I Suck At Jiu Jitsu Show

Jiu-Jitsu isn’t supposed to be complicated — so why do most people make it harder than it has to be? In this episode of The I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show, I(thejoshmckinney) sit down with Henry Akins(@henryakinsbjj) and Michael Zenga(@michaelzenga) to break down the most powerful “old school” concepts.We talk: mount vs. back, the forgotten power of the cross-collar choke, and how legends like Rickson, Roger, and Gordon all built their games the same simple way. We laugh, tell stories of Henry Abusing us, and dive deep into the micro-details that turn basic moves into black-belt weapons. If you’re ready to stop overcomplicating your jiu-jitsu and start winning with less, this episode is for you.✅ What You’ll Learn:Why mount > back (and why most people get it backwards)The cross-collar choke secrets even black belts missWhy Half Guard Doesn't ExistWhy “mastering less” is the real key to masteryHow breathing and body positioning change everythingHenrys Cross Collar CourseHenry's Takedown CourseHenry's Fanatics CoursesJiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isucksportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”: https://www.dsgear.com/ Master ANY Position in 6 Weeks: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/6 Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suck

If you still “gas” when the pressure hits, you’re breathing wrong. Today, I (@thejoshmckinney) sit down with Glyn Podwitch (@glynpowditch). Glyn breaks down practical breathwork for BJJ—how to brace in crushing positions (scarf hold, neon belly), inflate to survive triangles, and use exhale timing to escape without panicking. We also get into Rickson-inspired rib mobility, why many yogis still tap to pressure, and how to build calm strength on the mats.What you’ll learn:The simple “fill + brace” cue that makes you harder to crush.When to exhale vs. inhale under top pressure (and why it matters).A starter progression for pressure-proof breathing (safe, scalable).Intercostal/rib mobility that helps longevity and defense.Why relaxed players feel impossibly heavy🎧 Listen to more ISAJJ: new episodes every Thursday🎙 Guest: Glyn Podwitch | Breathwork coach & BJJ black belt📚 Mentions: Rickson Gracie, Henry Akins, Dr. Belisa Vranich (Breathing for Warriors), Wim Hof, Stanislav Grof, Miles LucasGlyn's course on FanaticsGlyn's Ai CompanyJiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

Jiu-Jitsu obsession is powerful—it can make you great, but it can also wreck your health, family, and future if you don’t control it. In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) break down why “balance” is a lie, the dark side of obsession, and the 5 hacks that keep you training hard without destroying everything else. If you’ve ever felt like Jiu-Jitsu is taking over your life, this is the survival guide you need.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠0:00 – Intro0:28 – Why balance is a lie2:30 – The dark side of obsession6:24 – Lie #1: Balance is a place9:09 – Lie #2: Obsession is evil14:30 – Lie #3: You can have it all23:00 – How obsession shows up on the mats30:16 – How it affects family & life34:02 – 5 Hacks for balance37:12 – Hack #1: Guardrails41:18 – Hack #2: Drive in the right direction46:13 – Hack #3: Choose the right passengers53:28 – Hack #4: Pre-plan your stops57:46 – Hack #5: Keep driving59:52 – Why we struggle to enjoy success1:02:00 – The 3 steps to suck less at balance1:16:24 – Final thoughts

Ever wonder if there’s a little magic behind getting better at Jiu-Jitsu? In this episode, I sit down with Old Bastard BJJ Mike Mahaffey and his coach Matt Linsemier to talk training smarter, rolling longer, and mastering the game—no matter your age. From staying injury-free to using experience as a weapon, we dive into stories, strategies, and mindset shifts that every grappler can learn from.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) sit down with Michael Zenga(@michaelzenga), the co-founder of BJJ Fanatics, for an in-depth conversation on building one of the most influential brands in jiu-jitsu. We talk about what makes BJJ Fanatics different, their vision for the future, Michael’s personal insights on running a successful BJJ business, and even how to be a better competitor. Whether you’re a coach, competitor, or just a fan of the sport, this episode is packed with value you won’t want to miss.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

The Fans WORST BJJ hot takes of the year: don’t tap to pressure, cartwheel passes are trash, competing is “stupid,” and yes—we argue whether or not CJI will fail. Plus: did Mikey Musumeci sell out, will UFC BJJ take over, and is Danaher actually overrated?In this special episode Josh (@thejoshmckinney) is joined by executive producer Bryce Allen (@bryceallen_) as they tackle some of the hottest topics in modern day jiu jitsu.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠(00:00) Should you tap to pressure? (9:20) Cartwheel passes are Stupid.(17:00) No one teach Triangles Correctly(24:20) Competing is so so stupid (29:30) CJI WILL FAIL(39:10) Did Mikey Musumeci sell out?(47:20) UFC BJJ Will WIN?(55:25) Who will win CJI and Why is it Daisy Fresh?(1:07:25) Is Chasing Chicks at your gym kosher?(1:14:55) Can a female black belt gain respect from her male peers in Jiu Jitsu? / Should we Ban Women OR Men from Jiu Jitsu?(1:23:40) ISAJJ IS SEXIST??(1:26:20) BJJ is becoming Karate?(1:31:00) How Long Should you be a Brown Belt?(1:36:25) Danaher Sucks??

Two brothers. Two paths. One life-changing journey.Robert Arias started training Jiu-Jitsu with me(@thejoshmckinney) about 10 years ago . Six years ago, Erik finally stepped onto the mats — and it changed everything. Today, both brothers are competitors, coaches, and soon-to-be gym owners of Arias Bros BJJ.In this episode, we talk redemption, brotherhood, and how Jiu-Jitsu can truly save lives.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

r/BJJ is basically the Mean Girls of Jiu-Jitsu. It’s petty. It’s chaotic. It’s ruled by digital “mean girls” with four stripes and zero rolls. But today, I(@thejoshmckinney) am Lindsay Lohan — and I’m infiltrating the plastics. Let’s see what happens when a friendly black belt infiltrates Jiu-Jitsu's Meanest Community.In this episode, I go toe-to-toe with posts from r/BJJ — some thoughtful, some ridiculous, and some that made me question if the mats are giving people brain damage. From “Do I really have to learn guard?” to “I faked being unconscious to escape a guillotine,” we’re breaking down the internet’s hottest takes, dumbest questions, and most overconfident white belt energy.It’s Black Belt vs. Reddit BJJ.There is only ONE RULE — No Facts or Logic Allowed.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

You’ve heard him talk about the ecological approach. You’ve seen the debates. But who is Greg Souders, really? In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) sit down with one of the most polarizing minds in Jiu-Jitsu for a conversation that skips the buzzwords and gets into the why.We dive into Greg’s origin story, why he started preaching the CLA gospel, where his mindset came from, and how he’s preparing his team for CJI. No clickbait. No drills. Just real talk with a coach who’s changing the game.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

In this sacred scroll of suck-reduction, Josh McKinney reveals The 10 Commandments to Suck Less at Jiu-Jitsu—a divine list of timeless ISAJJ truths spoken how the real scripture was originally written in King James-style scripture. From "Thou Shalt Embrace the Designated Winner" to "Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Teammate’s Game," this episode is equal parts hilarious, insightful, and brutally honest. Prepare thyself for wisdom, lightning bolts, and a burning gi in the desert.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

Want to win more as a competitor—or build a room full of killers as a coach? This episode delivers the strategies, mindset shifts, and real stories that shaped three BJJ competitors-turned-coaches: Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) Kyle Watson(@watson_martial_arts) and Mark Vives(@mvivesbjj). From cornering tactics to creating game plans to trash talking other coaches(and many other forms of cheating), this is a masterclass for anyone who wants to build/be a champion—from blue belt to black belt.You are also guaranteed to laugh... or be offended. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

What SHOULD BE Jiu-Jitsu's Belt Criteria?In this solo scorcher, Josh McKinney unloads his 25 spiciest Jiu-Jitsu hot takes — the kind that make you question your training, your teammates… and maybe even your whole gym. From why your cardio sucks (hint: it’s not your lungs, it’s your brain), to why you should have to compete to get promoted, this is a firestorm of uncomfortable hot takes, hard-earned insights, and full-on Dawg Pound gospel.No belt is safe. No habit goes unchecked. If you train BJJ and haven’t heard this list… you’re training blind.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

Is Jiu-Jitsu really a community—or just a bunch of cliques in gis pretending to be one? In this episode, Josh rants on the myth of unity in BJJ, calls out the gatekeepers, and makes a case for a more creative, open, and fun future for the art we all love. You’ll hear why the idea of “real Jiu-Jitsu” is holding us back, how the culture is becoming more rigid, and what we can do to keep Jiu-Jitsu weird, inclusive, and worth showing up for.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

Feel like your Jiu Jitsu hit a wall? Burn the wall down. In this episode, Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) gives you the no-nonsense, actually-useful strategies to keep leveling up—forever. No more spinning your wheels, no more "maybe I just suck" spirals. Just simple, smart ways to make sure your game keeps evolving, whether you're a clueless white belt or a bored black belt. This is how you unplateau your Jiu Jitsu and become dangerously good… permanently.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

Ever roll with someone who seems impossibly fast or like they know what you're going to do before you do it? That’s not magic — it’s timing. In this episode of the I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show, Josh(@thejoshmckinney) breaks down how to master timing in your rolls, your training, and even your mindset. Learn how to slow things down, make better decisions, and feel like you're freezing time on the mats.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

Welcome to the most brutally honest episode of ISAJJ yet. I(@thejoshmckinney) asked my listeners: What do you hate most about Jiu Jitsu? The answers were unhinged. From the tape mummies and smelly gi warriors to the spazzy white belts and the legend of the "let's roll light liar"—this is a full-on roast of the most annoying people in every BJJ gym. If you don’t laugh… you’re probably one of them. Buckle up. It’s about to get disrespectful.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

In this episode of I Suck at Jiu Jitsu, Josh(@thejoshmckinney) is joined by Devin Pirata(@devinpirata) to rant about the weirdest, cringiest, and most outdated BJJ traditions—like bowing to the mats, saying “oss,” and calling your coach “professor.” It’s honest, hilarious, and guaranteed to offend at least one person in your gym(probably your coach). Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

You can drill berimbolos ’til your hips explode, but if your corner can’t guide a match you’ll still walk home with participation pics. In this episode of The I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show, I(@thejoshmckinney) flip the camera to the coach’s side: how to build a battle-ready team, run chaos-free tournament days, and yell the right words when everything’s on the line.Inside you’ll get:Pre-tourney prep: rule-set hacks, positional sparring that actually matters, and the “Hail-Mary” plan every squad needs.Individual dialing-in: managing nerves with ISAJJ breathing, stopping dumb weight cuts, and scouting that first opponent.Game-day systems: team HQ setups, synchronized warm-ups, match-time tracking, and why assistant coaches are your secret weapon.Live-match coaching: one-voice recognition, “next-fight” cueing (underhook, keep ’em flat!), time awareness, and a stealth code-word for stalling.Post-match debriefs: 15-second fix-it notes between rounds and big-picture goals that keep momentum rolling long after the medals.Whether you’re a seasoned professor or the blue belt who drew the short straw to coach Saturday, this blueprint will help your athletes compete calmer, smarter, and—most importantly—win more matches.👉 Subscribe for weekly BJJ deep-dives, mindset tricks, and the occasional hot take that gets us uninvited from group chats.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

Today, I sit down with James Driskill, a third-degree black belt under the legendary Rickson Gracie. James is not only Rickson’s trusted uke and teaching assistant but also a lifelong martial artist dedicated to preserving and sharing Rickson’s philosophy. We dive deep into James’s unique journey from training under Rickson in Los Angeles to becoming his full-time assistant in Florida.James shares insights on the art of being an uke, the priceless lessons learned from Rickson, and his philosophy of combining mindfulness and meditation both on and off the mats. We also discuss his personal life, his role as a teacher, and how he balances martial arts with family and life’s other passions. Whether you're a BJJ practitioner or just curious about what it’s like to train under one of the greatest of all time, this episode is packed with wisdom, philosophy, and inspiration.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

Stop doom-scrolling and start skill-scrolling. In this episode—the Ultimate Guide to Visual BJJ Learning—Josh(@thejoshmckinney) finally delivers on his promise to break down exactly how to watch tape, instructionals, class demos, and even TikTok clips so they translate into real-world taps. You’ll learn the “one-detail rule” that fixes a thousand mistakes, why 30 focused minutes beats a three-hour YouTube binge, and how to train your eyes to spot winning cues before they happen. From elbows-tight fundamentals to black-belt-level pattern recognition, Josh walks you step-by-step through building study sessions that actually stick.We’ll dissect:Positional film study—spotting the underhook that ruins your week and the back-take you never finish.Seminar survival—sharpening attention so you keep the gold and ditch the noise.Instructional triage—using short-form clips for inspiration, then diving into long-form context.Advanced tactics—predicting your favorite athlete’s next move (and why that superpower matters).Whether you’re a white belt drowning in details or a coach looking to give your team an edge, this episode hands you a full blueprint—minimal fluff, maximum mat return. Grab your notebook, hit play, and turn every replay into rounds you win.🎧 Listen. Study. Dominate. If the episode helps, drop a review, share it with a teammate, and let us know what move you’re fixing next!Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠