Interviews

**Josh(@thejoshmckinney) sits down with friend and brown belt Adam Meredith(@adammeredith_) to talk about his transition from mma to jiu-jitsu. As they dig deep on the topic of brain health Adam drops some really good thoughts on keeping a sleep/rest routine.** **PLUS at the top of the show we have a monster announcement that could very well change how people learn jiu-jitsu.** [https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/kimura](https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/kimura)

Ben is a BJJ blackbelt and co-founder of Guardian Gym, which is a non-profit gym created for interested youth to have an opportunity to fall in love with martial arts and have their lives changed both on and off the mats. Ben discusses how he accidentally stumbled into martial arts, what got him hooked on BJJ, the idea behind starting a non-profit gym to help kids and adults start martial arts, the difficulties of starting a youth jiu-jitsu program, and the importance of building a strong team. Check out Ben's gyms at www.guardiangym.org and www.guardianbaltimore.org Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to www.charlottesweb.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out www.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. JiuGo - The Original Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Card Game. Go to [www.jiugoplay.com](http://jiugoplay.com/) and use the promo code Chewjitsu and get 10% off your purchase.

Dr Moriarty is a medical doctor and had a long fierce career as a BJJ competitor who previously published guidelines for reopening BJJ academies during the Covid-19 pandemic (grapplearts.com/openingupbjj). In this followup episode we look at the current state of the epidemic, implications for training, and how to figure out whether cases truly are going up or down in your area. 00:32 - Intro to Doctor Chris Moriarty, BJJ black belt. 02:43 - Where is the USA and the rest of the world at with Covid? 11:50 - Are cases going up just because of an increase in testing? 14:39 - Memorial day, protests, and other reasons that states may be experiencing a rise in Covid infections. 22:90 - Masks and prevention of coronavirus transmission. 25:46 - Is now safe to train BJJ? 33:18 - What about training BJJ with just one partner? 36:27 - On lighting campfires in dry grasslands and taking risks for other people. 38:09 - Signs of hope. 44:34 - The politicisation of mask wearing. 49:37 - Modes of transmission. 51:25 - Final words.

What does the future of competitive jiu-jitsu look like? Well, we really believe that Jordan Peitzman(@jordan_jitsu) has the answer(or is really dang close). The Bjj Woodstock! The concept is a really amazing idea, in one weekend there will be a fan expo, a tournament, a pro jiu-jitsu card, and a TON of seminars. Oh, and all of the seminars will be FREE! This type of event has never really been done and we at the I suck at Jiu-Jitsu show are so excited to support it. If you're interested in supporting the event or just want more information, go to https://www.subspectrumbjj.com/donate If you're interested in some of the concepts talked about on our show please visit bjjsucks.com/simple to get your FREE copy of Simplifying Jiu-Jitsu! You can follow Josh on instagram @thejoshmckiney and the show at @isuckatjiujitsushow

It's been a long time since I have had a question and answer on the podcast and since releasing simplifying jiu-jitsu, I have gotten quite a few follow up questions! So, I wanted to do a Q&A episode to really help with that.

Fabio Clemente joins the show to talk about athleticism in BJJ, creating panic in your opponent, training after 50 and teaching kids. He also gives great insight about being an academy owner and gives advice for future school owners.

It's our honor and privilege to be joined this week by Sergeant Major Seb Lavoie. In addition to a lifetime of experience in the martial arts, Seb is a 19-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and previously served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Seb is currently the divisional Sergeant Major for British Columbia, Canada. This week Seb joins us to discuss the killing of George Floyd, police use of force, and where police organizations around the world can go from here. Apologies for the audio quality; we recorded this episode via Zoom so we could get it published in a timely fashion. Please note that the opinions expressed by Seb Lavoie may not necessarily reflect the organizational views of the RCMP. **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)

**Jeff Shulze( is arguably one of the toughest red heads on the planet(second to WWE's Sheamus). On top of being a jiu-jitsu black belt Jeff is also studying to get his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.** **Using jiu-jitsu and psychology in tandem is what makes Jeff's prospective so unique. This is the perfect episode if you're looking on how to get the mental edge in your training room.** **You can follow I suck at jiu-jitsu show's host, Josh McKinney (@thejoshmckinney) on Instagram to keep up with the latest projects of the show. Also, don't miss out on your free copy of Simplifying Jiu-Jitsu at bjjsucks.com/simple**

Jacob "Stitch" Duran is a professional cutman in boxing and MMA. "Stitch" discusses growing up in a small farming town, his early years as a boxing trainer and also running a kickboxing gym, his transition to becoming a cutman and eventually working with elite level martial artists and boxers, starring in movies, how he got his nickname, getting confused for actor Edward James Olmos, how to build a bond with a fighter, thoughts on current gloves and equipment and how it can improve fighter safety, working the Tyson Fury during the rematch with Deontae Wilder, his split from working for the UFC and Dana White, the most memorable fight he has worked, staying humble amid success, and advice for up and comers. Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to www.charlottesweb.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out www.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. JiuGo - The Original Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Card Game. Go to [www.jiugoplay.com](http://jiugoplay.com/) and use the promo code Chewjitsu and get 10% off your purchase.

Jamie Kilstein of Rear Naked Radio joins the show to talk about meditation, getting the most out of down time, visualization and money in Jiu-Jitsu. Him and Ryan also talk about goofing off in past retail jobs and social errors white belts can avoid.

Chewy answers a question from Johnny, who has dreams of owning a gym and being a high-level BJJ competitor while managing a job and family. Chewy discusses the three pre-requisites you need prior to going after a goal, the importance of taking time to think, how to make the leap to go for your passion, how to balance life and going after your goals, using a set-back as a motivator, if and when you should give up on a goal, and how to create new habits. Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to www.charlottesweb.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out www.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. JiuGo - The Original Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Card Game. Go to [www.jiugoplay.com](http://jiugoplay.com/) and use the promo code Chewjitsu and get 10% off your purchase.

Today I'm joined by Thomas Nadelhoffer an associate professor in the philosophy department at the College of Charleston, an affiliate faculty member in psychology and neuroscience, and a BJJ brown belt. We focus our conversation on the tribalism and rampant conspiracy theory acceptance in the BJJ community during this time of crisis.

Jean Jacques Machado joins the show to talk about customizing Jiu-Jitsu to your traits, commonly overlooked concepts in the art, the value of self control and weaponizing your weak areas. He also talks about being a pioneer of BJJ in the US and teaching

In today's episode Josh sits down with fellow podcasters Jake Watson and Danny O'Donnell to discuss everything under the sun. We hope you will enjoy this lighthearted and informative episode

Jimmy Smith is a BJJ black belt, former MMA fighter, and former Bellator and UFC commentator. Jimmy discusses his start in martial arts and the early days of his BJJ and MMA training, training with MMA legends and elite BJJ athletes, being on the show "Fight Quest," becoming the commentator for Bellator MMA and the UFC, and some great concepts for martial artists. Follow Jimmy on social media on Instagram @jsmithmma and Facebook Jimmy Smith MMA. Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to www.charlottesweb.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out www.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. JiuGo - The Original Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Card Game. Go to [www.jiugoplay.com](http://jiugoplay.com/) and use the promo code Chewjitsu and get 10% off your purchase.

I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome Oleg Taktarov to the podcast. Oleg used his Sambo skills to win UFC 6, beat Dolph Lungren in a widely publicised boxing match, and fought at the infamous Pentagon Combat event which ended in a riot and got MMA banned in Rio de Janeiro. Oleg is also a great teacher - I personally use techniques and concepts I learned from him more than 20 years ago almost every day that I step onto the mats. Today we cover dealing with fear in MMA matches, the path to mastering striking as well as grappling, training the Russian special forces, the advantages of leglocks, working in the movies, and the role he would most like to play. If you enjoy this episode then giving it a rating on your favorite podcast platform would be super-appreciated. Stuff like that really helps! Stephan Kesting

Renzo returns to the show to talk about the business of Jiu-Jitsu, staying motivated, advice for people who think they suck, and the importance of setting boundaries. He also talks about the Wallid Ismail beef and getting shot at 16 years old

In today's episode Josh interviews teammate Kristen Beatty on how jiu-jitsu has helped her mental health, how to overcome being a "bad competitor," and proper grammar.

Chewy discusses his inspiration for starting martial arts and the movie that started it all. We also discuss watching the early UFCs, our favorite fighting video games, favorite BJJ documentaries, why Chewy walked away from an undefeated MMA career, why Chewy continued to fight even though he knew he wanted to focus on BJJ, the importance of having a "battle buddy," and much more! Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to www.charlottesweb.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out www.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase.

In today's show Josh interviews one of the first sponsors that he ever got in jiu-jitsu, Lionel Turner, owner of LEaO Optics. This is probably one of the most wide ranging episodes we've ever released. Enjoy!

Kurt makes his long awaited return! He talks about Covid in San Fransisco, toilet paper alternatives, prepping for doomsday, the Navy's de-classified UFO footage, lizard porn, murder hornets, bug fights and 80's hair metal.

Big MF joins the program to tell hilarious love, wrestling, and life stories.

Kyle Watson is a BJJ black belt, The Ultimate Fighter Season 12 contender, and former UFC Lightweight. Kyle joins the podcast to discuss his start in martial arts, opening and running a BJJ school, competing on "The Ultimate Fighter" and training with Georges St. Pierre, his thoughts on how he thinks BJJ gyms will re-open, whether there is any benefit in running "Zoom BJJ Classes," the future of BJJ, what makes a "tough gym," and much more! Follow Kyle on social media on Instagram @watson_martial_arts, check out his gym www.watsonbjj.com , and learn Kyle's passing system "Mastering The Knee Weave System" which can be found at https://bjjfanatics.com/products/mastering-the-knee-weave-system-by-kyle-watson Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to www.charlottesweb.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out www.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase.

In today's interview Josh talks to long time friend Mark Vives. In this interview Mark shares his story from opening his school, overcoming a suicide attempt, and one day becoming one of the best masters competitors that the world has ever seen!