On the Wall w/ Jiu Jitsu Five-O

12 Episodes
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By: Jason Swartz, Founder, Jiu Jitsu Five-O

Welcome to On the Wall,  a Jiu Jitsu lifestyle podcast for cops and first responders. Hosted by Jiu Jitsu black belt and former police officer Jason Swartz, the show explores how training on the mats applies to real-life situations—covering use of force, police training, fitness, mindset, and overall well-being. Whether you're looking to improve your skills, refine your approach to training, or just enjoy conversations with people who get it, On the Wall delivers insights, stories, and practical takeaways for those who live the training lifestyle on and off the job.

The Future of Instructor Certification
08/20/2025

Police training has been stuck in the past for too long — outdated methods, inconsistent standards, and instructors with little more than a certificate to show for it. In this episode, I break down why I created the Jiu Jitsu Five-O Online Instructor Certification Course, how it sets a new standard for defensive tactics instructors, and why this program is unlike anything else out there.

I'll cover:

The problems with traditional instructor schoolsHow our course is raising the bar with a BJJ blue-belt minimum requirementWhat makes this certification different from anything offered in-personThe be...


10 Reasons You Suck at Jiu Jitsu // Ep. 11
08/06/2025

If your Jiu Jitsu feels stuck, it’s probably your fault. In this episode, I break down the top reasons people struggle on the mats, from skipping training and avoiding tough rolls to having zero game plan and blaming cardio for everything. Whether you're a cop trying to sharpen your skills or just someone tired of getting smashed every round, this episode will help you identify what’s holding you back — and how to fix it.


5 Things That Suck About Traditional Police Defensive Tactics Training // Ep. 10
07/11/2025

Traditional police defensive tactics training has some serious gaps—and anyone who’s worked the street knows it. In this episode, I’m breaking down five key problems that leave officers underprepared when things get real.

We’ll talk about unrealistic techniques, minimal training hours, and why teaching to the lowest common denominator does everyone a disservice. I also cover ways that we can help solve these issues.

In this episode:

Why “checking the box” isn’t real trainingHow rehearsed techniques fall apart under pressureThe problem with one-size-fits-all instructionWhy instructor experience mat...


5 Mistakes Cops Make When Grappling With a Suspect // Ep. 9
06/13/2025

In this episode, we break down five of the most common mistakes officers make when grappling with a suspect — and why they can lead to dangerous outcomes. From relying too heavily on tools to failing to transition when a technique isn’t working, these are habits that can put you at a serious disadvantage. We’ll talk about real-world fixes you can start working on today, both in training and on the job. If you want to stay safer and more effective in physical encounters, this one’s for you.

Download the Jiu Jitsu Five-O Training...


What to Expect in a Real Fight: 4 Common Attacks and How to Deal with Them // Ep. 8
05/22/2025

In this episode, we break down the four most common attacks you’ll face in a real street fight—and how to deal with each one using simple, effective Jiu Jitsu that you can learn in the Jiu Jitsu Five-O training app. From wild punches and headlocks, these are the scenarios that actually happen when things get physical. Whether you’re a cop, a civilian, or someone who just wants to be ready, this is the kind of training that makes a difference.


Jiu Jitsu Isn’t Dangerous - A Lack of Training Is // Ep. 7
04/25/2025

Some departments still think Jiu Jitsu is “too dangerous” to train. In this episode, we break down why that mindset is not only outdated—it’s reckless. We’ll talk about where the fear comes from, why controlled training is safer than annual DT refreshers, and how avoiding training actually increases liability. If your agency is still on the fence, this one’s for you.


Gi vs. No-Gi: What’s Actually Useful on the Street? // Ep. 6
#6
04/08/2025

In this episode of On the Wall, we dive into one of the most common debates in Jiu Jitsu: Gi vs. No-Gi. But instead of just breaking down the styles, we look at it through the lens of law enforcement. Which one better prepares you for real-world encounters? What are the practical benefits of each for cops and first responders? And if you’re limited on time, which one should you focus on? Whether you're new to training or looking to refine your approach, this quick-hitting episode gives you clarity, perspective, and actionable advice for the mat—and...


Calling Out the Bullsh** in Martial Arts With Rob From McDojo Life // Ep. 5
#5
04/02/2025

In this episode, we sit down with Rob from McDojo Life—the internet’s top watchdog for fake martial arts—to pull back the curtain on the shady world of McDojos, cult-like gyms, and so-called “masters” who are conning people around the globe. From no-touch knockouts to delusional instructors with god complexes, we dive into the tactics these frauds use to manipulate students, the red flags to watch out for, and how legit martial artists can help clean up the industry. This one’s raw, real, and long overdue. If you care about the integrity of martial arts, you ne...


Three Techniques to Start Training Right Now // Ep. 4
03/21/2025

In this quick episode, I talk about three street applicable techniques to start training and incorporating into your game right now and why they're perfect for law enforcement or self defense situations. 


10 Reasons Instructors Need to Train on Their Own Time // Ep. 3
03/12/2025

In this episode, we cover 10 reasons why instructors need to train on their own time to be the most effective instructor they can be. If you don't train something, you're not qualified to teach anyone that particular thing. 


Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean That You Should, Or That You Have To // Ep. 2
03/08/2025

In this episode, we discuss the importance of having options during use-of-force encounters, and how not every situation is the same. 


5 Things Every Jiu Jitsu Beginner Should Know // Ep. 1
#1
03/05/2025

If you're new to the art of Jiu Jitsu, or even if you've been training a while, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. Here are 5 important things you should know.