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BJJ Fanatics Podcast

ByRyan Ford
672 episodes

Podcast Summary

Dive into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the BJJ Fanatics Podcast, where each episode features in-depth conversations with the elite of the sport. What sets this podcast apart is its focus on the personal and professional journeys of its guests, offering listeners unique insights into the minds of champions and coaches alike. Renowned figures like Brian Glick and Jason Rau share their wisdom, discussing crucial topics such as the importance of communication skills for instructors and the ethics of documenting training sessions. These discussions not only highlight technical aspects of BJJ but also delve into the philosophy and culture that surround the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just curious about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the BJJ Fanatics Podcast provides a treasure trove of stories, strategies, and inspiration that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of this dynamic martial art. Tune in and elevate your BJJ journey!

#1

BJJ Fanatics 653: Brian Glick

Brian Glick returns to talk about the importance of strong communication skills as a teacher, the skill of simplifying complex concepts to make them more digestible and why he chose Judo over Wrestling for BJJ. He also breaks down escaping back control

2025-05-20•1hr 41mins
#2

BJJ Fanatics 652: Jason Rau

Jason Rau returns to talk about growing his schools, the ethics and etiquette of filming training sessions, and how to track your own progress on the mats. He also gives a deep breakdown on his guard passing system!

2025-05-06•1hr 27mins
#3

BJJ Fanatics 651: Kyle Sleeman

Kyle "The Bull" Sleeman joins the show to talk about the BJJ scene in Canada, making competition second nature, developing a well rounded game and weight training for Jiu-Jitsu. He also details the road to becoming the ranked athlete in his category!

2025-04-15•1hr 29mins
#4

BJJ Fanatics 650: Kurt Osiander

Kurt is back! He talks about his health, lifting weights, "old guy" Jiu-Jitsu and conspiracy theories. He also takes questions from listeners, which include dealing with people who fight dirty, dealing with gym drama, dumb tattoos and learning to teach.

2025-04-01•1hr 10mins
#5

BJJ Fanatics 649: Matt Castaneda

Matt Castaneda is a white belt who recently used Jiu-Jitsu he learned from BJJ Fanatics instructionals to defend himself and protect others from a violent attacker at his job. He shares the full story in detail!

2025-03-17•55mins
#6

BJJ Fanatics 648: Anthony Budion

Anthony Budion shares his story of training with prominent UFC fighters and his years with the NYPD, NYFD and USAF. He also shares insight on growing a school. Other topics include pizza, the heavyweight rodents of NY and using the Crabride for counters!

2025-03-03•1hr 37mins
#7

BJJ Fanatics 647: Tom DeBlass

Tom DeBlass joins the show to talk about bullying, being consistent in training while battling depression, and some final thoughts on his recent debate about the Ecological approach in Jiu-Jitsu. He also gives some technical insight on Half Guard!

2025-02-17•58mins
#8

BJJ Fanatics 646: Charles Harriott

Charles Harriott returns to talk etiquette when visiting another school, the pros and cons of running a tournament, advice for future promoters, knee bars and how growing up in Florida has prepared him to battle some of nature's most deadly creatures!

2025-02-03•1hr 40mins

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#9

BJJ Fanatics 645: Neil Melanson

Neil Melanson returns to talk about attacking structures in grappling, funky gyms he's visited and the origin of the K Guard. He also shares the story of dying and coming back to life recently. Other topics include Bigfoot, Mothman and predatory birds

2025-01-20•2hr 9mins
#10

BJJ Fanatics 644: David Petrone

David Petrone joins the show to talk about the increasing physical intensity seen in competitive grappling. Clubbing collar ties, neck cranks, smother chokes, and the psychological warfare side of grappling are all discussed in this episode!

2025-01-07•1hr 34mins
#11

BJJ Fanatics 643: Roger Machado

Roger Machado joins the show to talk about the zen side of Jiu-Jitsu. Topics include ego-less training, mindful teaching and he explains how Yoga has had a dramatic impact not only on his body, but the way he approaches Jiu-Jitsu.

2024-12-16•1hr 23mins
#12

BJJ Fanatics 642: Tomer Alroy

Tomer Alroy returns to discuss competition strategy and tactics. He also shares how a well-prepared competition training room should feel very much like the actual competition so that the athlete is completely prepared. He also discusses the mental game

2024-12-02•1hr 39mins
#13

BJJ Fanatics 641: John Machado

John Machado joins the show to share his insights on what the "BJJ Lifestyle" means in modern times. He also shares stories from the old days in Rio De Janeiro as well as old stories from the early days in the US.

2024-11-18•1hr 30mins
#14

BJJ Fanatics 640: Robson Moura

Robson Moura returns to talk about the keys to remaining consistent on the mats, finding motivation to train later in life and he hints at a possible return to competition!

2024-11-04•1hr 27mins
#15

BJJ Fanatics 639: Kurt Osiander

Kurt is back! He gives an entertaining recap of the Olympics, ADCC and CJI. He also takes questions from listeners and talks metal bands, craziness in California and eating exotic animals.

2024-10-21•1hr 21mins
#16

BJJ Fanatics 638: Adele Fornarino

ADCC Champ Adele Fornarino joins the show to share her story! Topics include advice for smaller grapplers, managing distance, competitive personality types and steroids in women's Jiu-Jitsu. She also discusses Fortnite and dangerous Aussie wildlife!

2024-10-15•1hr 12mins
#17

BJJ Fanatics 637: Flavio Canto

Flavio Canto joins the show to talk about overcoming losses, competing on the Olympic stage, how he benefited from learning Jiu-Jitsu during his Judo career and developing the Canto Choke. He also talks about his social project "Instituto Reacao"

2024-09-16•1hr 35mins
#18

BJJ Fanatics 636: Joel Tudor

Joel Tudor returns to talk about recently getting his Judo black belt and how the art has changed his perspective on grappling. He also talks about balance and injury prevention.

2024-09-02•1hr 23mins
#19

BJJ Fanatics 635: Silverfox Pravec

Silverfox is back! In this episode we discuss injury prevention, selecting your rolls, being mindful of training partners and using the armbar to its full potential! He also talks about the importance of instructors having the ability to read the room.

2024-08-26•1hr 18mins
#20

BJJ Fanatics 634: Henry Akins

Henry Akins joins the show to talk about the importance of defense in your game. He covers several defensive categories and explains how ultimately, a solid defense allows you to be free in the way you express your Jiu-Jitsu.

2024-08-19•56mins
#21

BJJ Fanatics 633: Travis Stevens

Travis Stevens returns to talk about the current state of American Judo, his thoughts on BJJ athletes crossing over to Judo competition and the pros and cons of tradition in martial arts. He also talks about mindset and assessing your skills honestly.

2024-08-12•2hr 35mins
#22

BJJ Fanatics 632: Shintaro Higashi

Shintaro Higashi joins the show to talk about applying Judo techniques in No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu. He also explains how to train safely and "trade wins" for optimal results. He also discusses how to break the linear learning cycle commonly seen in BJJ

2024-08-05•1hr 35mins
#23

BJJ Fanatgics 631: Fabio Gurgel

If you've ever considered opening your own gym, this episode is a must-listen! Master Fabio Gurgel shares knowledge he's collected from decades of running one of the largest teams in BJJ. He covers best practices, costs and income potential for gym owners

2024-07-29•2hr 20mins

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#24

BJJ Fanatics podcast 630: Rigan Machado

Rigan Machado joins the show to talk about Old School Jiu-Jitsu, the importance of keeping up with modern trends in the art and Jiu-Jitsu in film choreography. He also talks about what he feels BJJ needs to do to reach more mainstream viewers.

2024-07-22•1hr 2mins
#25

BJJ Fanatics Podcast 629: Shawn Williams

Shawn Williams returns to talk about ADCC vs CJI, the standards of a black belt, overcoming self-doubt and developing sliding skills. He also covers effective coaching methods and dives deep on the body lock!

2024-07-15•2hr 10mins
#26

BJJ Fanatics 628: Adam Wardzinski

Adam Wardzinski joins the show fresh off his history-making World Championship. He talks about the lifestyle and work ethic it took to achieve this accomplishment and he gives advice to aspiring future champions. He also talks about the Octopus Guard!

2024-07-08•1hr 44mins
#27

BJJ Fanatics 627: Kurt Osiander

Kurt is back and in better shape than ever! He talks about lifting weights, setting up take downs, using swords in a street fight and CJI vs ADCC. He also takes questions from listeners and gives tips on fighting both wild animals and leg lockers!

2024-07-01•1hr 13mins
#28

BJJ Fanatics 626: Paul Schreiner

Paul Schreiner joins the show to discuss the various methods that are being used to teach Jiu-Jitsu. He shares his thoughts on what has worked best for him and his students. We discuss the ecological approach and linear method and their differences

2024-06-24•2hr 14mins
#29

BJJ Fanatics 625: Rolles Gracie

Rolles Gracie joins the show to talk about creating an environment that helps students learn faster, upper belts mentoring lower belts and his thoughts on the practice of testing for belts. He also gives advice for white belts.

2024-06-17•1hr 22mins
#30

BJJ Fanatics 624: Renato Canuto

Renato Canuto joins the show to talk about pay for Jiu-Jitsu athletes, his upcoming MMA debut and his open-minded approach to rolling and competing. He also dives deep on improving your armbar success rate and how to fix holes in your game!

2024-06-10•1hr 37mins
#31

BJJ Fanatics 623: Roy Dean

Roy Dean returns to discuss the different levels of mastery that exist in Jiu-Jitsu that become more obvious as you pursue the art over time. Things like strategy, creating and recognizing traps and the importance of using Kazushi are all topics we cover!

2024-06-03•1hr 32mins
#32

BJJ Fanatics 622: Kurt Osiander

Kurt is back to talk about how much AI is freaking him out, his thoughts on a possible global robot takeover and surgical bio-hacking upgrades that he is interested in getting. He also takes questions from the listeners about Jiu-Jitsu and anything else!

2024-05-27•1hr 11mins
#33

BJJ Fanatics 621: Yuri Simoes

Yuri Simoes makes his long-awaited return to the show! He talks about what drives him to compete and how he processes losses as a highly competitive personality type. He also talks about assessing your performances honestly and he shares his unique phobia!

2024-05-20•1hr 46mins
#34

BJJ Fanatics 620: Malachy Friedman

Malachy Friedman returns to discuss some of the common misinterpretations regarding what effective training is. He also explains how some of his injuries actually made him better on the mats. He also talks in depth about the student/teacher relationship

2024-05-13•2hr 4mins
#35

BJJ Fanatics 619: Giancarlo Bodoni

Giancarlo returns to talk about the importance of having clear aspirations as a Jiu-Jitsu student in order to reach your goals. He also explains that recreational practitioners can reach similar skill levels to elite athletes if they are consistent

2024-05-06•1hr 43mins
#36

BJJ Fanatics 618: Eli Knight

Eli Knight returns to talk about overcoming frustrations in training. We all get stuck sometimes, Eli sheds some light on how to push through! He also talks about the fine line academy owners walk when giving life advice or guidance outside of Jiu-Jitsu

2024-04-29•1hr 51mins
#37

BJJ Fanatics Podcast 617 - Michael Chu

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!

2024-04-22•1hr 15mins
#38

BJJ Fanatics 616: Lucas Pinheiro

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!

2024-04-15•1hr 40mins
#39

BJJ Fanatics 615: Brian Glick

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!

2024-04-08•1hr 31mins
#40

BJJ Fanatics 614: Marcelo Garcia

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!

2024-04-01•2hr 28mins
#41

BJJ Fanatics 613: Kurt Osiander

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!

2024-03-25•1hr 4mins
#42

BJJ Fanatics 612: Robert Drysdale

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

2024-03-18•1hr 5mins
#43

BJJ Fanatics 611: Alec Baulding

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.

2024-03-11•48mins
#44

BJJ Fanatics 610: Diego Pato

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!

2024-03-04•1hr 25mins
#45

BJJ Fanatics 609: Alex Enriquez

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!

2024-02-26•1hr 16mins
#46

BJJ Fanatics 608: Kurt Osiander

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.

2024-02-19•1hr 14mins
#47

BJJ Fanatics 607: Kent Peters

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.

2024-02-12•1hr 43mins
#48

BJJ Fanatics 606: Jozef Chen

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!

2024-02-05•1hr 29mins
#49

BJJ Fanatics 605: Owen Jones

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!

2024-01-29•1hr 12mins
#50

BJJ Fanatics 604: Piter Frank

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

2024-01-22•1hr 31mins

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