The BJJ Fanatics Podcast

Michael Chu is a black belt under Clark Gracie with a very interesting life story. In this episode, he details how he went from being a police officer, to a federal inmate, to a Jiu-Jitsu school owner in Hawaii. He also gives tips on the rear triangle!

Lucas Pinheiro joins the show to tell his story of coming up from hardship to becoming a world champion! He explains how building a positive mindset in any circumstances he faced was crucial to his success. He also shares his pressure passing mindset!

Brian Glick talks about how personality types will influence the way we learn Jiu-Jitsu. He also explains why sometimes the people who seem the best suited to excel don't last. He also explains why you should train on days you aren't feeling your best!

Marcelo Garcia joins the show to reflect on surviving cancer, tips to train consistently, building a game that works in both Gi and No-Gi, pacing yourself in competition, and the future of Jiu-Jitsu. He also gives deep insight on the Butterfly Guard! 

Kurt is back to talk about rolling with new tattoos, practical self defense skills, tasers and attack dogs, looting and creative robberies in San Francisco and his love/hate relationship with public nudity. He also takes questions from the listeners! 

Robert Drysdale talks about the history and future of Jiu-Jitsu. From the history of the rules, to the conundrum of needing a sport to grow the art. He also explains why he feels submission only events and rule sets are a mistake for the growth of the art

Alec Baulding returns to talk about his recent decision to return to a student role instead of teaching, how to balance digital learning, how to process tapping higher ranks and Apple Vision for BJJ! He also talks about guard retention for short people.

Diego "Pato" Oliveira joins the show to share his very moving life story from leaving home at 15 to pursue Jiu-Jitsu, to training without food for days on end and how hunger led to his first sponsorship. Hear about his incredible journey to becoming a world champion!

Alex Enriquez joins the show to talk about pursuing Wrestling to improve her Jiu-Jitsu, becoming the team captain of an all-male team and how her drive to prove herself pushed her to break barriers. She also covers anti-wrestling for BJJ players!

Kurt is back to talk about rolling after surgery, amputations and bandit life in the Wild West, strategically crying from Half Guard, serial killers and mafia hit men. He also covers dealing with larger opponents and his hatred for handsome celebrities. 

Kent Peters is back! He discusses terrible pre-training food, organic mat sanitizers that probably don't work, steroids and testosterone, managing a training room and wrist locks. Kent also shares how he recently almost lost a nipple due to a horse bite.

Jozef Chen joins the show to explain the importance of training with intent, how to process an instructional and the value of keeping a training journal. He also talks about getting jumped at a gym, Crocs, fanny packs, karaoke and fake Chinese food!

Owen Jones joins the show to talk about processing losses as a highly competitive person, facing weaknesses honestly, being patient with your development, his passion for video games and the fact that Jiu-Jitsu's talent pool is younger than ever! 

Piter Frank joins the show to talk about succeeding with limited resources, building an offensive game and flying submissions. He also shares a candid story about getting through homelessness and a suicide attempt just before becoming a world champion

ADCC legend and UFC fighter Rani Yahya joins the show to talk about how BJJ helped him overcome ADD, training with Rickson Gracie, the early days of ADCC, statistics in Jiu-Jitsu and why they are important to analyze and using BJJ in MMA

Javi Vazquez joins the show to talk about surviving his recent battle with cancer, the power of understanding configurations, transitional wormholes, defending punches on the ground and  the two controls in BJJ that change EVERYTHING. 

Miko Hytonen joins the show for a very candid conversation about how Jiu-Jitsu saved him from his troubled past to become one of the top BJJ influencers. He talks about leaving gang life, growing his IG page and how to land chokes from everywhere!

Garry Tonon discusses why he's not a fan of the transactional mindset many students have towards their training, the danger of limiting techniques, bridging the gaps between different concepts and how mentorship changed the trajectory of his life. 

Tarik Hopstock joins the show to explain how training as a juvenile in adult classes helped shape his game. He also talks about how he leads his students into the areas they need to improve upon and setting goals for technical development!  

Owen Livesey joins the show to talk about how to fight on your feet more effectively. He explains that people often over-think things like hand fighting and he provides a simple way to think about winning the grip fight to score more take downs!

Dominique Bell joins the show to talk about going from the ARMY to fulltime Jiu-Jitsu athlete. He shares his thoughts on training, goal setting and injury prevention. He also talks with Ryan about knock-off cereal brands and his fear of roaches!

Neil Melanson returns to talk about setting traps in grappling, the value of creating dilemmas and why you should program sequences in your mind, especially for No-Gi. He also talks about controlling various body types and funny nicknames on the mats

2x NCAA Wrestling Champion Nick Gwiazdowski joins the show to talk about elite competition mindset, the utility of positive affirmations and why you MUST drill often to execute moves without thinking. He also describes the perfect cheeseburger!

Dallas Niles joins the show to talk about the fact that Jiu-Jitsu is hard, but he provides some tips for navigating the process easier to become an advanced student. He also talks about how his music background influenced the way he learns on the mats!

Malachy Friedman returns to talk about everything Blue Belts should know before receiving their purple belt. He also talks about the importance of promotion standards in the Jiu-Jitsu community and goes deep on superhero movie reviews with Ryan. 

Kurt is back for another Halloween Special! He talks about scaring hallucinating hippies, haunted San Fransisco hotels, his personal UFO sightings and tactics for fighting bigfoot. He also reviews YouTube clips of cheesy horror films with Ryan.

Jason Rau joins the show to talk about the early days of the Danaher Death Squad, the growth of the Sub-Only Jiu-Jitsu competition scene, the best tips for improving leg locks, knowing your physical limits and his fear of large bugs!

On top of being a BJJ Black Belt, Cameron Shayne is the father of Mixed Movement Arts and a lifetime Yoga teacher. He talks about mobility for Jiu-Jitsu, finding purpose in your training, morality in martial arts and offsetting a sedentary lifestyle

Brian Littlefield is a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and co-founder of Jocko Fuel. He discusses recovery and nutrition for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, what real hydration is, maintaining cognitive energy and much more!

Sean Applegate returns to give a deep dive on being an effective coach to BJJ athletes. He identifies the difference between helpful and useless information during matches and the importance of learning the wheel completely before trying to reinvent it. 

NAVY SEAL Masterchief Jason Henderson joins the show to talk about real-world self defense, the importance of emotional control during a fight, and BJJ for law enforcement. He also shares the powerful story that sparked his Jiu-Jitsu training

Rayron Gracie returns to discuss what he feels is the most efficient way to learn Jiu-Jitsu, how modern society can make it harder than ever for young athletes to stay focused and the importance of avoiding having to learn Jiu-Jitsu twice! 

Michael Liera Jr joins the show for a very honest and candid discussion about some of the pitfalls Jiu-Jitsu athletes can face in their pursuit of a world championship. He also explains why he doesn't use a set curriculum when teaching.

Legendary Wrestler Kyle Dake joins the show for a very insightful conversation about self-discipline, embracing failure and why humility is a virtue that he thinks all athletes should seek. He also talks about take down entries and Single Legs 

ADCC Champion Amy Campo joins the show to share her story. She also talks about understanding ranges in Jiu-Jitsu, the benefits of ice baths, her 2022 ADCC experience, knee slice passes and why she can never eat octopus again after a bad sushi experience 

Gregor Gracie joins the show to talk about how to beat your opponent mentally, the keys to using BJJ well in MMA, and the importance of recognizing defense and escapes as two separate things.

Matt Guffey joins the show to discuss Strength and Conditioning for Jiu-Jitsu, mobility and longevity, injury management and strength misconceptions he commonly sees in BJJ. 

Pete The Greek is back! We discuss wristlocks, BJJ for MMA, being a real-life superhero and Carlson Gracie's impact on the BJJ community. Pete also talks about recovery for older fellas and training smart!

In this special episode, Bernardo Faria sits down with Rayron Gracie for a discussion about his Jiu-Jitsu! Topics include not relying on your physical attributes, quality of training over quantity, recognizing margins of error in techniques and more! 

Kurt is back! This time we discuss the absurd side of Jiu-Jitsu. Quirky students, delusional martial artists, dirty techniques people use and random crazy people invading the gym. Kurt also explains his pet peeves as a teacher.

Igor Tanabe joins the show and shares his story of being a successful juvenile athlete to becoming one of the fastest rising stars in Jiu-Jitsu. He talks about the importance of mindset and leaving your comfort zone to be your very best in competition. 

Clark Gracie joins the show to talk about the importance of fundamentals and self defense curriculums and he gives a deep dive on Omoplatas! He also talks about how he had to learn to manage the pressure of being a Gracie as a young competitor. 

Shintaro Higashi joins the show to share his deep knowledge about grip-fighting acquired through Judo. He explains how it correlates to Jiu-Jitsu and how you can drill for immediate results! He also covers foot sweeps and pattern recognition on the feet.

Richie "Boogeyman" Martinez joins the show to talk about how creativity can have a big influence on Jiu-Jitsu and why keeping an open mind is very important. He also gives great insight on the Rubber Guard and explains how anyone can use it effectively!

Justin Flores is an Olympic Judo Coach for Team USA, a decorated Judo champion, a BJJ black belt and a former D1 Wrestler. In this episode, he explains how to begin introducing Judo to your Jiu-Jitsu game, for both Gi and No-Gi.

Vlad Koulikov is a Black Belt in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a Master of Sport in Sambo and a Combat Wrestling champion. He explains how these styles intersect and how to blend them together for the ultimate take down blueprint! 

Brian Glick joins the show to talk about survival in Jiu-Jitsu! He provides excellent insight to managing your ego, training smart, developing techniques and using the science of Jiu-Jitsu to prevail over monsters! He also explains the value of the Clamp!

Kurt is back! In this episode he talks about how Omoplatas are an underestimated technique in Jiu-Jitsu that can change your guard game. He also shares crazy stories about training with Ralph Gracie and he aggressively defends the existence of bigfoot. 

Steffen Banta joins the show to share his story of working his way into the toughest training room he could find and developing into a decorated champion. He explains how holding himself to a higher standard was the key to his success.

Charles Harriott joins the show to talk about leaving corporate America behind to be a globetrotting Jiu-Jitsu instructor. He also talks about how almost anyone can safely use inversions in their game, and he explains the hierarchy of the Ninja Turtles

Gustavo Dantas joins the show to shed light on how Jiu-Jitsu can be used to impact the world in a positive way through social outreach programs. He describes the work he's done in the favelas of Brazil as well as struggling communities in the US!

Shawn Williams joins the show to discuss how to map out your Jiu-Jitsu game. He explains his "closed loop" concept that will allow you to systemize the techniques you're best at. Ryan and Shawn also go deep on zombie apocalypse survival strategies!

Zoltan Bathory is a BJJ and Judo black belt and the guitarist for the popular heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch. In this episode, we discuss staying consistent while balancing a hectic schedule. Zoltan also shares his very inspiring life story!

BJJ legend Robson Moura joins the show to talk about harnessing the science of Jiu-Jitsu! He explains the importance of a well-balanced game and the keys to defeating larger opponents  as a smaller practitioner. He also reflects on his favorite match!

Zach Maslany joins the show to talk about guiding other through their Jiu-Jitsu journey! He discusses how the evolution of the sport has changed curriculums and he also talks about the importance of learning to escape leg locks early in your training! 

Mike Bidwell joins the show to talk about managing ego and how failing to do so can disrupt your development in Jiu-Jitsu. He also talks about "Black Belt Ego" and how being mindful as an instructor is important to him to keep himself in check. 

David Petrone joins the show to talk about blending Folkstyle and Catch Wrestling with Jiu-Jitsu. He explains the various ways you can level up your BJJ by adding things like cradles and pins. He also explains why Silver Surfer is an annoying superhero.

Chris Paines joins the show to talk about the importance of building a strong defense before anything in Jiu-Jitsu. He talks about positional escapes and preventive measures to avoid being caught in bad positions. He also shares his unique intro to BJJ!

Sebastian Brosche joins the show to talk about the incredible benefits that Yoga can provide for BJJ practitioners! He talks about the importance of remaining loose and limber to avoid injuries and how to design the best warmup for Jiu-Jitsu!

Eli Knight joins the show to talk about navigating Jiu-Jitsu politics, managing gym drama and why he doesn't use stripes on belts anymore. He also talks about the criteria used to promote people in BJJ and the "Ham Sandwich" technique he uses often.

Kurt details his recovery from double hip surgery and gives an honest assessment of his future in BJJ. He gives advice on coming back from time away and he also describes his idea to make looting a televised mainstream sport with a structured point system.

Charlie Vinch joins the show to discuss how striking can be easily added to your BJJ training to become proficient in self defense. He also talks about using verbal Jiu-Jitsu and how bullying doesn't only impact young people.

2022 ADCC Champion Giancarlo Bodoni joins the show to talk about how to become the best version of yourself on and off the mats! Topics include self confidence, discipline, mindset and technical development. He also gives insight on leg lock escapes!

Kaynan Duarte joins the show to talk about starting in a small town and working his way to the big leagues. He also discusses forgotten techniques, competition mindset and he gives technical insight on the Single Leg X Guard!

Kyle Boehm talks about being a lifelong athlete and which sports helped him get a jump start in Jiu-Jitsu. He also discusses managing ADD and social anxiety and his goal to return to MMA. He also talks about the several bad jobs he had before grappling

Jiu-Jitsu champion and Pro Surfing legend Joel Tudor joins the show to share his unique perspective on the sport. He talks about the cultural crossovers between BJJ and Surfing, balancing two sports and how to train for longevity by protecting your body.

"El Monstro" shares his personal story of hitting rock bottom before exploding into success. He also discusses the importance of feeding your brain positivity every day and why he likes Wrestling in the gi. He also breaks down his methods of passing guard

David Garmo joins the show to talk about using local tournaments as tune-up events, embracing the grind of being a full time Jiu-Jitsu athlete and his time spent training in Japan. He also proclaims the restaurant chain he feels has the best Ranch Dressing

Paul Schreiner joins the show to discuss the utility of private lessons, reverse engineering positions and the "zones" of Jiu-Jitsu. He also breaks down the hierarchy of techniques based on experience levels.

Dante Leon joins the show to discuss weight training for Jiu-Jitsu, learning to wrestle and taking your development into your own hands. He also reflects on ADCC and the huge growth of the sport!

Victor Estima joins the show to discuss overcoming setbacks in competition, building confidence in your game and the importance of not comparing yourself to others. He also provides great technical insight on the closed guard!

Azamat Hamzathanov joins the show to talks about how he built a massive Instagram following by showing daily Jiu-Jitsu techniques! He also discusses the importance of consistency, the correlation between chess and BJJ and nearly drowning in a river!

Nathan Mendelsohn joins the show to talk about managing negative thought patterns and the two different realms of the guard and why sleep is so important for athletes. He also talks about junk food, his new rap album and Tinder pickup lines!

Tomer Alroy is back to discuss developing strategy in competition, how to use drills effectively and the steps to improving a technique. He also talks about learning to be comfortable training take downs and training them safely.

Freddy Trillo is a former SWAT team member and a police defensive tactics instructor. He discusses how Jiu-Jitsu helped him during his time in Law Enforcement and why he feels BJJ is a good solution for many issues that exist in departments across the US

Sean Patrick Flanery joins the show to talk about how he found Jiu-Jitsu in the 90's, adapting BJJ into films and the vision behind his hit film Born a Champion. He also talks about the two types of martial artists there are.

Master Fabio Gurgel joins the show to talk about the two paths of growth in Jiu-Jitsu that need equal focus from the community. He also shares his opinion that the way BJJ is marketed should be reflective of the times and what new students are seeking

Paul Sharp is one of the US's most respected self defense experts. In this episode he talks about how his training saved him as an undercover narcotics agent and how he teaches Jiu-Jitsu to nurses and doctors to protect themselves from workplace violence!

Chris Haueter joins the show for a deep conversation about Jiu-Jitsu! He talks about his role as a "carrier of the art", human's primitive grappling instincts and how his approach to teaching changes depending on how his students learn!

UFC veteran Eliot Marshall joins the show to share insight on building a healthy culture within a gym, why first impressions are everything when a new student visits and what school owners can do to maximize their results with student retention and sales!

Its a HUGE HONOR to have Bernardo back to discuss the value of confidence as a competitor, BJJ for "old guys" and Bernardo opens up about how Jiu-Jitsu taught him more life skills than college did. He also talks about pursuing a mission of helping others.

Magid Hage joins the show to tell his story and share his unique perspective on Jiu-Jitsu. He talks about how having other hobbies outside Jiu-Jitsu like Surfing and Yoga have helped him on the mats. He also talks about building an unorthodox game!

Lachlan Giles is back! We discuss fatherhood, how Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals have changed with the sport's growth, how he guages a student's progress and the importance of having a plan in BJJ.

Kurt is back! This time we cover recent MMA fights, Brazilian TV shows and tattoo ideas. He also talks about 80's metal, strategies for battling cannibals and Jiu-Jitsu moves that work well in moshpits.

Roberto Jiminez joins the show to discuss his ADCC trials performance, the life of a young athlete, taking the road less-traveled in life, nutrition and the pride he takes in being a natural athlete!

Adam Wardzinski joins the show to talk about traveling to compete, applying Jiu-Jitsu to learn other things, being ambidextrous with your game and the sweeping mechanics you need to understand in BJJ!

Jeff Glover is back! We discuss overcoming larger opponents, declining rolls with people, learning to be aggressive and the Deep Half Guard! Other topics include Vlad The Impaler, zombie apocalypse plans and the strength of the Glover family facial hair.

Josh Cisneros joins the show to talk about his start in Jiu-Jitsu and how his Wrestling background helped him. He also talks about the importance of patience on the mats and his thoughts on ADCC, as well as a story of chasing down a hit-and-run offender!

Bruno Bastos joins the show to talk about guiding kids through Jiu-Jitsu, tough lessons learned on the mats and gives solid advice for future BJJ instructors. He also breaks down his "Bubble Theory" and explains how you can apply it to your game!

Stephen Whittier joins the show to discuss optimizing your Jiu-Jitsu after 40, the core principles of BJJ, the role of optimal alignment and understanding strength in context. He also explains the benefits of chasing knowledge rather than rank or titles

The Warmaster returns! This time we discuss the importance of setting boundaries as a coach, Josh explains why he prefers a smaller pool of students and he also talks about the value of a good ego.  He also gives great technical insight on ankle locks!

Neil Melanson joins the show to share advice on figuring out your game, adapting techniques to your body type, getting the most out of training with anyone, and how nothing in grappling is new. He also shares stories of blowing up toilets in the NAVY!

Matt Brown joins the show to share his inspirational story. From overcoming drug use and surviving a heroin overdose, to becoming one of the UFC's most successful welterweights in history. He also talks about his unique start in MMA.

4x World Champion Tarsis Humphreys joins the show to talk about actively training your mindset, leg locks in the gi and finding your perfect training frequency. He also gives advice for BJJ athletes who want to cross over to MMA!