The BJJ Fanatics Podcast
Episodes
BJJ Fanatics 573: Justin Flores
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 explain...
BJJ Fanatics 572: Vlad Koulikov
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
BJJ Fanatics 571: Brian Glick
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Glick joins the show to talk about survival in Jiu-Jitsu! He provides excellent insight to managing your ego, training smart, developing techniq...
BJJ Fanatics 570: Kurt Osiander
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 share...
BJJ Fanatics 569: Steffen Banta
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 champ...
BJJ Fanatics 568: Charles Harriott
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Charles Harriott joins the show to talk about leaving corporate America behind to be a globetrotting Jiu-Jitsu instructor. He also talks about how alm...
BJJ Fanatics 567: Gustavo Dantas
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 de...
BJJ Fanatics 566: Shawn Williams
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
BJJ Fanatics 565: Zoltan Bathory
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 st...
BJJ Fanatics 564: Robson Moura
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 k...
BJJ Fanatics 563: Zach Maslany
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 curri...
BJJ Fanatics 562: Mike Bidwell
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
BJJ Fanatics 561: David Petrone
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 B...
BJJ Fanatics 560: Chris Paines
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
BJJ Fanatics 559: Sebastian Brosche
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sebastian Brosche joins the show to talk about the incredible benefits that Yoga can provide for BJJ practitioners! He talks about the importance of r...
BJJ Fanatics 558: Eli Knight
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 tal...
BJJ Fanatics 557: Kurt Osiander
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
BJJ Fanatics 556: Charlie Vinch
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 abou...
BJJ Fanatics 555: Giancarlo Bodoni
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
BJJ Fanatics 554: Kaynan Duarte
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, co...
BJJ Fanatics 553: Kyle Boehm
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
BJJ Fanatics 552: Joel Tudor
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 crossove...
BJJ Fanatics 551: Elder Cruz
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"El Monstro" shares his personal story of hitting rock bottom before exploding into success. He also discusses the importance of feeding your brain po...
BJJ Fanatics 550: David Garmo
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
BJJ Fanatics 549: Paul Schreiner
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Schreiner joins the show to discuss the utility of private lessons, reverse engineering positions and the "zones" of Jiu-Jitsu. He also breaks do...
BJJ Fanatics 548: Dante Leon
26 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 refle...
BJJ Fanatics 547: Victor Estima
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Victor Estima joins the show to discuss overcoming setbacks in competition, building confidence in your game and the importance of not comparing yours...
BJJ Fanatics 546: Azamat Hamzathanov
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Azamat Hamzathanov joins the show to talks about how he built a massive Instagram following by showing daily Jiu-Jitsu techniques! He also discusses t...
BJJ Fanatics 545: Nathan Mendelsohn
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 import...
BJJ Fanatics 544: Tomer Alroy
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
BJJ Fanatics 543: Freddy Trillo
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 Enf...
BJJ Fanatics 542: Sean Patrick Flanery
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
BJJ Fanatics 541: Fabio Gurgel
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 opi...
BJJ Fanatics 540: Paul Sharp
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 narcotic...
BJJ Fanatics 539: Chris Haueter
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
BJJ Fanatics 538: Eliot Marshall
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
BJJ Fanatics 537: Bernardo Faria
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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-Jits...
BJJ Fanatics 536: Magid Hage
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 l...
BJJ Fanatics 535: Lachlan Giles
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
BJJ Fanatics 534: Kurt Osiander
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 canni...
BJJ Fanatics 533: Roberto Jiminez
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
BJJ Fanatics 532: Adam Wardzinski
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
BJJ Fanatics 531: Jeff Glover returns
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jeff Glover is back! We discuss overcoming larger opponents, declining rolls with people, learning to be aggressive and the Deep Half Guard! Other top...
BJJ Fanatics 530: Josh Cisneros
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 p...
BJJ Fanatics 529: Bruno Bastos
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 inst...
BJJ Fanatics 528: Stephen Whittier
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Whittier joins the show to discuss optimizing your Jiu-Jitsu after 40, the core principles of BJJ, the role of optimal alignment and understan...
BJJ Fanatics 527: Josh Barnett Returns!
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
BJJ Fanatics 526: Neil Melanson
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
BJJ Fanatics 525: Matt "The Immortal" Brown
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 mos...
BJJ Fanatics 524: Tarsis Humphreys
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
BJJ Fanatics 523: Wade Schalles
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Legendary Wrestler and Coach, Wade Schalles joins the show to discuss why he teaches techniques in reverse, spinal manipulation to improve pins and ho...
BJJ Fanatics 522: Karel "Silverfox" Pravec
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Silverfox is back! In this episode he discusses avoiding burnout in Jiu-Jitsu, the idea of building universal grips and he dives deep on his Split Gua...
BJJ Fanatics 521: Mason Fowler
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mason Fowler joins the show to talk about overcoming a troubled youth through sports and Jiu-Jitsu. He discusses learning in an unstructured enviornme...
BJJ Fanatics 520: Kurt Osiander
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After nearly a year since his last appearance, Kurt joins the show to give an update about his health and recovery. Other topics include cheap food ha...
BJJ Fanatics 519: John Combs
09 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
John Combs joins the show to discuss pay vs prestige in BJJ events, why he eats fermented foods with every meal and finding the right environment for ...
BJJ Fanatics 518: Travis Stevens
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Travis Stevens joins the show and shares his frustrations with Judo in the US and what he feels the sport needs to continue to grow. He also talks abo...
BJJ Fanatics 517: Ryan Gruhn
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Gruhn joins the show to talk about his diverse MA background which includes full contact competitive stick fighting! Other topics include using B...
BJJ Fanatics 516: Haisam Rida
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Haisam Rida joins the show to share his story! Topics include immigrating from Ghana to Japan, training in Japanese academies, surviving the Fukushima...
BJJ Fanatics 515: Bird Wiltse
12 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In his first podcast interview ever, Bird explains the importance of skill tiers in training rooms, overcoming overthinking, commitment when attacking...
BJJ Fanatics 514: Andrew Wiltse
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew Wiltse joins the show to sound off on PEDs in BJJ, harsh truths about BJJ for self defense and the importance of conditioning. He also opens up...
BJJ Fanatics 513: Thomas Rozdzynski
28 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Thomas Rozdzynski joins the show to discuss the art of teaching Jiu-Jitsu. Topics include gym culture, curriculums, mat fees and more. He also explain...
BJJ Fanatics 512: Amanda "Tubby" Alequin
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda "Tubby" Alequin joins the show to talk about learning to hit the mental switch in competition, building protocols from guard and the value of f...
BJJ Fanatics 511: Renato Canuto
14 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Renato Canuto provides tremendous insight for all competitors! He talks about managing adrenaline dumps and fatigue, avoiding overthinking and how to ...
BJJ Fanatics 510: Roy Dean
07 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Roy Dean joins the show to talk about the pressures and expectations black belts carry, rank envy and keeping a student mindset. He also talks about d...
BJJ Fanatics 509: Tommy Langaker
31 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tommy Langaker joins the show to talk about his transition from Japanese JuJitsu to BJJ, seeing Jiu-Jitsu as a language and using BJJ in self defense....
BJJ Fanatics 508: Pedro Marinho
24 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Pedro Marinho joins the show to talk about overcoming self doubts as a competitor, the importance of understanding the mental game and coming to the U...
BJJ Fanatics 507: Scott Nelson
17 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Scott Nelson was one of the early men in the trenches helping BJJ grow into the sport it is today. He talks about founding BJJ's oldest website, livin...
BJJ Fanatics 506: Henry Akins
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Henry Akins joins the show to discuss the fine points of weight distribution, overcoming plateaus and why you need to always fight to be on top! He al...
BJJ Fanatics 505: Jordan Preisinger
24 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jordan Preisinger joins the show to discuss the benefits of online learning, starting a gym when he was a blue belt and dealing with people who critic...
BJJ Fanatics 504: Ashley Williams
17 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ashley Williams joins the show to share his thoughts on ADCC 2022 where he will be in the 66kg division. He also talks about life as a professional gr...
BJJ Fanatics 503: Vernon Kirk
10 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Vernon Kirk joins the show to talk about his experience in various grappling styles and how he blends them together for maximum efficiency. He also ta...
BJJ Fanatics 502: Cole Abate
03 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cole Abate joins the show to talk about being a full-time athlete as a kid, building discipline in your training and competition mindset. He also shar...
BJJ Fanatics 501: Felipe Pena
27 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Felipe Pena joins the show to talk about his development in the art, building discipline within yourself and his decision to retire from IBJJF events....
BJJ Fanatics 500: Jeff Glover
20 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jeff Glover joins the show to talk about accidental triangles, how his instructor Franjinha changed the direction of his life, improving weak spots in...
BJJ Fanatics 499: William Tackett
13 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
William Tackett joins the show to talk about the value of competition, overcoming tournament anxiety, why the Coyote Half Guard was revolutionary for ...
BJJ Fanatics 498: Amanda Leve
06 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda Leve joins the show to talk about her transition into MMA, why the purple belt was the hardest rank for her and having to close her school due ...
BJJ Fanatics 497: Sean Applegate
30 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sean Applegate joins the show to talk about starting BJJ in a small town, the meaning of belts and the importance of understanding weight distribution...
BJJ Fanatics 496: Pedro Sauer
24 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Pedro Sauer joins the show to talk about longevity in Jiu-Jitsu, the importance of learning to set traps and how your physical limitations can become ...
BJJ Fanatics 495: Gui Mendes ft Bernardo Faria
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode, Bernardo Faria sits down with Gui Mendes during the 2021 Worlds in California for an interview! They discuss developing champ...
BJJ Fanatics 494: Matt Lindland
09 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Coach Matt Lindland joins the show to discuss why he chose Greco over Freestyle Wrestling, developing take downs, the importance of taking risk and th...
BJJ Fanatics 493: Jeff Curran
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jeff Curran joins the show to discuss how he found BJJ in the early 90's, the importance of holding rank to a high standard and dealing with feeling t...
BJJ Fanatics 492: Ryan Aitken
25 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Combat Jiu-Jitsu Champion Ryan Aitken joins the show to share his story. He talks about the benefits he's gotten from exploring all branches of the BJ...
BJJ Fanatics 491: Greg Jackson
18 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Legendary MMA coach Greg Jackson joins the show to talk about his origins growing up in a tough neighborhood, developing yourself as a martial artist,...
BJJ Fanatics 490: James Clingerman
11 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
James Clingerman joins the show to share his story! Topics include the early days of BJJ in the midwest, learning to teach others and recognizing "cul...
BJJ Fanatics 489: Jake Shields
04 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jake Shields joins the show for a conversation about the life of a professional combat athlete, his new focus on Pro Grappling, why he chose to be his...
BJJ Fanatics 488: Jonathan Satava
28 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan Satava joins the show to talk about learning from Marcelo, designing your own game, teaching full time and the benefits of meditation. He als...
BJJ Fanatics 487: Josh Barnett
21 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Warmaster joins the show to talk about his diverse grappling background, the early days of MMA and the crazy ways he had to find training partners...
BJJ Fanatics 486: Malachy Friedman
14 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Malachy Friedman joins the show to talk about his start in BJJ in a more MMA driven era. He also talks about what pushed him to become a coach, why he...
BJJ Fanatics 485: Alec Baulding
07 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alec Baulding joins the show to talk about starting Jiu-Jitsu in a more MMA focused school, adapting BJJ to your body type and the brown belt level. H...
BJJ Fanatics 484: Rafael Lovato Jr
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Rafael Lovato Jr joins the show for a candid and honest discussion about his transition from MMA back to BJJ competition. He talks about struggles he'...
BJJ Fanatics 483: Alex Ecklin
23 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Ecklin joins the show to talk about the importance of being persistent when developing skills, his unique academy structure and tips for coping w...
BJJ Fanatics 482: Edwin "Junny" Ocasio
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Edwin "Junny" Ocasio joins the show to share his powerful story of overcoming abuse to becoming one of Jiu-Jitsu's top athletes. He also explains why ...
BJJ Fanatics 481: Kristian Woodmansee
09 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kristian Woodmansee discusses mindset, the danger of negative self-talk, overcoming plateaus and the importance of mobility on the ground. He also div...
BJJ Fanatics 480: Dean Lister
02 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dean Lister joins the show to talk about developing a strong leg lock game, his MMA career and thoughts on teaching. He also candidly shares his exper...
BJJ Fanatics 479: Lucas Lepri
26 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lucas Lepri joins the show to talk about applying pressure and misdirection in guard passing, why competition is such a valuable tool, processing loss...
BJJ Fanatics 478 - Pete The Greek
19 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Pete The Greek joins the show for an entertaining conversation! Topics include his recent battles against various forms of wildlife, training and teac...
BJJ Fanatics 477: Drew Weatherhead
12 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Drew Weatherhead joins the show to talk about his new journey after closing his school due to Covid. He also talks about BJJ in modern MMA, the impact...
BJJ Fanatics 476: Davi Ramos
05 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Davi Ramos joins the show to talk about BJJ for MMA, take downs for BJJ and MMA, his love for leg locks and striking styles he feels compliment Jiu-Ji...
BJJ Fanatics 475: Bernardo Faria
29 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bernardo Faria joins the show to talk about managing training expectations, growing an academy, the fact that everyone thinks their BJJ sucks and bala...
BJJ Fanatics 474 - Craig Jones
22 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Craig Jones joins the show to talk about his "Gringo Spanish", Shark attacks, the Gabi Garcia super fight, his time spent coaching on Ultimate Fighter...