class structure of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• The difficulty of learning in a group setting
• The learning environment that is created by leaving your ego at the door
• Having the high intensity of a BJJ workout with a safe environment is a great place to grow
• The best way to give feedback is to ask questions
• Why it is important to design a training environment that forces people to ask questions
• The large benefits to all of the students of having colored belts help teach techniques
• Why you should be careful about the 10,000 hours rule
• Quality of training is far more important than quantity
• Why in some of the talent hotbeds they don’t spend all day practicing
• The Bruce Lee quote “I fear not the man who has practiced ten thousand kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick ten thousand times.”
• How YouTube has effected learning BJJ for good and bad
• The better you get the more important the fundamentals become
• Building fundamentals is like building a tree in your brain.  Make the trunk of the tree strong, so you can add things on to the tree.  With a strong trunk you can add things quickly and easily.
• The survival zone, and why no learning happens in this zone
• Some advice for a student who is competing for the first time
• What is going on the mind of a top competitor?  Turns out that it is not much
• The science of group success is a project he is currently working on keep your eyes open for this my friends

Quote of the week- “We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Aristotle.  This quote was presented by Ryan Hall.  If you missed Ryan’s interview with us it can be found here. Episode 30.  In an amazing coincidence this quote is in the first few pages of Daniel Coyle’s book The Little Book of Talent.

Article of the week- “Starting BJJ: What to Expect on your First Class”.  From Grapplearts.com

Sponsor- Fujisports.com If you are looking for a great first gi you cannot go wrong with the AllAround Gi.  It is a high quality gi and has a very good price.  Save 10% off your purchase at Fujisports.com with the coupon code “BJJBrick”

Links

Daniel Coyle’s website

The Talent Code

The Little Book of Talent

In Episode 30 of the BjjBrick podcast we talk with Ryan Hall.  Ryan is widely considered one of the best lightweight submission grapplers in the world.  Ryan owns 50/50 Jiu-Jitsu in Falls Church, Virginia.  He is a Black Belt under Felipe Costa and a professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter representing Tristar Gym.  Check out a more detailed bio of Ryan Hall here.

In this interview we talk about:

• Ryan coined the term “50/50” for the widely used position
• His new gym that he opened and why he moved
• How his style of Jiu-jitsu will translate to MMA
• His goals for his MMA career
• Some of his negative experiences with competing in Jiu-Jitsu
• Getting back into competitive Jiu-Jitsu
• The different focuses and challenges of training MMA and BJJ at the same time
• Making the transition from submission grappling to MMA
• His next MMA fight on May 31st
• Using actual MMA fights for live training and ring experience
• Some common mistakes that BJJ athletes make when doing MMA
• Performing to the best of your ability and nothing less, and being happy with that
• Ryan shares some of his thoughts on Metamoris 3 Eddie Bravo vs Royler Gracie
• His instructional DVDs- The Triangle, Passing the Guard, Arm Triangles, Back Attacks, Inverted Guard, The 50/50, and Deep Half.
• What he is focusing on to get a competitive edge in MMA
• Ryan shares the experience of his first grappling competition
• Advice for the first time competitor
• Why Ryan was attracted to the martial arts
• Ryan’s self-defense story that took place Jersey Shore with Seph Smith, Dave Jacobs, and Jen Flannery
• Using Jiu-jitsu in a street fight, and common misconceptions
• “Regular people fight as well as they play hockey” a quote from Ryan Hall.  Fighting is a skill, if you don’t know how to do it you will not do it well.
• Ryan gives advice for new blue belts that may be struggling
• What could be next for his DVD’s

Quote of the week: This quote was presented and broken down by Stephen Whittier, “Just when you think you have all the answers, I will change all the questions”. I was unable to find who said this originally.  If you missed it be sure to check out our full interview with Stephen Whittier here.

Sponsor- Fujisports.com Check out the light weight gi.  It is great for competition weigh-ins and staying cool in the summer heat.  Save 10% off your purchase at Fujisports.com with this coupon code “BJJBrick”.

Links:

Article of the week: “Losing is Good for You” NYTimes.com

Ryans DVDs www.groundfighter.com

Watch Ryan’s next fight here gofightlive

Watch Ryan’s restaurant fight here

Ryan’s website

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Stephen Whittier is a black belt under Roberto Maia.  He has an academy in Wareham Massachusetts Called SBG East Coast.  Stephen has become a huge resource for the over 40 grappler.  He has lots of great advice not just for the over 40 grappler, but anyone who steps on the mat.

In this interview with Stephen Whittier we talk about:

• Why having a specific style can hold you back
• Why the fundamentals are so important in Jiu-Jitsu
• Getting on the mat as a 40 plus grappler
• Dealing with instructors that may not know how to coach the older grappler
• The differences between teaching and coaching
• The Aliveness component of jiu-jitsu
• Starting BJJ as someone in their 50s or 60s
• The social differences between the younger BJJ students and the older students
• Finding the right gym for you
• Why people quit jiu-jitsu after training the first time
• Why people are drawn to try jiu-jitsu
• Competing for the first time
• Why stripping your attributes (speed, strength, flexibility….) out of your training can help you get better in the long run
• How BJJ has changed over the years
• How fundamentals are different than basics
• Focusing on these three things- Posture, Pressure, and Possibilities
• Tips for getting over common frustrations
• We wrap up by talking about some of his products that he has to help the over 40 grappler

Quote of the week “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.  The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”  Mark Twain

Links

Article of the week- “3 Simple Things Great Teachers do” TheTalentCode.com by Daniel Coyle

Free email series: 40plusbjjlive.com

40 Plus Membership Site and Online Academy: 40plusperformanceacademy.com

Stephen’s Youtube page

40 Plus BJJ Facebook page

Stephen’s email Info@40plusbjj.com

This week we talk to Dwane Clifford about training BJJ and how supplements can be a tool to help you reach your goals.

Dwane is a friend that we met on the mats. He has a passion for supplements and helping people reach their goals. Dwane has a philosophy of discovering the customers goals and then helping them find the right supplement or training to help.

We talk about:

Supplements that help with flexibility
Supplements that aid with stamina
Why Jiu-Jitsu players should steer clear of products with a lot of caffeine
Taking care of your joints
How supplements can help lubricate your joints
What fish oil does and does not do for you
Some tips for cutting weight, and how using supplements is really a last resort
Tips on cutting weight without using supplements
Gaining size and strength
How to tell if you are in a bad supplement store
Common myths in the supplement industry
Some of the bad things that happens in the supplement industry
Advice if you are new to taking supplements
Our Sponsor- Fujisports.com Coupon code “BJJBrick” for 10% off your order. Check out the Fuji All Around BJJ Gi. Gary and Byron both have this gi. It is affordable, comfortable, it is great for training and competing. This gi will last you for many years. Great value with this gi, and save 10% today!!

Quote of the week: Allen Hopkins (last weeks interview) gives us his favorite quote. He got this from Master Pedro Sauer. Allen asked him “what is the most important thing in Jiu-Jitsu?” Master Pedro Sauer responded with “to always be a gentleman”. At first this quote did not mean much to Allen, as he learned more about Jiu-Jitsu and life he realized this was truly a great quote and a great way to live your life.
Links:
Article of the week- “Surviving (Socially) the Beginner Phase of BJJ” by Valerie Worthington
TheSupplementU
The Supplement U facebook page
Call Dwane at (785)833-2188 Mention this podcast to Dwane and he will give you a discount and free shipping.

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Allen Hopkins is a 3rd degree black belt under Master Pedro Sauer. His school is in Hattiesburg Mississippi. He attended his first seminar July 13, 1991 it was thought by Grand Master Rorion Gracie. After that seminar Allen Hopkins was hooked on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

We talk about:
Training Gracie Jiu-Jitsu before the first UFC
His training in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu
Attending early Gracie Jiu-Jitsu seminars
How Gracie Jiu-Jitsu got it's start in the United States
The Growth of Jiu-Jitsu
What is was like to attend the first UFC
Some differences between Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
His match back in the day with Eddie Bravo

Sponsor: Fujisports.com Coupon code “BJJBrick” for 10% off!

Quote of the week: “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything if it were a nail.” Abraham Maslow

Links

Article of the week: “Safe Training Rules for Women” Fifty/50 BJJ Cailn
Allen Hopkins website

Team Hopkins Association

Pedro Sauer's website

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

In this weeks episode we talk to Tom Machowicz (Mac) from Fuji Sports. We cover everything from getting your first gi to helping a seasoned veteran figure out what gi is best for competition.

This Gi Guide covers:
Why do you need a gi?
Advantages to training in a gi
How judo gis are different from BJJ gis
Basic types of gis
Tips for getting a gi for kids, women and men
How the location the gi is made can effect the quality
Different types of weaves
How to get a gi that fits you
The advantages of Rip-stop
Different types of collars
How to take care of your gi
Shrinking your gi to get the best fit
Common mistakes with gi care
How to get your gi dry quickly
Putting a patch on a gi
Custom gis for your team
What makes a competition gi?

Quote of the week: We got this quote from an email from our friend Santiago. “My teacher is my opponent, my ego is my enemy” Renzo Gracie

Article of the week
30 Signs You're A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Addict- Matadornetwork.com

Our Sponsor- FujiSports.com use coupon code "BJJBrick" for a 10% discount!

Links
The Neppon Edition Gi 
Fuji All Around BJJ Gi (both Byron and Gary have this gi)
Size chart
Call our friend Tom at (212)769-1823 if you have any Gi related questions

This week we have an interview with Amber Oxford. Amber is a Blue belt that trains at Wichita Jiu-Jitsu Club. Amber is holding a free event called Girls in Gis on April 12 at the Wichita Jiu-Jitsu Club. When she is not on the mats Amber is a full time nurse and she recently bought a salon it is called Tranquility Salon. Amber also finds time in her busy schedule to compete on a regular basis.
Girls in gis started as an open mat for women, it has gotten much bigger. Girls in Gis is a nonprofit organization that helps promote BJJ to women.

Amber talks about:
Getting more women on your BJJ team
The Girls in Gis organization
Her experiences competing
The benefits of women doing BJJ
How to get a Girls in Gis event to your area
And much more

Support us by checking out our sponsor Fujisports.com Coupon code "BJJBrick" for 10% off your purchase. Check out the women's Gi selection!

Quote of the week: This quote was brought to us by Coach John Connors “Commitment requires an endless series of small painful actions” Phil Stutz

Article of the week: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – A Female Perspective
Links
Girls in Gis
Amber's Salon Tranquility Salon
Fujisports.com
Wichita Jiu-Jitsu Club
Ambers event on April 12th

This week we talk about the four basic types of matches you could find yourself in BJJ. We gave each match a symbol, to make it simple.

1) The straight line or arrow (------, ------>). This is a one-sided match that progresses smoothly. This match goes from start to finish with one of the competitors dominating the other. A tip for a tournament is to watch the rest of your bracket as they compete. You might see someones game plan and be able to avoid the dominant parts of their game.

2) The Figure 8. This is a chaotic match. This type of match is typically at the lower levels, because the higher level competitors are more controlling and better at using any dominant position. If you find yourself in a match like this, you can win this match, but you are going to need to fight for it. Try to use the transition to your advantage. Decide your strong part of your game and find a way to get your opponent to that place. If you find yourself behind in a match, you might look for ways to make it more like a figure 8 match.

3) The Circle O. This match is like a loop (like the movie ground hog day). The competitors find themselves doing the same things over and over again. If you are winning keep this going. If you are on the wrong end of this match find ways to break the loop, you need to change some things that your doing.

4) The Dot . This match is when nothing is happening. Be ready for your competitor to try to score at the end of the match. Try to find a way to get the match going.

We also give some training tips, because you will encounter these types of matches in training.

Quote of the week- This quote was brought to us by Coach John Connors from Episode 23 “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.” Albert Einstein

Article of the week: I'm not ready for a BJJ competition, From Chewjitsu.net

This week on the podcast we bring you an interview with coach John Connors. John is the author of the e Book “Quick Start Guide to Complete Jiu Jitsu Competition Readiness”. This is a great guide for someone who is an experienced grappler or just starting out.

At the age of 35 John found himself in the business world and lacking the fun and excitement of a sport. John started BJJ with Roberto Maia, and the fun and excitement was put back into his fitness. John eventually got his black belt in 2006 from Roberto Maia. John is now 51 years old and is very active on the mat and he also has a passion for coaching.

John Connors talks with us about:
Meeting goals off the mat
Coaching BJJ and MMA
Grappling for older people and not getting hurt
Making a game plan for competition
Developing key moves
Positional sparing
Limiting your training to get better faster
Making the most of your training time
Coaching during a match
Setting different goals for your competition
Sparing like it is an actual match with a referee and a coach
Dealing with an adrenaline rush
Getting better at winning scrambles
The advantages to getting a fast start to a match
Advice for the non competitor
Setting new challenges outside of your comfort zone
How competition can help you get better at BJJ
Advice for someone's first day at BJJ

Quote of the week: “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” John Wooden

Article of the week: 3 Steps for Returning to BJJ After Injury – Breakingmuscle.com

Links
Get John's Ebook for competition for free here
Rickson Gracie Documentary Choke
Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers (this is a link to the entire book as a pdf!!)
Email John Connors at John@dedhamjj.com
John's Facebook page
John's Twitter @Connorsmma

This episode we are covering some of the basics. We are going to break down some of the main positions in BJJ and give you some guidance for each one.  

We give tips and general strategies for:
Guard
Side Control
Mount
Back
Standing
Turtle
Quote of the week: “When you loose say little, when you win say less.” Matt Hughes

Article of the week: nuclearchainsaw.com “11 Things Your Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Won't Tell You”.

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

We both spent a significant amount of time working on escapes. We have had a big increase in confidence with our grappling by getting better at our escapes. It is good to know that you will be able to escape a position.

Escapes fall into two categories: Escaping submissions, and escaping positions.

Tips:
You need to be proficient at escaping from both sides (left and right), you do not get to choose what side is attacked.
Put yourself in bad positions, the more you train at them the better you will get at escaping.
Escape fast, if you get out of a position fast enough your opponent will not score points.
Know the areas that you are weak in and work on them.
Roll with people that can push you.
Try working on two escapes at the same time.
Ask questions, your teammates will be happy to help.

We also give some tips for escaping these common submissions:
Armbar
Triangle choke
Guillotine
Chokes in general

Quote of the week: “What you everyday matters more than what you do once in a while”. Gretchen Robbin

Article of the week: Jijitsuvortex.com – Why and how to keep a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu notebook

our email is BjjBrick@gmail.com

It is important to take a step back and look at your grappling game.  Are you in a mode where you are trying to accomplish a goal?  Or are you just trying to get better at BJJ in a particular area?  

Some examples of the goals mode that we talk about:

You have a tournament coming up that you want to do well in.

Achieve the next belt in BJJ.

To drop some weight.

Your goals should be:

Tangible

Realistic

Have a time frame

Results focused

Some examples of some areas that you might consider for growth:

Get a better defense.

Get a better offense.

Experiment with a new technique of strategy.

Ways to help develop your growth

Go in to a deep study of the area you are growing.

Use rolling as an opportunity to try your new stuff.

Ask upper belts for help.

Make sure you are growing in the correct ways, get some guidance from your coach.

You may need to try your new techniques on lower level oponents.

Quote of the week: “you can never defend someone else belt, that is their job.”  Sean Roberts If you catch a higher belt in a submission you should go for it, and there should be not revenge.

Article of the week: “How to be a BJJ Soccer Mom”  This article was sent in by our friend Mat, thanks buddy!  This is a great article that gives you some advice on how to support your team at a tournament.

This episode is in iTunes, and stitcher radio

This week we have another preview of Metamoris 3. We talk to Sean Roberts, he has a match with Zak Maxwell (last weeks interview).

Sean Roberts is a Black belt under Ralph Gracie, he is currently training with Checkmat.

We talk to Sean about:
-What he does to relax
-What got him started in BJJ
-His thoughts on Royler Gracie Vs. Eddie Bravo
-The way he approaches the rules of Metamoris
-How the Brown belt Kumite helped prepare him for Metamoris
-His thoughts on how Zak Maxwell will approach the match
-He shares a couple of personality traits that have helped him get better at BJJ
-What he does before an important match, and how it has changed over time
-What he was like as a blue belt and purple belt
-Tips of competing for the first time, and building your confidence before a competition
-His cross country BJJ tour he recently took, and his plans to do another one
Quote of the week: “Every kick in the ass is a step forward” Unknown. If you get kicked in the ass and you don't take a step forward, you fall down.

Article of the week: The art of losing 1- Sandhillsbjj.com By Roy Marsh

Links
OTM
Gi Soap
Newaza Apparel
Sean Roberts Facebook page

Episodes Mentioned:
Epi 17 Roy Marsh
Epi 18 Zak Maxwell