Interviews

I've got something special for you today: a true adventure story set in the Far North featuring that I underwent a few years ago after a kidney transplant. I ended up learning a LOT about mental toughness, resilience, and strategies for making progress when I was absolutely at the end of my rope, lessons that I think are universally applicable. The book out today in hardcover, Kindle, and Audible audiobook formats. Since this is a podcast, I thought I'd give you the first three chapters in audio form, including an incident so embarrassing that I almost didn't include it in the book at all. If you grab the hardcover this week, I'll make sure you get a signed copy! If you get the Kindle or audiobook format, then you'll get my thanks and undying gratitude. You can get it at your local bookstore but you also get it at ALL the big online sites, including these links here at Amazon.com, and Barnesandnoble.com, In Canada you can get it at Amazon.ca or Indigo.ca. In the UK it comes out a little later, but you can still preorder it at any of the links on simonandschuster.co.uk. I hope you enjoy consuming this book in your favorite format it as much as I enjoyed writing it for you! Thanks so much, Stephan Kesting **P.S.** You can see some very kind early reviews of the book at stephankesting.com/perseverance-book

Anthony Budion shares his story of training with prominent UFC fighters and his years with the NYPD, NYFD and USAF. He also shares insight on growing a school. Other topics include pizza, the heavyweight rodents of NY and using the Crabride for counters!

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene are joined by BJJ Black Belt and Tournament Director of The Chewjitsu Open, Jeff Alexander. Chewy and Jeff discuss the idea behind The Chewjitsu Open, what happened during the first ever Chewjitsu Open, the recipe that's made The Chewjitsu Open successful, why it's more difficult to get brown and black belts to compete, Chewy's most nerve-racking tournament experience, the biggest lesson learned form running the Chewjitsu Opens, biggest changes and challenges of running the tournaments, the mission behind the Chewjitsu Open, and what sets the Chewjitsu Open apart from other tournaments. If you are interested in competing in the next Chewjitsu Open, head over to https://chewjitsu.nuwaycombat.com/ to learn more. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Grapple Science" at https://grapplescience.com/ and use the code CHEWJITSU20 for 20% off of your purchase of supplements. 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 Rob Biernacki! Rob shares advice for getting the most out of BJJ gym drop-ins, seminars, and camps. Topics include the importance of prior communication before attending, safety and etiquette during training, addressing issues with aggressive partners, the mindset needed to ensure a positive experience, and Island Top Team's visiting student program. Contact Rob regarding his visiting student program on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/islandtopteam](https://www.instagram.com/islandtopteam) Learn from Rob online at BJJ Concepts: [https://bjjconcepts.net/](https://bjjconcepts.net/) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Compatible Intent [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compatible-intent/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compatible-intent/)- Normalization [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/normalization/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/normalization/)- Psychological Safety [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety/) **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/) ⚠️**NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!** **MINDSET FOR BETAS,** our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta)

Manel Kape @manelkape 🇵🇹 deixa uma mensagem para o Mestre Nonato Machado, meu Professor, que ensinou-me tudo o que sei de Jiu-jitsu! De Manaus - Amazonas - Brasil para o Mundo! 🥋✨🚀 O melhor Jiu-Jitsu do Mundo vem de Manaus 🇧🇷💪🏻 #manelkape #ufc #portugal

Don't forget to Like & Subscribe to GET SIMPLIFIED!Produced by: @JimChristopherGovea Make sure to visit our sponsors, MASF Supplements/ Violent Hippieuse promo code "SIMPLEMAN" at check out to receive a 15% discount "BE KIND OR ELSE!"Wepsites: masfsupplements.com violenthippie.comInstagrams: https://www.instagram.com/violent__hippie/ https://www.instagram.com/masf_supplements/Simple man instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesimplemanpodcast/Merch Store: https://www.alvafitness.com/collections/simple-man-podcastXMartial:https://www.xmartial.com/Simpleman Rashguard: https://bteamjj.shop/products/simple-man-podcast-rash-guard Carne Jerky: https://www.instagram.com/carnejerky_/ NEW TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@therealsimplemanpodcast?lang=enAnaconda Fightwear:https://anacondafightwear.co/products/anacondakneebrace?gclid=CjwKCAiAlcyuBhBnEiwAOGZ2S6jy4e-hIsOD-_PV8qcvo-8N2YZ9YhZPMY80vCSfhdUT5APLzkcQRxoCnMhiQQAvD_BwEPromo code: https://Www.anacondafightwear.co/SIMPLEMAN15Marekhealth:🥼 https://marekhealth.com/simpleman - Get a 10% discount on diagnostic testing (use code SIMPLEMAN)Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SimpleManPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator0:00 where is Ethan?2:20 What NickyRod what's from Mr.Moody 7:05 Sponsors 9:25 UFC Cejudo vs Song12:15 Mighty Mouse was at B Team15:30 What's going on with Chat GBT? 16:50 Simple man Landlords 25:00 What happened to NickyRods truck & Dream cars 36:00 UFC Cejudo vs Song Card38:00 JayRod in the gi40:00 Would NickyRod Do MMA?41:45 upcoming matches 46:00 is Ryan Garcia crazy?49:40 Can NickyRod live on a boat?53:25 JayRod joins the podcast, Austin Opens1:04:50 Good Food & Favorite desserts1:12:20 Nicky Ryan1:13:10Whoop strap stats

Today I am joined by OG Grappler Marc Ste-Marie. Marc has been on the mats for his whole life and has so many nuggets of wisdom to share!Marc is also father to one of the best female grapplers of today, Brianna Ste-Marie. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models  Kicksite FREE 30 Day Trial Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK” Join⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place) Join the Gi Gazette ⁠Ask Questions/Suggest Topics⁠ for the show Follow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠ ⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by [Black Belt Digital Marketing](https://www.bbdigitalmarketing.com/) and [AcademySafe.org](https://academysafe.org/) 3rd-degree black belt Thomas Rozdzynski returns to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies podcast for his third appearance! Thomas trained under the legendary Carlson Gracie and is a wealth of knowledge, with experience as an instructor, academy owner, and host of his own popular podcast, The RõL Radio. Whether you're a seasoned grappler or just starting your BJJ journey, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation with a respected voice in the Jiu-Jitsu community. Instagram Handles: @rozdzynskibjj @therolradio @rol_academy @rolacademytv 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) [BioPro](https://bioproteintech.com/)- Get $30 OFF orders of $295 or more with Code: JJD [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 [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.

Can the right balance of strength training and BJJ practice elevate your performance on the mats? What do you do when childish behavior seeps into the adult class? What strength training is best for BJJ and why is it Strongman??? Find it all out here on todays QNA episode... Leave us a question for the next QNA episode: https://bulletproofforbjj.com/podcast 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/au/app/bulletp... Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... Stay Hydrated with Sodii the tastiest electrolytes in the Game! Get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof Unlock the jiu jitsu game you've always dreamed of! Get $16 off: BULLETPROOF16 https://submeta.io/

I was thrilled to have Jeff Nelson on the show to talk about Spartans, Samurai, Ninja, developing confidence through jiu-jitsu, fight scenes in movies that drive us crazy, and pro-training at some of the best BJJ schools in the world. Follow Jeff on Instagram (@thoughtandmindjj) and check out his book Ninja Punks, @*&% OFF! on Amazon! Also check out my new book, Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indigo, or your favorite local bookstore!

This week we're joined again by Mike Mahaffey! Best known as the "Old Bastard BJJ" guy, Mike joins us to discuss economy of motion in Jiu-Jitsu. We define economy of motion as: All else being equal, prefer the option that requires less movement. We unpack why this mental model is important, and how more athletic grapplers can violate this concept in favor of a movement-based game. Follow Mike on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/oldbastardbjj](https://www.instagram.com/oldbastardbjj) Check out upcoming BJJMM camps and events: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/events](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/events) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Economy of Motion [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/economy-of-motion/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/economy-of-motion/)- Path of Least Resistance [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/path-of-least-resistance/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/path-of-least-resistance/)- Static vs. Dynamic Control [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/static-vs-dynamic-control/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/static-vs-dynamic-control/)- Waypoints [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/waypoints/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/waypoints/)- Position Over Submission [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/position-over-submission/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/position-over-submission/)- Shifting Platforms [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shifting-platforms/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shifting-platforms/)- Investing in Loss [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/) **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/) ⚠️**NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!** **MINDSET FOR BETAS,** our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta)

Dr. Andrew Lock was a legend in the world of strength, rehab, and helping others. This clip is an excerpt from the episode we had the pleasure of filming with Dr. Lock some time ago. Listen to the full podcast here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9HRp9j521w](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9HRp9j521w) 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/au/app/bulletp... Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... Stay Hydrated with Sodii the tastiest electrolytes in the Game! Get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof Unlock the jiu jitsu game you've always dreamed of! Get $16 off: BULLETPROOF16 https://submeta.io/

Kuleana Jiu-Jitsu Co-Owner - Justin "Machine" Holder

Tom DeBlass joins the show to talk about bullying, being consistent in training while battling depression, and some final thoughts on his recent debate about the Ecological approach in Jiu-Jitsu. He also gives some technical insight on Half Guard!

Joe Miller is the founder and CEO of "1st Optimal", a telehealth functional medicine company dedicated to helping high performing men and women optimize their hormones, longevity, and overall health through personalized treatment plans that integrate lifestyle, exercise, supplementation, nutrition, and medications. With a deep passion for evidence-based medicine, functional health, and precision diagnostics, Joe has built a platform that bridges the gap between traditional healthcare and modern, proactive wellness strategies. On this episode Joe discusses how "1st Optimal" utilizes extensive testing to provide an optimal treatment plan to improve health and function, how the current healthcare model treats around "sick care" which limits treatment options as opposed to a Functional Medicine, gut health and what negatively effects it, recommendations for improved recovery, when to utilize carbohydrates for performance, energy, and recovery, common things that negatively impact hormones, the difference between total testosterone and free testosterone, natural supplements to boost testosterone production, negative effects from Testosterone, thoughts on steroids, and resources for supplements. To work with Joe and his team and learn more about "1st Optimal" head over to https://1stoptimal.com/ Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Grapple Science" at https://grapplescience.com/ and use the code CHEWJITSU20 for 20% off of your purchase of supplements. 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 Josh "Kintanon" Wentworth from Apex MMA in Covington, Georgia! In this episode, Josh discusses "social contracts" in Jiu-Jitsu and how to break them. Social contracts are the unwritten rules we abide by, which often aren't actually rules. Social contracts can become invisible mental scripts and self-limiting habits that hold us back from our best performance in every roll. Follow Josh on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/apexconyers](https://www.instagram.com/apexconyers) Train with Josh at Apex MMA in Covington, Georgia: [https://www.apexconyers.com/](https://www.apexconyers.com/) Annoy Josh on Reddit: [https://www.reddit.com/u/kintanon](https://www.reddit.com/u/kintanon) **Resources discussed in this episode:** The Meanest Shit You've Ever Seen, feat. Andy Stolarik (requires BJJMM Premium) [https://bit.ly/meanestshit](https://bit.ly/meanestshit) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Do What Works [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/)- Prevention Over Cure [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure/)- Technique Chaining [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/)- You Are What You Train [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/you-are-what-you-train/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/you-are-what-you-train/)- Dictate the Pace [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/)- Win Conditions [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions/)- Asymmetric Warfare [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/asymmetric-warfare/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/asymmetric-warfare/)- Grips Dictate Position [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position/)- Pattern Interrupts [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/pattern-interrupts/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/pattern-interrupts/)- Certainty Heuristic [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/certainty-heuristic/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/certainty-heuristic/) **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/) ⚠️**NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!** **MINDSET FOR BETAS,** our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta)

My second visit to the Specialist Ghassan, discussing common injuries among BJJ, Judo, and wrestling practitioners. Sharing this video for educational purposes. We’ll be incorporating some exercises to strengthen this area. Injury prevention is key, so let’s stay consistent and look after our bodies. Huge thanks to Specialist Ghassan Alaraji at Botany Specialist Sports Osteopath for his expertise. Highly recommend him if you ever need treatment or recovery support!

Ryan Aitken joins the podcast to talk about how he started training jiu-jitsu, his upcoming WNO match against Luccas Lira, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marcelo Garcia joins the show to talk about his return to competition, a lifetime dedicated to jiu-jitsu, and why he wants his kids to see him compete! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by [Black Belt Digital Marketing](https://www.bbdigitalmarketing.com/) and [AcademySafe.org](https://academysafe.org/) Join the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast this week as we feature 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Pompano Beach! Owner Matt Walsh and black belt Paul Geller share their passion for the art and insights on the jiu-jitsu community. They'll touch on recent jiu-jitsu news, including the controversial IBJJF spitting incident Matt was involved with a few months back, and offer valuable tips for grapplers of all levels. Instagram Handle: @10thplanetpompano 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) [BioPro](https://bioproteintech.com/)- Get $30 OFF orders of $295 or more with Code: JJD [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 [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.

Chris Paines (@chrisvillainbjj) got tired of "how to defend everything" and recently decided to BAN Everything instead. Today I(@thejoshmckinney) get to talk to my favorite Englishman about a new training methodology that he is experimenting with that can prevent injuries, produce better grapplers, and even eliminate inner-gym conflict. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)[BJJ Mental Models](https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck) FREE Copy of[⁠The 3 Lenses⁠](https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/3) 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) [⁠Ask Questions/Suggest Topics⁠](https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/ask) for the show Follow the show on[⁠ Instagram⁠](https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow) [⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠](https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney)

This week the guys talk about Miguels most recent endeavor with ONE FC. Hear all about how he got the call and chance to referee the BIGGEST comeback in BJJ history.

You have all the tools and are working on your comeback from injury, but how do you know when to make the leap? You love jiu jitsu but have to leave out part of the game altogether because of an ailment. And, are infrared Saunas BS, or are they something worth investing in? Find out all in today's QNA episode. Leave us a question for the next QNA episode: https://bulletproofforbjj.com/podcast 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/au/app/bulletp... Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... Stay Hydrated with Sodii the tastiest electrolytes in the Game! Get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof Unlock the jiu jitsu game you've always dreamed of! Get $16 off: BULLETPROOF16 https://submeta.io/

Paul Kindzia describes himself as a "homeschooled, non-denominational, it takes a village black belt" and had a very unique route to getting his BJJ black belt. He was a ronin, training at different schools and did a lot of his training in his home dojo. This paid off because he was a top IBJJF Masters competitor at blue, purple, and brown belt, before being awarded his black belt by a coalition of other black belts (myself included) in October of 2024. In this episode we talk about so many things, including - How to get really good if you don't train at a top-tier school - Key aspects of training safely - How to say no to training with people who don't have your best interests at heart - What you need to do to calibrate your skills if you mainly train one-on-one - Cult-like dynamics at some BJJ schools - What professional BJJ competitors do that sets them apart - How to get promoted if you train independently - How jiu-jitsu training has changed in the last 10 years - And so much more. For more about Paul's jiu-jitsu journey check out his site, The Balanced Grappler (https://www.thebalancedgrappler.com/) and his book, Master Jiu-Jitsu, Master Life (https://www.amazon.com/Master-Jiu-Jitsu-Life-Extraordinary-Through/dp/069216197X) Please give this episode a thumbs up and share it with someone else you think might enjoy it. Thanks so much, Stephan Kesting P.S. Check out my own book, Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic at https://www.stephankesting.com/perseverance-book