The BJJ Fanatics Podcast

Episode 273: Jackson Sousa

20 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Jackson Sousa shares his powerful life story, from beginning his life in the Favela (slums) in Rio to becoming a decorated champion. He also talks abo...

Epiosde 272: Luiz Palhares

15 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Master Luiz Palhares joins the show and talks about BJJ in Brazil in the 1970's and 80's, Training under Rolls and Rickson Gracie, Vale Tudo in the 90...

Episode 271: Mike Palladino

13 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Palladino joins the show and discusses how Pro Wrestling led him to BJJ, learning from Vlad Koulikov and Formiga, online learning, why you should...

Episode 270: Anthony Ferraro

08 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Ferraro is a NJ State Greco Champion, An accomplished high school wrestler and a Judo brown belt. He has accomplished all this despite being b...

Episode 269: Kurt Osiander

06 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

After a brief hiatus, Kurt is back! We catch up with him and talk about his upcoming Asian tour, his new drum room, rock stars fighting with fans, opt...

Episode 268 - Robert Drysdale 2

01 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Robert Drysdale has been traveling all over Brazil and Japan gathering historical data for the documentary film "Closed Guard". Some of what he's foun...

Episode 267 - Jon Calestine

27 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Fresh off winning the EBI Featherweight championship, Jonathan Calestine joins the show to recap the event and talk about his rise in the sport. He al...

Episode 266 - Matt Kaplan

22 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Matt Kaplan joins the show for a hilarious and entertaining episode! Topics include pro wrestling death matches, pro wrestling moves in MMA, leg locks...

Episode 265 - David Aguzzi 2

20 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

David Aguzzi is back to talk about the growth of Grappling Industries, the BJJ ban in Montreal and training referees. He also gives a deep breakdown o...

Episode 264 - Justin Garcia returns

15 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Justin "Master Chim" Garcia makes his second appearance on the show for a deep discussion of self defense, dealing with armed attackers from a grappli...

Epiosde 263 - Ben Kovacs

13 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ben Kovacs is the founder of The Guardian Gym, a martial arts school that allows disadvantaged kids and adults train for free or for a rate that they ...

Episode 262 Daniel Perez

08 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Daniel Perez is the first American to get a Black Belt under Demian Maia. He talks about training with Demian, running his own school, finding the rig...

Episode 261 - Matt Larsen

06 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sgt. 1st Class Matt Larsen is the man behind the US military's Modern Combatives Program. He explains why BJJ is the base style in the system, effects...

Episode 260 - Vlad Koulikov returns!

01 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Vlad Koulikov returns to the show to talk about his recent promotion to BJJ Black Belt, winning the Combat Wrestling Worlds in Japan, training through...

Joao Assis - Episode 259

30 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Joao Assis joins the show to talk about how Jiu-Jitsu helped him on a better path in life, learning from Leo Vieira and Mario Sperry, being a purple b...

Luiz Panza - Episode 258

25 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Luiz Panza joins the show to talk about his recent trip to Brazil, his intro to martial arts, why his mother banned him from training as a young man, ...

Spenser Mango - Episode 257

23 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Spenser Mango is a decorated Greco Roman Wrestling champion and a 2x Team USA Olympian. He talks about finding his style, strength & conditioning, the...

Marcio Cruz - Episode 256

18 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

"Pe De Pano" joins the show to talk about how BJJ saved him from his troubled youth, the Colby Covington incident, Brazil in the 90's vs today, the in...

Eliot Marshall - Episode 255

16 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

UFC veteran and BJJ champion Eliot Marshall joins the show to talk about finding BJJ in 1997, cult mentalities that exist in BJJ, the UFC, his love fo...

Dan Camarillo - Episode 254

11 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Camarillo joins the show to talk about keeping kids interested in Jiu-Jitsu, structuring a curriculum, injury prevention, training take downs safe...

Justin Flores - Episode 253

09 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Justin Flores joins the show to talk about learning online, universal truths in grappling, broadening your horizons and being the captain of your own ...

Shintaro Higashi - Episode 252

04 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Shintaro Higashi joins the show to talk about the pressures of being the son of a Judo legend, how rule sets impact grappling styles, his diverse grap...

Mario Sperry - Episode 251

02 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Mario Sperry talks about the early days of Carlson's academy and shares several epic stories including fighting Wallid Ismail on a bathroom floor, sur...

Abmar Barbosa - Epsiode 250

28 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Abmar Barbosa is a respected BJJ champion and instructor known for his exciting, fast-paced style. He talks about how bullying led him to BJJ, overcom...

Gustavo Pires - Episode 249

26 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gustavo "Siri" Pires is a decorated champion and instructor. He talks about appreciating the basics, having a sibling who trains, closed guard and com...

Joey Alvarado - Episode 248

21 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Joey Alvarado is a BJJ champion, retired MMA fighter and founder of KettleJitsu. He talks about the seedy early days of MMA, bullying in modern times ...

Karel "Silverfox" Pravec - Episode 247

19 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Karel "Silverfox" Pravec is a highly respected instructor. He talks about the early days of BJJ in the US, dead ends to avoid in training and staying ...

Gregg Humphreys - Episode 246

14 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

U.S. Sambo pioneer Gregg Humphreys joins the show to talk about how bullying led him to martial arts, misconceptions about Sambo, coaching at Militech...

David Adiv - Episode 245

12 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

David Adiv joins the show to talk about transitioning from Judo to Jiu-Jitsu, the differences between BJJ and Judo newaza and self defense application...

Craig Jones - Epsiode 244

07 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Fresh off EBI 14, Craig Jones joins the show to talk about his performance, the evolution of his game, flexibility, leg locks and avoiding complacency...

Rolles Gracie - Episode 243

05 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Rolles Gracie joins the show to talk about growing up in the Gracie family, how to keep kids interested in Jiu-Jitsu and the early days of Renzo's aca...

Gui Valente - Episode 242

30 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Gui Valente joins the show to talk about best practices for running a school, growing up in a Jiu-Jitsu family and self defense! He also sha...

Positive Balance Grappling : Episode 241

28 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Jeffrey Cummings is a BJJ black belt and former Wrestler. Dylan Whyte is a brown belt and experienced youth instructor. Together they run a new academ...

Robby Smith - Episode 240

23 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

One of Greco's biggest stars and a fan favorite for his fun personality and exciting style, Robby talks about his origins, making the Olympic team and...

Steve Bongiorno: Episode 239

21 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Bongiorno is a Ricardo Almeida Black Belt and a highly respected instructor. He talks about the early days of BJJ on the east coast, the change ...

Alberto Crane - Episode 238

16 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Alberto Crane joins the show to talk about the early days in BJJ in the US, training in Rio, his time spent with Master Draculino, building your game ...

Paul Schreiner - Episode 237

14 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Paul Schreiner joins the show to talk about evolutions he's seen in BJJ over time, meditation, the underlying physics of Jiu-Jitsu and the Half Guard....

Chris Jones - Episode 236

09 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A US Marine combat veteran turned BJJ Champion, Chris Jones shares his story and discusses finding purpose after the military, competition mindset, bu...

Roger Gracie returns - Episode 235

07 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Roger Gracie returns to talk about the Buchecha match, retirement, competition strategy and mindset, athleticism in Jiu-Jitsu and why he doesn't belie...

Gabe Dean - Episode 234

02 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gabe Dean is one of the top Wrestlers in collegiate history. He talks about his intro to Wrestling through his father, why motivation isn't as importa...

Kurt Osiander 2017 Halloween Special

30 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Kurt's back for the second GCP Halloween Special! Ryan and Kurt determine the BJJ styles of horror movie killers and ramble about getting fired from j...

Episode 232: Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro returns!

26 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro returns to talk about his recent superfights, balancing teaching and competing and the superfight he wants next. He also issue...

Episode 231: Marco "Gigante" Villela

24 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Marco "Gigante" Villela is a respected instructor in Australia. Originally from Brazil, he talks about his journey in Jiu-Jitsu, learning from Carlos ...

Episode 230: Leo Vieira returns!

19 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Leo Vieira returns to talk about his promotion to 5th degree, returning to competition at 41 and Superfights that he is interested in. He also shares ...

Episode 229: Ronald Mann

17 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A powerful conversation with Ronald Mann, a blue belt amputee who has found new life through Jiu-Jitsu. He talks about the details of his accident, hi...

Episode 228: Ryan Murphy

12 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Murphy joins the show to talk about the old days of Jiu-Jitsu in Northern California, his transition from Wrestling to Jiu-Jitsu, and his favorit...

Episode 227: Frank Mir returns

10 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Frank Mir returns to talk about his release from the UFC, Bellator, USADA, Yoga and his ADCC Superfight against Chael Sonnen (later canceled after rec...

Episode 226: Abraham Marte

05 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Abraham Marte is the first BJJ champion out of the Dominican Republic. He talks about closed guard, training through injuries and strength & condition...

Episode 225: Crosley Gracie

03 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Crosley Gracie joins the show to talk about the challenges of growing up as a Gracie, fighting for Pride and Pancrase, Jiu-Jitsu for MMA and...

Kurt Osiander Sept17

28 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Kurt and Ryan talk about Ryan's month in Brazil, Kurt's disturbing Halloween costume choice, taking notes in class, Jiu-Jitsu around the world, pizza ...

Episode 223: Tyler Bishop

26 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler Bishop joins the show to talk about old school MMA events, challenge matches, learning from Royler Gracie and learning online effectively. He al...

Episode 222: Dave Camarillo

21 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Dave Camarillo is a highly respected instructor and coached several elite MMA fighters in the UFC. He talks about transitioning from Judo to BJJ, real...

Episode 221: Marcel Goncalves

19 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Marcel Goncalves is the first student of Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu and is a decorated competitor. He tells his powerful life story and how Jiu-Jitsu help...

Episode 220: Shawn Williams

14 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Shawn Williams is back! We talk about injuries, injury prevention, adding Judo and Wrestling to Jiu-Jitsu and Demain Maia's title fight. Sha...

Episode 219: Brandon Mccaghren

12 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

B-Mac is back! We discuss podcasting, EBI, the balance between athleticism and technique in Jiu-Jitsu, the role physical attributes play in your game,...

GCP Episode 218: Gianni Grippo

07 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gianni Grippo joins the show to talk about balancing gi and no-gi training, appreciating your rivals and making a living through Jiu-Jitsu. He also di...

GCP Episode 217: Tom Deblass returns!

05 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Tom Deblass is back! He talks about his recent Fight to Win match, ADCC 2017, conditioning, the Dillon Dannis beef, obsessive mindset and using skills...

GCP Episode 216: Kevin Phillips

31 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin Phillips is a BJJ purple belt, a comedian and co-host of The Verbal Tap Podcast. He talks about dealing with injuries, call-outs in Jiu-Jitsu, e...

GCP Episode 215: Vinicus "Draculino" Magalhaes

29 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Draculino returns to the show after nearly 2 years to talk about past and current trends in Jiu-Jitsu, his prediction for future trends, lea...

GCP Community Focus: Dr. Chris Moriarty / BJJ Medical Research

25 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

BJJ Black Belt Dr. Chris Moriarty returns to the show to talk about his recent competitions, dealing with leg lockers, call-outs in Jiu-Jitsu and his ...

GCP Episode 214: Shane Rice

24 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Shane Rice is the only Canadian Black Belt under Grandmaster Rickson Gracie. He talks about his incredible luck finding Rickson, the old day...

GCP Episode 213: Kurt Osiander

22 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Kurt makes his monthly appearance and rambles with Ryan about Game of Thrones, Slayer, corporal punishment, Ryan and Karen's Mexican adventure and zom...

GCP Community Focus: Mike Salemi / Kettlebells for Jiu-Jitsu

18 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Salemi is one of the most respected strength and conditioning experts in the world. He talks about customizing your fitness to meet your needs in...

GCP Episode 212: Enson Inoue

17 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Retired professional MMA fighter and BJJ Black Belt Enson Inoue talks about his time spent with Grandmaster Relson Gracie, being humble as a black bel...

Episode 211: Rose Gracie

15 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Rose if the founder of Gracie Worlds tournaments. She talks about growing up in the Gracie family, her perspective watching Jiu-Jitsu spread to the US...

GCP Community Focus: Javier Palomo / Well rounded grappling

11 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Javier Palomo is a black belt in several martial arts, a purple belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu and a Catch Wrestling instructor. He talks about the val...

GCP Episode 210: Kenny Florian

10 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

UFC veteran and Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Kenny Florian talks about BJJ in the 90's, positive mentality, managing nerves and emotions and the value of setb...

GCP Episode 209: Raf Esparza

08 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian, Writer and Co-Host of The Verbal Tap Podcast Raf Esparza joins the show to talk about Professional Wrestling moves that work in Jiu-Jitsu, R...

GCP Episode 208: Mahamed Aly

03 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

One of BJJ's youngest and brightest stars, Mahamed Aly joins the show to talk about cultural differences between Brazil and the US, pursuing a life of...

GCP Episode 207: Marcelo Garcia

01 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Marcelo Garcia is considered by many to be the greatest BJJ competitor of all time. He talks about his origins, avoiding one-dimensional tra...

GCP Community Focus: Steve Cotter / Kettlebells for BJJ

28 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Cotter is one of the top resources in the world for kettlebell trianing and he is also the personal kettlebell trainer of 9x World BJJ Champion ...

GCP Episode 206: Sam Joseph 2

27 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Sam returns to talk about building a successful academy, why you don't need to be a world champion to be a great teacher, teaching your stud...

GCP Episode 205: Ruben Alvarez 3

25 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The Dade County Crippler is back! Ruben Alvarez makes his third appearance on the show and talks about self defense, his progress in the Miami Police ...

GCP Episode 204: Keith Owen

20 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Keith Owen talks about practical self defense, avoiding cult-like academies, teaching,  the reasons people quit BJJ and finding your reason...

GCP Community Focus: Jerry Clanton / Jiu-Jitsu at 70 years old!

18 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Jerry Clanton is a BJJ purple belt from Daphne, Alabama who trains and competes at 70 years old! He talks bout his start in BJJ, his favorite things a...

GCP Episode 203: Kurt Osiander 9

18 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Kurt talks about his recent failed attempt at BJJ commentary, fireworks and explosives, cheap alcohol and his disappointment that the iPhone 7 can't t...

GCP Community Focus: Alec Wooden / Resilience and Defeating Cancer!

14 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Alec Wooden is a young blue belt who survived brain cancer. He talks about how Jiu-Jitsu has impacted his life and how he tries to be a constant motiv...

GCP Episode 202: Casey Halstead

13 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Coach Casey Halstead is a highly respected coach, academy owner and entrepreneur in the BJJ community. He talks about time management, common pitfalls...

GCP Episode 201: Jon "Macarrao" Thomas

11 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Jon Thomas delivers a very insightful and technical conversation. He covers injury management, improving your weaker areas, guard retention,...

GCP Community Focus: Dennis Ortega / Life as a new black belt

07 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Dennis Ortega is a black belt under the legendary Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro. He talks about his start in BJJ, the importance of idols and deal...

Episode 200: Rickson Gracie

06 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In our 200th episode, we are joined by the man many consider to be the greatest BJJ Black Belt of all time. Master Rickson talks about controlling you...

GCP Episode 199: Perspectives from the Journey 2

04 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In the second installment of Perspectives from the Journey, Ryan sits with 8 different female practitioners of varying ranks to talk about their exper...

GCP Community Focus Episode 8: Jay Regalbuto / BJJ Commentary

30 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Jay Regalbuto is a respected Black Belt who is also one of the most active commentators in the BJJ community. He has called over 1,000 match...

GCP 196 Sergio Silva

22 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Sergio Silva joins the show to talk about the importance of building muscle memory, Judo for Jiu-Jitsu, self defense and the gritty days of ...

GCP Episode 138: Demian Maia

01 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are joined by arguably the greatest representative of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in MMA, Demain Maia. Demian talks about why he quit Kung...

GCP Episode 137: David "Silverfox" Karchmer

30 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most experienced and recognized BJJ referees in the United States, Professor Karchmer has reffed well over 3,000 matches in his career. He ...

GCP Episode 136: Amanda "Tubby" Alequin

30 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda "Tubby" Alequin is one of the fastest rising stars of women's Jiu-Jitsu. Just coming off her first black belt no-gi world title, Tubby discusse...

GCP Episode 135: Allan Goes

22 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A 6th degree black belt under Carlson Gracie and an MMA pioneer, Professor Allan Goes joins us to share his powerful life story. He openly talks abou...

GCP Episode 134: Matt Lindland

19 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Coach Matt Lindland is regarded as one of the top world resources for grappling knowledge. In this episode, he discusses his career, his decision to p...

GCP Episode 133: Rustam Chsiev

19 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Rustam "The Russian Bear" Chsiev joins the show to talk about wrestling, moving to the US to chase his dreams, his success in EBI and his old school d...

GCP Episode 132: Kipp Kollar

10 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Kipp Kollar is the man behind NAGA one of the most successful grappling tournaments out there. Kipp talks about his intro to grappling, the beginnings...

GCP Episode 131: Alberto Marchetti

09 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Alberto Marchetti is a very respected figure in the Jiu-Jitsu community, not only for his teaching, but for his business ventures within Jiu...

GCP Episode 130: Mike Bidwell

03 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are joined by Professor Mike Bidwell. Mike talks about his beginnings in martial arts, his unique and artistic approach to Jiu-Jit...

GCP Episode 129: Frank Mir

01 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are joined by UFC superstar and former Heavyweight Champ Frank Mir. Frank talks about podcasting, Jiu-Jitsu, his MMA journey and s...

GCP Episode 128: Kurt Osiander Halloween Special

27 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

When Kurt is on the show, don't expect your average GCP interview! In our Halloween Special, and Kurt's 5th appearance on the show, Kurt talks about h...

GCP Episode 127: Nick Delpopolo

25 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are joined by Judo star Nick Delpopolo. Fresh off his performance at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Nick talks about his intriguing lif...

GCP Episode 126: Riccardo Ammendolia

25 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Riccardo Ammendolia joins the show and talks about his start in Jiu-Jitsu, the BJJ scene in Canada, competing in Brazil and how he became one of the m...

GCP Episode 125: Freddy Trillo

25 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Freddy Trillo joins the show for an insightful and surprising look into the world of law enforcement hand to hand training and the importanc...

GCP Episode 123: Felipe "Zicro" Neto

17 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Neto is a highly respected black belt and the longest running Alliance Black belt outside the team's founders. Felipe talks about the team's...

GCP Episode 124: Alexander Trans

13 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Alexander Trans talks about BJJ in Europe, his decision to move permanently to Rio De Janeiro and his reasons for leaving Checkmat to...