BjjBrick Podcast- BJJ, no-gi and good times! (general)

This week we have an interview with Torrie O’neil founder of The Mighty Dames. The Mighty Dames is a community of women grapplers classified as heavy weight (over 160lbs)

We talk about:

  • Her start with BJJ
  • Her style of jiu-jitsu
  • Starting The Mighty Dames
  • Having a game that matches your body type
  • Her struggles with starting BJJ
  • Helping new students with support
  • Helping girls get good fitting gis
  • Training gi and no-gi
  • What to expect at a tournament
  • How to treat training partners

Links:

Quote of the week: “You can’t change the people around you but, you can change the people around you.”

Article of the week: Jiu-jitsu and Vedanta: Four Yogic Paths to Mastery

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2033120The20Mighty20Dames20with20Torrie20O27neil.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we talk about different training situations you might find yourself in and how to get the most of them.

  • Training while injured
  • Training for a tournament
  • Getting the most out of a tight schedule
  • Training when you are the best student in class
  • Training when you are the worst student in class
  • Training when you are on the road
  • Training with Joe

Links:

Quote of the week: “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

Article of the week: http://www.eatingwell.com/article/32715/9-simple-ways-to-be-a-better-cook/

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2033020Training20for20Situations.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have 11 time BJJ World Champion Buchecha on the show. We cover a wide range of topics from struggling with competitions as a kid to gi and no-gi training.

We talk about:

  • Training in seasons of gi and no-gi
  • His preference for training in the gi
  • Adapting his game to work in both gi and no-gi
  • Doing BJJ as a kid
  • His training schedule
  • Focusing on one or two tournaments a year
  • His thought process for deciding if he will compete
  • Developing the folding pass after an injury
  • His new folding pass instructional with BJJ Fanatics
  • Not winning a match for his first eight tournaments
  • Winning double gold for the first time in 2012
  • Getting the nickname Buchecha

Links:

Quote of the week: "I've seen kids who tie their self-worth to wins and losses and that's a scary place to be. Kids need to know that they're human beings first and the love they receive from family is not based off their performance in athletics." Ben Askren

Article of the week: Improve Your Speed

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Direct download: Epi2032920Marcus20Buchecha20Almeida.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

BJJ has been so great to us over the years. This special Thanksgiving episode we highlight some of the things we are grateful for about BJJ.

Links:

Quote of the week: "Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself." Robert Frost

Article of the week: 5 Ways to get better at swimming

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2032820Thank20You20BJJ.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with David Aguzzi founder of Grappling Industries the fastest growing BJJ competition. Grappling Industries has a round robin format that gets competitors lots of matches. They currently sit in the number two spot for biggest BJJ competition organizations.

We talk about:

  • How Grappling Industries started
  • The round robin format
  • The popularity of Gi compared to no-gi
  • The reasons why no-gi is not as popular as gi
  • Different belt ranks at tournaments
  • Grappling Industries competing with NAGA
  • How Grappling Industries is improving their tournaments
  • David’s thoughts about the future of BJJ
  • If BJJ will ever be in the olympics
  • Having Pro MMA fighters enter a BJJ tournament
  • Why scrambles cause injuries
  • Giving points for knee on stomach
  • Why he recommends that most people don’t cut weight
  • Some behind the scenes info about a tournament
  • Some options for people who can’t afford to pay the entry fee

Links:

Quote of the week: “Good fences make good neighbors” Robert Frost

Article of the week: From a World-Class Rower, Tips to Sharpen Technique

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2032720Grappling20Industries.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Martial Artist and Actor Rich Ting. You have seen Rich in Cinemax’s Warrior and Lone Survivor. Rich is also going to be in the fourth season of The Man In The High Castle on amazon prime.

We talk about:

  • Starting martial arts as a kid
  • Always learning and growing
  • Learning martial arts and the craft of acting
  • Learning about what you love
  • The Man In The High Castle
  • Playing Bolo on Cinemax’s Warrior
  • His role in the movie Lone Survivor

Links:

Quote of the week: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost

Article of the week: How to negotiate your salary

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2032620Rich20Ting.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we talk about making changes to your game to make it lean and mean.

We talk about:

  • What is considered "fat" in BJJ
  • Times we have cut things out of our game
  • How to identify fat in your game
  • When is it okay or good to have fat in your jiu-jitsu
  • The benefits of trimming up your game
  • Being able to make changes

Links:

Quote of the week: "I'm not one to blow smoke at my players. They kicked our butts on the offensive boards. And it's not just because the ball came their way." Gregg Popovich

Article of the week: Staying on a Bull

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

Direct download: Epi2032520Trim20The20Fat20From20Your20BJJ.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with ADCC standout Lachlan Giles. Lachlan is coming off an amazing absolute bronze medal performance at adcc 2019. He had submissions over Kaynan Duarte, Patrick Guadio, and Mahamed Aly.

We talk about:

  • His performance at ADCC 2019
  • His match in 77kg with Lucas Lepri
  • A strategy for Kaynan Duarte in the absolute
  • His match with Patrick Gaudio
  • What happened in his match with Gordon Ryan
  • Getting bronze by submitting Mahamed Aly
  • His new leg lock DVD
  • Improving his flexibility
  • His off the mat training
  • Why working on guard passing is so important
  • Why he likes to attack the feet from the top

Links:

Quote of the week: "The measure of who we are is how we react to something that doesn't go our way." Gregg Popovich

Article of the week: How's Your Poker Face?

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2032420Lachlin20Giles.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with BJJ Black Belt Amal Easton. Amal is the rare person that has both been able to compete at a high level and produce high level competitors of BJJ and MMA.

We talk about:

  • His start to BJJ
  • Coaching jiu-jitsu
  • How skying gave him grit that he used on the mats
  • Moving to Brazil early in his BJJ journey
  • How teaching BJJ has changed over the years
  • The academy is a farm or a jungle concept
  • Creating an environment that is good for everyone
  • Why some people quit BJJ

Links:

Quote of the week: “It’s not about any one person. You’ve got to get over yourself and realize that it takes a group to get this thing done.” Gregg Popovich

Article of the week chess.com/article/view/how-to-win-a-chess-game

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2032320Amal20Easton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with the Vice President of We Defy Foundation Alan Shebaro. Alan is a 4th degree Black Belt under Professor Chris Haueter.

We talk about:

  • His start to BJJ and martial arts
  • Having a tough time as a kid in fights
  • The We Defy Foundation
  • Working with Joey Bozik
  • What We Defy athletes get out of BJJ
  • His style of teaching a seminar
  • His neck injury

Links:

Quote of the week:  “We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don’t know.” W.H. Auden

Check out our friends at Grappling Rewind Podcast for current info on competitions and upcoming events

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2032220Alan20Shebaro.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have grappling legend Gokor Chivichyan. Gokor has achieved gold at the international level at BJJ, Judo, MMA, and Sambo. He has coached Ronda Rousey, Karo Parisyan, Neil Melanson, and many more

We talk about:

  • Growing up as a tough kid in Armenia
  • Starting Wrestling in 1968
  • Starting Sambo in 1971
  • Eventually adding Judo to his grappling mix
  • He also did boxing for four years
  • Bringing leg locks to the United States 35 years ago
  • Teaching martial arts

Links:

Quote of the week: “Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, ‘Make me feel important.’ Not only will you succeed in sales, you will succeed in life.” -Mary Kay Ash

Article of the week: Learn to Skateboard – Top 5 Tips & Tricks

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Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2032120Gokor20Chivichyan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we offer many tips and advice about training BJJ while you travel. We share many stories and experiences from our time on the road.

Byron got a chance to train BJJ in Iceland this summer at Mjölnir MMA. Pictures are with Omar and Axel.

We talk about:

– Our experiences when training when traveling

– When do you not train when traveling

– Positives and negative

– Tips for walking into a new gym, Find a gym, contact the gym, follow basic bjj social norms, know your why

-Rolling as a guest

Links:

Quote of the week: “Do your work with your whole heart, and you will succeed. There is so little competition.” Elbert Hubbard

Article of the week: https://beastmodesoccer.com/5-ways-to-become-a-better-soccer-player/

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2032020BJJ20Travel20Guide.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This is our second part of ADCC 2019 coverage. And you guessed it part two covers day two.

Meeting Marcelo Garcia at ADCC 2019

We talk about:

  • The women's division
  • Who won gold in each weight class
  • The absolute division
  • The need to change the tables to something that helps with fighter safety
  • Some of our favorite parts of ADCC
  • Some grapplers that made standout performances
  • Interviews that will air in the future

Direct download: ADCC20Day202.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:17am CDT

The is a special podcast that covers ADCC 2019. We have a unique perspective on this show because we have Becky Jabara join the show.

We talk about:

  • Some of the different rules and points for ADCC
  • Some of the matches that caught our attention
  • Craig Jones, Josh Hinger, John Danaher and more

Direct download: ADCC20Day201.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:09am CDT

 

Alia is a 39 year old blue belt and an active competitor. She started doing kickboxing and eventually started doing BJJ. She is also a teammate of our very own Joe Thomas.

Alia getting Silver at master worlds (after the interview was recorded)

We talk about:

  • Her start to martial arts
  • Dealing with health issues that resulted in a stroke or TIA
  • Changing her training to protect against future medical issues
  • Making goals to get fit
  • Promoting women’s Jiu-Jitsu
  • Taking a role as a “Team Mom”
  • Networking at tournaments
  • Training with smaller teammates
  • Having fun while training
  • Advice for a first tournament
  • Changing her mindset for a tournament
  • Self talk before a tournament

Links:

Quote of the week:”Persistence overshadows even talent as the most valuable resource shaping the quality of life.” Tony Robbins

Article of the week: Is Jiu-Jitsu Training Violent?

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Direct download: Epi2031920Alia20Gracia-Valadez2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

We talk about:

  • His start with martial arts
  • His first experiences with grappling
  • Starting Grapplearts.com
  • Getting a life saving kidney transplant from his brother
  • Doing his 1000 mile canoe expedition
  • Some of the tools he carried
  • Dealing with difficult weather
  • Jiu-jitsu training tips
  • Building a big gas tank for the mats
  • Being a problem solver
  • Dealing with the dangers of the water
  • Dealing with isolation
  • Staying safe when bears are near
  • The cost of a big trip like this
  • Pushing your limits

Links:

Quote of the week: The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. Walt Disney

Article of the week: Be A Better Coach by Not Instructing Your Students

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Direct download: Epi2031820Stephan20Kesting.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This is our second interview with Black Belt Nick Unander. You will find Nick training and teaching in Paralimni Cyprus. Nick had a recent health scare and he updates us on his story and shares much wisdom about his continued BJJ journey.

We talk about:

  • Teaching BJJ in Cyprus
  • Having tourist train in his academy
  • Dealing with a recent health scare
  • The roles of a coach
  • Making adjustments to his workouts
  • Changing his diet to be more healthy
  • His plans for travel
  • What should new students be working on?
  • Training in a difficult environment
  • Training on a tight schedule
  • Advice for starting BJJ as an older student

Links:

Quote of the week: “Definiteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievement.” ―W. Clement Stone

Question of the week: As a blue belt, I am going to try no-gi for the first time, any tips?

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Direct download: Epi2031720Nick20Unander.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Dante Leon. We cover everything from getting ready for ADCC to tips for the listeners.

We talk about:

  • Training both gi and no-gi
  • Training with specific rules in mind
  • Training for a particular person or training to take on a bracket
  • Kicking in the door of the black belt division
  • Staying healthy and lifting weights
  • Training around injuries
  • Training for professional vs recreational
  • Getting your mind and body ready for peak performance
  • The importance of his team
  • Training smart
  • Tips for lifting to get better at BJJ

Links:

Quote of the week: “If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.” -Napoleon Hill

Article of the week: The Gentle Art of Choking

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Direct download: Epi2031620Dante20Leon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we hope to help you accelerate your BJJ training. Every now and then you have a day on the mat that produces great growth. We talk about days we have had like this and help you to create more of them for yourself.

Byron, Gary, and Joe

We talk about:

  • Is it possible to experience one month of growth in one day
  • Attending seminars
  • Increasing your training
  • What to do before class to help you have a great class
  • Preparing for a seminar
  • Creating better training days
  • Having great training partners
  • Learning from teaching BJJ
  • Taking a private lesson
  • How instructors create accelerated learning
  • Gary doing better vs the kids class

Quote of the week: “You got to go down a lot of wrong roads to find the right one” Bob Parsons co-founder of godaddy

Comment of the week: “One thing jiu-jitsu has taught me for life is, when you are under tons of pressure, always keep in mind to breathe and not panic, cause there is always a window to change your outcome. Learn that no matter how hard the struggle is in that moment, when you see the opportunity present itself, learn from the struggle and enjoy the outcome.” Chris from the BjjBrick private FB group

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Direct download: Epi2031520One20month20of20training20in20one20day.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Atos Black Belt Nikki Sullivan. Nikki has a wealth of information and her down to earth style is great to hear in the interview.

We talk about:

  • Writing for Belt 2 Belt and Yoga for BJJ
  • Starting martial arts at her college
  • Doing her first BJJ competition
  • Making a change to do BJJ full time
  • Getting her black belt
  • The value of her coaches and teammates
  • Trusting your coach
  • Internal dialog for BJJ
  • Keeping a positive attitude
  • Using movies and music to change your mood
  • When to take time off

 

Links:

Quote of the week: “A good firefighter knows how, an educated firefighter knows why.” Chris Walker

Article of the week: How do you drag yourself out of the BJJ slump

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Direct download: Epi2031420Nikki20Sullivan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have in interview with 61 year old purple belt Dave Brown. Dave has had several live changing results from BJJ. This interview Dave shares his story of weight loss and success on the competitive mats.

We talk about:

  • His start to BJJ after watching his son in a tournament
  • His wrestling background
  • How BJJ got his health going in the right direction
  • Working with his doctor to be safe with his training
  • His off the mat training of weights and running
  • Competing as a blue belt
  • Getting his purple belt
  • Training with his son
  • Dealing with being sore and injuries
  • His goals for Masters Worlds
  • Doing at least one tournament a month
  • The advantage of his schedule

Links:

Quote of the week: “The fire service is 150 years of tradition unimpeded by progress.” Old fire saying

We answer a question about what someone who has been training for about a year should be working on.

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Direct download: Epi2031320Dave20Brown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

In this episode we talk about one of the most important things to learning BJJ efficiently. You need to be learning while you roll. We share a bunch of tips for a variety of situations.

We talk about:

  • Tips for rolling while you are new
  • Training with someone that has much more skill
  • Looking at common things in your defeats
  • Giving advice while rolling
  • Asking questions while rolling
  • Keeping a good attitude

Quote of the week: “Take the wood and make one of your own” Donatello

Article of the week: Top 5 Taboo Topics in BJJ

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for AndriodThis entry was posted in Uncategorized by byronjabara. Bookmark the permalink.

Direct download: Epi2031220Learning20BJJ20from20rolling.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Josh Myers. Josh credits BJJ with being a part of surviving cancer.

We talk about:

  • His start to BJJ
  • Getting a cut inside his mouth from hard training
  • Getting diagnosed with cancer
  • Getting skin grafts
  • Putting stress on your body
  • Other health benefits of BJJ
  • Tap Cancer Out
  • How to help a friend that has cancer

Links: Josh shares his story here

Quote of the week: “Time is a vindictive bandit to steal the beauty of our former selves. We are left with sagging, rippled flesh and burning gums with empty sockets.” Raphael

Q&A What is the first top dominant position i should work on?

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Direct download: Epi2031120Josh20Myers.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Patricia Fontes. Patricia is a IBJJF black belt No-Gi World Champion in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Her interview covers a wide range of topics.

We talk about:

  • Her start to sports with ballet
  • Her move to the United States
  • Dealing with injuries
  • Training both Gi and nogi
  • Dealing with the stress of a tournament
  • Getting her black belt
  • Competing with black belts as a brown belt
  • Teaching kids BJJ
  • Keeping jiu-jitsu fun
  • Traveling to Brazil

Links:

Quote of the week: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” Leonardo da Vinci

Article of the week: 5 Things You Learn as a White Belt Helping Teach the Kids Class

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Direct download: Epi2031020Pati20Fontes.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we bring you an interview with one of Europe’s top competitors Ashley Williams.

We talk about:

  • His move to the Submission Only format
  • Fighting in Polaris and the 3 round system
  • Training for specific events
  • Dealing with a combination of injuries
  • Using a counter attack strategy
  • His experiences in EBI
  • Being in exciting matches
  • Dealing with losses
  • The change of the leg lock game
  • Tips for people to do better in competition
  • Different levels for each belt

Links:

Quote of the week: “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” Michelangelo

Article of the week: Make your BJJ training effortless

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Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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Direct download: Epi2030920Ashley20Williams.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we bring you an interview with Olympic Greco Roman medalists and BJJ black belt Adam Wheeler. Adam has a new book that shares much of his story. Adam’s book is Believe and Achieve: Overcoming Obstacles to Excel.

We talk about:

  • Some stories from his childhood
  • Transitioning from wrestling to BJJ
  • Gi and nogi training
  • Training safely
  • How to make the best out of a bad situation
  • Being around positive people

Links:

Quote of the week:”Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” Arnold Schwarzenegger

We also recapped the second BjjBrick camp.

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Find out how to support the BjjBrick Podcast here!

Direct download: Epi2030820Adam20Wheeler.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This episode was only the second time we have been able to record with all three of us together. It is coming at the back end of the BjjBrick Camp. The big news coming out of the camp is that Gary Hull received his black belt on 6-15-2019. We have been trying to interview Gary for years but he always passes, to this episode we both just direct a lot of questions in his direction to create an interview he did not see coming.

We talk about:

  • Why we started BJJ
  • Changes to our games
  • Some of the lessons we learned on the mat at the camp
  • Our first bricks for BJJ
  • What we look for in a training partner
  • Changes we are wanting to make to our game
  • Our friend Josh makes an appearance to chat about the camp

Quote of the week: “If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.” – Chinese Proverb

Article of the week: Giving perspective on both sides of the equation

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Direct download: Epi2030720Gary20Gets20His20Black20Belt.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Matt Thornton. We cover topics from running a successful gym to proven training methods that get results.

We talk about:

  • Matt’s background in martial arts
  • Leading BJJ gym owners
  • Teaching how to coach
  • He shares some best business practices
  • Building a BJJ gym you really enjoy
  • Why people start BJJ
  • Having a good kids program
  • What it means to have a strong women’s program
  • Tips on teaching a seminar
  • Learning with base, posture, and connection
  • Different training methods

Links:

Quote of the week: “The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.” — Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Article of the week: Biggest Jiu-Jitsu Myths

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Direct download: Epi2030620Matt20Thornton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

We talk about:

  • Getting injured
  • Talking to your coach for advice
  • Getting bored with BJJ
  • Doing BJJ at a slower pace
  • Using open mats as a bridge to keep some BJJ
  • Staying connect to the community
  • What are you replacing BJJ with?
  • Putting balance in your life
  • Changing your goals for being on the mat
  • Helping friends get back on the mat

Quote of the week: “It is an ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way.” Rollo May

Article of the week: Understand Your Learning Style and Get the Most Out of Your BJJ Training

https://foxfitnessbjj.com/specials.html?fbclid=IwAR0Upb0jX0TTv-i3wRc0t6A-C7Gpr-7DBbRy-foCwcmjpkwPRey9uvlq85I
Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
Direct download: Epi2030520Taking20time20off.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

We talk about:

  • His start in martial arts and BJJ
  • His background in statistics
  • Watching 100 white belt matches
  • Tips for white belt and blue belts that do tournaments
  • When you should not go for a submission
  • Using closed guard as a white belt
  • Using game theory to look at BJJ
  • Advice for blue belts and it is much different than the white belt tips
  • Learning from watching hundreds of street fights
  • How to guard against negative gym management techniques

Links:

Quote of the week: “If your mind is strong, all difficult things will become easy; if your mind is weak, all easy things will become difficult.” Chinese Proverb

Article of the week: 5 Things No One Talks About When You Start Jiu-Jitsu

https://foxfitnessbjj.com/specials.html?fbclid=IwAR0Upb0jX0TTv-i3wRc0t6A-C7Gpr-7DBbRy-foCwcmjpkwPRey9uvlq85I
Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
Direct download: Epi2030420Louis20Martin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This episode we give you advice about what you can do to get more submission.

We talk about:

  • Lacking focus in your training and during rolling
  • Positional sparring
  • Going deep in particular systems and moves
  • Fundamentals
  • Finding answers to common problems
  • Giving up too soon on a submission
  • Giving up too late on a submission
  • Getting control of your opponent
  • Putting your system in a funnel
  • Having confidence in your technique

Quote of the week: “Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. involve me, I understand.” Chinese Proverb

Article of the week: I Watched 100 White Belt Matches. Here’s What’s Actually High Percentage.

https://foxfitnessbjj.com/specials.html?fbclid=IwAR0Upb0jX0TTv-i3wRc0t6A-C7Gpr-7DBbRy-foCwcmjpkwPRey9uvlq85I
Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
Direct download: Epi2030320Why20are20you20not20getting20submissions.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with brown belt Marisa Messer-Belenchia.

We talk about:

  • Trying to do wrestling as a kid
  • An odd start to BJJ
  • How her game is changing
  • Training both gi and nogi
  • Dealing with injuries and sickness
  • Coping with the loss of loved ones
  • How she benefits from teaching BJJ
  • Winning worlds and pans as a purple belt
  • Traveling and doing BJJ
  • Teaching grit with BJJ

Links:

Quote of the week: “deal with the faults of others as gently as your own” Chinese proverb

Article of the week: How to support your child’s mental health

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
Direct download: Epi2030220Marisa20Messer-Belenchia.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Craig Diamond. Craig is the CEO of Diamond MMA. This interview covers a wide range of topics from developing a cup for fighters and grapplers to Craig’s BJJ game.

We talk about:

  • The start of Diamond MMA
  • Craig doing BJJ
  • How he developed a cup for combat sports
  • Injuries that a cup can prevent

Links:

Quote of the week: “You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized ho seldom they do.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Article of the week: How Consistency Affects Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners

https://foxfitnessbjj.com/specials.html?fbclid=IwAR0Upb0jX0TTv-i3wRc0t6A-C7Gpr-7DBbRy-foCwcmjpkwPRey9uvlq85I
Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

 
 
This entry was posted in BjjBrick Podcast by byronjabara. Bookmark the permalink.
Direct download: Epi2030120Craig20Diamond.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

Epi 300 Miles Lukas

 

We talk about:

  • Starting jiu-jitsu in the late 90’s
  • Celebrating small milestones during BJJ
  • Tips for rolling with bigger people
  • Strengthening your joints
  • Dealing with injuries
  • Breathing properly in BJJ
  • Wim Hof breathing method
  • Fight to win

Links:

Quote of the week: “Don’t compare your chapter 1 to someones else’s chapter 20”

Gary shares an off the mat story about coaching kids basketball

We answer a question about getting off the bottom

Article of the week: The Value of All Your Teammates

https://foxfitnessbjj.com/specials.html?fbclid=IwAR0Upb0jX0TTv-i3wRc0t6A-C7Gpr-7DBbRy-foCwcmjpkwPRey9uvlq85I
Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
Direct download: Epi2030020Miles20Lukas.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we talk about your BJJ coach. This is probably the most important relationship in most of our jiu-jitsu journeys.

We talk about:

  • The business relationship with your coach
  • The personal relationship with your coach
  • What we look for in a coach
  • Joe wins the internet again
  • Telling your coach your goals
  • How to help your coach

Quote of the week: “Show respect even to people who don’t deserve it; not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours.” Dave Willis

Article of the week: https://bjjbrick.com/how-to-put-your-rabbits-in-a-pen/

https://foxfitnessbjj.com/specials.html?fbclid=IwAR0Upb0jX0TTv-i3wRc0t6A-C7Gpr-7DBbRy-foCwcmjpkwPRey9uvlq85I
Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
Direct download: Epi2029920Your20BJJ20Coach.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we are excited to have Emily Kwok back on the BjjBrick Podcast. This interview by Joe covers a wide range of topics that are useful to all grapplers.

We talk about:

  • Her background in BJJ
  • Her time in Japan
  • Fighting as a life skill
  • Kids doing BJJ
  • Dealing with parents and kids doing jiu-jitsu
  • Women doing BJJ
  • Finding the right gym for you
  • Tips for women doing
  • Business and Jiu-Jitsu
https://www.princetonbjj.com/

Quote of the week: “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind” Rudyard Kipling

Article of the week: How to avoid staph, ringworm, and MRSA while doing BJJ

https://foxfitnessbjj.com/specials.html?fbclid=IwAR0Upb0jX0TTv-i3wRc0t6A-C7Gpr-7DBbRy-foCwcmjpkwPRey9uvlq85I
Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

 
 
This entry was posted in BjjBrick Podcast and tagged  by byronjabara. Bookmark the permalink.
Direct download: Epi2029820Emily20Kowk.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

We talk about:

  • Doing a 24 hour marathon of BJJ
  • Dealing with injuries and making changes to his game
  • Raising money for suicide prevention
  • The process of rolling for 24 hours
  • His plans to raise money for the future
  • Tips for doing a 24 hour roll

Links:

Quote of the week: Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy” Leo Buscaglia

Article of the week: The 4 T’s of your favorite training partner

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

https://foxfitnessbjj.com/specials.html?fbclid=IwAR0Upb0jX0TTv-i3wRc0t6A-C7Gpr-7DBbRy-foCwcmjpkwPRey9uvlq85I
Direct download: Epi2029720Obi.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

We talk about:

  • The new tv show Warrior
  • The history of Bruce Lee writing the treatment for Warrior
  • The Chinatown Tong wars
  • The Bruce Lee Foundation
  • Teaching kids a growth mindset

Links:

Quote of the week: This week we each pick a Bruce Lee quote

“Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later teh man who wins, is the man who thinks he can.” Bruce Lee

“The Successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” Bruce Lee

“The more we value things, the less we value ourselves.” Bruce Lee

Article of the week: Should A Blue Belt Be Teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Absolutely!

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
Direct download: Epi2029620Shannon20Lee.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with brown belt Amanda Leve. Amanda recently won the ADCC West Coast Trials for the +60kg division. This is a great opportunity to learn about Amanda before she competes in ADCC this year.

We talk about:

  • Opening her own BJJ school
  • Training gi and nogi
  • Having a basic game
  • Starting BJJ with a group of guys
  • Doing the ADCC trials
  • Her school Leve BJJ
  • Doing jiu-jitsu as a kid
  • Her Dad’s influence over her BJJ
  • Training with her brother
  • Doing MMA

Links:

Quote of the week: “The true art of memory is the art of attention” Samuel Johnson

Article of the week: Benefits of Recreational Sports on adults

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
Direct download: Epi2029520Amanda20Leve.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This is a feeling we all have at some time in BJJ. We do our best to tackle this question and give you some advice to keep your growth at a level you are happy with.

We talk about:

  • Times we have not gotten better
  • What to do if you are not getting any better
  • Can you get worse while training BJJ?
  • Adjusting your game
  • Why it is difficult to judge your improvements
  • How to tell if you are getting better
  • Are you holding yourself back?
  • Why a plateau happens
  • How to find direction with your jiu-jitsu

Quote of the week: “If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.” Bruce Lee

Article of the week: How I Treat My Blue Belts

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
Direct download: Epi2029420Am20I20Getting20Any20Better.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with black belt Alec Baulding. Alec is the 88kg ADCC east coast trials winner. You will find Alec training at Valhalla Jiu Jitsu in Göteborg, Sweden.

We talk about:

  • Training in Sweden
  • The development of his game
  • His style of BJJ
  • Training for ADCC
  • Learning how to wrestle
  • His game for gi and no-gi
  • Off the mat training
  • The possibility of doing MMA
  • Learning striking
  • Helping the students he trains with

Links:

Quote of the week: “You can never plan the future by the past” Edmund Burke

Article of the week: Why didn’t you fix it? I didn’t know it was broken!

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
Direct download: Epi2029320Alec20Baulding.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Amal Easton black belt John Combs. John is the 77kg ADCC west coast trials winner.

We talk about:

  • His start with wrestling
  • His early jiu-jitsu
  • How he studies jiu-jitsu
  • Teaching jiu-jitsu
  • Training for ADCC
  • Making the jump from brown belt to black belt
  • Waking up early as a habit

Links:

Quote of the week: “I didn’t think; I experimented.” Anthony Burges

Article of the week: 5 Things Every White Belt Must Learn Before Blue Belt

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
Direct download: Epi2029220John20Combs.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with brown belt Mason Fowler. Mason has recently won the ADCC West Coast Trials for the 99 Kg division.

We talk about:

  • His start to Jiu-Jitsu
  • The decision to do BJJ full time
  • Changing from MMA to BJJ
  • Lessons learned from MMA and rugby
  • Doing both gi and no-gi
  • His performance at the ADCC trials
  • What Mason was like as a lower belt
  • Dealing with a loss on the mats
  • Getting a good warm up
  • Tips for the hobbiest grappler

Links:

Quote of the week: “It is the fight alone that Pleases us, not the victory.” Blaise Pascal

Article of the week: What role do sports play in the mental health of children?

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
Direct download: Epi2029120Mason20Fowler.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

We talk about:

  • Why play top game?
  • Advantages of top game
  • The types of top games we like to play
  • Passing guard
  • Passing half guard
  • Keeping top position
  • Getting more pressure

Quote of the week: “Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language” Dale Carnegie

Article of the week: Ring Bell For Service

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
Direct download: Epi2029020Top20Game.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

 

This week we have an interview with author Chuck Rylant. Chuck has written many books including two about BJJ. His newest book is Success- The Path to Personal Fulfillment Through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Fighters. He has also written Motivation- Stories on Life and Success from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts.

We talk about:

  • Getting injured in a foot pursuit
  • Teaching arrest and control to police officers
  • Different techniques used for law enforcement
  • Being an expert witness for court
  • His books Motivation and Success
  • Being a good teammate

Links:

Quote of the week: “Any day above ground is a good day son. I don’t think anyone who was given another shot at life would ever find issue with a rainy day again.” Gary Robbins

Article of the week: Disorder and Chaos

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
Direct download: Epi2028920Chuck20Rylant.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with BJJ black belt Maria Malyjasiak. You will find Maria training at Abmar Barbosa Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Vienna Virginia.

We talk about:

  • Her start to martial arts
  • Changing from judo to jiu-jitsu
  • Moving to the United States
  • Changes to her game over the years
  • Her training routine
  • Listening to music before she steps on the mat
  • Starting a women’s program

Links:

Quote of the week: “Attackers may sometimes regret bad moves, but it is much worse to forever regret an opportunity you allowed to pass you by.” Garry Kasparov

Article of the week: Why I Train

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
Direct download: Epi2028820Maria20Malyjasiak.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with black belt Jake Mackenzie. Jake is a under Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu. Jake shares lots of stories about his early travels to Brazil, and developing his favorite guards.

 
 
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Jake-Mackenzie.jpg
 
 
 
 

We talk about:

 
 
  • His start to BJJ
  • Traveling to Brazil
  • Early competitions
  • Dealing with nervousness
  • Tips for half guard and deep half
  • The difference between half and deep half guard
  • Reverse half guard
  • How his competition experience helps him as a coach
 
 

Quote of the week: “I was told that I couldn’t do it, I was stupid, I was crazy. But because I believed in my dreams, I accomplished them.” D. Gary Young

 
 

Links:

 
 
Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199
 
 
 
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Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

 
Direct download: Epi2028720Jake20Mackenzie.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we talk being a great BJJ student. What can you do to accelerate your learning and help your team? We discuss many ideas that can help.

 

  • Be ready for a great class
  • Know how you add value to the class
  • Asking good questions
  • How questions help the entire class
  • How students teach other students
  • Training safely
  • Know why you are in class
  • Have a good time in class
  • Paying attention to your instructor

Quote of the week: "sticks in a bundle are unbreakable" Gary

Article of the week: 12 Sports Nutrition Tips That Anyone Can Benefit From

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2028620How20to20be20a20great20BJJ20student.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Olympic bronze medalist greco roman wrestler Adam Wheeler. This interview covers a wide range of topics from BJJ competitions to his off the mat career in public service.

We talk about:

  • Starting jiu-jitsu
  • Picking jiu-jitsu up again after the Olympics
  • Getting his black belt in about four years
  • Using his greco roman wrestling in jiu-jitsu
  • His instructional DVD Upper Body Takedowns for Grappling
  • Training tips
  • Why it is important to train takedowns
  • Changing from law enforcement to fire fighting
  • Being a firefighter

Links:

Quote of the week: “The paradox is that sometimes you have to get worse before you get better.” Gary Mack

Article of the week: The Optimal State of Arousal

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2028520Adam20Wheeler.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Eliot Kelly. Eliot is a top ranked grappler and excellent coach. This interview covers a wide range of topics from his accelerated development on the mat to helping students at El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense.

We talk about:

  • His start in BJJ
  • How taking a train to BJJ helped him get better
  • Coaching BJJ and preparing himself to compete
  • How to learn from a loss
  • How coaching makes him be a better competitor
  • How competing makes him a better coach
  • Dealing with injuries
  • Getting hurt and coming back to the competition world
  • Balancing BJJ and a home life with family
  • Dealing with trends
  • Matching your BJJ to your personality
  • Focusing your training
  • Evaluating your performance

Links:

Quote of the week: “Without hustle, your talent will only get dyou so far” – Gary Vaynerchuk

Article of the week:

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2028420Eliot20Kelly.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm CDT

This week we have an interview with BJJ black belt Adem Redzovic. Adem is not only an amazing black belt but also a great instructor. You will find Adem training in Chicago.

We talk about:

  • Where focus goes energy flows
  • His start to Jiu-Jitsu
  • Getting a job at his brothers school
  • Having a passion for BJJ
  • How he gets new students to get a smooth start
  • The 2 feelings to avoid for working with new students
    1. Feeling like someone wants to hurt them
    2. Feeling stupid
  • Dealing with injuries
  • Using positional sparring to help new students
  • His online training program RJJonline

Links:

Quote of the week: “You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call ‘failure’ is not the falling down, but the staying down." Mary Pickford

Article of the week: New Info on the Gi vs No-gi Training Debate

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2028320Adem20Redzovic.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we talk about the size differences in grapplers. Are you a large person training with smaller grapplers? we have some advice for you to get the most of your mat time. Are you on the smaller end of most grapplers and need a little advice for training and competing with the larger athletes. If so this episode is for you.

We talk about:

  • Training with bigger teammates
  • Training with smaller teammates
  • Keeping things safe
  • Dealing with frustrations
  • Techniques good for small or large people
  • Competing against people of a different size
  • When the instructor shows a "big person" or "small person" move

Quote of the week:  "Do not be misled. You will suffer along the way. You will have failures and set-backs. You will have to learn to overcome these failures. However, it is this process of personal improvement that will transform you as an individual." Book Master Jiu-Jitsu master life by Paul Kindzia

Article of the week: BJJ White Belt Survival Kit: 5 Essential Tips For Beginners

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

[caption id="attachment_4888" align="alignright" width="225"] Find out how to support the BjjBrick Podcast here![/caption]

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2028220BJJ20Big20and20Small.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with former pro MMA fighter and black belt jiu-jitsu competitor Eliot Marshall. Eliot was the first american to win titles at IBJJF Pan American tournaments at the blue, purple, and brown belt ranks. He was also in TUF 8 and competed in the UFC's light-featherweight division.

We talk about:

  • Training BJJ in school
  • Why his gym focuses on BJJ and not MMA
  • His podcast The Gospel of Fire
  • His book The Gospel of Fire
  • His goal of being the best parent to his boys
  • Changing his life focus
  • The rules he has as a father
  • Teaching leg locks safely
  • Success early in BJJ
  • Competing in submission only matches
  • Dealing with toxic people in the gym

Links:

Quote of the week: "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." Confucius

Article of the week: My best & worst mindset for BJJ competitions

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2028120Eliot20Marshal.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Jared Dopp. Jared is a top american competitor and PhD student.  This interview covers a wide range of topics from performance tips to the e coli virus.

We talk about:

  • Doing BJJ as a full time student
  • Trying different sports
  • Doing football and track
  • Dealing with nerves
  • Why he does better in school if he is doing a sport
  • Fitting jiu-jitsu in a busy schedule
  • What is is studying as a chemical engineer
  • Using e coli virus in his studies
  • Training gi and nogi

Links:

Quote of the week: "Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment." -Stephen Covey

Article of the week: Why 70 percent of kids quit sports by age 13

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

[caption id="attachment_4888" align="alignright" width="225"] Find out how to support the BjjBrick Podcast here![/caption]

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2028020Jared20Dopp202.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with black belt and competitor Clark Gracie.

We talk about:

  • Growing up a Gracie and doing jiu-jitsu
  • Kids doing BJJ
  • Running a jiu-jitsu school and traveling
  • Kicksite software used to keep organized and help run a martial arts business
  • Advice he has for competitors
  • His expectations for his students
  • What he looks for in a blue belt

Links:

Quote of the week: "Jiu-Jitsu is a filter of life itself. Jiu-Jitsu does not weed out people who are weak or lack coordination, or natural talent. Jiu-jitsu weeds out those who lack core principles of success. In jiu-jitsu, those that practice become stronger. Paul Kindzia in the book Master Jiu-Jitsu Master Life

Article of the week: Strong As A Mother: Why It’s So Important For Mothers To Train In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

[caption id="attachment_4888" align="alignright" width="225"] Find out how to support the BjjBrick Podcast here![/caption]

 

Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2027920Clark20Gracie.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with author Paul Kindzia. During the interview we cover many on and off the mat lessons Jiu-Jitsu brings to us. Paul also talks about his book Master Jiu-Jitsu Master Life.

We talk about:

  • What got him interested in martial arts as a kid
  • Finding BJJ as an adult
  • Situations in his life that lead to an unhealthy lifestyle
  • Becoming an endurance athlete
  • Dealing with medical issues (brain tumor)
  • How science will change Jiu-Jitsu
  • The growth of BJJ
  • Getting better at BJJ quicker
  • Knowing your "Why" for BJJ

Links:

Quote of the week: "The key is not the will to win..... everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important" Bobby Knight

Article of the week: The best defense is….

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Direct download: Epi2027820Paul20Kindzia.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This episode we answer listener questions about offense and defense.

We talk about:

  • Changing the way we roll based on the belt rank we are rolling with
  • Changing the way we roll based on the person we are rolling with
  • What makes a good defense
  • What makes a good offense
  • Building confidence
  • Using stratagem in your offense and defense
  • Defending positions vs submissions

Quote of the week: “Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it.” Tom Lehrer famous pianist

Article of the week: How to get better at BJJ: 12 Steps

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Direct download: Epi2027720Defense20and20Offense.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Jason Elliott from the Marune app. Marune is a great way to track your training in BJJ. We cover many training topics including improving your top game and measuring your training.

We talk about:

  • Developing the app for BJJ players
  • His training and progress with five years of BJJ
  • Tips for a head and arm choke
  • Tips for keeping mount
  • Changing your goals
  • The future of the Marune app

Links:

  • Check out the Marune app to track your BJJ and no-gi training

Quote of the week: "Every action we take, everything we do, is either a victory or defeat in the struggle to become what we want to be." Ninon de L'Enclos

Article of the week: Differences between Japanese (traditional) Jiu-Jitsu and BJJ

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Direct download: Epi2027620Jason20Elliott20The20Marune20App.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with BJJ Black Belt Gina Franssen. You can find Gina running her own BJJ school X2 Fitness in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

We talk about:

  • Her reason for starting BJJ after an assault
  • Running her own school
  • The original goal of a blue belt
  • Her thoughts on women's self defense classes
  • Changing the reasons you train BJJ
  • You tap to the technique not the person
  • The culture of the gym
  • Dealing with frustrations on the mat

Links:

Quote of the week: "You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space." Johnny Cash

Article of the week: 5 Ways Jiu Jitsu Will Help Your Child In School

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Direct download: Epi2027520Gina20Franssen.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with BJJ black belt Karen Antunes. This interview covers a wide range of topics from competing at the black belt level to maintaining a busy off the mat life.

We talk about:

  • Her training background
  • Competing after having a baby
  • Her desire to be a competitor
  • How her brother helped introduce her to Jiu-Jitsu
  • Training less than you did a few years ago
  • What makes a good training partner
  • Training Gi vs no-gi
  • Off the mat training
  • Changes in the women's division over the years
  • Her role as a coach

Links:

Quote of the week: "Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." Mario Andretti

Article of the week: Welcome to Jiu-Jitsu :)

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Direct download: Epi2027420Karen20Antunes.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This episode we have an interview with Kimberly Kaye. Kimberly currently a blue belt and an author for Jiu-Jitsu Times. She also has a rare disease called CIPO. You will find her training at NOLA MMA in Louisiana.

We talk about:

  • Dealing with health issues including CIPO
  • How the Jiu-Jitsu community has supported her
  • Fitness tips
  • Advice for women starting BJJ
  • The importance of communicating with your training partners
  • Her advice on nutrition
  • Being an author for Jiu-Jitsu Times
  • Some of her past articles
  • Interviewing Evan Robinson
  • Starting from your knees
  • Fighting for points or submissions

Links:

Tip of the episode: Have a good way to explain your "why" about BJJ

Question of the episode: How can I get better sleep after an evening of training?

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Direct download: Epi2027320Extra20Kimberly20Kaye.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is growing all over the world for many reasons. We want to make sure the Jiu-Jitsu at your school and local community is growing to the best of its ability. This episode is aimed toward the students who can help grow BJJ. This is not an episode of business ideas for gym owners, although they should share this with their students, and glean ideas from it.

We talk about:

  • The benefits of having a school
  • Helping introduce the school to new people
  • Asking questions to new students
  • Tips for remembering new names
  • Getting your friends to try BJJ
  • Talking to people about Jiu-Jitsu
  • How you describe BJJ
  • Helping your team out on social media
  • The Fuji Tournament in Wichita
  • Working with other BJJ schools
  • Supporting local seminars at different schools
  • How a BJJ school can do community events

Links:

  • Marune App for BJJ, social connections, and tracking your training

Quote of the week: “Knowledge rests not upon truth alone, but upon error also." Carl Gustav Jung

Article of the week: Never Again “Just a Girl” (Why I train Jiu Jitsu)

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Direct download: Epi2027220Growing20your20local20Jiu-Jitsu.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Fabiana Borges. You will find Fabiana sharing her 20 years of grappling experience at Gracie Barra San Antonio Texas.

We talk about:

  • Her competition history
  • How she trains on a busy schedule
  • Keeping a weekly schedule
  • Doing crossfit for BJJ
  • Tips for takedowns
  • Avoiding injuries
  • Eating healthy most of the time
  • Starting and running her own school
  • Growing women's jiu-jitsu
  • Running a business as a team

Links:

Quote of the week: “If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you are certain to be in peril.” Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Article of the week: Eight Health and Fitness Benefits of Jiu-Jitsu

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Direct download: Epi2027120Fabiana20Burges.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Evan Robinson. Evan credits his friend Joe Vanbrackle and Jiu-Jitsu as playing a major role in turning his life around. You will find this interview to be extremely motivating, Evan's passion and energy are contagious.

We talk about:

  • The positive effects of BJJ on his life
  • Training jiu-jitsu in prison
  • Setting and meeting difficult goals
  • The influence of Joe Vanbrackle
  • Helping troubled kids with BJJ
  • Opening his own gym
  • Future goals of helping people with Jiu-Jitsu

Links:

Quote of the week: The Saga of Grettir the Strong: “A tale is but half told when only one person tells it.”

Article of the week: 4 Unexpected Lessons You’ll Learn In A BJJ Gym

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Direct download: Epi2027020Evan20Robinson20interview.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have Katie Elliott. Katie is a registered dietitian with a specialty in sports nutrition. We cover a wide range of topics designed to help you perform better on the mat.

We talk about:

  • Olympic distance triathlons
  • How your diet can affect weight cutting
  • Intermittent fasting and jiu-jitsu
  • How to experiment with your diet
  • Using the App Marune to track your BJJ training
  • Nutrition to get the most out of a training day
  • Using sports drinks
  • Keys to staying hydrated
  • Doing fitness testing
  • Recovery nutrition

Links:

Quote of the week: “People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy after.” Oliver Goldsmith

Article of the week: Never Underestimate the Value of The Comfort Zone

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Direct download: Epi2026920Katie20Elliott.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This episode we have an interview with Jeff Westfall.

We talk about:

  • His start in martial arts
  • Early Jiu-Jitsu in the USA
  • The Martial Brain Podcast
  • The concept of thinking outside of the box
  • The power of continuing education
  • Survivorship bias
  • Closed guard tips
  • Getting out of side control tips and ideas

Links:

Tip: Pulling workouts help develop muscles to add pressure to your game.

Question: The question involves taking private lessons from different instructors

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Direct download: Epi2026820Extra20Jeff20Westfall.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Luis Heredia Black Belt Joel Bouhey. You will find Joel training and teaching his innovative style in Maui.

 

We talk about:

  • Training BJJ in Oregan and Hawaii
  • Making the transition to full time training
  • Changing your focus while training
  • Training BJJ for MMA
  • BJJ for self defense
  • The development of new techniques
  • What is the falcon guard
  • The reverse triangle
  • Tips for training BJJ while traveling
  • Tips for competing while traveling

Links:

Quote of the week: "Sooner or later, those who win are those who think they can." Paul Tournier

Article of the week: How to Measure Success in a Jiu-Jitsu Competition

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Direct download: Epi2026720Joel20Bouhey.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we talk about blue belts. Getting a blue belt is an important step in your jiu-jitsu life. You will not forget the day you got the blue belt. It is often the first major mile stone in BJJ. This episode we talk about the ups and downs plus share a few stories from being BJJ blue belts.

Blue belt topics inculde:

  • Getting beat by white belts
  • Blue belt blues
  • Learning from teammates
  • Being an older blue belt
  • Dealing with the feeling of having a target on your back
  • Our games as blue belts
  • Helping white belts

We defy information about a seminar in Wichita Kansas.

Quote of the week: "Living in fear is not living; it is tantamount to being a prisoner of our own weaknesses, constantly awaiting the next injustice." Gus Lee

Article of the week: The Brotherhood Extends Beyond the Mats

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Direct download: Epi_266_Blue_Belts.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have Romero Jacare Cavalcanti. Jacare is well known in the Jiu-Jitsu community for being the founder of the Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Team. Alliance is thought of as being the most successful BJJ team. He is also one of only six people to be promoted to black belt by Rolls Gracie.

We talk about:

  • Becoming a black belt in 1982
  • Starting the team Alliance Jiu-Jitsu
  • Some of the reasons why Alliance has been so succesful
  • Only a small amount of students compete
  • Information about the Alliance affiliation
  • Running different classes for different students
  • Why it is important to have a beginner class
  • What the students do in the advance class
  • Keys to doing BJJ for a long time
  • Promoting over 200 black belts
  • His plans for moving to California
  • Growing Alliance Jiu-Jitsu affiliation
  • Advice for the hobbyist grappler

Links: Alliance Team

Quote of the week: "Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances." Thomas Jefferson

Article of the week: Value this time on the mats kids

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Direct download: Epi2026520Romero20Jacare20Cavalcanti.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Neil Melanson. Neal is one of the top MMA coaches in the world working with fighters such as Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, and Randy Couture. He has made a recent move back to Las Vegas and has plans on opening a gym with Ricky Lundell. This interview is packed full of great advice for competitive grapplers, pro MMA athletes and everyday hobby martial artist.

We talk about:

  • Being back in Las Vegas
  • What you don't train someone to do can be important
  • Strategies in MMA grappling
  • Leg locks in MMA
  • Room for growth in the leg lock game
  • How your body type can dictate your style of grappling
  • The growth of the no-gi game
  • Learning to fight off of the fence
  • The idea of mastery for grappling
  • His next instructionals
  • Opening up a gym with Ricky Lundell in Las Vegas
  • The need to always be growing

Links:

Quote of the week: "I remember once, actually the first race I ran, I fell." Usain Bolt

Article of the week: Is It Ok For Beginners To Start Training No-Gi Only?

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Direct download: Epi2026420Neil20Melanson.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

 

This episode we have Tim Credeur. Tim is an American Mixed Martial Artist, UFC veteran, and 3rd Degree Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. He also has the distinction of being the first BJJ Black Belt in Louisiana.

We talk about:

  • Growing up with martial arts in his life
  • His first thoughts while seeing early UFCs
  • His first MMA fight
  • Why it is important to be consistant
  • Starting BJJ
  • What methods of starting jiu-jitsu works best for the long term
  • Advice for doing a tournament
  • Training tips for developing your game
  • How to normalize competitive environments

Links:

Gladiators Academy

Tim Credeur on Instagram

Books Tim Recommens

Tip: Roll one extra round if you have time

Question: What do you eat before you train?

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Direct download: Epi2026320Bjjbrick20Extra20Tim20Credeur.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This Week we have an interview with Jay Hieron. Jay is a former World Champion Welterweight Professional Mixed Martial Artist. Jay also stars alongside Denzel Washington in The Equalizer 2

We talk about:

  • Starting MMA
  • His first thoughts about BJJ
  • His level of training today
  • Transitioning into stunt work and acting
  • How martial arts has helped him outside of the cage
  • Training for stunt work
  • Being lit of fire
  • Doing stunt driving
  • The importance of a good reputation
  • Having a martial arts mind frame
  • Learning film fighting
  • The importance of enjoying what you do

Links:

Quote of the week: "Reject any doctrine - religious, atheist, political, cultural, etc. - that is teaching you not to befriend the people you happen to meet".

Article of the week: Dating And Training: How To Make It Work

The phrases "subtle good looks" was used to describe Gary. I have always liked this phrase because it sounds like a complement at first.

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Direct download: Epi2026220Jay20Hieron.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we are giving advice to white belts. It is a great conversation to help anyone enjoy the white belt journey.

We talk about:

  • Getting a white belt can be difficult
  • Gaining confidence with BJJ
  • Focusing on fundamentals
  • Going to open mat at a different school
  • The desire to get your blue belt
  • Staying healthy
  • Training as an older white belt
  • Embracing the challenge of BJJ
  • The best thing about jiu-jitsu
  • Mistakes in learning BJJ
  • Having the right attitude

Quote of the week: "Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to maintain balance, you must keep moving." Albert Einstein

Article of the week: Never Miss an Opportunity to Learn

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Direct download: Epi2026120White20Belts.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Bjj Black Belt Marcelo Cohen.

We talk about:

  • The history of The Armory and the changes it has made
  • Running a BJJ gym
  • Teaching BJJ and MMA in the same gym
  • Learning from a loss with Ciao Terra
  • Building confidence with a kids program
  • How jiu-jitsu can become toxic
  • Training gi and no-gi
  • Tips for dealing with bigger people on the mat

Links:

Quote of the week: "Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it." Russell Baker "Ah, BJJ, what power you have to make us suffer and like it." BjjBrick

Article of the week: NO, YOU DIDN’T START JIU JITSU TOO LATE

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Direct download: Epi2026020Marcelo20Cohen.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week on the podcast we have listener favorite John Will. John shares his many years of experience and talks about many topics from class structure to embracing the difficulty of BJJ.

We talk about:

  • Appreciating the little things on the mat
  • Designing the class structure
  • Different things for a class to focus on
  • The importance of defense in BJJ
  • Making a safety net for your BJJ
  • The culture of BJJ compared to MMA
  • Being a good teammate
  • What holds back schools from growing
  • Getting your family on the mat
  • Leveraging things you learn on the mat to help you off the mat
  • A learning technique called fast forwarding
  • Different teaching styles
  • Backpacking

Links:

Quote of the week: "It never gets easier, you just get better"

Article of the week: 12 Tips to Better Hygiene when Training BJJ

We also have a new Mat Tales #26 Neck Mole

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Direct download: Epi2025920John20Will.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Robert Drysdale. Not only is Robert one of the best grapplers in the world, he is also working on a documentary about the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This interview covers everything from the documentary to doing BJJ for the right reasons.

We talk about:

  • Training BJJ for 20 years
  • Running his own school
  • Training at Valor Martial Arts in Wichita
  • His documentary Closed Guard: The Origins of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil
  • The role of fake fight in the history of BJJ
  • How the rules in Brazil changed the game
  • How the infrastructure on Brazil changed Jiu-Jitsu
  • The goals of the Closed Guard documentary
  • The meaning of the name of "Closed Guard"
  • The funding for the movie
  • Training advice for competition
  • Why ACB is so exciting to watch
  • Do BJJ for the right reasons

Links:

Quote of the week: "Yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s games." Babe Ruth

Article of the week: You Be The Hammer, I am the Nail

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Direct download: Epi2025820Robert20Drysdale.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This episode of BJJ Brick Extra we have BTT Black belt Fernando Halfeld. Professor Halfeld is from Brazil and has been training jiu jitsu 17 years. While he has won multiple medals at IBJJF tournaments, his major victories have been 3rd place at Worlds, 1st place in the South American Championship, and 2nd and 3rd place at the Brazilian Nationals. Fernandos students are following in his footsteps. Most notably his student Ruben Gonzalez won the IBJJF worlds, master purple belt 2017. The accomplishment he is most proud of, however, is the establishment and growth of his school Brazilian Top Team, Lake Jackson.

We talk about:

  • Fernando starting BJJ as the only kid in a class of adults
  • Moving to the United States from Brazil
  • Learning to understand English
  • Teaching BJJ to kids
  • Bullying in schools
  • The goals of a kids class
  • Teaching self defense classes
  • Advice on starting BJJ if you are a little older than most on the mat
  • Getting ready for a tournament
  • Brazilian Top Team
  • Running a BJJ school

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/bttlakejackson/

https://www.schoolofjiujitsu.com/

Tip of the month: How to stay active while away from the mats for an extended period.

Question of the month: How many gis should I own?

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Direct download: Epi2025720Fernando20Halfeld20BjjBrick20Extra.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

We have all made mistakes on and off the mat. We share some of ours so you can possibly learn from our mistakes.

We talk about:

  • Training but doing activities but not actually accomplishing anything
  • What mistakes most people make
  • The mistake of not knowing your "why"
  • Training for the wrong reasons
  • Lacking focus in BJJ
  • Not learning from seminars
  • Training while injured
  • Getting your spouse to train
  • Not recognizing progress
  • Not being welcoming to new people

Quote of the week: Do not mistake activity as accomplishment" John Wooden

Article of the week: Competing in mid-adulthood: How to train to win after age 35

 

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Direct download: Epi2025620Mistakes20we20have20made.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This Week we have an interview with BJJ Black Belt Mitch Hall. Mitch received his black belt in January 2018 from Roli Delgado. We cover a wide range of topics from changing schools to coaching students.

We talk about:

  • His start in Jiu-Jitsu
  • His first thoughts on MMA
  • Doing Jiu-Jitsu in a Karate school
  • Starting a BJJ school after having a negative experience at a different school
  • Changing your game over the years
  • Designing a system to BJJ
  • Making changes to your game with your coaches help
  • Developing a game with your weight class in mind
  • Changing BJJ gyms
  • Reasons to change gyms
  • Talking to your coach about cross training
  • Dealing with a bicep injury

Links:

Quote of the week:"many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after" Henry David Thoreau

Article of the week: https://www.bjjee.com/articles/the-10-principles-of-grappling-by-luta-livre-master-roberto-leitao/

 

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Direct download: Epi2025520Mitch20Hall20from20West20Side20MMA.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Tyson Kilbey. Tyson is a 19 year veteran of the Johnson County Sheriff's Office in Kansas. He is also a Jiu-Jitsu instructor and Firearms instructor. This is a great interview that covers many topics on and off the mat.

We talk about:

  • His start to martial arts
  • Benefits of Jiu-Jitsu for police officers
  • How Jiu-Jitsu has reduced the amount of force he needs to use
  • Firearms training for conceal carry
  • Training with firearms safely
  • Teaching firearms safety to kids
  • His book Fundamental Handgun Mastery

Links:

Quote of the week: "We generate fears while we sit. We overcome them by action." Dr. Henry Link

Article of the week: 3 Of The Best BJJ Conditioning Exercises

 

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Direct download: Epi2025420Tyson20Kilbey20Top20Firearms20Instruction.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Rafael Lovato Sr. We talk about everything from martial arts to pipe organs.

We talk about:

  • Having a rough upbringing that should have ended him up in prison or dead
  • Setting real goals
  • BJJ helping kids
  • Martial arts for him when he was a kid
  • His start training BJJ with Carlos Machado
  • What he saw in Rafael Lovato Jr. that made him think he would be one of the best in the world
  • Jiu-Jitsu and MMA
  • Jiu-Jitsu and self defence
  • Requiring BJJ students to learn some striking
  • Why every student should try compeating
  • Playing the pipe organ
  • Music and Jiu-Jitsu
  • What music has done for his BJJ
  • How he avoids injuring his fingers while rolling on the mat

Links:

Quote of the week: "Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Wishing is not enough; we must do." Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Article of the week: Just Do As Little Bit …

We are ranked #22 on this list of BJJ blogs https://blog.feedspot.com/bjj_blogs/

 

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Direct download: Epi2025320R20L20Sr.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This episode we have an interview with BJJ Black Belt Seth Daniels. Seth is the CEO of Fight to Win Pro. This interview covers a wide range of topics from training advice to stories from running Fight to Win.

We talk about:

  • His start to martial arts
  • Judo for Jiu-Jiutsu
  • How his game has changed due to injuries
  • His thoughts on teaching BJJ
  • Seth's four moves
  • Learning new moves including leg locks
  • Tips for people doing tournaments
  • Dealing with wins and losses
  • Learning from lower belts
  • The current status with Fight 2 Win
  • Troubles he has had with Fight 2 Win

Links:

  • Fight 2 Win
  • Seth's Kimura details https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUWE1nLTh0Q

Question "My teammates seem to be getting better faster than me. People that i could beat easily are now beating me. This is frustrating, why am I learning so much slower?"

 

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Direct download: Epi2025220Seth20Daniels.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

We are really happy to bring BJJ purple belt Brian Freeman for another interview. Brian is a disabled vet with a T4 spinal cord injury with Brown-Sequard syndrome. He is from Rockingham, North Carolina.

We talk about:

  • The growth of adaptive athletes in BJJ
  • Getting his blue and purple belts
  • Some of his favorite techniques
  • Dealing with high mount
  • Using Social media to build the adaptive athlete community
  • Stories of competing
  • What BJJ has done for him off the mat
  • Doing marathons in his wheelchair
  • Advice for other adaptive athletes wanting to start Jiu-Jitsu
  • Training advice

Links:

Quote of the week: "Strong people are hard to kill" presented by Kevan Sr. at the BjjBrick Summer Camp

Article of the week: Muay Thai for BJJ

 

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Direct download: Epi2025120Brian20Freeman20In20studio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This weekend was the BjjBrick Summer Camp at Fox Fitness. This episode is the first time the entire BjjBrick crew is together for a recording. We are also joined by Tim Sledd and Roli Delgado.

[caption id="attachment_5713" align="alignright" width="584"] Great weekend of BJJ in Wichita Kansas hosted by Fox Fitness BJJ[/caption]

This weekend Tim did a kids workshop and a pressure workshop. Roli showed some of his leg lock system.

Quote of the week from Kevan Jr "If you can't find a good person in this world be one."

Links

Direct download: Epi_250_BjjBrick_Summer_Camp.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with BJJ Black Belt Kristina Barlaan. Kristina is a black belt under Caio Terra. This interview covers a wide range of topics from her first tournament to off the mat challenges.

We talk about:

  • Competing as a white belt
  • How she turned BJJ from a hobby to a job
  • How she uses BJJ to help people
  • Dealing with a long drive to train
  • Dealing with anxiety and depression
  • Advice for people dealing with anxiety or suicidal thoughts
  • Why it is important to reach out for help
  • How BJJ can help with depression

Links:

Quote of the week: "Everybody has at least a few areas in their thinking and some attitudes that need to change. If you want to improve your life, you need to go after those areas." John Maxwell

Article of the week: Back to the Basics

We also end a prank on Gary this episode "the best thing about BJJ"

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Direct download: Epi2024920Kristina20Barlaan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have a conversation with the grappling referee David Karchmer. David has been a BJJ Black Belt since 2012. He has officiated over 3,500 gi and no-gi matches for multiple organizations.

We talk about:

  • This reason for his website The Grappling Referee
  • Doing video education for interesting calls in BJJ matches
  • How enforcing the borders is different between organizations and individual referees
  • When to move grapplers back to the middle of the mat
  • The role of safety in border enforcement
  • What happens when two competitors fly off the mat
  • What is done when a submission attempt ends up out of bounds
  • Getting submitted by a move that is not intended to be a submission
  • When it is appropriate to talk to the referee
  • How injuries are handled from a referee's point of view
  • Kids vs Adults rules
  • When a referee should stop a match
  • Common mistakes competitors make
  • Remembering to control long enough to get you points
  • Bending the rules
  • Advice for people that want to be a referee
  • Finding a mentor for being a referee

Links:

Quote of the week: "Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, you ought to set up a life you don’t need to escape from." Seth Godin

Article of the week: Properly Responding to Feedback to Get Better At BJJ

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Direct download: Epi2024820The20Grappling20Referee20David20Karchmer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we talk with BJJ Black Belt Jonathan Thomas about the elements of performance. You will find Jonathan training and teaching at Valhalla Jiu-Jitsu in Gothenburg Sweden.

We talk about:

  • His early history and success in BJJ
  • Some of his favorite techniques
  • Training according to your body type
  • "If you cant do the move in sparing you cant do the move"
  • The five factors that define performance Technique, Strength, Mobility, Endurance, Mindset
  • How some people put too much emphasis on the mental side of BJJ
  • How to actually learn from your losses
  • How to properly develop technique
  • How he runs a class
  • Finding a training partner to get extra training
  • How to avoid being in a plateau
  • Advice on how to develop your game
  • Using competition footage to learn
  • Building strength for BJJ
  • Training while injured
  • Steroid use in BJJ
  • Training for better endurance
  • Being nervous is normal
  • The limits of confidence
  • Diet and nutrition

Links:

Quote of the week:  "Controlling your time helps overcome frustration and brings life into balance and order, giving you the feeling of control and poise."  Bill Newman

Article of the week: The Artist v The Athlete

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Direct download: Epi2024720Jonathan20Thomas.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This episode we have interviews with Jake Fox, Tim Sledd, and Roli Delgado. This is a great preview of the first BjjBrick Event. The event will be June 22, 23, 24 in Wichita Kansas at Fox Fitness. We hope to see you there!

Jake talks about

Tim talks about

  • The concept of Small Axe
  • How he teaches a kids seminar
  • Why he teaches a particular way

Roli talks about

  • Teaching leg locks
  • Running his school in Little Rock
  • The leg lock Osage Crunch

Contact FoxFitnessBJJ@gmail.com if you have question about the BjjBrick Summer Camp. Here is the event page of Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/1832580536773035/

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Direct download: Epi2024620bjj20Extra20jake20tim20roli.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we discuss the issues that come up when training with people that have a significant size difference. If you are getting crushed by big people, we have some tips for you. Are you one of the bigger people on the mat and you struggle to find good rolls we offer our advice.

[caption id="attachment_5660" align="alignright" width="584"] This poor artwork was made by byron with a sharpie.[/caption]

We talk about:

  • When does the size difference become important
  • What positions we prefer with rolling with the larger grapplers
  • Working your best positions
  • The training advantage of the smaller grappler
  • Tips for getting good rolls when training will smaller people
  • A reminder to not judge a book by the cover when rolling with the big guys
  • Overcoming social hurdles on the mat

Quote of the week: "If you have committed a mistake in the day, make a note of it, learn about its cause and respond appropriately to resolve it and in turn boost your confidence." Lenny Olsen

Article of the week: Coaching Tip- Critique vs Correct In BJJ

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Direct download: Epi2024520big20and20small20bjj.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Fabio Morescalchi and Steve Norwick. Steve and Fabio are running the Twin Cities Invitational. It is an event that benefits the We Defy Foundation and Mission 22. The event will be held June 9, in Bloomington Minnesota.

We talk about:

  • Fabio's early start to BJJ
  • What BJJ can do for you off the mat
  • Building a community with BJJ
  • Mission 22 and The We Defy Foundation
  • Superfights for the Iron Axe event
  • The meaning of The Iron Axe
  • Some of the benefits of BJJ

Links:

Quote of the week: “When you’re riding, only the race in which you’re riding is important.” Bill Shoemaker

We talked about this book Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder

Article of the week: 5 BJJ Tournament Tips You Must Know

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Direct download: Epi2024420Steve20and20Fabio20Iron20Axe20Event.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Black Belt Ultra Heavyweight Joseph Moku Kahawai. Moku is a active competitor and he is happy to cover a wide range of topics from off the mat life to training to compete with the best in the world.

We talk about:

  • His start to BJJ in 2008 at BJ Penn's school
  • Moving from Hawaii to California
  • Learning takedowns as a black belt
  • Why he was a guard player
  • His training schedule
  • Overcoming difficulties as a child
  • Tips for rolling with smaller teammates
  • Advice for traveling and doing bjj
  • The story of getting his black belt after winning double gold
  • Fighting in ACB

Links:

Quote of the week: "All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming." Helen Keller

Article of the week: Creating an Environment for Success

Gary shares an off the mat lesson about setting goals Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2024320Joseph20Moku20Kahawai.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Black Belt Laurence Griffiths. Laurence is a guy who looks at the fitness research and applies the information to helping you perform better on the mats.

We talk about:

  • Changing from rugby to BJJ
  • Starting BJJ with Roger Gracie
  • His first competition as a white belt
  • Some benefits of strength training for BJJ
  • How you can train off the mat like a world champion
  • How to schedule your off the mat training
  • Using kettlebells for BJJ and some recommended lifts
  • How to improve your grip strength
  • Common mistakes people make when starting a strength and conditioning program

Links:

Quote of the week: "Goal setting is a powerful tool and process for motivating you. When effective goals are set, a giant step towards the life you desire is taken." K.C. Rowntree

Article of the week: Five tips to be welcomed in almost any gym on Earth!

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Direct download: Epi2024220Laurence20Griffiths.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This episode we have an interview with 3rd degree black belt Diego Gamonal. Diego trains under Professor Ricardo Marques. You will find him training and teaching in San Antonio Texas.

We talk about:

  • His start with BJJ in 1998
  • The culture of Brazilian Top Team
  • His strategy for competing
  • Advice for your first tournament to help you keep it in perspetive
  • Why he likes to have a beginners class
  • How he does belt testing
  • Having a women's only class
  • The importance of learning how to teach before you get a black belt
  • How to help kids discover BJJ
  • His new DVD The Invisible Armbar

Links:

Tip: Eat better the days you train.

Question: What are some things you can do to slow someone down?

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Direct download: Epi2024120Diego20Gamonal.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

Do you play a tight BJJ game that limits your opponent, or do you play a loose game that involves many different elements.

We talk about:

  • Define tight and loose games
  • What do we tend to play
  • Who should play loose
  • Who should play tight
  • what is better for learning
  • what is better for performance

Quote of the week: “Music is one of the easiest ways to motivate yourself. Listen to uplifting tracks , and songs about success - and you can't help but want to work harder” AJ Winters, The Motivation Switch

Article of the week: How Important is Your Jiu Jitsu to Your spouse?

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Direct download: Epi2024020Playing20a20Tight20or20Loose20BJJ20Game.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with Chris Martin. Chris has a story of training BJJ and unknowingly receiving damage to his neck. This damage would later result in a stroke. This interview helps create awareness of strokes and how to train BJJ safely.

We talk about:

  • How training BJJ caused an injury to his neck that ultimately caused a stroke
  • What happens when someone gets a torn carotid artery
  • How younger people get strokes
  • Some ways to tell if someone is having a stroke
  • FASTER Face, Arms, Stability, Talking, Eyes, React
  • How he trains with a stent in his neck
  • What causes damage to the neck and the arteries
  • The latest news for BJJ4Change

Links:

Quote of the week: "Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow." Dwight Eisenhower

Article of the week: Level up with Positional Sparring

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Direct download: Epi2023920Chris20Martin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we bring you an interview with Roy Harris. Roy has been training martial arts since 1981. He brings a wealth of BJJ knowledge and wonderful explanations to this interview.  We cover topics from new students all the way to how to run a school.

We talk about:

  • Becoming the Jiu-Jitsu Answer Man online many years ago
  • How the internet has changed and effected learning BJJ
  • Writing his book The Jiu-JItsu Answer Man
  • Why bridging is so powerful
  • Some unstoppable movements in BJJ
  • Using pressure differently in BJJ
  • Tightness vs pressure
  • Why positions are so important to understand
  • What to look for in finding good training partners
  • Dealing with injuries and attitude
  • Tips for instructors to run a great class
  • Advice for law enforcement officers that train BJJ

Links:

Quote of the week: "A little impatience will spoil great plans." Chinese Proverb

Article of the week: 5 AWESOME LOW EFFORT WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR BJJ TECHNIQUE LEARNING

The BjjBrick Summer Camp in Wichita Kansas

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Direct download: Epi2023820Roy20Harris.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we bring you an interview with BJJ black belt Livia Gluchowska. Livia is a black belt under Lachlan Giles and Thiago Stefanutti. We talk about a variety of topics including training for bjj and off the mat sports like sprint cycling and gymnastics.

We talk about:

  • Her BJJ competition history
  • Doing gymnastics and sprint cycling
  • Traveling to compete
  • Her favorite techniques
  • Starting BJJ as an adult
  • Drilling vs concepts
  • Dealing with injuries
  • Working full time and trainig BJJ
  • Sport helping build friendships
  • Winning worlds at Blue, Purple, and Brown belt
  • Tips for running a successful women's program
  • Tips for a successful competition
  • The current state of BJJ competitions

Links:

Quote of the week: "You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it." Margaret Thatcher

Article of the week: Safety Net

The off the mat lesson was about a door to door sales man with a unique pitch

 

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Direct download: Epi2023720Black20belt20Livia20Gluchowska.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This week we have an interview with BJJ black belt Brandon Mullins. This is a great interview and Brandon shares tons of training ideas and tips.

[caption id="attachment_5439" align="alignright" width="960"] Photo by Mike Calimas[/caption]

We talk about:

  • His start to BJJ
  • Competing in masters and adult categories
  • Having early success with grappling
  • Training gi and nogi and the diffrences
  • A interesting comparison between learning a new language and trying nogi for the first time
  • Having goals while you train
  • Training ideas to speed your growth
  • Working on both sides of your body
  • How to beat someone that is better at bjj

Links:

Quote of the week: "A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him." David Brinkley  We also talk about this book "The Obstacle is the Way"

Article of the week: When your teammates are in Competition Training Mode and you’re in I Can Barely Drag My Ass to Class Mode

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Direct download: Epi2023620Brandon20Mullins.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

This is an episode of BjjBrick Extra! Joe has an outstanding interview with Sam Spiegelman. Sam has written a bunch of great articles on Breaking Muscle.

We talk about:

  • His start to BJJ after college
  • Transitioning from Judo to BJJ
  • Starting strength and conditioning for BJJ
  • The importance of rest
  • Making an off season for your BJJ
  • The benefits of off the mat training for your BJJ
  • Cutting weight for a tournament
  • Warming up properly
  • Recovering between matches
  • Tips for people new to BJJ
  • Things a blue belt should know
  • Teaching a kids class

Links:

Extra Tip: We give a tip about wrist locks

Extra Question: Help, my instructor is not showing me the things I need to know

We play a joke on Gary and use as many Idioms as we can. He is always able to laugh at a good prank.

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2023520Joe20and20Sam.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT

Some stuff in BJJ you need to know, while other things fit into the good to know category. This week we have a fun and informative discussion about how things fit into these categories.

We talk about:

  • What you need to know during your first month of BJJ
  • Some off the mat things you need to know about BJJ
  • Being safe on the mats
  • Offence vs defense
  • controlling someone from mount
  • Escapes from positions vs submissions

Links: Coming to America

Quote of the week: "Ask five economists and you'll get five different answers - six if one went to Harvard." Edgar Fiedler. Whe change this quote to "ask five black belts and get five different answers."

Article of the week: Three Rules for Rolling

Your-First-Year-Of-BJJ-artwork-1199

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Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunesStitcher radio, and Google Play Music for Andriod

Direct download: Epi2023420Good20to20know20vs20Need20to20know.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am CDT