BJJ Podcasts

Eric Silver is one of the early Americans to study Jiu-Jitsu and one of the first to open a gym on the east coast. He talks about learning directly from Rickson Gracie, challenge matches, how to preserve energy as an older practitioner and Half Guard.

Don't forget to Like & Subscribe to GET SIMPLIFIED!n this episode, we sit down with rising BJJ star Chris Wojcik—author, competitor, and one of the newest additions to the B-Team. Chris opens up about the inspiration behind his new book, his evolution as a grappler, and what it's like training alongside some of the sport's most unorthodox minds. We also dive deep into his decision to compete at the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) over the UFC's BJJ event, and what that choice says about the future of professional jiu-jitsu. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just BJJ-curious, this conversation offers a sharp look into the mind of one of grappling’s most thoughtful voices.Anaconda Fightwear:https://anacondafightwear.co/collections/braces-supports?snowball=SIMPLEMAN15Promo code: https://anacondafightwear.co/SIMPLEMAN15MASF Supplementsuse promo code "SIMPLEMAN" at check out to receive a 15% discount "BE KIND OR ELSE!"https://masfsupplements.comhttps://www.instagram.com/masf_supplements/Pronoia:https://www.pronoiabjj.com/Use promocode SIMPLEMAN for 10% off your entire order at checkoutPronoia Instagram: @pronoiabjjSimpleman instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesimplemanpodcast/Merch Store: https://www.alvafitness.com/collections/simple-man-podcastSimpleman Rashguard: https://bteamjj.shop/products/simple-man-podcast-rash-guardCarne Jerky:https://www.instagram.com/carnejerky_/ NEW TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@therealsimplemanpodcast?lang=enMarekhealth:🥼 https://marekhealth.com/simpleman - Get a 10% discount on diagnostic testing (use code SIMPLEMAN)Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SimpleManPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Judo black belt, Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, former gymnast, and one of the founders of "GMB Fitness," Ryan Hurst. Ryan discusses his start in gymnastics and then transitioning to training Judo. He shares his experience of living in Japan for over 20 years, what it was like training Judo in Japan and being one of the few non-Japanese practitioners, how gymnastics helped with longevity in martial arts, keeping yourself safe and protected in training as an older grappler, how Ryan started his company, "GMB Fitness," the 3 things that help your BJJ, the movement patterns needed for a BJJ athlete, how GMB Fitness programming assists with mobility, continuing to grow as a martial artist, and the importance of training in a mutually beneficial gym environment. Check out GMB Fitness here: https://gmb.io/ Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to **https://bit.ly/chewjitsu30** and use the promo code Chewjitsu30 to get 30% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://epicrollbjj.com/ and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models sits down with Mike Mahaffey of Old Bastard BJJ and Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ for a raw conversation about why it matters—now more than ever—for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to speak out. Why do so many people say “keep politics out of the gym”? What does it really mean to use your platform responsibly? And how can community, not conflict, be the most powerful form of resistance? From running inclusive gyms to dealing with trolls, threats, and the myth of “virtue signaling,” this episode is a call to action for anyone who believes that Jiu-Jitsu should stand for something more than just fighting. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Mike Mahaffey – ‪@oldbastardbjj‬ Jesse Walker – ‪@roughhandsbjj‬ Steve Kwan – ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • Why speaking out doesn’t hurt your business—sometimes it builds it • How to use privilege as a force for good • What “virtue signaling” really means (and why it’s a lazy critique) • How to build a gym that welcomes everyone • Why moderating your community isn’t censorship—it’s care • What to do if you’re “just a white belt” but still want to help ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Fighting Matters and the Hosts 01:02 Addressing Criticism in Martial Arts Advocacy 05:07 Personal Experiences and Advocacy in BJJ 11:06 Creating Inclusive Spaces in Martial Arts 15:39 The Impact of Speaking Up on Business and Community 20:47 Countering Virtue Signaling Criticism 26:32 The Importance of Resistance and Community Building 32:48 Finding Your Voice in the Community 38:14 The Importance of Intention 52:02 Courage to Speak Up 56:24 Building Connections and Community

In this episode, Steve sits down with Cody Maltais, head coach at Elevate MMA in Durham, North Carolina, to explore the art of developing coaches in Jiu-Jitsu. Cody shares his journey from Marine Corps veteran to academy leader and emphasizes the importance of fostering a collaborative, student-centered culture. He advocates for empowering students at all levels to take on coaching roles early, encouraging experimentation, mistake-making, and personal expression. Follow Cody on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/codymaltais_](https://www.instagram.com/codymaltais_) Train with Cody and Drew at Elevate MMA: [https://elevatemmaacademy.com/](https://elevatemmaacademy.com/) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Self-Organizaton [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-organization/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-organization/)- Teach to Learn [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/teach-to-learn/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/teach-to-learn/)- Intention [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/intention/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/intention/)- Windows of Opportunity [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/windows-of-opportunity/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/windows-of-opportunity/)- Raise the Level in the Room [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/raise-the-level-in-the-room/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/raise-the-level-in-the-room/)- Normalization [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/normalization/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/normalization/) **Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!** If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at **a fraction of the cost of a single private.** Sign up here for a free trial: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Follow us on social: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/) Music by Enterprize: [https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/](https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/)

Have you heard the notion that diet does not matter for success in BJJ? While this may be true for some folks (potentially blasting gear) this more than likely is not the case for you. Why, in other sports do the best of the best spend so much time and money to keep themselves as healthy as possible? Think of Tom Brady, LeBron, GSP, what do they do when picking out their meals? We guarantee it's not McDonalds and Donuts. ---------------------- BULLETPROOF SHIRTS: https://www.fanwear.com.au/products/core-bullet-proof-for-bjj-classic-tee ---------------------- Increase athleticism, reduce injuries and build a grapplers physique with the Bulletproof for BJJ App. Start your FREE 14 Day Trial today: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bulletproof-for-bjj/id6444311790 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bulletproofforbjj&utm_source=na_Med Stay Hydrated with Sodii the tastiest electrolytes in the Game! Get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof

Time to answer a recurring question, are private lessons worth the cost? Jiu jitsu gyms and their coaches rely on private lessons as a means of making a living. But are you really getting your money's worth? The truth is really how your coach carries out the private lessons, and if you aren't loving your progress, you need to say something to make sure the juice is worth the squeeze. Learn more in this ep. ---------------------- BULLETPROOF SHIRTS: https://www.fanwear.com.au/products/core-bullet-proof-for-bjj-classic-tee ---------------------- Increase athleticism, reduce injuries and build a grapplers physique with the Bulletproof for BJJ App. Start your FREE 14 Day Trial today: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bulletproof-for-bjj/id6444311790 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bulletproofforbjj&utm_source=na_Med Stay Hydrated with Sodii the tastiest electrolytes in the Game! Get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof

Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by [Black Belt Digital Marketing](https://www.bbdigitalmarketing.com/) and [AcademySafe.org](https://academysafe.org/) This week on Jiu Jitsu Dummies, we sit down with Matt Guffey, a dedicated Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt and an insightful Strength Coach. We begin by exploring Matt's personal journey, understanding how his unique background shaped his path in both grappling and physical preparation. Matt shares his perspective on why building a strong foundation is essential for every BJJ practitioner. Guest Instagram handles: @matt.jits.hew @victorysubmissiongrappling @victorysubmissionstrength Thank you to Episode Sponsors: [Black Belt Digital Marketing](https://www.bbdigitalmarketing.com/) - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today! [Academy Safe - Join or Donate now](https://academysafe.org/) [Leheal Biogenix](https://leheal.com/) - Regenerative Medicine - [Learn More Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-lOsKWrCn0) [Leao Optics](https://leaooptics.com/?aff=17) - Get 10% OFF with Code: JJD [The BJJ Box](https://www.thebjjbox.com/)- Get 20% OFF your first box with Code: JJD20 [Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast Store](https://www.jiujitsudummies.shop/) - Get 15% OFF with code: JJD Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jiujitsudummies/), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JiuJitsuDummies/), and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/jiujitsudummies) or at [milton@jiujitsudummies.com](mailto:milton@jiujitsudummies.com) to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@jiujitsudummiespodcast) @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast Visit [Jiu Jitsu Dummies](http://www.jiujitsudummies.com/) for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

We're doing this episode in light of Ben Askren's battle with MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models sits down with Jeff Shaw of Bellingham BJJ and Dr. Clayton Green, a board-certified dermatologist and microbiologist, to dig into one of the scariest health threats in combat sports: MRSA. Why are otherwise healthy grapplers winding up hospitalized with life-threatening infections? Why does doing “everything right” still not guarantee safety? And what can we learn from modern medicine to actually prevent this from happening? With pro athletes like Ben Askren and John Moxley getting sidelined by staph—and regular gym-goers like Jeff fighting it off with IV antibiotics—this conversation goes beyond hygiene to tackle culture, misinformation, and the war between science and bro science. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Dr. Clayton Green – Dermatologist & Microbiologist Jeff Shaw ‪@BellinghamBJJ‬ Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • How MRSA actually works (and why it’s deadly) • Why your gym might still be dangerous, even if it’s clean • The science behind colonization and contamination • Best practices for prevention and decolonization • Why “doing your own research” is making you sick • What science communicators can learn from pro wrestling ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Staph Infections in Combat Sports 02:44 Understanding Staph and MRSA: The Basics 05:33 The Ecology of Staph: Colonization and Transmission 08:30 Identifying Staph Infections in Gyms 11:17 Best Practices for Prevention and Hygiene 13:56 Antibiotics and Treatment: What You Need to Know 16:37 Decolonization: Challenges and Strategies 19:28 Prophylactic Antibiotics: Risks and Considerations 22:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 25:39 The Importance of Advocacy in Medicine 28:12 Understanding Staph Infections and Their Risks 37:15 Probiotics and Antibiotics: What You Need to Know 44:20 Communicating Science Effectively to Combat Misinformation 51:51 The Goalkeeper Syndrome in Society 53:09 The Impact of Denialism on Health 54:25 The Importance of Vaccination and Public Health 56:57 The Role of Emotion in Persuasion 58:25 Urgent Care and Access to Healthcare 01:03:14 The Privilege of Health and Misinformation 01:06:48 The Challenges of Chronic Illness and Research 01:10:35 Community Outreach and the Medical Profession

In this week's mini-episode we discuss **the 80/20 rule,** a mental model that's well-known, but misunderstood and overapplied. The 80/20 rule refers to an uneven distribution where the majority of results are produced by a minority of efforts. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro) **Resources mentioned in this episode:** Mini Ep. 57: The Map Is Not the Territory [https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/17285192-mini-ep-57-the-map-is-not-the-territory](https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/17285192-mini-ep-57-the-map-is-not-the-territory) **Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!** If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at **a fraction of the cost of a single private.** Sign up here for a free trial: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Follow us on social: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/)

In this episode of I Suck at Jiu Jitsu, Josh(@thejoshmckinney) is joined by Devin Pirata(@devinpirata) to rant about the weirdest, cringiest, and most outdated BJJ traditions—like bowing to the mats, saying “oss,” and calling your coach “professor.” It’s honest, hilarious, and guaranteed to offend at least one person in your gym(probably your coach). Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) [BJJ Mental Models](https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck) [Kicksite FREE 30 Day Trial](https://kicksite.com/josh-mckinney/) [Datsusara](https://www.dsgear.com/) 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK” [Master ANY Position](https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/6) in 6 Weeks Join[⁠ISAJJ PRO](https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suck) (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place) Join the[Gi Gazette](https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/GG) Follow the show on[⁠ Instagram⁠](https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow) [⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠](https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney)

Are you achey all the time even though you train jiu jitsu and lift regularly? Maybe you are missing something FUNDAMENTAL. Becoming strong in uncomfortable positions is the name of the game, and we detail how you can actually get there. Spoiler alert: It's not from doing a 5 minute mobility flow every now and then. ---------------------- BULLETPROOF SHIRTS: https://www.fanwear.com.au/products/core-bullet-proof-for-bjj-classic-tee ---------------------- Increase athleticism, reduce injuries and build a grapplers physique with the Bulletproof for BJJ App. Start your FREE 14 Day Trial today: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bulletproof-for-bjj/id6444311790 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bulletproofforbjj&utm_source=na_Med Stay Hydrated with Sodii the tastiest electrolytes in the Game! Get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof

Declan Moody joins the podcast to talk about CJI Trials, his upcoming match on WNO 28, and rank to the best Monster flavors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't forget to Like & Subscribe to GET SIMPLIFIED!Dr. Mike Israetel is a PhD in Sport Physiology, co-founder of Renaissance Periodization (RP Strength), and one of the leading voices in evidence-based training and nutrition. A former D1 wrestler turned competitive bodybuilder and BJJ black belt, Dr. Israetel combines high-level academic expertise with real-world athletic experience. He's coached Olympic athletes, written some of the most trusted books on hypertrophy and recovery, and built training systems used by elite competitors across strength sports, MMA, and bodybuilding. His content simplifies complex science into practical tools that help athletes train smarter, recover better, and perform at their peak.Take control of your health today! Head to MarekHealth.com and use code SIMPLEMAN for 10% off at checkout.Anaconda Fightwear:https://anacondafightwear.co/collections/braces-supports?snowball=SIMPLEMAN15Promo code: https://anacondafightwear.co/SIMPLEMAN15MASF Supplementsuse promo code "SIMPLEMAN" at check out to receive a 15% discount "BE KIND OR ELSE!"https://masfsupplements.comhttps://www.instagram.com/masf_supplements/Pronoia:https://www.pronoiabjj.com/Use promocode SIMPLEMAN for 10% off your entire order at checkoutPronoia Instagram: @pronoiabjjSimpleman instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesimplemanpodcast/Merch Store: https://www.alvafitness.com/collections/simple-man-podcastSimpleman Rashguard: https://bteamjj.shop/products/simple-man-podcast-rash-guardCarne Jerky:https://www.instagram.com/carnejerky_/ NEW TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@therealsimplemanpodcast?lang=enMarekhealth:🥼 https://marekhealth.com/simpleman - Get a 10% discount on diagnostic testing (use code SIMPLEMAN)Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SimpleManPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Rob Biernacki has some very impressive competition victories, including black belt masters gold at both No Gi Worlds and ADCC. In this podcast episode he reveals... - Why people sometimes just don't perform up to their potential and how to fix it, - How to reframe tournament nerves, - The optimal state of arousal for competition, - Building and executing on gameplans, - Why some people just *shouldn't* compete, - His best advice for first-time competitors - And more. If you compete (or are thinking about competing), then this is a must listen! Resources referred to in this video include: - Gripfighting and Kuzushi with Rob Biernacki: https://www.grapplearts.com/gripfighting - Omoplata 2.0 with Stephan Kesting: https://www.grapplearts.com/omoplata/ - Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic, by Stephan Kesting h[ttps://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/dp/1639368612/](https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/dp/1639368612/) - BJJ Concepts by Rob Biernacki: https://www.bjjconcepts.net Please pass this episode on to someone you think would like it - that really helps us grow! Thanks, Stephan Kesting

On this episode Chewy and Eugene answer 7 questions from listeners on BJJ, food, and life. We discuss the following questions: - How did you meet your wife? - What are you most afraid of? - What are some tips on remembering techniques? - What is a guilty pleasure food? - What is a good breakfast before training? - Do you ease off of training during the holidays? - How do you feel about lower belts not being able to ask Black Belts to roll? Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to **https://bit.ly/chewjitsu30** and use the promo code Chewjitsu30 to get 30% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://epicrollbjj.com/ and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

In this episode, we're joined by Francesco Fonte, MMA and Jiu-Jitsu head coach from Sportschule Next Level in Germany! Francesco explores the idea of Jiu-Jitsu as a team sport. He explains how fostering a relaxed, playful training environment not only builds community but also accelerates learning by encouraging experimentation and removing the fear of mistakes. Drawing on his experiences organizing camps and running a diverse gym, Francesco highlights the value of humor, inside jokes, and a “third place” culture where people feel at home on the mats. Together, they discuss how hobbyists and competitors alike can thrive in inclusive gyms that prioritize connection over competition. Follow Francesco on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/francescofonte76](https://www.instagram.com/francescofonte76) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Gamification [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification/)- Keep it Playful [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/)- Self-Competiton [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/) **Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!** If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at **a fraction of the cost of a single private.** Sign up here for a free trial: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Follow us on social: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/) Music by Enterprize: [https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/](https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/)

Are you tired of having to pay an arm and a leg every time you compete? The pros have to do the exact same thing. Adam Jones and friends have been helping to put Australian jiu jitsu on the map for years. Some people are saying the M-16 walked so CJI could run... It all goes down June 13th at 5pm (Adelaide Australia time) Get your tickets: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLTBY4FVKS68Q/checkout/BYZGC4JRAAOGRYJMUGOS6WYA?src=sheet To Watch: https://youtube.com/@m16open18?si=vtBX3bgo_HqpaCJv ---------------------- BULLETPROOF SHIRTS: https://www.fanwear.com.au/products/core-bullet-proof-for-bjj-classic-tee ---------------------- Increase athleticism, reduce injuries and build a grapplers physique with the Bulletproof for BJJ App. Start your FREE 14 Day Trial today: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bulletproof-for-bjj/id6444311790 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bulletproofforbjj&utm_source=na_Med Stay Hydrated with Sodii the tastiest electrolytes in the Game! Get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof

Have you missed training a few days in a row? Maybe a few weeks? Maybe a few months? It happens to all of us along the journey for various reasons. The biggest part of this is the fact that you do get back on the mats. Even though it may seem daunting to head back to the gym, getting the first class out of the way is the biggest part. ---------------------- BULLETPROOF SHIRTS: https://www.fanwear.com.au/products/core-bullet-proof-for-bjj-classic-tee ---------------------- Increase athleticism, reduce injuries and build a grapplers physique with the Bulletproof for BJJ App. Start your FREE 14 Day Trial today: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bulletproof-for-bjj/id6444311790 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bulletproofforbjj&utm_source=na_Med Stay Hydrated with Sodii the tastiest electrolytes in the Game! Get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof

Neo-Nazis are infiltrating Jiu-Jitsu—and most of us don’t even know it’s happening. In this episode of Fighting Matters, we’re joined by investigative journalist Mack Lamoureux to expose the rise of “active clubs”: decentralized extremist groups using martial arts like Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai as recruiting tools for white supremacist and neo-Nazi causes. Mack spent nearly a decade reporting on far-right extremism for VICE News and now works with the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, tracking extremist movements around the world. He explains how these groups organize in secret, how they weaponize the power of community, and how they’re already competing in tournaments and running covert training groups in cities across North America. This conversation is a wake-up call for anyone who thinks Jiu-Jitsu is immune to radicalization—and a roadmap for how we push back. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Mack Lamoureux – Investigative Journalist Jesse Walker ‪@RoughHandsBJJ‬ Mike Mahaffey ‪@OldBastardBJJ‬ Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • What are active clubs—and how do they recruit? • How extremist groups use martial arts to radicalize • Why community is both a powerful tool and a dangerous weapon • The terrifying overlap between fight culture and fascism • What coaches and gym owners can do to fight back ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation 01:28 Understanding Active Clubs 05:11 Recruitment Tactics of Active Clubs 08:33 Training for a Race War 10:50 The Nature of Active Clubs 13:31 Community and Cult-like Tactics 15:29 Evolution of Active Clubs 20:41 Decentralized Structure and Terrorism 23:08 Identifying Active Clubs 26:27 The Power of Community Influence 31:14 Normalization of Extremism in Jiu-Jitsu 33:20 The Ethical Decline in Society 35:43 Understanding the Overton Window 41:13 The Role of Community in Combatting Extremism 49:46 Mental Health and Coping with Dark Subjects 54:48 The Power of Local Influence

In this week's mini-episode we discuss how **the map is not the territory,** a foundational concept for working with mental models and other abstractions. The key lesson: no "map" is a 100% accurate reflection of the territory it describes. Similarly, no Jiu-Jitsu "concept" is 100% applicable all the time...including this one! Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro) **Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!** If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at **a fraction of the cost of a single private.** Sign up here for a free trial: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Follow us on social: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/)

You can drill berimbolos ’til your hips explode, but if your corner can’t guide a match you’ll still walk home with participation pics. In this episode of The I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show, I(@thejoshmckinney) flip the camera to the coach’s side: how to build a battle-ready team, run chaos-free tournament days, and yell the right words when everything’s on the line. Inside you’ll get: - Pre-tourney prep: rule-set hacks, positional sparring that actually matters, and the “Hail-Mary” plan every squad needs. - Individual dialing-in: managing nerves with ISAJJ breathing, stopping dumb weight cuts, and scouting that first opponent. - Game-day systems: team HQ setups, synchronized warm-ups, match-time tracking, and why assistant coaches are your secret weapon. - Live-match coaching: one-voice recognition, “next-fight” cueing (underhook, keep ’em flat!), time awareness, and a stealth code-word for stalling. - Post-match debriefs: 15-second fix-it notes between rounds and big-picture goals that keep momentum rolling long after the medals. - Whether you’re a seasoned professor or the blue belt who drew the short straw to coach Saturday, this blueprint will help your athletes compete calmer, smarter, and—most importantly—win more matches. 👉 Subscribe for weekly BJJ deep-dives, mindset tricks, and the occasional hot take that gets us uninvited from group chats. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) [BJJ Mental Models](https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck) [Kicksite FREE 30 Day Trial](https://kicksite.com/josh-mckinney/) [Datsusara](https://www.dsgear.com/) 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK” [Master ANY Position](https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/6) in 6 Weeks Join[⁠ISAJJ PRO](https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suck) (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place) Join the[Gi Gazette](https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/GG) Follow the show on[⁠ Instagram⁠](https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow) [⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠](https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney)

We are back to recap all of the action from the 2025 IBJJF World Championship! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices