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

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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:

• The Gospel of Fire
• Easton Training Center

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

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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:

• Hyperfly
• Jared on Instagram
• Jared on FB
• Jared on Twitter

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

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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:

• Kicksite
• Maeda brand
• Clarkgracie.com
• Clark Gracie on Instagram
• Clark Gracie on Facebook

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

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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:

• Master Jiu-Jitsu Master Life: How To Create An Extraordinary Life Through Jiu-Jitsu
• Master Jiu-Jitsu Master Life website
• Paul on Instagram
• Paul on Facebook

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….

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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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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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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:

• We Defy Foundation
• X2 Fitness
• Gina on FB
• Shoyoroll
• Gina's other interview with us Epi 183

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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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:

• Hyperfly
• Karen on Facebook
• Karen on Instagram
• Prodigy BJJ

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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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:

• Kimberly on Jiu-Jitsu Times
• Kimberly on Facebook
• Kimberly on Instagram
• Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program

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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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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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:

• Gracie Barra San Antonio
• Fabiana Borges on facebook
• Fabiana Borges on instagram

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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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:

• The Joe Vanbrackle Scholarship program
• 36E Fitness
• Evan Robinson on Facebook

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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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:

• Check out the Marune app here

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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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:

• The Martial Brain Podcast
• Episode 51 Building Your Grappling Game
• RPmartialarts.com

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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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:

• The Falcon Guard by Joel Bouhey on Bjjfanatics
• Reverse triangle the world by Joel Bouhey on Bjjfanatics
• Joel Bouhey on Insta
• Joel Bouhey on YouTube

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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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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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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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:

• Neal's DVD's
• Neal Melanson on Facebook
• Our past interview with Neal

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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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

• Principles by Ray Dalio
• The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
• The Subtle Art Of Not 
• Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink
• Giving a F--- Mark Manson
• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• The E Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
• Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

Tip: Roll one extra round if you have time

Question: What do you eat before you train?

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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:

• Jay Hieron on Facebook
• Jay on Instagram
• Jay on Twitter
• Check Jay out in the preview of Equalizer 2

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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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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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:

• Furia 
• Marcelo Cohen Roosterweight Kimura System DVD
• Download the Roosterweight Kimura System
• Marcelo Cohen on Instagram

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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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:

• How to start a movement video
• John Will’s Website
• John’s Rogue Black Belt Books
• John’s Facebook Page
• Epi 107 with John Will
• Epi 127 another John Will interview!
• Epi 172 Six Amazing Black Belts Answer Questions About Blue Belts

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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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:

• Closed Guard on Facebook
• Closed Guard on Instagram

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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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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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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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:

• Mitch on instagram
• Westside MMA

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/

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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:

• Fundamental Handgun Mastery
• Top Firearms Instruction on Facebook
• Top Firearms Instruction website

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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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:

• Lovato's School of BJJ and MMA
• Lovato Jiu-Jitsu on Facebook

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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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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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:

• Brian on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook

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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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

• Tim Sledd
• Roli Delgado
• Fox Fitness BJJ

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:

• CTRL Industries
• Digitsu
• Kristina on Instagram
• Kristina on Facebook

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"

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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:

• The Grappling Referee website
• Go like his Facebook page you will learn great stuff
• Davids other interview with The BjjBrick Podcast

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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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:

• Jonathan Thomas on Facebook
• Jonathan Thomas on Youtube
• The Grappler's Guide to Sports Nutrition
• Valhalla Jiu-Jitsu

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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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

• His start to BJJ and MMA
• Running Fox Fitness BJJ in Wichita
• He refers to John Castillo, His interview is here
• What to expect at the BjjBrick Summer Camp in Wichita

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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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

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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:

• www.tcibjj.com
• Iron Axe on Facebook
• Iron Axe on instagram
• Iron Axe on Youtube
• Sponsors of the event VanMadrone MetalWorks, Flagsmash Tacos, Lake State Kombucha, KO Sports Gear, and Zebra Athletics

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

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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:

• Moku on Instagram

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

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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:

• BJJStrength.com
• Instagram @bjjstrength
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BJJSandC/
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/lsg1982

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!

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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:

• BTT San Antonio Tx
• Diego on Facebook
• The Invisible Armbar Dvd by Diego Gamonal

Tip: Eat better the days you train.

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

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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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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:

• What is a stroke?
• Types of strokes
• Stroke Symptoms: From Fast to Faster
• BJJ4Change

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

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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:

• royharris.com
• Check out his book The Jiu-Jitsu Answer Man
• More info about The Jiu-Jitsu Answer Man

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

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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:

• MA1 Apparel
• Musashi nutrition
• That cold stuff
• Livia on Instagram
• Livia on Facebook
• The Secret Race 

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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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:

• Justgipants.com
• Art from effort website

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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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:

• Sam on Breaking Muscle
• The 4 Biggest Mistakes Competitors Make At A BJJ Tournament
• New Breed Training Center

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.

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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

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This week we have an interview with third degree black belt Stephen Whittier. Stephen is well known for his website 40 Plus BJJ, he is dictated toward helping people stay or get on the mat as they get older.

We talk about:

• How he began to help the 40+ Grappler
• The difference in training for the older grappler
• Struggles the older grappler experences
• Starting BJJ in your 40s
• Beginners avoiding sparing
• Teaching a seminar that helps everyone there get better
• Not all time on the mat is equal for your development
• Advice for students avoiding unproductive or dangerous rolling
• The differences between basics and fundamentals

Links:

• 40 Plus BJJ Engage
• 40 Plus BJJ Store

Quote of the week: "it is easier to prevent bad habits than to break them" Benjamin Franklin

Article of the week: Applying a Growth Mindset to Jiu-Jitsu

• Check out Breakinggrips.com

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This week we have an interview with  Australian Black Belt competitor Lachlan Giles. We have a great conversation and learn about some of his training methods that set him and his team Absolute MMA apart from others.

We talk about:

• His start to young start to martial arts and eventually BJJ
• Changing from a hobbyist to an elite competitor
• Getting his PhD in 2016 and training BJJ
• Playing a gi or no-gi game
• Helping people find their own style
• Using videos to better your BJJ training
• Off the mat training

Links:

• MA1 Australia
• MA1 United States
• Absolute MMA St Kilda

Quote of the week: "A penny saved is a penny earned"

Article of the week:  Purple Belt - The hardest belt in BJJ

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This week we have an interview with Michael Hunter. Michael has started a new BJJ series called "The Eternal Cup Series Pro Jiu Jitsu Tour". This tournament will give substantial cash prizes to the winners, with hopes of helping them reach their goals.

We talk about:

• The business side of starting a BJJ school
• How The Eternal Cup is different than other BJJ trounaments
• Everyone who places gets prize money
• Kids getting scholarship money for placing
• How much money will be available to win
• Equal pay for male and female athleats

Links:

• The Eternal Cup Series
• The Eternal Cup Series on FaceBook

Quote of the week: "If you can't describe what you are doing as a process, you don't know what you're doing." W. Edwards Deming

Article of the week: Your First Competition

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This is our second BjjBrick Extra episode. This week we look at a few techniques highlighted by some of Joe's teammates.

Jose Lopez

• Why he puts so much value in helping newer students
• The head and arm choke
• Setting up the head and arm choke from top half guard
• Drilling vs live training
• Follow Jose at Jose Lopez Instagram

Peygan Lafont

• Triangle choke from guard
• Doing BJJ as a smaller white belt
• Tips for setting up the triangle choke
• Tips for getting out of a triangle choke
• Follow Peygan at Peygan Lafont Instagram

Shane Dupre

• His introduction to BJJ
• Some details to the loop choke
• Training at two schools
• Follow Shane at Shane Dupre Instagram

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This week we discuss pressure and Brazilian Jiu-Jitus. We have all been crushed and would also like to add more pressure to our games. This week we hope to help.

We talk about:

• How to survive pressure
• Stories of being crushed
• Best positions for applying pressure
• Who do we apply pressure to?
• The time value of pressure

Quote of the week:  "Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will."
James Stephens

Article of the week: Make sure you drop these bad habits before you get your blue belt

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This week we have an interview with 3 stripe bjj black belt Miriam Cardoso. Miriam is training with Team Elite in Redmond, Washington.

We talk about:

• Competing as a kid
• Why she likes to compete against her opponents best game
• Why she avoids the idea of a tune up tournament
• Getting injured in an open class tournament
• The story of getting her black belt
• Running a BJJ gym
• The joy of watching her students compete
• She set the current record for our family feud game

Links:

• Redmond BJJ 

Quote of the week: "Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." Carl Jung

Article of the week: If They Can't Stop You, It's Not Wrong

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This week we bring you an interview with 22 year old BJJ black belt competitor Dante Leon. Dante has shown his skill on the mats as a color belt winning many big tournaments, now he has his eyes set on the black belt division.

We talk about:

• Training GFTeam Toledo
• Starting training at 12 years old
• Compeating with adults as a kid
• Preferences on gi and no-go
• Weight lifting using the conjugate method
• The mental side of competition

Links:

• GFTeam Toledo
• Monkey Tape
• Dante on Instagram
• Dante on Facebook

Dante Leon is our second guest to play Family Feud he did great with a score of 125.

Quote of the week: "The highest compliment that you can pay me is to say that I work hard every day, that I never dog it." Wayne Gretzky  A prank was pulled on Gary during this quote.

Article of the week: Finding my groove again

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We are happy to have one of our listener favorites return to the podcast.  Tim Sledd is always a wealth of information when it comes to all things BJJ.

[caption id="attachment_5255" align="alignright" width="960"] Tim Sledd bjj black belt atos[/caption]

We talk about:

• His personal history with BJJ
• Moving to indiana
• Using heavy pressure from side control
• The leg drag
• Flavor of the day techniques
• Some of his favorite submissions
• Culture inside a BJJ school
• Things to look for when looking at culture of a school
• Building a relationship with his students

Links:

• Epi 89 Atos Black Belt Tim Sledd Part 1
• Epi 90 Atos Black Belt Tim Sledd Part 2
• Epi 118 BJJ Taboo Topics With Tim Sledd Part 1
• Epi 119 BJJ Taboo Topics With Tim Sledd Part 2
• Epi 172 Six Amazing Black Belts Answer Questions About Blue Belts
• Vortex Martial Arts
• Leg Drag Workshop by Tim Sledd

Quote of the week: "To become a champion requires a good mental attitude toward preparation. You have to accept the most tedious task with pleasure." Bruce Lee

Article of the week: The White Stripe: A Neurotic Conversation I Had With Myself

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This week we have an interview with Ryan and Zach Gehl. Zach is a blue belt training out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada with a long list of competition accomplishments. To follow Zach or learn more about him check out his Instagram theroadwarrior1 This is also a BjjBrick Extra episode. We hope to bring you an extra episode every month, thanks to our newest team member Joe.

We talk about:

• Training and school
• Learning BJJ and MMA
• Having trouble with early competitions
• Competing with kids and adults
• Traveling and training
• How to avoid injury while on the road
• The benefits of martial arts
• Using Jiu-Jitsu to win wrestling matches

BJJ Tip: we talk about active toes

Q&A: We answer a question about dealing with rough teammates

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This week we give you some tips and advice to help you remember the BJJ techniques you learn.

We talk about:

• Taking notes about BJJ
• Using apps to take notes
• Tips for remembering stuff from a seminar
• Using positional sparring to help remember
• Linking techniques together
• Remembering information about positions and submissions
• Remembering personal feedback on the mat

Quote of the week: "Culture eats strategy for breakfast."

Article of the week: 5 Things that can kill your guard

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This week on The BjjBrick Podcast we have Richard Byrne. Richard is a 56 year old Black Belt and life long banker. Recently he started the professional grappling event KASAI, this event featured many of today's top grapplers.

We talk about:

• His start to BJJ and Kickboxing
• Traveling for business and training BJJ
• Advice on taking private lessons
• Why he started KASAI and his goals
• Making KASAI the best that he can
• The meaning of KASAI, a fire or conflict that rages out of control
• Long germ goals of KASAI

Links:

• KASAI website
• KASAI on facebook

Quote of the week: "success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they cannot lose." Bill Gates

Article of the week: 12 reasons why Jiu-Jitsu is the perfect compliment to any martial art

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This week on The BjjBrick Podcast we have BJJ Brown Belt Rondel Benjamin from Trinidad and Tobago. We cover a fun variety of topics including BJJ, stick fighting, free diving and much more.

We talk about:

• Island life on Trinidad & Tobago
• Trying to use the internet instead of finding a coach
• Going away for business and learning BJJ
• Combat sports and Trinidad & Tobago
• Calinda a type of stick fighting practiced in Trinidad and Tobago
• Exposing Calinda to the BJJ students
• The people who have influenced him the most
• The 5 pillars of Jiu-Jitsu
• How his reason for doing Jiu-Jitsu has changed
• How learning how to control your breathing you can better control your body and mind
• The benefits of free diving for BJJ

Links:

• Gracie Jiu Jitsu Trinidad & Tobago - Team Pedro Sauer

Quote of the week: "Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius—and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." E.F. Schumacher

Article of the week: Grappling With Age

We also continue playing family feud at the end of the show

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This week we have an interview with Kit Dale. We cover a wide range of topics from how he got his Black Belt in 4 years to his acting career.

We talk about:

• Starting BJJ in 2008
• His early competition history
• Acting in a movie
• His changing attitude toward competing
• How he got off to a good start in BJJ
• Learning concepts over techniques
• Moving away from an outdated model of teaching a class
• How to get your opponent to move
• Training only 5-6 times a month
• Tips for students training in a traditional school
• How the 80/20 rule applies to learning BJJ

Links:

• The Art of Learning Jiu-Jitsu Vol 1 & 2
• Kit Dale's website
• The Movie Iron Sky: The Coming Race

Quote of the week: "Don't be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of." Charles Richards

Article of the week: Self Defense Seminars: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

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This week we have a great interview with adaptive athlete Jess Munter. During birth Jess suffered a Brachial Plexus injury, as a result of this injury she is unable to use her left arm. Growing up Jess tried several sports but they did not fit her and they ended in frustration. A couple of years ago Jess found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the benefits she is getting and passing on from BJJ is an inspiring story.

We talk about:

• Training BJJ on a busy schedule
• Her Brachial Plexus injury to her left arm
• Other sports she tried before jiu-jitsu
• How she discovered jiu-jitsu was good for her
• What jiu-jitsu has done for her off the mat
• What it was like training during her first month
• Her goals to help people
• How BJJ has helped her become more positive
• She shares stories about doing tournaments
• Dealing with frustrations on the mats
• How she stays safe on the mat
• How good communication is key to her safety

Links:

• Jess on instagram

Quote of the week: "A fight is not won by one punch or kick. Either learn to endure or hire a bodyguard." Bruce Lee

Article of the week: 3 Proven Methods For Gaining Self Discipline

We also start playing a game of family feud fast money at the end of the show. 

Also a congratulations to Gary Hull for receiving his brown belt!

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Catch us next week for another episode of The BjjBrick Podcast

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