BJJ Balance

<p>Welcome to "The BJJ Balance: Beyond the Gi" – the podcast where the world of jiu-jitsu collides with a variety of intriguing subjects! Join your hosts, a blue belt aficionado, and a seasoned black belt, as they take you on a journey that goes far beyond the mats.</p><p>In each episode, our hosts delve into the depths of jiu-jitsu, discussing techniques, training tips, and their personal grappling adventures. But that's just the beginning! "The BJJ Balance: Beyond the Gi" is all about the dynamic interplay between the gentle art and other loosely related topics that pique their curiosity.</p><p>One week, they might unravel the mysteries of mindfulness and its synergy with the mental aspects of jiu-jitsu. In another episode, you'll find them exploring the parallels between the philosophy of martial arts and life's everyday challenges. Whether they're sharing stories from the dojo, interviewing special guests from various walks of life, or simply riffing on the unexpected connections they discover, these hosts guarantee a podcast experience that's as informative as it is entertaining.</p><p>From discussing the physical benefits of jiu-jitsu to dissecting its historical origins, "The BJJ Balance: Beyond the Gi" offers listeners a well-rounded perspective on the art of grappling and how it weaves into the broader tapestry of existence. So whether you're a dedicated practitioner, a curious newcomer, or just someone who loves engaging conversations, tune in and roll with us as we explore the exhilarating world of jiu-jitsu and the fascinating subjects it intertwines with.</p>

Episode 103 - After Talking With Craig Jones, We Dreamed Up the CRAZIEST CJI 3 Possible!

After a conversation with Craig Jones, we couldn’t help but imagine what the craziest version of CJI 3 (Craig Jones Invitational 3) might look like. While nothing official has been announced, this episode is all about dreaming big, speculating boldly, and building the wildest grappling event possible.From regional team rivalries and Olympic-style formats to super fights, charity matches, and over-the-top showmanship, we lay out our vision for how CJI 3 could change jiu-jitsu forever.🔥 Episode Highlights:After speaking with Craig Jones: our speculation on CJI 3 (16:33)Big ideas and improvements for the next event (19:42)Country-based teams & Olympic-style grappling (25:15)Super fights, charity matches & fan-driven matchups (27:19)Innovations that could flip jiu-jitsu on its head (31:13)👉 What’s YOUR dream version of CJI 3? Drop your craziest ideas in the comments!Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

09-16
55:54

Episode 102 - White Belt Survival Guide (Part 3) | Do I Deserve A Blue Belt?

Do you really deserve your blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? 🤔 In the final part of our White Belt Survival Guide, we dig into the mindset, skills, and consistency every white belt needs before leveling up.From promotion readiness and pressure passing, to overcoming impostor syndrome and dealing with disappointment, this episode covers what it takes to truly earn that next belt. Mat (2nd-degree black belt) shares what he looks for when promoting students, while Kenny gives his reflections on the journey from white belt to blue.We also mix in laughs, stories, and listener questions—covering everything from cauliflower ear and scary movies to lasso sweeps and training with injuries.👉 Whether you’re grinding as a BJJ white belt, questioning if you’re ready for blue, or looking for motivation to stay consistent, this one’s for you.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments for our listener Q&A segment!Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

09-09
01:05:31

Episode 101 - CJI 2 Chaos: The Most Controversial Jiu Jitsu Event Yet

🔥 The Craig Jones Invitational 2 (CJI 2) went down this weekend, and the jiu-jitsu world is buzzing with controversy. From shocking calls to heated debates, this event has everyone talking. In this episode of the BJJ Balance Podcast, we break down all the drama, the matches that stole the show, and why this competition might change the future of professional grappling.We cover:The biggest CJI 2 controversies and what really happened behind the scenesHow Craig Jones continues to shake up the jiu-jitsu worldThe matches that got fans fired up all weekendWhat CJI 2 means for the future of BJJ events and athlete pay⚡ Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love watching chaos unfold in the grappling scene, this is one breakdown you don’t want to miss.👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Did Craig Jones get it right with CJI 2, or did the controversies ruin the show?Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

09-02
46:59

Episode 100 - Spicy Questions, Spicier Wings – Our 100th Podcast Episode!

🔥 Episode 100 of the BJJ Balance Podcast is here! 🔥To celebrate 100 episodes, we took on the Hot Ones Hot Sauce Wing Challenge while answering your listener-submitted Jiu Jitsu questions. From Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques and belt progression to life on the mats, fatherhood, and everything in between — we cover it all while our mouths are on fire. 🌶️🍗This episode is packed with laughs, pain, and real talk about training, rolling, and living the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle. Whether you’re a white belt learning to survive, a blue belt grinding through plateaus, or a black belt chasing mastery, you’ll relate to this special milestone.👊 What we cover in this episode:Hot Ones inspired hot sauce wing challenge 🌶️100th episode listener Q&A 💬Brazilian Jiu Jitsu belt journey insightsLife lessons on and off the mats 🥋🎧 Subscribe to BJJ Balance for more weekly episodes on Jiu Jitsu, grappling, and martial arts culture.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

08-26
55:38

Episode 99 - White Belt Survival Guide (Part 2) | Why 'Getting Smashed' Is the Secret Skill

In this episode of the BJJ Balance Podcast, we dive into the white belt journey—covering mindset, training strategies, and the struggles every beginner faces on the mats. From the unique atmosphere of big man class to learning how to adapt jiu-jitsu for size and strength, Kenny shares personal experiences while Mat offers black belt-level insight on what really matters at this stage.We also discuss the importance of lineage, respect, and community in BJJ, why so many people quit before earning their black belt, and how to balance ego, injury awareness, and mental warfare in training. Plus: UFC debates, cancel culture, gi vs no-gi mindset, and what it really means to embrace losses and grow your game.Whether you’re a new white belt or a higher rank reflecting on the journey, this episode delivers valuable lessons to help you improve on and off the mats.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

08-19
01:09:09

Episode 98 - CJI 2 Wildcard Drama, PGF “Bad Jiu-Jitsu” Debate & The Most Unhinged Listener Q&A Yet!

This episode is packed with controversy, laughs, and pure jiu-jitsu chaos. We break down the CJI 2 team format drama — should the winning squad get an asterisk thanks to the wildcard athlete rule? We debate the legitimacy of the victory, the impact on team strategy, and how the format could evolve.Then we dive into the PGF match between Rafael Fiera and Nick Soff that’s got the internet buzzing — was it nonstop action or just “bad jiu-jitsu”? We analyze the scrambles, energy dumps, and technical moments that split the community.Of course, no episode is complete without wild listener questions — from constipation mindset theory to scented candles and training after crushing food.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

08-12
01:15:42

Episode 96 - The Key to Making Jiu-Jitsu Mainstream: Dynamic Athletes vs. Traditional Tacticians

In Episode 96 of the BJJ Balance Podcast, we break down how wild card athletes are shaking up the jiu-jitsu team format. With CJ’s rules allowing each team to bring in outside competitors, gyms are suddenly partnering with athletes who don’t normally train under their banner—and it’s changing the dynamics of competition entirely.We also dive into what this means for team loyalty, athlete development, and the future of professional jiu-jitsu. From high-energy competitors like Andrew Tackett, Andy Varela, and the Ruotolo brothers to the strategic choices gyms now face, this episode is packed with insight for fans and practitioners alike.Whether you’re a hobbyist, competitor, or coach, this discussion gives you a fresh perspective on how BJJ team events are evolving and where the sport might be headed next.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

07-29
52:48

Episode 95 - Craigs Jones' Shocking News! What is next for the Jiu Jitsu Icon

Craig Jones has officially left B-Team — what does this mean for the future of one of the most influential figures in jiu-jitsu? Is B-Team about to rebrand, collapse, or evolve into something new? We break it all down and give our thoughts on where Craig might be headed next.We also dive into the “Brown Belt is the Villain Belt” conversation — is this belt where the ego grows or where the biggest leaps happen? Plus, a recap of last night’s UFC card, including standout performances and questionable judging.Hit play to catch all of this week’s hot takes from the mats and the cage.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

07-22
01:02:57

Episode 94 - 3.5 Years to Black Belt?! Derek Moneyberg Sparks a BJJ Firestorm

In this episode, Kenny & Mat dive into Derek Moneyberg and his 3 year Black Belt journey, conquering your Jiu Jitsu fears and as always, more listener questions.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

07-15
01:13:27

Episode 93 - Before Your Next Belt

In this episode, Kenny & Mat dive into Mackenzie Dern's Sugar Baby, the newest Jon Jones conspiracy theory, the mindset before your next belt and more listener questions.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

07-08
01:09:31

Episode 92 - Grappling's Biggest Conspiracy Theory

In this episode, Kenny & Mat dive into Grappling's Darkest Conspiracy Theory. They discuss Helena Crevar's loss at Aiga. They answer the question on if it is okay to smash the sideline yeller parent in a trial class and as always, they answer more listener questions.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

07-01
59:24

Episode 91 - Building a Jiu Jitsu Brand

In this episode, Kenny & Mat dive into how to build a jiu jitsu brand without being a world champion, UFC BJJ's inaugural episodes, more Drama with Ffion Davies and more listener questions.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

06-24
50:18

Episode 90 - Jiu Jitsu Goes Prime Time

In this episode, Kenny & Mat dive into UFC BJJ, CJI, PGF and the birth of Jiu Jitsu's prime time. Fatherhood and tons of listener questions.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

06-17
57:49

Episode 89 - Flow Rolling is Trash

In this episode, Kenny & Mat dive into why Flow Rolling isn't real and they answer a ton of listener questions.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

06-10
45:17

Episode 88 - Gordon Ryan Has A Plan

In this episode, Kenny & Mat dive into the Gordon Ryan and Toe Hold Controversy. We discus is Helena Crevar's Boogey Woman mystique contributes to her competitive dominance and we dive into more listener questions.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

06-03
47:18

Episode 87 - Is The Gi Dead?

In this episode, Kenny & Mat dive into the controversial back and forth argument in Jiu Jitsu, "Is The Gi Dead?" We talk more about the CJI 2 info drops and answer more listener question.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

05-27
58:10

Episode 86 - Down with the Sickness

In this episode, Kenny & Mat dive into the game changing collab between Checkmat and LevelxBlack, PGF moving to a 3 month season and more listener questions.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

05-20
33:54

Episode 85 - Fixing Bad Gym Culture

In this episode, Kenny & Mat dive into bad gym culture, building a good gym culture in a gym with no culture and how to save a gym's culture before it gets bad. Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

05-13
56:00

Episode 83 - Craig Jones Has A Foot Fetish

In this episode, Kenny & Mat dive into Craig Jones' new foot tattoo, the possibility of CJI being behind a pay wall and a ton of listener questions.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

04-29
57:42

Episode 82 - Jiu Jitsu in the Mainstream

In this episode, Kenny & Mat ask, is jiu jitsu a viable option as a main stream sport? Why martial arts should be in public schools and more listener questions.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

04-22
56:26

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