I Suck At Jiu Jitsu Show

Most people won’t waste 2026 on purpose—but they will by accident.In this short, no-fluff episode of The I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show, Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) breaks down the simple mistakes that keep white belts stuck and black belts stale—and how small tweaks can completely change your progress next year.This isn’t about new techniques, secret systems, or training harder. It’s about fixing the boring fundamentals of how you train, so your time on the mat actually turns into skill.If you want 2026 to be the year your jiu-jitsu finally clicks, this episode is your reset.Why most people “train a lot” but don’t get betterHow to stop drifting and start improving with intentionThe biggest mindset traps holding back every belt levelHow to structure training so progress compounds over timeGive me 59 minutes—and don’t waste 2026.Master Any Position in 6 Weeks: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/6 Jiu-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/ The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp Champion’s Stay Present: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/csp Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suckFollow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney What you’ll learn:

What happens when you take the wildest, deepest, most ridiculous Jiu-Jitsu conversations of the year… and put them in one episode?This is it.⚠️ 7 straight hours of black belt wisdom, hot takes, mindset shifts, technical gold, and straight-up Jiu Jitsu madness — all pulled from the best moments of The I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show in 2025.Whether you're a white belt looking for breakthroughs…A coach searching for clarity…Or a die-hard fan of the chaos — this episode is your end-of-year deep dive.⏱️ What’s Inside:🤯 Unfiltered rants, raves, and revelations🧠 Practical advice that actually moves your game forward🔥 Conversations that shook the Jiu-Jitsu community🥋 Clips that made you laugh, rethink, and rewind🗣 Featuring guests like:Henry Akins, Greg Souders., Glen Powditch, Steve McKinney, and other top-tier minds from the mats.If you’re serious about Jiu-Jitsu, this is the 7-hour reset your brain needs before 2026.👇 Comment your favorite moment below — I might pin it.ISAJJ Experience Tickets: https://kick.site/rxi0b3voJiu-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/ The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp 00:00 - Jack Taufer explains connection and belt rank22:13 - Why the Jiu Jitsu Community is falling apart45:00 - What makes Greg Souders tick?1:07:54 - Henry Akins and Micheal Zenga Breakdown what makes the best Jiu Jitsu1:35:04 - What is American Jiu Jitsu? | The AJJ Declaration of Independence2:07:44 - How to get your Black Belt in 7 Years2:27:36 - Worst Hot Takes of 20252:58:10 - Identifying every hateable person at your jiu jitsu school3:26:18 - Glyn Powditch teaches Breathwork for jiu jitsu and survivial3:58:10 - Warning: Jiu Jitsu is Ruining Your Life4:22:23 - How to use a Performance day4:38:22 - CJI is going to suck?5:16:56 - Josh loses in front of everyone but still has a better day than Ralph5:51:41 - Thank You Notes of 20256:09:19 - Steve McKinney | Life Hacks to live ForeverJack Taufer explains connection and belt rank - https://youtu.be/bDFFiauY3lcWhy the Jiu Jitsu Community is falling apart - https://youtu.be/hlCWCv327UcWhat makes Greg Souders tick? - https://youtu.be/R5XI3CfLV9gHenry Akins and Micheal Zenga Breakdown what makes the best Jiu Jitsu - https://youtu.be/tN-eIL7euSoWhat is American Jiu Jitsu? | The AJJ Declaration of Independence - https://youtu.be/KVSyAde-yrQHow to get your Black Belt in 7 Years - https://youtu.be/9RsayPzb-7EWorst Hot Takes of 2025 - https://youtu.be/UDmUl4cYvcsIdentifying every hateable person at your jiu jitsu school - https://youtu.be/mnCMwvx0erIGlyn Powditch teaches Breathwork for jiu jitsu and survival - https://youtu.be/7akgVE7vy0cWarning: Jiu Jitsu is Ruining Your Life - https://youtu.be/tgsV_8dsUJwHow to use a Performance day - https://youtu.be/8fMjTOiBAhYCJI is going to suck? - https://youtu.be/eNP9a4o12i4Josh loses in front of everyone but still has a better day than Ralph - https://youtu.be/Z7Tz-rEMy_4Thank You Notes of 2025 - https://youtu.be/VHah0cikGHgSteve McKinney | Life Hacks to live Forever - https://youtu.be/pDBVTmCKcsc

This special is a rapid-fire AMA where I answer your questions on jiu-jitsu, coaching, competing, gym ownership, family life, burnout, bad ideas, good albums, worse warm-ups, and everything in between. From how to suck less as a white belt, to training 2–3x a week, to biggest failures, future goals, and what actually matters after the medals fade.Some answers are tactical. Some are honest. A few are probably controversial.All of them are real.Hit play, start the year smarter, and take one idea into training this week.Sign up for ISAJJxJiu-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/ The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp Champion’s Stay Present: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/csp Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suckFollow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney

Christmas is here Again!So that means it's time for a visit with everyone's favorite Jiu-Jitsu Uncle, "Bionic" Rob Handshy(@bionic_bjj)!Today on Rob's agenda:AJJ propagandaTRTAnnoying things about JoshEnjoy this wide ranging Christmas Special with everyone's favorite Jiu Jitsu Uncle.ISAJJ Experience Sign Up: https://kick.site/rxi0b3voJiu-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/ The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp Champion’s Stay Present: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/csp Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suckFollow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney 

Trt is one of the hottest topics in Jiu Jitsu.Today I (@thejoshckinney) take a deep dive into listener opinions on TRT. Some people call it cheating, some people call it necessary, and other's call it gender affirming care. Join me as I get cancelled by a bunch of high testosterone mad men.ISAJJ ExperienceJiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”The Competitor’s JourneyJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Follow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

In this raw and hilarious conversation, Josh sits down with Less Impressed More Involved (Jake Luigi) to talk about the real world of BJJ content creation — the burnout, the loneliness, the tech, the business, the passion, and why creators keep doing it anyway. From the Outlier Database to the creative grind, this is one of the most honest Jiu-Jitsu conversations you’ll hear all year.Jiu-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/ The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp Champion’s Stay Present: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/csp Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suckFollow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney

This Thanksgiving, I’m giving thanks to the real heroes of jiu-jitsu: the ball-kneeing white belt, the conspiracy blue belt, the ref-blaming victim, and that mysterious hair in my mouth. If you’ve ever trained Jiu Jitsu and thought, “Am I the only one suffering?”—this episode is your emotional support roll. Plus, finger tape, gi drawstrings, and that one dude who’s definitely high.AJJ ShirtHeadnodHQ Home of American Jiu-JitsuJiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”The Competitor’s JourneyJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Follow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

What if one rule could change your Jiu-Jitsu forever?In this episode, Josh breaks down Performance Days — the once-a-week training hack that forces you to focus, show up sharp, and actually test your skills under pressure. No extra conditioning, no complicated drills… just one intentional day designed to make you suck less fast.If you’ve been feeling stuck, plateaued, or inconsistent, this rule will change everything.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) ⁠ BJJ Mental Models ⁠⁠sportshygiene.com⁠ Promo Code “ISUCK”⁠Datsusara⁠ 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”⁠The Competitor’s Journey⁠⁠Champion's Stay Present⁠Join⁠ ⁠ISAJJ PRO⁠ (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Follow the show on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

Want to actually win your next tournament? This episode gives you the exact blueprint.I’m breaking down the 10 most reliable ways to compete better, feel calmer, and show up like the best version of yourself on competition day. No fluff. No clichés. Just the training systems, mindset shifts, and strategy upgrades that make the biggest difference fast.If you’re tired of losing close matches or melting under pressure… this is the episode that changes that.Tape Study EpisodeWim Hof BreathingJiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”The Competitor’s JourneyChampion's Stay PresentJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Follow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

This is the episode nobody else had the guts to make.Have you ever wondered, "what are the HOTTEST women's BJJ Hot takes?" You'll never need to wonder again...We’re talking about everything people whisper about on the mats but never say out loud: 🥋 Women’s-only classes, creepy DMs, mean-girl rolls, male egos, smelly gis, and the teenage boys who somehow turn into killers overnight.Nothing’s off limits. Nobody’s safe.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”The Competitor’s JourneyJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Follow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

Every Jiu-Jitsu gym has its own ghost stories—broken toes, cursed Darce chokes, phantom white belts that vanish for years, and students who never came back. In this Halloween special, I(@thejoshmckinney) and Bryce(@bryceallen_) share 13 real mat horror stories that’ll make you laugh, cringe, and appreciate how crazy our sport really is.From "Ralphing" and broken bones to haunted open mats and the toe bone that escaped, this episode is proof that Jiu-Jitsu isn’t for the faint of heart.🎙️ What You’ll Learn:The 10-year white belt legend (and why he haunts every gym)How superglue is better than health insuranceWhy weight cuts are scarier with brain damageThe true meaning of “Mat Enforcer”…and the fart heard around the jiu jitsu worldHeadnodHQ Home of American Jiu-JitsuJiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”The Competitor’s JourneyJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Follow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

Everyone hates stalling—until they realize it’s actually strategy. In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) breaks down why the best competitors know when to slow the game down, how to use the clock as a weapon, and why “winning is winning” (shoutout Dom Toretto). Learn how to control pace, protect your energy, and make less Jiu-Jitsu happen when it matters most.🎙️ What You’ll Learn:The real definition of strategy in Jiu-JitsuHow to manage limited resources (energy, grips, time)Why stalling exists in every clock-based sportHow to practice and defend against stallingThe mindset shift that separates winners from “moral victors”Guard passing seminar: https://youtu.be/aDAwqBVoDP4The Jiu Jitsu Games: https://youtu.be/88pNKjbzswMJiu-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/ The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suckFollow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney

After 17 years I'm Quitting BJJIf you want to know why, listen to the episode.HeadnodHQ Home of American Jiu-JitsuJiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”The Competitor’s JourneyJoin ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Follow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

What is required of a black belt? What is required of a blue?Today Josh(@thejoshmckinney) defines every belt and exactly what you should be focused on at every belt.This episode is literally made for everyone white to black belt!Jiu-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

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??