BJJ Podcasts

Get up on the BEST nutrition bar for BJJ athletes -- https://raisednutrition.com CODE: BULLETPROOF Get The LIMITED EDITION Somedays Porrada Oversized T-- https://www.fanwear.com.au/search?q=somedays+porrada&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Get the ULTIMATE program for BJJ-- 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 & get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof Check out Cauli Coolers-- https://caulicooler.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq3f0_hfmmgQJhQW-GNPFqbXyv02fiJH1h-nMI6z3WoGgZvq8cW

In this episode we dive into ADCC Euro trials, Dagestan history, and which country has the scariest grapplers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu black belt Nathan Orchard. Nathan discusses his extensive MMA career prior to learning Jiu-Jitsu, how he only stayed at Blue Belt for 2 weeks, learning to fight in his front yard, the development of the "Dead Orchard" submission, developing of your game - how much is intentional vs. accidental, the importance of a clean environment, advice to younger grapplers, martial arts movies and influences, how to stay safe in training, and his goals on starting a new gym. Follow Nathan on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nateorch10p/ 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

This week, we're joined again by Lachlan Giles for a deep rethink of what "fundamentals" really mean in modern Jiu-Jitsu. Rather than treating fundamentals as a fixed list of techniques, Lachlan argues they should be defined by goals, rulesets, and outcomes. He explains why competitors may benefit more from guard retention and winning early exchanges than from late-stage escapes, how mindset and time allocation shape development, and why specialization often beats chasing the meta. Follow Lachlan on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/lachlan_giles](https://instagram.com/lachlan_giles) Train with Lachlan at Absolute MMA in St. Kilda, Australia: [https://absolutemma.com.au](https://absolutemma.com.au/) Learn online with Lachlan at SUBMETA (seriously, do it): [https://submeta.io](https://submeta.io/) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Controlling the Distance [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlling-the-distance](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlling-the-distance)- Opening Salvos [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/opening-salvos](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/opening-salvos)- Win Conditions [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions)- Defense Paradox [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defense-paradox](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defense-paradox)- Layers of Guard [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/layers-of-guard](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/layers-of-guard)- Prevention Over Cure [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure)- Funneling [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling)- Zone of Genius [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/zone-of-genius](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/zone-of-genius)- Shuhari [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shuhari](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shuhari)- Curse of Knowledge [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge) ⬆️ **LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!** The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels) Music by Enterprize: [https://enterprize.bandcamp.com](https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/)

In this episode of Fighting Matters, hosts Stephan Kesting and Jeff Shaw are joined by Tyson LaRone (The Warrior Philosopher) to unpack the renewed push for Alberta separatism, its connections to Trump and MAGA, and the growing influence of U.S. political forces in Canadian domestic affairs. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Fighting Matters Linktree — [https://linktree.com/fightingmatters](https://linktree.com/fightingmatters) ⸻ 👥 Featuring: • Stephan Kesting — [https://www.grapplearts.com](https://www.grapplearts.com/) • Jeff Shaw — [https://bellinghambjj.com](https://bellinghambjj.com) • Tyson Larone — [https://www.tiktok.com/@thewarriorphilosopher](https://www.tiktok.com/@thewarriorphilosopher) ⸻ 🧠 Topics Discussed: • The Alberta Prosperity Project and separatist rhetoric • U.S. political influence and destabilization narratives • Economic myths around equalization and the “Alberta advantage” • Oil, foreign ownership, and who actually benefits • Grievance politics vs. evidence-based policy • Why martial arts spaces are vulnerable to political radicalization ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 — Introductions & Alberta separatism overview 01:40 — How real is the threat of separation? 07:20 — U.S. politics, propaganda, and destabilization 12:40 — Economic myths and equalization explained 31:40 — The “Alberta advantage” under scrutiny 52:20 — American corporate interests and oil profits 01:03:00 — Parallels with Ukraine and foreign interference 01:04:50 — Martial arts, gurus, and political influence

Stay hydrated with Sodii & get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof Get the plastic free rash guard that won't f*** you up -- https://www.alchemical.com.au Get the ULTIMATE program for BJJ-- 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 Get up on the BEST nutrition bar for BJJ athletes -- https://raisednutrition.com CODE: BULLETPROOF

Trey and Reid break down everything that went down at Polaris 35! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by [Black Belt Digital Marketing](https://www.bbdigitalmarketing.com/) and [AcademySafe.org](https://academysafe.org/) In this episode of the Jiu Jitsu Dummies, Milton and Ben sit down with Ish Lopez, a Pittsburgh-area Law Enforcement Officer and SRT (Special Response Team) operator who is deeply embedded in the professional side of the martial arts world. Ish brings a unique perspective to the show as the host of The Relentless Project podcast and the Operations Manager for Seminar Stack. We discuss his experience on the front lines, the logistical side of organizing world-class seminars, and how his background in law enforcement shapes his view of the BJJ community. We also dive into the mission of Academy Safe. Ish shares his insights from a first-responder's point of view on why background checks, safety certifications, and AED/CPR standards are essential components for any modern academy. In this episode, we cover: - Tactical Jiu Jitsu: The reality of being an SRT officer and how BJJ translates to law enforcement. - Seminar Stack & Logistics: Behind the scenes of helping the industry's best organize and share their knowledge. - The Academy Safe Standard: Why high-level safety and verification are the gold standard for gym owners. - The Relentless Mindset: Lessons learned from hosting The Relentless Project. Whether you're a first responder, a gym owner, or just a practitioner looking to understand the high-stakes side of the art, Ish brings a perspective you don’t want to miss. Instagram handles: @relentlessprjct @theishlopez @seminarstack 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/) [Flow N Roll](https://www.flownroll.com/) - Get 20% OFF with Code: JJD [Leao Optics](https://leaooptics.com/?aff=17) - Get 10% OFF with Code: JJD [Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast Store](https://www.jiujitsudummies.shop/) - Get 15% OFF with code: JJD [FightTape.us](https://www.fighttape.us/) - Get 10% OFF with code: JJD Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jiujitsudummies/), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JiuJitsuDummies/), and [X](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.

*This interview is an excerpt fromDark Martial Arts History,an 8-part audio documentary chronicling the history and rise of extremism in martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. The rest of the documentary is available on*[BJJ Mental Models Premium](https://bjjmentalmodels.com)*, but this piece is relevant to current events, so we're publishing it here for free.* In the sixth episode of **Dark Martial Arts History,** hosts Ben Van Doren and Eva Schubert are joined by longtime Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu educator and commentator **Stephan Kesting.** The conversation explores how conspiracy thinking, social-media incentives, and institutional silence have normalized authoritarian and extremist rhetoric within MMA and BJJ. The panel discusses the role of major platforms, the responsibility of fans and businesses, and the challenges practitioners face when harmful ideologies appear inside gyms themselves. Rather than treating extremism as an external threat, this episode asks what the martial arts community has tolerated, and what it must confront moving forward. Learn from Stephan online at Grapplearts: [https://www.grapplearts.com](https://www.grapplearts.com/) Follow Stephan Kesting on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/stephan_kesting](https://instagram.com/stephan_kesting) Follow Ben Van Doren on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/deepbluebrazilianjiujitsu](https://instagram.com/deepbluebrazilianjiujitsu) Follow Eva Schubert on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/evaschubert](https://instagram.com/evaschubert) ⬆️ **LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!** The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels)

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss **momentum** and its underappreciated importance to Jiu-Jitsu. Momentum is the product of **mass times velocity.**Beginners tend to ignore momentum and attempt techniques from a dead stop, which reduces their likelihood of success. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro) ⬆️ **LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!** The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels)

**A Few weeks ago at the Fuji Expo in KC, I (@thejoshmckinney) grabbed a mic at the end of a long tournament day and did what every exhausted coach should do: talk trash, tell stories, and give hot takes while the adrenaline wears off.** **You’ll hear from the Arias Bros (including a wild match story that ends in a heel hook attempt in the gi), plus more coaches breaking down what they saw on the mats, what tournaments get right/wrong, and the weird culture stuff we all pretend isn’t real (handshake etiquette, rulesets, coaching “disappointment,” and more).** **Thanks to all the coaches who jumped on the mic to chat.** **If you’ve ever coached all day, competed and got banged up, or just love the post-tournament parking-lot vibes—this one’s for you.** **Suck at Jiu Jitsu Experience: https://kick.site/rxi0b3vo ($100 OFF with Promo Code "Fuji Expo")** **Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck** **sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”** **Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”: https://www.dsgear.com/** **The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp** **00:00 – Live at the Fuji BJJ Expo** **01:30 – Aras Bros interview & wild black belt match story** **04:20 – Coaching all day, winning & losing at tournaments** **06:00 – Fuji Expo thoughts & Midwest Jiu-Jitsu** **08:00 – ISAJJ Show Experience & camp announcement** **10:40 – Jiu-Jitsu injury insurance explained** **17:45 – Tournament risk, injuries & gym owner responsibility** **20:00 – Hot takes, sponsors & mat hygiene talk** **23:30 – Coaching mindset, injuries & training updates** **27:00 – Gi vs No-Gi & tournament formats** **33:30 – Favorite matches & coaching disappointments** **41:00 – Post-match etiquette & jiu-jitsu traditions** **45:20 – Masters vs adult divisions & rulesets** **50:00 – Spicy hot takes & culture commentary** **57:45 – Final thoughts & wrap-up**

BJJ Black Belt Michael Heinz joins show show to talk about how meditation has impacted his journey in the art. He explains how to use meditation concepts before, during and after training to achieve better results.

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by [Black Belt Digital Marketing](https://www.bbdigitalmarketing.com/) and [AcademySafe.org](https://academysafe.org/) What happens when you put two Black Belts behind the mics with no script? You get the raw, unfiltered reality of the Jiu-Jitsu journey. In this episode, Milton Campis and Ben Stark sit down to discuss the vital mission of Academy Safe, why it’s needed now more than ever, and how it’s shaping the future of martial arts safety. Instagram handles: @mmacoachben @academysafe @jiujitsudummies @blackbeltdigitalmarketing 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/) [Flow N Roll](https://www.flownroll.com/) - Get 20% OFF with Code: JJD [Leao Optics](https://leaooptics.com/?aff=17) - Get 10% OFF with Code: JJD [Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast Store](https://www.jiujitsudummies.shop/) - Get 15% OFF with code: JJD [FightTape.us](https://www.fighttape.us/) - Get 10% OFF with code: JJD Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jiujitsudummies/), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JiuJitsuDummies/), and [X](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.

The allegations against Andre Galvao, and subsequent collapse of Atos, have sent shockwaves through the Jiu-Jitsu world. In this episode, Steve Kwan and Jesse Walker unpack the allegations against Atos leadership, the victim statements that triggered a mass exodus, and why this moment feels different from past scandals. We explore abuse of power in martial arts, why competition success can’t excuse ethical failure, and what real accountability could look like, beyond statements and social media posts. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Fighting Matters Linktree — [https://linktr.ee/fightingmatters](https://linktr.ee/fightingmatters) • Fighting Matters Substack — [https://fightingmatters.substack.com](https://fightingmatters.substack.com) • "You’re Picking Your Jiu-Jitsu Gym Wrong" (Jesse Walker) — [https://roughhands.substack.com/p/youre-picking-your-jiu-jitsu-gym](https://roughhands.substack.com/p/youre-picking-your-jiu-jitsu-gym) ⸻ 👥 Featuring: • Steve Kwan — @bjjmentalmodels • Jesse Walker — @roughhandsbjj ⸻ 🧠 Topics Discussed: • Allegations against Atos leadership and the resulting collapse • Why this scandal triggered a rapid, unprecedented response • Abuse of power and hierarchy in martial arts culture • DARVO, victim silencing, and why convictions aren’t the only standard • How gyms, athletes, and platforms enable bad actors • Rethinking what "the best" Jiu-Jitsu gym actually means • Economic pressure and collective action as accountability tools ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 — Why this episode had to happen 02:45 — Victim statements and breaking news 05:10 — Why this collapse feels different 09:25 — Predators, power, and Jiu-Jitsu culture 15:55 — Choosing gyms: competition vs. ethics 20:15 — Why legal standards aren’t enough 26:18 — Accountability beyond statements 33:10 — Platforms, money, and moral responsibility 43:55 — What real action could look like 47:45 — Where the community goes next

Don't forget to Like & Subscribe to GET SIMPLIFIED!Join Nicky Rod, Nicky Ryan, and Damien Anderson in the Simple Man studio for a mini Q&A, fight predictions, and more.InstagramThe Podcast: @thesimplemanpodcast Come Train with Us: @simplemanmartialartsHosts:@bjjdamien@nickyrod247@ethan.crelinsten@nickyryanbjjProducer:@allywolskiC4 :@c4energyhttps://glnk.io/44o9/bjjdamienCode: SIMPLEMANMarek Health:🥼https://marekhealth.com Get a 10% discount use code SIMPLEMANSimple Man Merchwww.simplemanma.myshopify.comPronoia:https://www.pronoiabjj.com/Use promocode SIMPLEMAN for 10% off your entire order at checkoutPronoia Instagram: @pronoiabjjCarne Jerky:@carnejerky_Timestamps: 00:00:00Intro 00:00:30 Cracking a C4 00:02:40 Getting Quads 00:07:35 Tax Write Offs 00:09:18 Supercross 00:11:25 UFC 325 00:17:10 What's New with Nicky Ryan 00:21:02 What's New with NickyRod 00:22:34 Mikey Musumeci 00:24:29 Hangin with the Boys 00:26:25 Ffion Davies 00:27:00 Damien's Fight 00:30:23 Quad Necessities 00:32:48 Damien's Wife Calls 00:33:24 What Gift to Get?? 00:35:39 Brotherhood of the Traveling Timbs 00:38:02 Cash or Jewelry 00:39:42 Q&A - How to Calm Down Before a Fight 00:45:27 Merab's Cardio is Insane 00:47:00 Where Would We Be Without Jiu Jitsu 00:52:10 Nicky Gaming, Woodworking, & Recovery 00:53:40 Damien's Wife Surprise 00:55:50 Getting a Dog?? 01:00:02 See ya!

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene are joined by Allison from 1st Optimal. Allison is a Certified Health Coach that works with Chewy directly. Allison discusses the use of GLP-1 medications and suggestions to increase muscle mass while on this medication, the benefits of TRT and also misconceptions around the use of TRT, signs of low testosterone, what blood markers people don't get checked but are very important, how thyroid function impacts energy levels, lifestyle choices to promote higher testosterone levels, and the benefits of peptides for recovery, healing, and gut health. If you would like to work with 1st Optimal, check out https://1stoptimal.com/ and let them know Chewy sent you to get a discount. 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

How to create a professional environment and a welcoming gym culture at your BJJ school, and what people do wrong, with Josh Peters. Josh is a 3rd degree black belt in BJJ, who has competed in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Sanda, Sambo, kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts. He runs combatprinciplesmma.com in Burtonsville Maryland. Follow Josh on Instagram at instagram.com/joshcpmma and/or on Facebook at facebook.com/combatprinciplesmma. Support Josh's run for county council at friendsofjoshuapeters.com. And if you want to comment on upcoming legistlation as suggested in this episode go to www.dol.gov/agencies/oasp/regulatory-programmatic-policy P.S. Check out my best-selling book, Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic, available anywhere you get physical, digital and audio books and also here: https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/dp/1639368612/

This week, we're joined by Andrew Green! Andrew is the creator of the Kids Jiu-Jitsu Playbook and a 25-year veteran of martial arts coaching. In this episode, Andrew teaches what truly makes a great kids coach: understanding developmental stages, emotional regulation, building culture, motivating engagement, working effectively with parents, why kids can’t be coached like "mini adults," how life skills outweigh medals, and what gyms can do to create safer, more sustainable, and more impactful youth programs. Follow Andrew on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/innovativemartialartswpg](https://instagram.com/innovativemartialartswpg) Train with Andrew at Innovative Martial Arts in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: [https://winnipegmartialarts.ca](https://winnipegmartialarts.ca) Check out The Kids Jiu-Jitsu Playbook (there's a free version): [https://www.skool.com/kids-jiu-jitsu-playbook](https://www.skool.com/kids-jiu-jitsu-playbook) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Gamification [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification) ⬆️ **LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!** The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels) Music by Enterprize: [https://enterprize.bandcamp.com](https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/)

Get the ULTIMATE program for BJJ-- 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 Get up on the BEST nutrition bar for BJJ athletes -- https://raisednutrition.com CODE: BULLETPROOF Stay hydrated with Sodii & get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof Check out Cauli Coolers-- https://caulicooler.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq3f0_hfmmgQJhQW-GNPFqbXyv02fiJH1h-nMI6z3WoGgZvq8cW

The idea of “keeping politics out” is no longer tenable, especially in Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts communities. Against the backdrop of escalating political violence, institutional breakdowns, and global instability, we explore the civic responsibility of gym owners, coaches, and athletes, and why silence increasingly amounts to complicity. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Fighting Matters Linktree — [https://linktree.com/fightingmatters](https://linktree.com/fightingmatters) • Fighting Matters Substack — [https://fightingmatters.substack.com](https://fightingmatters.substack.com) • This Is Why We Fight (Jeff Shaw course) — [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/fight](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/fight) ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan — [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com) Stephan Kesting — [https://www.grapplearts.com](https://www.grapplearts.com) Jeff Shaw — [https://bellinghambjj.com](https://bellinghambjj.com) ⸻ 🧠 Topics Discussed: • Why “keep politics out of Jiu-Jitsu” is a thought-terminating cliché • Political violence, accountability, and the role of video evidence • Fascism, despair, and overreaction as a martial arts analogy • Civic responsibility for gym owners and community leaders • Why neutrality increasingly favors the status quo ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 — Welcome & January 2026 reality check 04:40 — Political violence and media narratives 13:30 — Why apolitical stances are collapsing 24:00 — Global consequences and U.S. credibility 31:00 — “Keep politics out of Jiu-Jitsu” examined 45:10 — Martial arts, pressure, and overreaction 54:40 — What regular people can actually do 57:20 — Final thoughts and calls to action

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss **leading edges,** and why it's important to identify which part of the body is responsible for making an attack work. The leading edge will often (but not always) be the nearest part of your opponent's body where gravitational force is coming from. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro) ⬆️ **LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!** The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels)

Everyone Has a Hot Take about BJJ… So We Gave Them all a Microphone This is the FIRST EVER episode of Hot Takes Wanted—and we didn’t hold back. I(@thejoshmckinney) grabbed as many people as possible and let them unload their most unfiltered jiu-jitsu opinions. No scripts. No safety nets. Just raw takes from the mats. Guard pulling? Gi vs No-Gi? Wrestling elitism? American Jiu-Jitsu? Barefoot tournament savages?? Yeah… it all came up. Some people think you can’t complain about guard pulling if you can’t pass a guard. Others say you shouldn’t guard pull if you can’t wrestle. Some swear No-Gi isn’t even Jiu-Jitsu—it’s just submission wrestling. Others say if you don’t train in the gi, you’re missing the point entirely. Then things got weird (in the best way). We got takes on: -Boxers vs Jiu-Jitsu in real fights -Why belt promotions are broken (or perfect) -Why American Jiu-Jitsu is its own thing -Why your toes should get stomped on if you walk barefoot at tournaments -And even why the infamous “r*pe choke” should be renamed Some takes are smart. Some are spicy. Some will absolutely make you mad. And that’s the point. 👇 Jump in the comments: Which take was the WORST? Which one was 100% correct? And what hot take should we put on blast in the next episode? This is jiu-jitsu culture—unfiltered. I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Experience: https://kick.site/rxi0b3vo ($100 OFF with Promo Code "Fuji Expo") Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK” Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”: https://www.dsgear.com/ The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp

In this episode we dive in to everything that went down at IBJJF Euros and preview Polaris 35! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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