The Grapplers Perspective

We talk through a world champion’s pivot from powerlifting to jiu-jitsu, why coaching culture at Kingsway changed everything, and how smarter stand-up, pinning, and true strength finally showed up on competition day. We share a clear plan for lifting, cardio, and plyos that keeps you improving without burning out.

• ADCC Trials win, what improved, and why confidence clicked
• Kingsway and ROKA coaching structure, daily feedback, and partner quality
• Austin move, visas, lifestyle trade-offs, and training rhythm
• Powerlifting career highlights, identity, and the emptiness after winning
• Strength’s real role in grappling performance and longevity<...

We return from Vegas with strong views on CJI formats, a fair take on the Taylor vs Bodoni controversy, and a blueprint for training that actually sticks. Between The Sphere, VR ledges, and resort fees, we also map why rotating events could grow jiu-jitsu faster and fairer.

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Co-Hosts: Paul Johnson (Glasses) and Danny A...

Dr. Asoka shares his unique perspective as both a medical professional and a BJJ black belt, offering invaluable insights on health concerns for grapplers and combat sports athletes.

Guest Stuff:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/dr_asoka
GMC reference number:  4545590
Combat Sports Hygiene - https://sportshygiene.com/

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In this hilarious episode, Rob from McDojo Life discusses his mission to expose frauds and cults in martial arts, offering insight into the manipulative tactics used by instructors and how the lack of regulatory oversight enables predatory behaviour.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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Co-Hosts: Paul Johnson (Glasses) and Danny Allen (Beard)
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/b...

Christian Graugart, founder of BJJ Globetrotters and Beltchecker.com, shares his mission to create a jiu-jitsu community built on friendship rather than business relationships. His approach has grown into the world's largest jiu-jitsu affiliation with 1,300 academies worldwide and over 100 camps conducted across multiple continents.

Guillaume (Gile) Huni, the founder of BJJ Eastern Europe and a 3rd-degree black belt, shares his journey from corporate real estate to becoming a full-time jiu-jitsu instructor and media entrepreneur in Serbia.

• Half French, half Filipino with an international background before settling in Serbia
• Started training BJJ in Paris in 2000 after discovering the sport through VHS tapes of Royce Gracie
• Founded BJJ Eastern Europe website in 2012, covering stories mainstream sites ignored
• Created his academy in Belgrade in 2014, now home to 13 black belts
• Developed "Sloth Jiu-Jitsu" – a sustainable approach focused on technique over athleticism
• Emphas...

Adam Singer shares his 25-year journey in coaching BJJ and MMA, explaining how ecological dynamics and the constraints-led approach creates more effective grapplers despite less technical instruction.

• SBG's "aliveness" approach filters effective techniques through realistic testing
• Traditional drilling methods often fail to transfer to live situations
• Ecological coaching creates environments where students learn through problem-solving
• Students become effective before becoming efficient in their movements
• Culture, environment, method and athletes function as one interconnected system
• Belt promotions based on effectiveness against peers rather than technical knowledge
• Students know fewer named techniques but perform better...

Eddie Bravo shares the evolution of his revolutionary no-gi jiu-jitsu system and the development of Combat Jiu-Jitsu as a bridge between sport grappling and MMA. He discusses his journey from questioning traditional gi training to creating innovative formats that keep jiu-jitsu connected to its fighting roots.

• Excitement about 10th Planet's team (Gio, Alan Sanchez, PJ Barch, Ryan Aiken, Kyle Boehm) competing at upcoming CJI 2 event
• Origins of Eddie's preference for no-gi jiu-jitsu stemming from his wrestling background and focus on MMA applications
• Story of Sheikh Tahnoon, the secret billionaire who created ADCC and transformed the no-gi...

Grippo joins us to discuss his opponent change for Who's Number One, his experience competing in Kazakhstan, and his journey on the UFC BJJ reality show.

• Sharing the recent change from facing Owen Jones to Max Hansen at Who's Number One
• Breaking down why he felt confident against Owen's leg entanglement game
• Reflecting on the surprising quality and camaraderie at the AIGA tournament in Kazakhstan
• Describing a tough loss via leg lock that served as a valuable learning experience
• Revealing behind-the-scenes details about the UFC BJJ reality show, including competitors staying in hotels rather tha...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on where Priit's martial arts journey started, his defensive Jiu Jitsu innovations and teaching, how the BJJ Globetrotters Camps changed his life, early days with SBG, why he switched from SBG to Ecological Dynamics, how to correctly scale and much more. 

Priit Mihkelson is a 3rd degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt from Estonia, and is widely considered to be one of Europe's biggest innovators of Jiu Jitsu. He received his black belt in 2012, and is especially known for his defensive prowess. He started out in training other forms of martial a...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on Paul's experience at the CJI Euro Trials, what he thinks of the English and our breakfast, how he nearly ended up in the Americas squad, how he juggles his career as a busy lawyer and being an elite grappler and much more. 

Paul Ardila is a decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt known for his success in both Gi and No-Gi grappling competitions. He's a notable figure in the BJJ community, particularly recognized for his achievements in the ADCC Trials, which he has won four times. He balances his high-level g...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on The Gothlord's potential match with Pat Downey, how he developed his unorthodox style of grappling, what difference getting a coach made, his training split and approach, his mental preparation, his comp warm up, his thoughts on UFC and much more. 

Shane 'The Gothlord' Curtis is a BJJ Black Belt and UK Professional Grappler. He has on most of the UK's major shows including Polaris and Grapplefest. He is known for his unorthodox, exciting BJJ style.

Guest Stuff:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/shanecurtisbjj
All Links...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on how he went from being known as a bit of gym hero to winning ADCC trials and shocking the world at CJI 1 in one year, how he developed his renowned guard game, current NoGi grappling culture, the upcoming CJI 2 event and much more. 

Luas Kanard is an Australian Professional Grappler who  gained notoriety when he submitted Victor Hugo at the Inaugural Craig Jones Invitational in 2024, winning him submission of the event.

Guest Stuff:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/lucas_kanard

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on Seth's legit BJJ background, how he met Craig Jones and started B-Team, Creating CJI 1, what the Fair Fight Foundation really do, what Craig Jones is really like off camera, thoughts on the controversial Euro trials, UFC BJJ and much more. 

Seth Belisle is a BJJ Black Belt, Co-Founder and Effective CEO of B-Team Jiu Jitsu, President of the Craig Jones Invitational, Founder and President of the Fair Fight Foundation, and the man keeping Craig Jones alive on his travels.  

Guest Stuff:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/se...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on Kit's recent return to competition, the Giles trials, fighting Xande Ribeiro, how he systemically passed an impassable guard, how you can pass any guard in Jiu Jitsu, how people should learn, his White Belt Movie and much more. 

Kit Dale is a Black Belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and is Australia’s most decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete of all time. He received his black belt by multiple time world champion Yuri Simoes in 2013, after training for only 4 years. This puts Kit Dale among the fastest people to ever receive a black bel...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on life as a grappler after 40, BJJ after 40 online community, diminishing returns, weight training & diet for longevity, TRT use & abuse and much more. 

Mike Bidwell is a BJJ Black Belt and Founder of the Online Community BJJ After 40. Through this community, Mike supports thousands of older grapplers with staying on the mats for as long as possible. 

Guest Stuff:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/bjjafter40/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bjjafter40/
BJJ After 40 Survival Guide - https://www.amazon.co.uk/BJJ-After-Survival-Guide-Masters/dp/B0D9...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on the mindset required to innovate and acquire skill in jiu jitsu, training at B-Team and managing the camera's, his strength and recovery programme, how getting the ADCC ended a crisis, CJI 2 and much more. 

Chris Wojcik is a black belt Jiu Jitsu fighter and innovator, currently competing professionally under the B-Team in Austin, Texas. Chris is a ADCC and WNO vet, and is the 88kg in B-Teams CJI 2 Squad. He is also known for BJJ writing and is the author of the Grapplers Diary. 

Guest Stuff:
Insta...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on the recent, chaotic and controversial CJI Euro trials, why he picked show girls over a pit wall, why Eoghan O'Flanagan isn't in the team, if he did Taylor dirty with ADCC overtime, why Paul was the wildcard pick, who was originally planned to be in the team, CJI squad tactics and much more. 

Faris 'Faradinho' Ben-Lamkadem is a British BJJ Black Belt under Roger Gracie, 2024 IBJJF NoGi World Champion, and CJI 2 Euro Misfits Squad Coach.

Guest Stuff:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/beingfaris

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on his recent European seminar tour and visiting some of the best gyms in Europe, why he hated winning NoGi Worlds, his time training at Standard Jiu Jitsu with Greg Souders, what makes a great coach in BJJ, CJI speculations and predictions and much more. 

Brandon Reed BJJ Brown Belt,  Pedigo CJI 2 Squad Member, ADCC Trials Medalist, ADCC Worlds Competitor, 3x National Champion Wrestler & 4x All-American, IBJJF NoGi World Champion (Blue and Purple Belts).

Guest Stuff:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brandonreed3x
Website - https://ww...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on ze germans experience in Austin, Linus' recent big wins and getting concussed by Nicky Rod, Dima predicts WNO (was he right?), B-Team CJI Squad selection and much more. 

Dima Murovanni is BJJ Black Belt and B-Team Jiu Jitsu's Head Coach. Linus is a BJJ Brown Belt under Dima,  2024 Purple Belt NoGi World Champion and rising star in the Pro Grappling scene.

Guest Stuff:
Dima's Insta - https://www.instagram.com/dima_murovanni/
Linus' Insta - https://www.instagram.com/linus.schrenk/
Patreon - https://www.pa...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on how to train like an ADCC champion, the best way to develop skill, how to create a winning mindset, what it's really like to train under John Danaher, the New Wave CJI team and much more. 

Giancarlo Bodoni is a BJJ Black and the Current -88kg 2x ADCC World Champion, currently training under John Danaher at New Wave. He considered one of the planet’s best pound-for-pound ground fighters.

Guest Stuff:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/giancarlobodoni/

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on Declan's thoughts of the CJI trials and format, the Aussie squad vs the other squads, his background, training at B-Team and much more. 

Declan Moody is an Australian BJJ Black Belt and Competitor, fighting out of B-Team in Austin, TX. He is an ADCC vet, ADCC Asian Oceania trials winner and is the CJI Australasia 'Giles Trials' Winner.

Extra Stuff:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/declan_moody/
White Monster Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/thewhitemonsterpodcast

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on skn infections and how to avoid them, Eddie Hall fighting MMA, different grappling styles, using steroids and TRT, dealing with dangerous spaz’s and much more.

Mr (Dan) Bassett is the Founder and Owner of Mr Bassett's Grapplers Soap. Known as The World's Most Violent Soap Maker, Dan is a BJJ Purple Belt, Notorious Oil Checker, Fighter, Ex-Armed Forces, RNLI, UK Fire Fighter... and an Artist (Gay!)

Extra Stuff:
Mr Bassett's Grappler's Soap - https://www.mrbassetts.com
Cult Brand UK - https://www.cultbranduk.com

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on Stuart’s terrorfying experience with London’s knife crime, how he started film making, getting banned from ADCC, how grappling has changed and much more. 

Stuart Cooper is a BJJ Black Belt, best known for his motivational and inspiring films featuring some of the biggest BJJ events and athletes ever.

Guest Stuff:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/stuartcooperfilms
Films - https://www.youtube.com/user/stuartcooperfilms
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/StuartCooperFilms

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on his rivalry with Gordon and why a 5th match needs to happen, why he wants the Victor Hugo fight, how IBJJF could compete with pro NoGi promotions, his training and competition prep breakdown and much more. 

Felipe “Preguiça” Pena is a BJJ Black Belt, Weight and Absolute ADCC World Champion, Weight and Absolute IBJJF NoGi World Champion, 2x IBJJF Gi World Champion, BJJ Stars Heavyweight GP Champion, multiple time Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion and only person to submit Gordan Ryan at Black Belt.

Guest Stuff:
Insta...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on how and why Ikigai is paying Blue Belts more than ADCC pay females, why black belts are such divas, how the game has evolved, leg locks in the modern game, Steve background training with the Aspinall's and much more. 

Steven Henshall is the founder of Henshall BJJ and Ikigai Submission Grappling. A former MMA champion and BJJ black belt (under Andy Aspinall, father of UFC heavyweight Tom aspinall) Steven has extensive experience in grappling as a whole, competing in some of the biggest Jiu Jitsu events in the UK and a...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on the time Elliot got horribly injured on the mats, using BJJ against a mugger before getting kissed, BJJ etiquette, the belt system, teenage freaks, cult behaviours and much more. 

Elliot Steel is a British stand-up comedian and comedy writer, competitive BJJ Blue belt and former, amateur Muay Thai and MMA competitor.

Guest Stuff:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/elliotsteel
Comedy Special - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTtvceb5A80

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on PJ's reflections of Polaris Squads, his background in combat sports including MMA, his transition to grappling and going from blue to black belt in 2 years, his thoughts on Greg Souders and Ecological and much more. 

PJ Barch is a BJJ black belt under Richie Martinez and Eddie Bravo, and ADCC World Championship Medalist. He is a former All-American wrestling standout, before his transition to grappling, gaining recognition, particularly in the submission-only circuit after wins at Onnit Invitational, Quintet Grappling Team Survival Match, and Sapateiro invitational.

Guest Stuff:
I...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on how Ash plans to deal with Audrey's arms, his approach to strength and recovery, how jiu jitsu athletes are amateurs, playing at being professional, how jiu jitsu needs to change to become more professional and much more. 

Ashley Williams is a Welsh grappler, and a BJJ Black belt under Chris Rees, and one of the best European athletes of his generation. Williams is mostly known for his accolades in the NoGi circuit, particularly his wins at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) European No-Gi Open, and his performances in submission-only e...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on why Roy started creating belt grading demonstrations, what he believes the standards are from white to black belt, what is takes to be a coach and a role model in jiu jitsu, the art of teaching and much more. 

Roy Dean is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, 3rd Degree Black Belt in Japanese Jiu Jitsu, 1st Degree Black Belt in Kodokan Jud, and 1st Degree Black Belt in Aikikai Aikido. Roy has been instructing Martial Arts for 30 years and has inspired a generation of Martial Artists a...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on how this app could revolutionise BJJ seminars, the many problems associated with booking, attending and running seminars that this app solves, the apps many Tinder and Uber like features, BJJ politics, deformed hands, the future of the sport and much more. 

Extra Stuff:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/matadorapp
Website - https://matadorapp.io

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Expect to get the grapplers perspective on Espen's different training methods, training in Norway, his training breakdown, approach to competition, competition mentality, to Gi or not to Gi, strong opinions on steroids and much more. 

Espen Mathiesen is a Norwegian BJJ athlete and black belt under José Carlos. Espen became one of the top grappling competitors in Europe while going through the ranks of BJJ in the IBJJF circuit, where Espen conquered medals in important tournaments such as the World, Pan American, and Euros.

Extra Stuff:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/espenmathiesen
Hi...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on what makes us stiff and how to unlock our bodies,  the different approaches to mobility, the best warm up and cool downs, why Blue Belts make such good coaches and much more. 

Sebastian Brosche is a Swedish-born yoga enthusiast and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Eduardo Rios, being also one of the top grappling competitors of his generation in the European jiu-jitsu circuit. Brosche is well known for his website (Yoga for BJJ), a pioneering platform used by thousands of BJJ practitioners, which advocates yoga and its benefits for gr...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on how Craig Jones ended up being oiled up in Turkey wrestling, the different personalities in jiu jitsu, if the nerds are good or bad, what the best gym work is to supplement your jiu jitsu, if steroids are ruining our sport and much more. 

Diren Kartal is a BJJ Purple Belt under Roger Gracie and one of the best known Fitness Authorities and Influencers in the UK and Turkey. Diren has spent time and trained with some the biggest names in the sport.

Extra Stuff:
Insta - h...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on why so many American Wrestlers are switching to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, will see an evolution of American Jiu Jitsu or Brazilian Wrestling, the controversy around high level wrestlers competing at coloured belts, what gym work is best for BJJ, how it can be mainstream and much more. 

Ian Daube is an American Professional Grappler and Mixed Martial Artist, Former Division 1 Wrestler, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt and IBJJF Worlds Medalist.

Extra Stuff:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/iandaube/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@UCuBpyaSqq9U...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on Pat's NoGi Worlds controversy, his thoughts on current blue belts, the wrestling infiltration, how CJI protected Nicky Rod from, the best way to beat wrestling, getting cancelled and much more. 

Pat Downey is a NCAA Division I All-American Wrestler and Professional Grappler, currently holding a purple belt in BJJ. In wrestling, he is a 2019 Pan American Games medalist and the 2019 US Open national champion. In submission grappling, he is a (unofficial) IBJJF Blue Belt NoGi World Champion, CJI Veteran and has competed against some of the biggest names in BJJ i...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on what Ecological Dynamics and the Constraints Led Approach is without the scientific jargon, our reaction the debate between Greg Souders, Tom DeBlass and Big Dan, discussion around the common objections and confusions to the approach and much more. 

Kyvann Gonzalez is BJJ Black Belt, Co-Founder and Head Coach at Bodega Jiu Jitsu in New Jersey and the comedy genius behind the popular kyvanng Instagram page. After training to his black belt the traditional way, Kyvann now coaching exclusively using Ecological Dynamics and the Constraints Led Approach.

Guest Stuff:

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on Ikigai 6, Danny's upcoming 16 man blue belt tournament for a £5,000 cash prize, his planned fight prep, Danny's competition experience, his upbringing, going from football to BJJ, his thoughts on BJJ politics, how nerds rule the world in BJJ, why strength training is important for BJJ, nutritional common mistakes and much more. 

Danny Allen is the Co-Founder and Co-Host of the Grapplers Perspective Podcast, BJJ Blue Belt under Sam Crook training out of Flo Martial Arts, in Plymouth. In May he will competing in a 16 man blue belt Competition against the best bl...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on the evolution of competition, how to prep as an older athlete, different rulesets, new belt standards, if evolution will ruin tradition, Marco's origin story and much more. 

Marco Canha is a 4th degree Black Belt and the head instructor at Fight Zone London. Marco is a direct product of the original Fightzone gym in Rio de Janeiro, having earned his black belt at that same gym from Fightzone owner/head coach and 9x World Champion Ricardo Vieira, one of the greatest competitors of the sport!

Marco Canha’s suc...

Expect to get the grapplers perspective on the science of Ecological Dynamics and the Constraints Led Approach (CLA) explained in (near) simple terms, how we learn as humans, Greg's foundational framework, what the key focus of practice should be, how instructional are the biggest lie in jiu jitsu, how good athletes don't make good coaches and much more. 

Greg Souders is a Jiu Jitsu black belt and owner and head coach of Standard Jiu Jitsu. He is a leading authority in the use of Ecological Dynamics and the Constraints Led Approach (CLA) for learning grappling. He is r...