The Gi Spot Podcast

On this episode of The Gi Spot Podcast, Kaz and Rach wrestle with one of those timeless martial arts paradoxes: “Never always, but always sometimes.” It’s the kind of cryptic wisdom from Rach’s coach that sounds like a riddle until you’ve rolled enough to realize it’s an unbreakable rule… until it isn’t.They unpack how this idea shows up in training, competition, and life on and off the mats: why “rules” in Jiu Jitsu are often flexible, how exceptions keep the art alive, and why the only certainty is that nothing is absolute. With their usual mix of sharp wit, dark humor, and real insight, Kaz and Rach remind us that BJJ is less about black-and-white rules and more about rolling in the grey.

On this episode of The Gi Spot Podcast, Kaz and Rach roll into one of the most important — and most overlooked — aspects of Jiu Jitsu: training safety. From preventing injuries and managing intensity in the gym to setting boundaries with training partners, they cover the essentials of staying safe while pushing your limits.The conversation dives into the culture of “toughing it out,” the hidden risks that come with ego-driven rolls, and the strategies that keep your body — and your BJJ journey — sustainable. Expect a mix of practical advice, raw honesty, and a few cautionary tales that prove safety isn’t just about protecting joints, it’s about protecting the passion for the sport itself.Whether you’re a white belt just starting out or a seasoned competitor, this episode is about keeping you on the mats and off the sidelines.

On this episode of The Gi Spot Podcast, Kaz and Rach get brutally honest about one of the most loaded topics in Jiu Jitsu: ego. It’s the thing every coach says to “leave at the door,” yet it sneaks onto the mats anyway — sometimes fueling growth, sometimes causing chaos.They dive into the duality of ego in training and competition: how a healthy dose can sharpen your edge, drive discipline, and push performance, but unchecked ego can fracture teams, stunt progress, and turn rolls toxic. Along the way, Kaz and Rach unpack their own battles with ego, the lessons learned from watching it implode (or thrive) in others, and how mindfulness, humility, and perspective can keep the monster in check.This isn’t a sermon — it’s a neon-lit, sharp-witted exploration of the good, the bad, and the downright hilarious ways ego shows up in BJJ.

On this episode of The Gi Spot, Kaz and Rach crack open a full debrief with Iconic Jiu Jitsu’s Nationals squad, fresh off their campaign at the 2025 IBJJF Australian Nationals. This isn’t just a highlight reel—it’s a raw, unfiltered look at what it takes to prepare, perform, and recover at one of the biggest comps of the year.Kaz flips the script and interviews Rach (Black Belt) alongside her Iconic teammates: Grant Bradshaw (Black Belt), Jayden Rutherford (Purple Belt), and Donovan Eyles (Blue Belt). Together, they peel back the curtain on the grind behind their Nationals run. Expect a deep dive into:Mindset under pressure — the mental tools that keep you calm when the lights are on.Training programs & structure — what a Nationals prep cycle really looks like day-to-day.Training goals & progression — how each belt level sets targets and evolves their approach.Mindfulness & recovery — the underrated habits that keep athletes sharp and balanced.Nutrition & supplementation — from cutting weight to fueling performance, the strategies that matter.It’s more than just competition talk—it’s a study in discipline, resilience, and adaptation at every belt level. Whether you’re a hobbyist curious about high-level prep, a competitor looking for an edge, or just a fan of honest mat talk, this episode gives you the inside line on how the Iconic crew sharpened their swords for battle.By the end, you’ll walk away with a clearer picture of what it takes to chase gold—and maybe some inspiration to tweak your own game, both on and off the mats.

In this episode, we sit down with the powerhouse duo behind Alpha Jiu Jitsu Academy — Professor Xavier Sales, a Machado black belt with more than two decades on the mats, and Marie Sales, program director, blue belt, and the heartbeat of Alpha’s community.Xavier shares his journey from competitor to coach, including what it takes to win titles while raising the next generation of grapplers. Marie opens up about blending social work, motherhood, and martial arts to build programs that empower kids, women, and entire communities. Together, they prove Jiu Jitsu is more than submissions and medals — it’s a philosophy for resilience, confidence, and transformation.Expect raw stories, sharp insights, and a glimpse at the real grind (and grace) behind Alpha Jiu Jitsu’s rise.

On this episode of The Gi Spot, Rach and Kaz are joined by Chris “Bones” Burns, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with a mission that goes far beyond drilling sweeps and submissions—preserving the elegance and simplicity of jiu-jitsu’s original philosophy.Chris shares his personal journey through the art, including the sacrifices he made—like selling personal valuables just to attend Rickson Gracie seminars—and the profound lessons he took from time spent with Rickson, his family, and other key figures in the lineage such as Chris Haueter and James Driskill. For Bones, jiu-jitsu isn’t just a martial art; it’s a living history, one that risks being diluted if its roots aren’t honoured.With passion and clarity, he “geeks out” on the characters, traditions, and philosophies that shaped the foundation of the art, reminding us why simplicity, presence, and respect remain the cornerstones of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This conversation goes beyond techniques—it’s about culture, legacy, and carrying forward the soul of the gentle art.If you’ve ever wondered what’s at stake when a martial art evolves—or why looking back is just as important as moving forward—Bones’ perspective will leave you rethinking the way you train, teach, and honour the mats.

This week on The Gi Spot, Rach and Kaz tackle a topic that’s been whispered about in locker rooms for too long—menopause—and what it means for women who live and breathe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From night sweats to joint pain, mood swings to the mystery of suddenly forgetting your go-to guard pass, they pull no punches (and throw a few jokes) in this candid conversation.They share their own experiences, swap survival tips from the mats and beyond, and break down the physical, mental, and emotional curveballs menopause can throw at grapplers. Expect laughs, blunt honesty, and the kind of “no shame” real talk you wish happened more often in the gym.Whether you’re going through it, seeing it on the horizon, or training alongside someone who is, this episode is a sweaty, relatable deep dive into rolling through life’s biggest transition with grit, grace, and maybe an extra towel.

In this episode of The Gi Spot, Kaz turns the mic toward Rach for a full debrief of her recent trip across the Pacific—a whirlwind journey of sweat, sentiment, and celebration. From mat time with old friends and new training partners, to heartwarming reunions with family, to marking 20 years of marriage to Grant with a milestone anniversary, this one’s a ride through memory, muscle, and meaning.Rach reflects on what it’s like to step into unfamiliar gyms with black belt experience but beginner’s curiosity, the joy of being present with family after time and distance, and what 20 years of love (and leg locks) really teaches you. Expect laughs, insights, and a few emotional punches to the sternum—in the most loving way.This episode is part travelogue, part BJJ culture check, and part love letter to the life that BJJ helped build. Grab a coffee, a tissue, or a gi—whatever you need to join in.

This week on The Gi Spot, Rach and Kaz sit down with their friend and fierce competitor Miranda Pearce, a black belt who’s fought her way through the ranks of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—only to find herself grappling with something far more complex than any opponent on the mats.Miranda opens up about her recent diagnoses of ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the life-altering confirmation of Marfan Syndrome—a genetic condition that not only reframed her health, but reshaped her future in the sport she loves. With characteristic honesty and humor, she shares what it’s like to reprocess a lifetime of traits through the lens of neurodivergence, while simultaneously facing the sobering reality of a physical diagnosis that forced her to make one of the hardest decisions of her life: to step away from competitive jiu-jitsu.This episode explores identity, resilience, and the grief that comes with redefining yourself when your body and mind suddenly demand a new rulebook. But it’s not all heavy—Miranda’s wit, warmth, and clarity cut through the pain with moments of strength, softness, and serious perspective.If you’ve ever had to walk away from something you thought would define you forever—this one will hit home.If you want to work with Miranda on branding, or a 1 off print run, you can find her at :https://www.instagram.com/firebird_customs_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

On this episode of The Gi Spot, Rach and Kaz sit down with a true powerhouse in the world of grappling—Romi Titanti, a dual black belt in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a passionate coach who’s reshaping how we support young athletes on and off the mats.Romi shares her journey from competitor to founder of Grapple Up, an organization dedicated to mentoring kids and teens in the grappling arts through a mix of discipline, empowerment, and emotional intelligence. They talk coaching highs, developmental lows, why youth programs so often miss the mark, and what it really means to raise resilient grapplers in today’s world.Whether you're a parent, coach, or curious athlete, this episode is a love letter to the next generation—and to the leaders who refuse to leave them behind.Grapple Up:https://www.grappleup.com.au/

This week on The Gi Spot, Rach and Kaz tackle a coaching classic that continues to haunt white belts and spazzy blue belts alike: “You need to slow down.” But what does that actually mean? Are you moving too fast? Thinking too fast? Dying inside too fast?With humor, empathy, and a few perfectly timed roasts, the hosts break down what coaches really mean when they say slow down—and why it might be the key to unlocking your jiu-jitsu evolution. From breathing techniques to positional awareness (and all the panic-gripping in between), this episode is a warm hug and a gentle wristlock for grapplers trying to chill the hell out.

In this feel-good episode of The Gi Spot, Rach and Kaz highlight the global side of jiu-jitsu that doesn’t always make the highlight reels—the side built on heart, hope, and community.From grassroots academies supporting at-risk youth, to black belts turning profits into programs for mental health, addiction recovery, and education, the duo explores the many ways BJJ is being used as a force for good. They share stories from around the world of gyms that go beyond the mats, transforming lives through inclusion, mentorship, and straight-up grit.This episode shines a light on the compassion woven into the fabric of the fight game. Whether it’s scholarships, outreach, or sweat equity—jiu-jitsu isn’t just an art. It’s a movement.

In this final episode of The Gi Spot’s debut year, Rach and Kaz throw it all on the table—unfiltered, unscripted, and as delightfully chaotic as ever. They reflect on a year’s worth of deep chats, spicy takes, big laughs, and unexpected moments that shaped the podcast into the beast it is.From their favorite episodes and behind-the-scenes misfires to what they’ve learned about themselves and their audience, it’s part therapy session, part roast, and full-on celebration. Whether you’ve been along for the whole ride or you’re just now strapping in, this episode is the perfect mix of gratitude, grit, and goon energy to close out the year.

In this sequel to their first cerebral smackdown, The Gi Spot welcomes back Grant Bradshaw to untangle the messy, beautiful process of learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Forget cookie-cutter curriculums and “just show up” mantras—this episode goes deep on learning styles, retention hacks, and why some white belts skyrocket while others flail in the fog of war for years.Grant and the hosts explore the roles of pattern recognition, conceptual learning vs. technique hoarding, the myth of “muscle memory,” and how to build game plans that actually evolve with you. Whether you’re a coach, competitor, or confused blue belt wondering why you keep forgetting mount escapes—this is your brain on BJJ.

On this episode of The Gi Spot, Kaz and Rach get unapologetically real as they celebrate the rise of women’s-only open mats—and the badass community that’s growing inside them.They unpack what it means for women in BJJ to finally have spaces of their own—where technique can thrive without being overshadowed by brute strength or testosterone-fueled pace. It’s not about exclusion; it’s about expression. This is where women get to test themselves, push their limits, and sharpen their game in an environment built on safety, solidarity, and shared experience.From grassroots gatherings to full-blown international movements, Kaz and Rach highlight how these open mats are not only elevating the technical level of female grapplers, but creating networks of mentorship, empowerment, and visibility across the sport. They also speak to the importance of these spaces for beginners—women who might otherwise walk out the door after a tough first roll, never realising what jiu-jitsu could give them.Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, a curious white belt, or someone who’s just tired of being the only woman in the room, this episode is a celebration of the movement—and the mat—that women are claiming for themselves.

In this episode of The Gi Spot, Kaz and Rach catch up with a true renaissance man of the mats—John McAleer. He's a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a yoga devotee, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach, and a specialist in “strength through flexibility”—a concept that's reshaping how athletes and everyday humans train for longevity and resilience.John isn’t just teaching people how to get stronger—he’s helping them unlock movement potential. With decades of experience woven through his approach, he fuses traditional strength work with mobility, breathwork, and mindfulness. The result? A sustainable way to stay powerful, pain-free, and adaptable in whatever physical pursuits life throws your way.The conversation spans a range of topics: injury prevention in grappling sports, the often-overlooked emotional side of flexibility training, and why integrated movement systems are key for staying active across all stages of life. John also shares insights from working with clients of all ages and abilities—from competitive fighters to desk-bound desk jockeys—guiding them toward a fuller, more active life.Whether you’re chasing medals, recovery, or just want to be able to tie your shoes without pulling a hammy, this episode is a blueprint for building strength that actually lasts.

In this emotionally charged episode of The Gi Spot, Kaz and Rach are joined by Producer Mat—Matt Page—for a conversation that hits far deeper than the typical roll. Together, they explore the heavy terrain of mental health, vulnerability, and how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become an unlikely but powerful tool in navigating life’s darker corners.Matt shares the story behind the injury that became the catalyst for his personal struggle with mental health—a physical blow that spiraled into emotional and psychological fallout. Through honest reflection, he discusses the isolation, the anger, the numb stretches of time, and how traditional forms of support often fell short. Then, he talks about finding his way back—not only through therapy couches, medication bottles, and the love and support of family, but through the structured chaos of BJJ.Kaz, Rach, and Matt delve into the impact of shared suffering on the mats, the discipline of controlled violence, and the emotional sanctuary that jiu-jitsu offers—especially for those trained to suppress emotion in service and survival. They explore the veterans program that Matt and Rachael now lead at Iconic Jiu Jitsu Academy, a space dedicated to reintegration, healing, and connection through movement and camaraderie.The stories that emerge from the program are raw and inspiring—veterans and first responders who’ve found not just strength or fitness, but a reawakening of identity and purpose. It’s a candid, compassionate, and deeply human episode that speaks to anyone who’s ever faced darkness and found their way through it one roll at a time.

In this special crossover episode, The Gi Spot links arms—and lapels—with the crew from Roll or Die to dig deep into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From gym culture and competition mindsets to the messy beauty of balancing egos, injuries, and inspiration, no topic taps out. Expect raw insights, real laughs, and just enough technical nerdery to keep the black belts nodding. Whether you're new to the mat or a seasoned savage, this episode rolls smooth and hits hard.Roll or Die podcast link: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXqRoll or Die Socials:https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast

On this episode of The GI Spot Podcast, Rach and Kaz bravely ask the question that every grappler has whispered at some point between warm-ups and mandatory social media reposts: Is Jiu Jitsu a cult?From the strict hierarchies and unspoken rituals (bow before entering, never wash your belt, don’t ask why) to the strange obsession with suffering, discomfort, and paying hundreds to sleep on mats in a stranger’s garage—your hosts explore the blurry line between passionate community and... well... full-blown cult vibes.They dig into the language, the loyalty, the almost religious reverence for coaches (ahem, professors), and that one guy who always quotes Helio Gracie like scripture. Expect laughs, uncomfortable truths, and maybe a few moments of existential crisis.Whether you're a true believer or just here for the free rashie, this episode is your chance to question the doctrine—without getting without getting exiled.

On this episode of The GI Spot Podcast, Rach and Kaz welcome back a fan favourite, training partner, coach, unofficial podcast mascot—and Rach’s life—Grant Bradshaw (yes, that husband)This marks the first episode in a special 2 parter with Grant, where they'll be unpacking the nuanced art of teaching, learning, and navigating the evolving world of Jiu Jitsu and youth sport. And if you think this episode is loaded, just wait till the next instalments.The trio dives deep into the fascinating world of learning styles and teaching approaches—because let’s face it, not everyone thrives under “just do it harder” coaching. From visual learners to the kinaesthetic chaos gremlins (you know who you are), they break down what actually works on the mats, in the gym, and with junior athletes.Grant shares insights from decades of teaching Jiu Jitsu, working with kids and adults alike, and why understanding how someone learns might be the ultimate cheat code in coaching. They also explore the hot topic of specialising vs. sampling in kids' sports—why having your kid do Jiu Jitsu, netball, soccer and interpretive dance might actually make them a better grappler (and human).If you're a coach, a parent, a student—or just someone who’s ever screamed internally while trying to teach a white belt—this one’s for you