Blog Posts - The Gracie Jiu Jitsu Rocks! Podcast

The Gracie Jiu Jitsu Rocks! Podcast

EP 128 Scotty Nelson - BJJ Black Belt, Founder of OnTheMat.com and Lucky GI Brand, Innovator and visionary

4/21/2020

Intro:
Quote:
"BJJ is not about being better than someone else, it’s
about being better than you used to be"
~Anonymous

Interview

Scott Nelson Scotty Nelson is a BJJ pioneer. He formed OnTheMat.com (OTM), one of the first successful JJ websites and technique platforms back in 1997, and has traveled the world contributing to BJJ in a multitude of ways. He’s a blackbelt under Jeff Glover and has had a huge impact on various aspects of BJJ and MMA. In this interview we discuss his cancer hospital CHIPSA - what it is and how he got involved in it, complementary therapies and treatments, Gerson diet, stem cells, The power of integrative medical care, Mind Body Medicine, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and the impact it’s had on his life, his relationship with Henry Akins, living in Brazil in the early days of BJJ/MMA, his GI company/brand-Lucky GI and the innovations he made in that industry, something that had a huge impact on his life, the need to change with the times, what he’s most proud of and what he wants to be remembered for, and there’s also a cameo from one and only Jeff Glover...

CHIPSA Hospital
Dr. Bernie Seigle
Emotional Intelligence

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
Marty shares a blog post form Robert Van Valkenburg's Holistic Budo entitled ‘HOPE IS A TOOL THAT CAN BE BORROWED’

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EP 127 Matt Thornton, founder, CEO, and head coach of Straight Blast Gym (SBG) International, Martial arts Innovator and Revolutionary

4/13/2020

Intro
Quote:
"To survive is to win"
~Rickson Gracie

Interview

Matt Thornton
Matt Thornton is the founder, CEO and Head coach of Straight Blast GYM (SBG) International. He has trained countless martial artists and coaches, and has worked with some of the best MMA fighters, grapplers and combat athletes in the world.
In this interview we discuss several subjects including his start in martial arts, serving in the Army, his size (he's 6’8”) and if it ever affected/dictated his martial arts style, his challenge match with Fabio Santos, meeting Rickson Gracie the first time, the biggest thing about martial arts (and Jiu Jitsu) that people just don’t get, Randy Couture’s impact on SBG, training under Chris Haueter, Aliveness, having solid fundamentals, the importance of connection, the value and weakness of traditional martial arts, Henry Akins’ recent move to SBG, and Henry’s impact on his training, his unique approach to teaching seminars, the most interesting book he’s read in the past year, being a father as a younger man and being a father as an older man, and more!

Discrimination and Disparities by Thomas Sowell

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment
Marty shares a blob post form Robert Van Valkenburg's Holistic Budo entitled The Diving Line Between Success and Failure

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EP 126 Ricardo Almeida, Renzo Gracie Black Belt, UFC & Pride FC veteran, former King of Pancrase

3/31/2020

Intro:

Quote:
“At first repetition is what counts. I teach my students to repeat
the moves to exhaustion, until it enters their subconscious and
they therefore can apply them automatically, without thinking.
Later on, once the combat situations have become complex I try
and stimulate them to be creative.”
Master Carlos Gracie Jr.

Interview

Ricardo Almeida
Professor Ricardo Almeida is a Renzo Gracie black belt, a retired UFC and Pride FIghter, and founder of Ricardo Almeida BJJ Academy. In this episode he discusses the power of Jiu Jitsu in people's lives and who Jiu Jitsu is for, overcoming fear through Jiu Jitsu , how to get through this current self isolation situation, growing up with his brothers Flavio and Andre, the early days in Brazil and competition between schools, matches that stand out, Carlos Gracie JR s impact on him, fighting MMA in Pride and UFC, best American Jiu Jitsu guys right now and best Jiu Jitsu guys in MMA, being a MMA judge and challenges for judges, being a father and how Jiu Jitsu helps kids with autism and kids in general, his relationship with Renzo Gracie and the impact it’s had on his Jiu Jitsu and life, training as you get older, and more.

Breathing For BJJ Program

Make a Difference/Make an Impact segment:
Audio portion of the video "Grind"

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EP 125 Ricky Lundell, FILA, Pankration, & BJJ World Champion, 4th Degree Pedro Sauer Black Belt, D-1 Wrestler, and Founder of 1 % Better Every Day

3/12/2020

Intro

Interview

Ricky Lundell
Ricky Lundell is FILA world champion, a 2 time Pankration world champion, and a Jiu Jitsu world champion. He’s a former D-1 Wrestler and the youngest person to receive a black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu in the US. He is a world renowned wrestling, BJJ, and MMA coach, and 4th degree BJJ Black Belt under Master Pedro Sauer. Ricky is a prominent coach, trainer, and motivational speaker, currently serving as head coach of national powerhouse for athletics, Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. He is also a strategy coach and head trainer for MMA at the University of Grappling, and founder of
1 % Better Every Day ™
In this interview Ricky discusses starting BJJ as a child (including time he “fought” Pedro Sauer’s daughter Taissa), early days with Pedro, how he became the youngest black belt in the US, early MMA (NHB), things that he did to become world champion ( importance of visualization and drilling), early Grapplers Quest days, FILA and Pankration world championships, how ended up on the Iowa wrestling team and his relationships with Cael and Cody Sanderson, the University of Grappling, working UFC fighters and champions such as Jon Jones, Ronda Rousey, Frank Mir, Miesha Tate, etc, taking a personal diagnostic daily, The 1% Better Every Day movement and philosophy and how it can change your life, how personal tragedy forced him to dig deep, how he set out to squat 500 lbs in 500 days (at 149 lbs body weight). Ricky is an incredible human being so don’t miss this episode!

Order 1% BETTER EVERY DAY: RICKY LUNDELL'S PERSONAL GUIDE TO BACK SQUATS

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
Audio from the video "I Will Not Quit"

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Ep 124 Michael Heinz, Jiu Jitsu instructor, yoga & mediation expert, owner of SBG Texas

2/14/2020

Intro:
Quote:
“Aliveness is about the freedom to use whatever works in the moment.
It’s the right action at right time. Which is another name for true compassion. A freedom that is only fully felt when one is completely
immersed in the present moment of now, and free of the burden of
beliefs, which manifest as thoughts. It is a clear mind, fully aware of
reality as it is now, and operating with absolute synchronicity within time
and space. That is the real beginning of Aliveness.” ~Matt Thornton

Interview

Michael Heinz
Michael Heinz is a Jiu Jitsu instructor, yoga & meditation expert, and owner of SBG Texas. In this episode he discusses his jiu jitsu and life journey, living and teaching overseas & how living abroad can help you grow and broaden your perspective, training in Korea under John Frankl, the UFC’s influence on him, his thoughts on competition, training with Henry Akins, his friendship with Rob Wolf, how he was led to move to Texas to open SBG Texas, his hobbies off the mat, and more…

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
Audio of video Take The Risk

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EP 123 Professors Greg Nelson, Keith Owen, and Mark Cukro Discuss starting the year of strong and staying committed through the year

1/22/2020

Intro

Interview

Keith Owen Greg Nelson Mark Cukro

In this episode Marty has a discussion with Professors Keith Owen, Greg Nelson, and Mark Cukro about starting the year off strong and staying strong throughout the year. They discuss How not to fizzle out half way through the year; Goals versus Resolutions; The importance of goals and the biggest mistakes in doing goals; Accountability; Leading by example and bringing out the best in others; Helping each other raise our levels; Getting out of our comfort zones; Celebrating our success; When to share your goals and when not to, and much more!

Professor Keith Owen (The Rhino) lives in Boise Idaho and is a 3rd degree black belt Professor Pedro Sauer. Keith also holds black belts in two other martial arts styles, a 4th degree in TAI kung-fu and a black sash in Wu Wei Gung Fu under Bruce Lee Student Joseph Cowles. He has worked in Law Enforcement as a Sheriff’s Deputy and as a handgun and shotgun instructor for Front Sight Firearms (frontsight.com) Institute in Las Vegas Nevada. He is a highly respected and sought seminar instructor and is the leader and founder of Team Rhino.
Coach Greg Nelson is a 4th Degree Pedro Sauer Black Belt and Master Sauer’s 1st Black belt. He is one of the wolds best and most successful MMA coaches (including coach to 3 UFC champions including sean sherk, Brock Lesnar, and Dave Menne. He is a a 6th degree Muay Thai Black Belt (Ajarn), Modern Army Combatives instructor (Level 4), Full Instructor in Inosanto Kali & Jun Fan JKD Concepts, and an Advanced Level Student in Shooto. He owns/operates T he Academy, in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Professor Mark Cukro is also a Black Belt under Master Pedro Sauer and is the Head Instructor of Integrated Martial Arts Academy in Harrisburg, NC. He is an accomplished Martial Artist and has been training in many arts for over 25 years. He is known for his technical, efficient, and practical approach to teaching and has an engaging style of teaching that appeals to all ages and skill levels. He has trained in several other styles of grappling that have influenced his Jiu Jitsu which include Judo, Sambo, Catch Wrestling, and Shooto. Mark is also a highly successful public speaker with frequent speaking engagements throughout the US.

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
Marty shares "Believe and Achieve"

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EP 122 Year End Episode Featuring clips from Roger Gracie, Sophia McDermott, Henry Akins, Roy Dean, John Frankl, Robb Wolf, Robert Drysdale, & Tom DeBlass

12/27/2019

Marty says good bye to 2019 in this end of year episode,
featuring clips from:
Roger Gracie (what made him so successful and
mastering the cross collar choke),
Sophia McDermott (being part ofthe Jiu Jitsu community and
advice for people new to BJJ)
Roy Dean, Henry Akins, John Frankl, & Robb Wolf (BJJ and Physical Culture- and
how BJJ can cause physical imbalances))
Robert Drysdale (accountability and ego)
Tom DeBlass (growing, learning, and maturing)

Thanks to everyone that played a part in making this year great for the podcast, including, Sophia McDermott, Matt Arroyo, Roger Gracie, Eli Knight, Nick "Chewy" Albin, Tom DeBlass, Helio Soneca, Robert Drysdale, Roy Dean, Henry Akins, John Frankl, Robb Wolf, Keith Owen, Mark Cukro, Greg Nelson, Robin Gieseler, Dr. Gaetano (Guy) Scuderi, Roy Marsh, Jason Culbreth, Aaron Sundstrom, Joel Garcia, Geeta Bhat (the Jiu Jitsu Cowgirl), Daniel Branch, Chris Lewter, Lourdes Cantu (Lola Funki Munkii), Logan Gulick, Trevor Burns, Kim Rice, Dave Owens, Robert Van Valkenburgh, Dave Kovar, and Scott Smith. I appreciate everyone's continued support. Let’s make 2020 the best year ever!

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EP 121 Professor Scott Smith, Pedro Sauer black belt & owner of Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Kentucky

12/21/2019

Intro

Quote:
"Our fears don't stop death, they stop life."
~Master Rickson Gracie

Interview

Professor Scott Smith
Scott Smith, 3rd degree Pedro Sauer Black Belt and owner of Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Kentucky, is an accomplished martial artist and sought after instructor. In this episode he discusses his thoughts on competition and self defense, the recent Pedro Sauer camp, the major influence people like Jim Kelly and Henry Akins, have had on his Jiu Jitsu, how he initially didn’t like Jiu Jitsu, testing (or not testing) for rank, how he started his school with $385 and grew it to a thriving academy with hundreds of students, his philosophy in working with kids, his family’s role in hs academy, his relationship with Master Sauer and the impact he’s had on his life, and more….

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
Audio clip of the video Be Who You Want To Be by Stuart Cooper films

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EP 120 Dr. Gaetano (Guy) Scuderi, is an orthopedic and spine surgeon and 4th degree Valente brothers Black Belt

10/25/2019

Intro
Quote: "Always assume that your opponent is
going to be bigger, stronger and faster than you;
so that you learn to rely on technique, timing and
leverage rather than brute strength"
~ GM Helio Gracie

Interview

Dr. Gaetano "Guy" Scuderi
Dr. Gaetano (Guy) Scuderi, is an orthopedic and spine surgeon and 4th degree black belt under the Valente brothers. He has been a practitioner of martial arts since his youth, with experience in Aikido, Kickboxing, Boxing, Shoot Fighting, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Judo, Japanese Jūjutsu, and Brazilian Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. He has been a part of the Valente Brothers family for nearly 20 years and He owns Jupiter Self Defense in Jupiter Fl. In this interview he discusses his martial arts journey, important aspects of self defense, the accident that severely impacted his life, the exciting discovery he made that may change the way the world treats pain conditions, his relationship with the Valente brothers and the impact they’ve had on him, the most common injuries in BJJ and tips to avoid them, what to do if you do get injured, they people who’ve influenced his life the most, and more…...

Valente Brothers Jiu Jitsu
Jupiter Self Defense
Cytonics

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
On Character: a passage from The Motivation Manifesto by Brendon Burchard

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EP 119 Robert Drysdale, IBJJF World Champion, ADCC World Champ, Co- founder of Zenith BJJ & founder of Drysdale BJJ

9/27/2019

Intro:
Quote: " A champion should ask himself: If I were to compete
against myself, what would I practice to beat me?" ~Leo Vieira

Interview

Robert Drysdale
Robert Drysdale is a world renowned Jiu Jitsu & MMA competitor. He is the co-founder of Zenith BJJ and founder of Drysdale BJJ. He’s an IBJJF black belt world champion and a ADCC world champion. He had an 8-0 MMA record. In this interview he talks about the “golden era” of BJJ, the early days in Brazil, what made him (and all successful people) so successful, what part accountability and ego play in success, accepting when your attributes are declining and how hard that can be, how being a father has changed him, Jiu Jitsu for real combat/self defense, competition, Gi and No Gi…..(Functional Jiu Jitsu), why wrestling can be a better foundation for MMA than Jiu Jitsu, why MMA is the most efficient form of self defense ever created, details of the north south choke, his mom’s impact on his life, biggest influences on his BJJ, his new podcast Breaking the Guard with David Avelon (known for the Kimura Trap system), his upcoming documentary Closed Guard The Movie, commentating at the A upcoming ADCC, and more….. Don’t miss it!

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
This segment is from Robert Van Valkenburgh's blog, Holistic Budo
Our Legacy is not ours Alone....

EP 118 NC Winners At the 2019 Masters World Championships including Geeta Bhat (the Jiu Jitsu Cowgirl), Daniel Branch, Chris Lewter, Lourdes Cantu (Lola Funki Munkii), Logan Gulick, Trevor Burns, Kim Rice and Dave Owens

8/31/2019

Intro
Quote:
" What makes a Champion is many years of training, dedication
and focus. Of losing, getting back up, and fighting again"
~Clark Gracie

Interview

NC Winners at the 2019 Masters World Championships
North Carolina had some great representation at the 2019 Masters World Championships! In this episode we talk to the people that medaled at this year’s event including: Geeta Bhat (the Jiu Jitsu Cowgirl)
Daniel Branch
Chris Lewter
Lourdes Cantu (Lola Funki Munkii)
Logan Gulick
Trevor Burns,
Kim Rice
Dave Owens

Make A difference/Make an Impact:
Audio clip of the video: I Am A Champion!

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EP 117 Nick "Chewy" Albin, BJJ Black Belt, world class competitor and instructor, and creator of the "ChewJitsu" brand

8/20/2019

Intro:
Quote: “When you react, you don't give your mind the time to get filled with emotions. You are devoid of anger, fear, and frustration; you are simply moving.”
~Saulo Ribeiro

Interview
Nick "Chewy" Albin
Chewy is a BJJ black belt and world class competitor and instructor. He’s the owner and head instructor of Derby City MMA in louisville KY, and creator of the brand “ChewJitsu” which includes the extremely popular website ChewJitsu.net, Youtube channel and podcast. In this interview he discusses his recent Double Gold win, his philosophy on Competition, the importance of controlling your mental state, breathing, the importance of ego, his martial arts journey, his podcast, how he got his nickname, his school- Derby City MMA, biggest impacts on your life, what people would be surprised to know about him, and more!

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
Dave Kovar: What is your favorite part of the day?

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EP 116 Helio Soneca, Legendary BJJ Practitioner, Coach, and Instructor. Co-founder of Gracie Barra

8/5/2019

Intro:
Meet The Listener:
Corey James Richardson of Gulf Coast Jiu Jitsu Academy

Quote: "In life, I learned that you should not brag until
you've done it. And even worse than that.... could you
do it again? That's why I'm always humble. Humbleness is
a brave man's obligation, since he knows what it takes to
accomplish a great deed. " ~Renzo Gracie

Interview:

Helio "Soneca" Moreira
Professor Helio Sonecea is a legend in BJJ. He’s the co-founder of Gracie Barra, an accomplished competitor and world champion, and a world renowned instructor and coach. In this episode he discusses how Gracie Barra was started, training with Renzo Gracie and the Machados, why Renzo is his “guardian angel, his relationship with Carolos Gracie Jr, advice on staying on the mat long term, facing his idol, Royler Gracie, on the mat, fighting against Megaton Diaz in ADCC, teaching Roger Gracie, Igor Gracie, & Rolles Gracie, working with MMA fighters such as Anderson Silva, Alan Belcher, Vanderla Silva, etc and why teaching MMA fighters is not his favorite thing, how Jiu Jitsu teaches you about life, his proudest moments in JJ, His one hobbie that he likes even more than Jiu Jitsu, how important his faith is, his gratitude for the USA, and the people who’ve influenced his life the most….

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
An audio clip from the video "The Enemy inside" by Nick Albin aka "Chewy" at ChewJitsu
https://youtu.be/FCSN96QeTkg

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EP 115 Eli Knight of Knight Jiu Jitsu is a 2nd degree Royce Gracie Black Belt & Professor, and Senior Supervising Instructor of Three Rivers Martial Arts Academy

7/13/2019

Intro
Quote:
“To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is. ~Bruce Lee

Interview

Professor Eli Knight
Eli Knight of Knight Jiu Jitsu is a 2nd degree Royce Gracie Black Belt and professor, and Senior Supervising Instructor of Three Rivers Martial Arts Academy in Paducah, KY. In this interview Eli discusses training at the Gracie academy back in the day, early UFCs, first thing he remembers about Royce, The Gracie’s teaching abilities and what it takes to be a great teacher/instructor, the long road to black belt, training for sport, self defense, and MMA, how BJJ became a therapeutic outlet for him, different approaches to teaching, his thoughts/insights on various positions such as knee on belly, kimura, chokes, etc, Jiu Jitsu as a methodology and philosophy, staying open minded in JJ, his daughter and his girlfriend, his you tube channel, the impact that Jason Hawkins, Jerad Jessup, and Royce Gracie have had on his life, and more…..

Make a Difference Make an Impact Segment:
Look for the Gold not the Filth in a situation......

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Episode 114 Robin Gieseler, 5th Degree Relson Gracie Black Belt and owner/Head instructor of Relson Gracie Columbus

6/27/2019

Intro:
Quote: "There is no secret at all to getting good at Jiu Jitsu. All you have to do is show up and train." ~Carlos Vieira

Interview

Robin Gieseler
5th Degree Black Belt, Professor Robin Gieseler, is one of Relson Gracie’s 10 first black belts. He’s the owner & head instructor of Relson Gracie Columbus. Robin has completed in some of the world’s largest competitions, winning the Gracie Nationals and Arnold Gracie World championships multiple times, and is known for his exceptional coaching abilities. His mission is to empower as many people as possible through the power of Gracie Jiu Jitsu.In this interview he discusses the early days of Ji Jitsu, what inspired him to get into BJJ, people who have had the biggest impact in his Jiu Jitsu (and life), thoughts on achieving black belt and what it means to be a black belt, being a dad to his 8 kids, coming full circle in his self defense philosophy, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, confidence gained through Jiu Jitsu and how it affects all areas of one’s life, the major impact his wife’s support has had on his life, whether we should push our kids into Jiu Jitsu or not, why it’s easier for kids to learn Jiu Jitsu, working with the Catch Court (victims of human trafficking program), importance of breathing, etc

Make a Difference/Make an Impact:
"To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often" Winston Churchill
Marty discusses the importance of flexibility (being flexible and "rolling with it" in life)

EP 113 Staying on the Mat Long Term: A discussion with Professors Keith Owen, Greg Nelson, & Mark Cukro

6/7/2019

Intro:
Quote: "You want to be training your whole life. One percent of people that train Jiu Jitsu
will get their black belt. Where are the rest? If you get too competitive, you will not last 10, 20 years." ~Ryron Gracie

Interview/Discusion
Staying on the Mat Long term

Keith Owen Greg Nelson Mark Cukro

In this episode Marty has a discussion with Professors Keith Owen, Greg Nelson, and Mark Cukro about staying on the mat long term. In the discussion they cover things like why people quit Jiu Jitsu, avoiding and dealing with injuries, the best mindset to keep you on the mat well into your years, the ego, training safely and the best training environments, keeping the fun in your training, considerations as we get older, self care, being the best training partner, times for relaxed training and times for "getting after it", and more!
Professor Keith Owen (The Rhino) lives in Boise Idaho and is a 3rd degree black belt Professor Pedro Sauer. Keith also holds black belts in two other martial arts styles, a 4th degree in TAI kung-fu and a black sash in Wu Wei Gung Fu under Bruce Lee Student Joseph Cowles. He has worked in Law Enforcement as a Sheriff’s Deputy and as a handgun and shotgun instructor for Front Sight Firearms (frontsight.com) Institute in Las Vegas Nevada. He is a highly respected and sought seminar instructor and is the leader and founder of Team Rhino.
Coach Greg Nelson is a 4th Degree Pedro Sauer Black Belt and Master Sauer’s 1st Black belt. He is one of the wolds best and most successful MMA coaches (including coach to 3 UFC champions including sean sherk, Brock Lesnar, and Dave Menne. He is a a 6th degree Muay Thai Black Belt (Ajarn), Modern Army Combatives instructor (Level 4), Full Instructor in Inosanto Kali & Jun Fan JKD Concepts, and an Advanced Level Student in Shooto. He owns/operates T he Academy, in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Professor Mark Cukro is also a Black Belt under Master Pedro Sauer and is the Head Instructor of Integrated Martial Arts Academy in Harrisburg, NC. He is an accomplished Martial Artist and has been training in many arts for over 25 years. He is known for his technical, efficient, and practical approach to teaching and has an engaging style of teaching that appeals to all ages and skill levels. He has trained in several other styles of grappling that have influenced his Jiu Jitsu which include Judo, Sambo, Catch Wrestling, and Shooto. Mark is also a highly successful public speaker with frequent speaking engagements throughout the US.

Keith Owen's New Book: From The Ground Up

Make A difference/Make an Impact Segment:
Audio clip of the You Tube Video: "When You Can't Motivate Yourself, Watch This"

Episode 112 Tom DeBlass, Ricardo Almeida/Renzo Gracie Black Belt world renowned BJJ/MMA competitor and coach,

5/26/2019

Intro:
Quote: "Why do I beat a lot of people? Because I love it so much, that’s why. Everything about Jiu Jitsu, I love it – the school, the mat, the ring. I always believe that. Maybe I am not better than my opponent, but I know for sure I love my training more." ~Marcelo Garcia

Interview

Tom DeBlass
In this episode Marty interviews World renowned Jiu Jitsu and MMA competitor and coach, Tom DeBlass. Tom is a 2nd Degree Black Belt under Ricardo Almeida (under Renzo Gracie) is a highly respected competitor with impressive competitive runs in both jiu jitsu/ and MMA. He owns and operates Ocean County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy, and has produced high level athletes from a coaching stance, including Garry Tonon and many others...His competition victories include world
No Gi Master/Black Belt/Absolute champion, Balck belt Pan American champion, 6X Grapplers Quest champion,
FIGHT TO Win Pro Main event winner, ADCC North American champion and Absolute champion. He is a UFC and Bellator veteran and member of the NJ Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

In this interview he discusses many topics, including what fatherhood means to him, his dad’s struggles with addictions and the impact it had on him, living your own life, training for fun and flexing to the person you're rolling with, heated/intense training sessions, unrealistic online videos, intermittent fasting, fitness, his faith, tragedy of people doing bad things in the name of religion, chasing competition glory, serving others, peace of mind, dealing with ADHD growing up, being a man, walking away from conversations when needed, and more...

Check out the Breathing For BJJ Program

Make a Difference/Make an Impact segmant:
Audio clip of Jocko Willink Video: Time is Running Out

Episode 111 BJJ Black Belt Joel Garcia: BJJ, Muay Thai, & MMA instructor/coach and American Killer Bees representative

5/12/2019

Intro:
Quote:
"That security you have from facing challenges in the academy,
it gives you confidence in all other areas of your life."
Roger Gracie

Interview:

Professor Joel Garcia
In this episode Marty interviews Joel Garcia: BJJ black belt & owner of Embrace Martial arts in Wake Forest, NC, where he teaches BJJ and Muay Thai, and is an official representative of American Killer Bees association. He is an incredibly knowledgeable BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA coach & instructor, and a truly exceptional ambassador for the martial arts. In this interview he discusses his academy and how he ended up in NC; God First slogan; Judo in Brazil; The birth of the Killers Bees; surviving cancer; his nickname “The Joker”; dealing with betrayal; differences between US and Brazil; Renato Tavares' impact on him; working with American Top Team; realizing your strengths but improving your weaknesses; making JJ your own; looking at the whole picture when achieving rank; student and instructor behavior on and off the mat; making a deep impact; Israel Gomes' impact on him; working with current UFC fighters Allen Crowder and Hannah Cifers; Sean Spangler’s impact on him, and more…..don’t miss it!

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
I Will Not Quit! audio clip

EP 110: Aaron Sundstrom, roving reporter for the show recaps the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle Summit

4/29/2019

Intro:
Quote:"On average, Jiu-Jitsu teaches man that their
strength doesn't mean as much they thought it did.
It teach women, that they are stronger than they thought."
~Anon

Interview:

Aaron Sundstrom
In this episode get to know Aaron Sundstrom, roving reporter for the show. Aaron discusses the recent Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle Summit (with mini interviews with Ryron Gracie, Jackson Fortunato , Elroy Spoonface Powell, and Patrick Christopher & Mikayla June, as well as his background, etc. Aaron is a very interesting person so don’t miss this chance to learn more about him, as well as hear all about the JJLS, including the speakers, the defend and control mindset, community and connection in BJJ, flexing to whom you’re rolling with, and of course the Ice Bath Experience!

The Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle Summit

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
Marty discusses Self Awareness......

EP 109 BJJ & Physical Culture: A discussion with Henry Akins, Roy Dean, John Frankl, and Robb Wolf

4/5/2019

Intro:

Quote: “My opponent is my teacher;
my ego is my enemy.” ~Unknown

Interview:

BJJ & Physical Culture
In this episode Marty has a discussion with Henry Akins, Roy Dean, John Frankl, and Robb Wolf. In this discussion we dive into topics like can doing jiu jitsu create imbalances in our bodies, what we can do to correct these imbalances, and what are the elements of effective cross training, etc. We talk about Kinstretch, cross-fit, Ginastica Natural, kettle bells, yoga, movement, massage, chiropractic, saunas, ice baths, and much more....

Kinstretch: Ginastica Natural Cross-fit
American Chiropractic Association American Massage Therapy Association
Kettlebell Kings

Make a Difference/Make an Impact segment:
Audio portion of video: Perspective

EP 108 Roger Gracie, 10x World Champion, Grandson of GM Carlos Gracie and Son of Mauricio Gomes

3/23/2019

Intro:

Quote: "There are two types of people who focus on their fundamentals: The very new and the very advanced.”
~Little Tony Pacenski

Interview

Roger Gracie
In this episode Marty interviews Roger Gracie, 10 time Jiu-Jitsu world champion, grandson of GM Carlos Gracie and Son of Mauricio Gomes and Reila Gracie. He is considered by many to be the best Jiu Jitsu competitor in history. In this interview he discussed Moving from Brazil to London, his father influence on him, awarding his first black belt, Competition mindset and what makes him different, most memorable matches, why he’s so successful with the cross collar choke, his MMA career, cross training for BJJ competition and for MMA, his biggest set back he’s had in his career and how he overcame it, what he’s most proud of, and plans now that he’s retired from competition, etc

Roger Gracie Jiu Jitsu
RogerGracieTV

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
Audio clip from the Jock Willink video "Good"

EP 107 Matt Arroyo, Rob Kahn Black Belt, Veteran of TUF, UFC, ADCC, and EBI. Owner of Gracie Tampa South

3/6/2019

Intro:
Quote:
"Courage, above all things, is the first quality of a warrior"
~Carl von Clausewitz

Interview

Matt Arroyo
In this episode Matt Arroyo, Rob Kahn black belt, owner of Gracie Tampa South, veteran of UFC, TUF, ADCC, and EBI, discusses training fighters, How he got onto the TUF show and what that experience was like, Robb Kahn’s influence on his Jiu Jitsu and life, his thoughts on Kron Gracie’s UFC debut, Matt Serra’s impact on his Jiu Jitsu, his company: the Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle and his blueprint series of instructionals, advice for transitioning from GI to no GI focus and vice versa, the biggest impacts on his life outside of Jiu Jitsu, his faith, why college might not be the best option for everyone, and how he defines success, and more...

Guard Pass Blueprint Guard Attack Blueprint Side Attack Blueprint
Mount Attack Blueprint Back Attack Blueprint BJJ Takedown Blueprint
BJJ Defense Blueprint Gi Hacks Blueprint

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
Marty discusses the value of using the person’s name when in a conversation

EP 106 Jason Culbreth, Royce Gracie Black Belt & Masters World Champion

2/14/2019

Intro:
Quote:
"Jiu jitsu and martial arts do not build character, they reveal it. We are all born with unmeasurable courage and determination, but it is as we go through the trials of rigorous training that we rediscover those gifts."
~Ricardo Almeida

Interview

Jason Culbreth
In this episode Marty interviews Jason Culbreth, Royce Gracie black belt and owner and head instructor at Cary Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Jason has over 25 years of Martial Arts experience, including Wrestling, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As an undefeated Mixed Martial Arts fighter and active Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, Jason has medaled in many local and international events, including winning the 2016 Masters Worlds. As one of the pioneers in MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Jason has contributed to the growth of the sport since it’s infancy. He was an integral part of getting MMA legalized in the state of North Carolina and has coached many successful MMA and BJJ competitors. In this interview Jason discusses a variety of topics including his views on competition, the most important aspects of self defense (and how to deescalate a situation before it turns into a fight), nutrition, injuries, what it takes to stay in JJ long term, his new prestigious academy and more....

Cary Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Cary BJJ Facebook Page

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
Audio from Believe in Yourself-motivational video

To show the show some love go to: https://www.patreon.com/GracieJiuJitsuRocks

EP 105 Sophia McDermott, Australia's 1st female black belt, world Gi & No Gi champion, Fitness coach and figure competitor.

1/23/2019

Intro:
Quote:
"All women were created equal then
some learned brazilian Jiu Jitsu."
~ Anonymous

Interview

Sophia McDermott
In this episode Marty Interview's Sophia Mcdermott. Sophia was the first Australian female to receive a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. She is a 4 x State, National, Pan Pacific and Pan American Champion, as well as a 2 x No Gi World Champion and a World Champion. She has also won the Ms Figure competition multiple times and is known for her awesome work in the fitness industry, particularly in the realm of empowering women. In this interview we discuss competition, perspectives on the jiu jitsu community, advice for people new to BJJ, accepting the good days and bad days, moving into figure/physique competitions and making it to the national level, nutritional principles and info for everyone, fitness and nutrition for athletes, food as health, creating momentum and achieving your goals, the compound effect, why meditation is so important, special issues for women in Jiu Jitsu, her dream to have health and wellness centers worldwide...and much more!

Website: www.sophiaFIT.com
Facebook: Sophia FIT
Instagram: sophia_fit_official
YouTube: SophiaFIT
Lifestyle Camps: https://www.sophiafit.com/lifestyle-camps/

Make a Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
Audio of "I Am Me" video: https://youtu.be/y8Sv3CitPks

EP 104 Royce Gracie black belt Roy Marsh & Pedro Sauer black belt Mark Cukro: Building a positive Academy Culture

1/10/2019

Intro
Quote:
“A big ego and staying in your comfort zone are the two biggest enemies of success."
~Victor Estima
Interview

Professor Roy Marsh & Professor Mark Cukro

Professors Roy Marsh & Mark Cukro discuss building a
positive academy culture. Roy is a Royce Gracie black belt
and owner/head instructor of Gracie Schwarzwald in
Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany. Mark is the owner/head
instructor of Integrated Martial Arts in Harrisburg, NC.
During the discussion we talk about a host of things such as what
it means to have a great academy culture and why it’s so
important; the elements of a great culture, examples of not so
good cultures (epic fails ); how the culture affects
attraction, retention, and quality of the experience for the
students; the importance of structure (structure in the
class environment and is this the same thing as a
disciplined environment, and structure in the curriculum and
how much is good and how much is too much; using music
during class; use of profanity in the academy, and much more…...

Make Difference/Make an Impact Segment:
Audio clip of Les Brown: The Chinese Bamboo Tree
https://youtu.be/0e1LYMhgxTk

To show the show some love go to: https://www.patreon.com/GracieJiuJitsuRocks

Episode List:
EP 151 Bernardo Faria
EP 150 Keith Owen Tribute
EP 149 Mark Shultz
EP 148 Healing Trauma through J J
147 Rickson Gracie
EP 146 Ricardo Tubbs
EP 145 Randy McElwee
EP 144 Rick Ellis
EP 143 Ray Griffin Jr
EP 142 Ryron Gracie
EP 141 Miles Lukas
EP 140 Dave Kama
EP 139 Roy Marsh
EP 138 Erik Paulson
EP 137 Goodbye 2020
EP 136 Lessons Learned in 2020
EP 135 Richard Bresler
EP 134 Jim Kelly
EP 133 Scott Burr
EP 132 Ryron Gracie
EP 131 Evandro Nunes
EP 130 Clark Gracie
EP 129 Mike The Cop
EP 128 Scotty Nelson
EP 127 Matt Thornton
EP 126 Ricardo Almeida
EP 125 Ricky Lundell
EP 124 Michael Heinz EP 123 Starting the year off Strong
EP 122 Good Bye 2019
Ep 121 Scott Smith
EP 120 Dr. Gaetano (Guy) Scuderi
EP 119 Robert Drysdale
EP 118: NC Masters World Champs
EP 117: Nick "Chewy" Albin
EP 116: Helio Soneca
EP 115: Eli Knight
EP 114: Robin Gieseler
EP 113: Staying on the Mat Long Term
EP 112: Tom DeBlass
EP 111: Joel Garcia
EP 110 Aaron Sundstrom
EP 109 Physical Culture & BJJ
EP 108 Roger Gracie
EP 107 Matt Arroyo EP 106 Jason Culbreth
EP 105 Sophia McDermott
EP 104 Positive Academy Culture (Roy Marsh & Mark Cukro)
EP 103 2018 Recap
EP 102 Eduardo Telles
EP 101 Mike Diaz
EP 100 Saulo Ribeiro
EP 99 Ralston Gracie
EP 98 Flavio Almeida
EP 97 "Dr Pete" Goldman
EP 96 Alan Baker
EP 95 Regis Lebre
EP 94 Phil Cardella
EP 93 Mike Bidwell
EP 92 Dave Kovar
EP 91 Alvaro Romano
EP 90 Brian Beauchamp
EP 89 Bas Rutten
EP 88 Caique Elias
EP 87 20017 Year End
EP 86 Marcus Kowal
EP 85 Victoria Gracie
EP 84 Yoga & BJJ
EP 83 Greg Nelson
Ep 82 Jennifer Gray
Ep 81 Nic Gregoriades
EP 80 Carlos Machado
EP 79 John Frankl
EP 78 Tamba Hali
EP 77 Jon Wagner
EP 76 Ryron Gracie- Meet the Listeners
EP 75 Injuries
EP 74 Roy Harris
EP 73 Ricardo Bayona & Alberto Robayo
EP 72 Jorge Jimenez
EP 71 Dr. Belisa Vranich
EP 70 Eve Torres Gracie
Ep 69 Ryron Gracie
EP 68 Burton Richardson
EP 67 Eddie Kone
EP 66 Rob Wolf
EP 65 David Adiv
EP 64 Steve Kardian
EP 63 2016 Recap
EP 62: Marc Marins
EP 61: Allan
Manganello
EP 60 Ryron Gracie
EP 59 Rob Kahn
EP 58 Tom Callos
Ep 57 Perdro Sauer
Ep 56 Royce Gracie
EP 55 Mike Moses
Ep 54 David Porter
Ep 53 Little Tony Pecenski
Ep 52 Alex Stuart
Ep 51 Allen Hopkins
Ep 50 Relson Gracie
Ep 49 Marco Moreno
Ep 48 Fabio Santos
Ep 47 Eric Silver
Ep 46 ICP Edition
Ep 45 Roy Dean
Ep 44 Chris Saunders
Ep 43 Todd Tanaka
Ep 42 2015 Recap
Ep 41 Phil Migliarese
Ep 40 Luis "Limao Heredia
Ep 39 Rich Franklin
Ep 38 Erik Paulson
Ep 37 Richard Bresler
Ep 36 John Michael Kaleikini
Ep 35 Ryron Gracie
Ep 34 Jeff Curran
Ep 33 GJJ and the Older Practitioner Pt 2
Ep 32 GJJ and the Older Practitioner Pt 1
Ep 31 Clay Mayfield
Ep 30 Henry Aikins
Ep 29 Ryron Gracie
Ep 28 Rorion Gracie
Ep 27 Rigan Machado
Ep 26 Steve Maxwell
Ep 25 Stuart Cooper
Ep 24 Frank Cucci
Ep 23 Javier Vazquez
Ep 22 2014 Recap
Ep 21 Ed Oneil
Ep 20 Keith Owen
Ep 19 Nico De Hann
Ep 18 Erik Hollon
Ep 17 Gui Valente
Ep 16 Rener Gracie Pt 2
Ep 15 Rener Gracie Pt 1
Ep 14 Guido Jenniges
Ep 13 Chet Schemahorn
Ep 12 Brian T-City Ortega  (Destin Immersion Camp)
Ep 11 Carlos Diaz
Ep 10 Idriz Redzovic
Ep 9   John Carter
Ep 8   Royler Gracie
Ep 7   Chris Raite
Ep 6    Jeff Howard
Ep 5    Jim Phifer
Ep 4    Victor Cammacho Guillot
Ep 3    Mazi Heydary
Ep 2    Ty Gay
Ep1     Bill Odom