Interviews

This week, Steve is joined by Matt Kirtley, best known as Aesopian. In addition to being a moderator of Reddit's /r/bjj and a long-time Jiu-Jitsu blogger, Matt is a critic of martial arts cults. Matt joins us today to discuss the BITE (behavior, information, thought, emotional control) Model and influence continuum. The BITE Model and influence continuum are concepts defined by cult expert Steven Hassan. They can help identify whether an organization's influence is positive or negative. They're a great way to determine if you or a loved one are being manipulated by a cult or cult-like organization. BITE Model: [https://freedomofmind.com/bite-model/](https://freedomofmind.com/bite-model/) Influence Continuum: [https://freedomofmind.com/influence-continuum/](https://freedomofmind.com/influence-continuum/) **IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.** In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain. Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content. We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models. Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis. Link here: [https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?**Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/) Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.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)

This week the GOONS interview Nathalie and Osiris Feliz. Nathalie is a licensed massage therapist that owns and operates Alquina Massage & Wellness, Osiris is a yoga master who founded Air Fire Yoga a practice that focuses on developing: strength, endurance, proper body alignment, flexibility, relaxation, and vitality. Nat and Osi use their fields to help people prevent and recover from injuries a issue that every jiujitsu practitioner deals with.

Brad Souders joins the show to talk about starting BJJ in a town of less than 2k people in the 90's, pursuing Judo and BJJ simultaneously, overcoming competition nerves, and how to be a good training partner. He also talks a bout his passion for teaching!

Why some competitors excel at competition and others don't, hero worship in BJJ, and how to succeed at BJJ partnerships with Andrew 'Goatfury' Smith. Andrew is a 3rd degree black belt who runs Revolution BJJ (https://revolutionbjj.com/) in Richmond Virginia and helped found the US Grappling competition circuit. Please leave a rating and a review of this podcast if you can - it really helps! And download my free checklist to the positions and strategies of BJJ at https://www.grapplearts.com/book Cheers! Stephan Kesting

(Explicit Language Warning!) In this episode Joey ( Joe Worthington) and JT ( James Tomlinson) give you the inside story on how they each discovered BJJ. How they met? What brought them to develop their individual approaches to training Jiu-jitsu practitioners? Then ultimately how they joined forces to create Bulletproof For BJJ!

Adam joins the podcast to chat about training, we discuss the new way Chewy ran belt promotions at the gym, Adam discusses receiving the first degree on his black belt, Eugene talks about earning his BJJ black belt, the difference between being nervous and excited, walking the Gauntlet, explaining what Jiu-Jitsu is to people that don't train, and a Q&A. Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to https://bit.ly/31HEWoT and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://www.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Manscaped. Check out https://www.manscaped.com/ and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off and free shipping!

This week Steve is joined by Brian Glick, black belt from the Danaher Death Squad. We discuss methods versus outcomes, how to know if we're on the right path, and how to tell if the resulting fallacy is leading us astray. **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Probabilistic Thinking [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/probabilistic-thinking/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/probabilistic-thinking/)- Position Over Submission [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/position-over-submission/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/position-over-submission/)- Habits Over Results [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/)- Discipline Equals Freedom [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/discipline-equals-freedom/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/discipline-equals-freedom/)- Form to Leave Form [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/form-to-leave-form/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/form-to-leave-form/)- Shuhari [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shuhari/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shuhari/)- Resulting Fallacy [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/resulting/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/resulting/)- Scientific Method [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/scientific-method/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/scientific-method/) **IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.** In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain. Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content. We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models. Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis. Link here: [https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?**Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/) Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.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)

Michael Zenga joins the show to talk about switching from boxing to Judo and BJJ, starting BJJ Fanatics and the growth of the company. He also gives advice for heavyweights and he provides deep, technical insight on how to make the perfect pizza!

Chewy shares how he got his nickname. Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to https://bit.ly/31HEWoT and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://www.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Check out exclusive podcast interviews and conversations, videos, and tons more at https://www.patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

Ramsey Dewey is a former mixed martial artist, kickboxer, holds a degree in modern dance, and runs a popular youtube channel. Ramsey discusses moving to China, starting one of the first BJJ and MMA gyms in China, the most popular martial art in China, overcoming a severe illness, getting a degree in modern dance, how an illness changed the course of his life, reverse culture shock, Ramsey's rivalry with Master Wong, the importance of limitations, the state of Ramsey's gym during the pandemic, suffering a severe injury during a fight that ended his fighting career, and much more. Check out Ramsey's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/balletman Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to [https://bit.ly/31HEWoT](https://bit.ly/31HEWoT) and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out [https://www.epicrollbjj.com](https://www.epicrollbjj.com/) and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Manscaped. Check out [https://www.manscaped.com/](https://www.manscaped.com/) and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off and free shipping!

This is it: the ultimate onboarding package for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Jeff Shaw, co-owner of Bellingham BJJ and host of Dirty White Belt Radio, joins us to tell absolute beginners what they need to know about Jiu-Jitsu. If you're looking to start BJJ, or you're introducing someone to BJJ, play this episode. Topics discussed in this episode: - How to introduce the brand new student to Jiu-Jitsu- What to look for in a gym/instructor- How to identify red flags with a gym/instructor- How to onboard new students- Critical concepts for beginners- Techniques vs. concepts- How BJJ is different from other martial arts- How John Danaher pronounces "rodeo"- How to talk about butts. Buttocks? Bum? Ass? Hindquarters?- How to avoid alienating students- The most effective pro wrestling finishers in BJJ- BJJ etiquette: dos and don'ts **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Principles Over Techniques [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/principles-over-techniques/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/principles-over-techniques/)- Controlled Breathing [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlled-breathing/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlled-breathing/)- Form to Leave Form [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/form-to-leave-form/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/form-to-leave-form/)- Theory of Alignment [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/alignment/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/alignment/)- Making Smaller Circles [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/making-smaller-circles/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/making-smaller-circles/)- Prevention Over Cure [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure/)- Marginal Gains [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/marginal-gains/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/marginal-gains/)- Train With Purpose [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/) **IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.** In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain. Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content. We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models. Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis. Link here: [https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?**Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/) Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.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)

Josh McKinney joins the show to talk about competition mentality, the white belt struggle, running an efficient school and overcoming plateaus. He also trades funny podcasting stories with Ryan about his own show "The I Suck as Jiu-Jitsu Podcast".

Let's say you make it to the biggest stage in MMA, where do you go after? Today I sit down with my good friend Luigi Fioravant. Former UFC fighter and now a pure jiu-jitsu artist. It was awesome to get to pick someone's brain about what it's like to be cheered by thousands and then pay to compete in IBJJF tournaments. Luigi also has a very interesting perspective when it comes to the cops need/don't need BJJ argument. Because Luigi himself is a police officer. Enjoy! Buy Tickets to Luigi's upcoming match: https://nitrotickets.com/fuji

Today I chat with Dan "TrumpetDan" Lukeheart from Brea Jiu-Jitsu in Orange County about the steps he's taken to keep his school open in a responsible manner during the Covid-19 pandemic, how to improve your BJJ skills during a training layoff, and how to win more matches in tournaments. Check out Dan's school at http://breajiujitsu.com/ The video form of this conversation is available on Youtube at https://youtu.be/JHvGYM0HWmU As always, please share this episode with someone you think would benefit from it! Thanks so much, Stephan Kesting

Chris is a BJJ brown belt and stroke survivor. Chris sustained a stroke in 2017 due to being placed in a submission while training. Chris shares his story of having a stroke, the signs that he had before the stroke happened, what to do if you have symptoms, what gym owners should know, why he still trains Jiu-Jitsu, how his training has changed, and what his goals are with bringing more attention and stroke awareness to the jiu-jitsu community. Stroke symptoms: B.E. F.A.S.T. (Balance difficulty, Eyes-impaired vision, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911) Check out Chris' youtube channel: [https://m.youtube.com/c/ChrisMartinbizjitsu/featured?disable_polymer=true&itct=CBgQ8JMBGAAiEwikosD06-nuAhXq2BYJHWtqDfE%3D](https://m.youtube.com/c/ChrisMartinbizjitsu/featured?disable_polymer=true&itct=CBgQ8JMBGAAiEwikosD06-nuAhXq2BYJHWtqDfE%3D) Chris' blog: https://medium.com/@bizjitsu Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to https://bit.ly/31HEWoT and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://www.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Check out exclusive podcast interviews and conversations, videos, and tons more at https://www.patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

This week, Steve and Matt are rejoined by Dr. Valerie "Valhalla" Worthington. We have a thoughtful discussion on the ego, how it can hinder us, how it can help us, and whether "killing" the ego is a good idea. **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Beginner's Mind [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/)- Respect People, Not Positions [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/)- Kaizen [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/)- Incremental Learning [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/)- Defensive Thinking [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defensive-thinking/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defensive-thinking/)- Mindfulness [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/)- Emotional Contagion [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/emotional-contagion/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/emotional-contagion/) **IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.** In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain. Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content. We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models. Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis. Link here: [https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?**Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/) Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.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)

Vinny Magalhaes joins the show to talk about technical imbalances, developing a dangerous guard, coaching styles, how MMA impacted his Jiu-Jitsu and how he became a highly respected MMA coach. He also talks about Taco Bell, reptiles and a fear of heights.

Andy Stumpf is a former Navy Seal, he has set two World Records after jumping from 36,500 feet and flying over 18 miles in a wingsuit to raise money for the Navy SEAL Foundation, he hosts the "Cleared Hot Podcast," and holds a Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt. Andy joins the podcast to discuss his time as a Navy Seal, settin goals and staying the course to achieve them, the most difficult part of BUDS (Navy Seal training), the mindset that helped Andy to overcome any difficult task, the gift of failure and struggle, the idea and process behind setting a world record in a wingsuit, what happens when equipment malfunctions during a jump, why Andy started training Jiu-Jitsu, the similar attribute successful people share, injuries he sustained in the Navy Seals, and his goals for 2021. Follow Andy on Instagram @andystumpf212 and check out his podcast "Cleared Hot." Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to https://bit.ly/31HEWoT and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://www.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Manscaped. Check out https://www.manscaped.com/ and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off and free shipping of some great grooming gear! Check out exclusive podcast interviews and conversations, videos, and tons more at https://www.patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

Xande returns to discuss his new affiliation, when new students should begin rolling, academy ownership and restricting techniques by rank. He also gives deep technical insight to his Diamond Concept and how it applies to various positions on the mat!

Dr Chris Moriarty is a medical doctor and a former high level black belt BJJ competitor. In this episode we talk about the rapidly evolving situation of covid vaccines, viral variants, and what it means for training jiu-jitsu and martial arts in general. Dr Moriarty has been instrumental in creating guidelines to make BJJ training during a pandemic safer (available at https://www.grapplearts.com/openingupbjj)

Today I talk with Matt Kirtley, better known to many as 'Aesopian', about - Changes to jiu-jitsu culture, - Crazy martial arts cults, - Channeling of ancient spirits, - How we can get more out of drilling, - Red flags that you're in a jiu-jitsu cult - And much more I met Matt ages ago when he published step-by-step breakdowns for the reverse omoplata and the rolling crucifix attack on a forum which I then republished (with permission) on Grapplearts. He's good people! He is a jiu-jitsu black belt who has been heavily involved in online jiu-jitsu culture for 15 years. He writes extensively at Inverted Gear, has helped answer hundreds of BJJ questions for White Belt Wednesdays, and is a Functional Range Conditioning coach. If you enjoyed this episode then check out - Episode 290 with Steve Kwan about BJJ Cults and Conspiracies, - Episode 291 with Derek Beres from the Conspirituality Pod about Cults and Conspiracies in the Yoga, Wellness and BJJ Community - Episode 297 with Mathew Remski about Cults, Prophecies and Deprogramming Your Friends. (Yes, I know there's a theme, but in my opinion focussing on this stuff is more important than ever nowadays.) If you get the chance, please feel free to share this episode with someone you think would enjoy it. Word of mouth is how podcasts like this grow!

On this episode of The Chewjitsu Podcast, we are joined by BJJ Black Belt Kurt Osiander. Kurt updates us on what he has been up to, the injuries he has been dealing with, starting training BJJ pre-UFC, how his game evolved over the years, training in Brazil, the difference in training in Brazil as compared to the U.S., challenge matches in the early days, the start of the "Move of the Week," being yourself, the evolution of BJJ, training with Ralph Gracie, BJJ tournament rulesets, and tons more! Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to [https://bit.ly/31HEWoT](https://bit.ly/31HEWoT) and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out [https://www.epicrollbjj.com](https://www.epicrollbjj.com/) and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Check out exclusive podcast interviews and conversations, videos, and tons more at https://www.patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

This week, Steve is joined by Bruce Hoyer from Next Edge Academy. Bruce is best known for pioneering the reverse classroom model in BJJ. If you've been looking for a new and empowering way to structure your learning or classes, this is the episode for you. **IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.** In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain. Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content. We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models. Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis. Link here: [https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?**Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/) Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.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)

Rayron Gracie joins the show to talk about the unique experience of growing up in the Gracie family, his acquired taste for Jiu-Jitsu and the importance of persistence. He also speaks candidly about his father Ryan Gracie and the upcoming film about him.