The BJJ Fanatics Podcast

Josh "The Punk" Thomson joins the show to talk about how his MMA career began, his grappling influence, fighting for the UFC and PRIDE and how kettlebells have helped his conditioning. He also talks about being a fighter at 40 years old!

Brian McLaughlin tells the story of being a frail chess club member in high school to becoming a professional MMA fighter. He also talks about the early days of BJJ in NY, being a TUF season 8 cast member and his competition rivalry with Ryan Hall.

Brian James, aka "Jiu-Jitsu Cop" is an active police officer and BJJ purple belt who works to encourage police across the country to learn Jiu-Jitsu. He talks about how Jiu-Jitsu has saved him (literally) on the job, and how it can do the same for others!

Colton Brown is one of Judo's most exciting athletes today. He talks about leaving football for Judo, adapting your game, living in Japan and improving your social circle. He also talks about his 2016 Olympic experience in Brazil!

Chris Martin is a BJJ purple belt with a unique story to tell. Chris is an instructor who survived a stroke that was caused from an accident while rolling and takes the time to spread awareness to others. He is also the founder of BJJ For Change.

One of our earliest guests, Erik Paulson returns over 280 episodes later! We catch up with him and discuss why he doesn't coach fighters anymore, growing take down skills, attack sequences, escaping leg locks and supernatural experiences!

Rodrigo Antunes joins the show to talk about starting training at a young age, coming up with world class mentors, plateaus in training, teaching kids and managing parents, heavyweight Jiu-Jitsu and his experience training MMA!

Federico Tisi is a world renown instructor and the first Italian to receive a BJJ Black Belt. He talks about building knowledge, the white belt process, teaching teachers, mindfulness, longevity and the value of focusing on defense as much as offense.

**USE HEADPHONES TO LISTEN** To see the video of this episode, join the Grappling Central group on Facebook, where it was streamed live! Kurt talks about his recent Asia tour, getting kicked out of the Samurai Museum in Japan and shirtless living!

Master Maurico Gomes joins the show to talk about the early competition scene in Brazil, longevity in the art and Jiu-Jitsu's customizable nature. He also covers the blue belt blues, athleticism and rolling with his son, Roger Gracie.

Harley Flanagan was the frontman and bassist for NYC's legendary punk band Cro-Mags. He is also a Black Belt under Master Renzo Gracie and a highly respected instructor. He talks about brawls, riots, NY's old punk scene and how he got started in BJJ!

Ryan is joined by special guest co-host, Rose Gracie! Together they interview WEC and Bellator veteran Chad George. Chad talks about his passion for teaching, "accidentally" starting his MMA career and his viral Bellator debut. He also covers goal setting.

Tyler Driskell is a teammate, instructor and good friend of Ryan's who has a unique story and interesting perspective of BJJ. He talks about why he competes, leg locks, progression in Jiu-Jitsu, Gi vs No-Gi and what makes an academy successful

Sensei Gary Goltz joins the show to talk about starting Judo in 1965, life lessons from competition, advice for parents and his strong desire to see BJJ and Judo work together more. He also tells the hilarious story behind his Conan O'Brien appearance

Arin Adjamian talks about going from being overweight with an eating disorder to becoming a successful Sport Nutritionist and BJJ champion. He also covers meal prepping, calories, the effects of diet on testosterone, fat consumption and cutting weight.

Ryan's Strength & Conditioning coach Scott Shetler joins the show to talk about catering your lifting to meet your grappling needs, the impact of time limits on athletes, cardio vs muscular endurance and nutrition.

Professor Yamasaki joins the show to discuss cross training, why BJJ won't be in the Olympics, Women's Jiu-Jitsu, take downs and building a kids program. He also tells the story of removing a drug dealer from a favela with the Brazilian Federal Police!

Professor "Gordo" is the man credited with developing the Half Guard into an offensive position. He talks about the rules in BJJ competition, finding the right school for you and training though injuries. He also opens up about why he left Gracie Barra.

Professor Helio "Soneca" joins the show to talk about the early days of Gracie Barra, career opportunities in BJJ, working with elite MMA fighters and building an academy. He also states that the Rubber Guard was a position he came up with decades ago.

Professor Charlie Liu is the co-founder of Digitsu and a long time BJJ practitioner. He talks about self defense, small joint manipulation, asking questions in class, starting Digitsu and filming disaster stories.