The Grapple Of Your Eye

Every week, it explores the many branches of the grappling tree from wrestling, to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, through to MMA.

Ep. 49: Casey Belsey

In this week’s episode we are joined by Casey Belsey!• Started Judo at just 4 years old — a lifetime of throws, sweeps, and submissions.• Black belt in both Judo and Sambo.• British Judo Champion & 8x British Championship medallist.• 4x British Sambo Champion and international competitor.• Represented Great Britain in both Judo and Sambo.• […]

11-20
58:53

Ep. 48: Brian R. Solomon

This week on The Grapple of Your Eye, we’re joined by the incredible Brian R. Solomon — renowned writer, historian, and podcaster — to dive deep into his latest book, “Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon.” From the golden age of wrestling to the rise of modern sports entertainment, Gorilla Monsoon was […]

11-13
52:59

Ep. 47: Crusher Curtis

In this week’s episode we chat to British wrestling star turned promoter Crusher Curtis. He discusses his martial arts background and how he used that to transition into the world of wrestling. Listen along as he discusses his early days training through to his life on the road in a wreestling career that took him […]

11-06
01:06:02

Ep. 46: Luis França

Luiz França: The Forgotten Founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu He trained the poor. He defied the Gracies. He changed Jiu-Jitsu forever — and history almost erased his name. While the world credits the Gracie family for creating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, another lineage was quietly growing in the shadows — one born not in luxury, but in the […]

10-30
17:04

Ep. 45: Tachiyama Mineemon

Step into the world of Sumo’s greatest legends! 🏯💥In this episode, we explore the incredible story of Yokozuna Tachiyama Mineemon — a towering figure in Sumo history whose dominance and charisma made him one of Japan’s most unforgettable champions. Discover what set Tachiyama apart: his unbeatable winning streaks, his fearsome fighting style, and the legacy […]

10-23
18:52

Ep. 44: P.J. Montano

This we we are joined by P.J. Montano, a CSW Blackbelt, proefessional referee and gym owner of UFC Gym: Anaheim, as he shares stories and insights from the world of martial arts both as a competitor and as a referee. This episode is filled with engaging conversation around grappling, catch wrestling and jiu jitsu. Whether you’re into bjj, Catch As Catch […]

10-16
55:12

Ep. 43: “Spartan” Sam Black

New Zealand’s own “Spartan” Sam Black joins us to share his incredible journey through the world of professional wrestling — a career that’s taken him halfway across the planet. From humble beginnings to international rings, Sam brings stories, insights, and energy you won’t want to miss! Tune in for an episode packed with passion, travel, […]

10-09
57:09

Ep. 42: Alice Blackman

This week we’re joined by Alice Blackman for an unmissable deep dive into the world of grappling. From her unique journey transitioning from ballet to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA, Alice shares insights, stories, and lessons learned along the way. 🥋 Expect thoughtful discussion on BJJ training, competition mindset, nutrition, and the crossover with Mixed […]

10-02
45:19

Ep. 41: Queen of the Ring Movie Special (with Ash Avildsen and Emily Bett Rickards)

In this week’s episode we are joined by director Ash Avildsen and star Emily Bett Rickards from the movie Queen of the Ring, available in select UK cinemas from 19th September 2015 and OnDemand from 13th October 2025. Queen of the Ring is a Sumerian Pictures Production, written and directed by Ash Avildsen (Paradise City). […]

09-25
40:06

Ep. 40: Jon Owens

Jon Owens is a retired police officer and veteran wrestler, who has dedicated his life to British wrestling. With over 30 years of experience, Jon shares his wrestling knowledge coupled with a deep philosophical wisdom gained through years of experience. John’s mission goes beyond the mat. In a society where many young people are struggling […]

09-18
55:20

Ep. 39: James Mason

Step inside the ring with a true British wrestling legend – James Mason! In this episode of The Grapple of Your Eye, we sit down with one of the most respected and enduring figures in UK wrestling. James discusses growing up with the golden days of World of Sport to travelling the globe and mentoring […]

09-11
01:07:05

Ep. 38: Sean Harvey

Sean Harvey is a combat veteran who was deployed in Afghanistan who now battles on as a BJJ Purple belt with multiple IBJJF gold medals, an ADCC silver medal, and numerous grappling superfight victories under his belt. Join us as we discuss his army time, his discovery of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, his battle up the […]

09-04
40:09

Ep. 37: Robert Drysdale

In Ep. 37, Robert Drysdale returns to the show to discuss his two new books The Triumph of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: 50 Years Of A Martial Arts Revolution and What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Today? Join us in this detailed Martial Arts interview as we delve into the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and its cultural impact. Mr. […]

08-28
51:32

Ep. 36: Ross McFarlane

Ross McFarlane is a coach at Glasgow Wrestling Club. He represented Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, achieved 5th place at the Commonwealth Championships 2013 in Johannesburg, and is a two-time British Wrestling Champion (2013 & 2014). With 25 years in the sport, Ross started at Milngavie Wrestling club in 1999 under David […]

08-21
01:06:23

Ep. 35: Indy “The Fire” Briar

This week on The Grapple of Your Eye Show, we go deep with none other than Indy “The Fire” Briar! 💥 From the first time she hit the mats to the battles that tested her spirit, Indy opens up like never before. 🥋🔥 Hear what fuels her fire, what nearly broke her, and how she […]

08-14
44:24

Ep. 34: Richard Cawley

In Episode 34 our guest is a living legend in the world of traditional wrestling — Richard Cawley. He’s the head coach of the Cornish Wrestling Association and a multi-time Cornish Wrestling Heavyweight Champion, carrying on a legacy that runs deep in his blood and deeper still in the soil of Cornwall. In this episode, […]

08-07
40:11

Ep. 33: Rikidozen

Before Inoki. Before Baba. Before WrestleKingdom… there was Rikidōzan. Step into the ring with The Grapple of Your Eye as we uncover the electrifying, controversial, and ultimately tragic life of Rikidōzan — the sumo-turned-superstar who transformed professional wrestling in Japan. From his secret Korean origins to his battles with Lou Thesz, Freddie Blassie, and The […]

07-31
18:38

Ep. 32: Väinö Ketonen

In Episode 32 we tell the story of Väinö (aka Waino) Ketonen. The Finnish cotton mill boy who became a world champion, who stood toe-to-toe with the greatest middleweights in history, who trained Olympians and humbled carnival wrestlers — yet never played the game of showbiz wrestling. His story highlights the early days of wrestling, […]

07-24
13:12

Ep. 31: Jade Barker

In Episode 31 we are joined by Jade Barker, We’re joined by the incredible Jade Barker — BJJ brown belt, 4th degree Taekwondo black belt, former professional MMA fighter, and all-around martial arts powerhouse. Training out of Vitor Shaolin BJJ, Jade also leads the Vespasian Security Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Team and plays a big part […]

07-17
50:30

Ep. 30: Kerry “Ki” Isom

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Kerry Isom from Odyssey Combat Hub — and trust us, you don’t want to miss this one! What started as a one-off White Collar charity boxing match soon snowballed into a life-changing journey through the world of combat sports. Kerry shares how stepping through the ropes […]

07-10
47:39

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