The Grappling Podcast

Exploring Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals and God of War Strategies In this episode, we dive into the fundamental concept of Jiu-Jitsu and relate it to strategies used in the popular video game God of War. We discuss what fundamental concepts in Jiu-Jitsu look like, how they can be defined and learned, and propose using a 'labor system' from God of War to set goals and improve specific techniques. We laugh about some funny moments and share ideas on effective training methods, including focusing on critical elements, asking for help, and evaluating progress. Join us for an insightful and engaging discussion on blending martial arts with gaming strategies! 00:00 Introduction and Banter 00:21 Defining Fundamentals in Sports 00:47 Fundamentals in Jiu-Jitsu 02:05 Conceptual Fundamentals and Strategies 03:35 Season Three Announcement 07:16 God of War and Jiu-Jitsu Goals 16:53 Overcoming Fears and Measuring Progress 17:10 Technical Experience and Guard Passing 19:19 The Importance of Focused Training 20:44 Setting and Achieving Training Goals 26:15 Experimentation and Learning from Failure 29:17 Asking for Help and Sharing Knowledge 32:20 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

This episode explores how role-playing games (RPGs), specifically Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), relate to jiujitsu. We delve into the traits and characteristics of D&D classes and how they correlate with different jiujitsu styles and strategies. The episode highlights how elements such as strength, dexterity, intelligence, wisdom, charisma, and constitution in D&D can be compared to attributes in jiujitsu and why having a well-rounded training environment is essential. We also discuss the importance of choosing compatible training partners (party members) to enhance one's jiujitsu experience.

FPS Meets Jiu-Jitsu: Unpacking Strategies, Motivation, and Techniques Hosts Matthew and Levi explore the fascinating connections between first-person shooter games like Halo and Counter-Strike and Jiu-Jitsu training. They discuss concepts such as funneling, spawn camping, and adaptability's importance in gaming and martial arts. The conversation covers the significance of choosing the right weapons and techniques for varied situations and the impact of intrinsic motivation on performance and enjoyment. Through engaging discussions and real-life anecdotes, they illustrate how strategies and fun can enhance skills in seemingly different realms. 00:00 Introduction and Banter 01:57 Separating Art from the Artist 03:58 Gaming and Jiu-Jitsu: The Connection 06:18 First-Person Shooters and Strategies 08:00 Weapon Choices and Personal Styles 18:06 Innovators vs. Honers in Gaming and Jiu-Jitsu 24:41 Momentum and Guard Passing Challenges 25:29 Cheat Codes and Skill Levels 27:37 Firefights and Real-Life Parallels 29:22 Choosing the Right Weapon 31:02 Adapting Strategies in Jiu-Jitsu 36:20 Fun and Motivation in Training 44:18 The Importance of LAN Parties 50:16 Recap and Final Thoughts  

Mastering Jiu-Jitsu: Skill Trees, Techniques, and Strategic Training | The Grappling Podcast S2 Premiere Hosts Matthew and Levi return to kick off Season 2 with an exciting new format! They dive into the concept of skill trees in Jiu-Jitsu, drawing parallels with video games like Skyrim and Mortal Kombat. Learn how structured drills, themed episodes, and focusing on foundational moves can elevate your grappling skills. From guard retention to offensive strategies and player progression, this episode is packed with insights to help both beginners and advanced practitioners optimize their training. Join the conversation for updates, deep dives into favorite shows and games, and plans for future episodes!

Hello Everyone! This is not an episdoe but instead an announcement on what the future of the podcast will look like! Make sure to give it a quick listen and stay tuned!   Follow us on social media!   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegrapplingpodcast/   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thegrapplingpodcast   Podbeam https://thegrapplingpodcast.podbean.com/   Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grappling-podcast/id1700545329

Hello fellow Grapplers! Today we have our first repeat guest - Jordan Laster! For those who don’t know Jordan, Jordan is a jiu jitsu practitioner who has been working to raise the ability of wrestling in jiu jitsu. Jordan wrestled at Princeton University and brings a great point of view when it comes to adding wrestling into your jiu jitsu game in a digestible and actionable way. If you’re interested in learning how to develop a solid stand up game for jiu jitsu, this episode is for you! If you enjoy this podcast please make sure to like and subscribe, and definitely make sure to check out Jordans website and products.   ****Find more from Jordan here***** - Main Website/Newsletter: https://www.jordanlaster.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanlaster_ - Youtube Channel: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCAJ8Q1orv_rAeXLYm9PAf1Q Also, if you want more of the grappling podcast.    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegrapplingpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thegrapplingpodcast Podbeam https://thegrapplingpodcast.podbean.com/ Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grappling-podcast/id1700545329    

Hello Grapple Bros and Broettes,  IN this action packed episode of the pod Levi and Matt discuss some interesting content around avoiding massive injuries for you and your training partners. After that we talk about our current lightbulb moments and focuses in grappling.  (You can watch the video we are referencing here) -> https://youtu.be/oul6AqAfFRA?si=mxt8ywkCI_Q5wpwW   Thank you everyone, if you enjoy the pod, please make sure to like, SUBscribe, share it with a friend!   Follow us on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegrapplingpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thegrapplingpodcast Podbeam https://thegrapplingpodcast.podbean.com/ Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grappling-podcast/id1700545329  

Hi everyone!   In today’s episode of the grappling podcast Levi and  Matt recap the TGI4.   What’s the TGI4 you may say? The TGI is the “Theory Grappling Invitational” a competition Levi has been hosting for the last few years. It’s a super fun showcase event,  it’s free to compete in and he gives out prize money on submissions.   Anyways, this last weekend was the TGI4.   We discuss in a broad sense how the tourney went, takeaways that will help inform our grappling journey, and some really cool ideas for next time.   If you are interested in Levi hosting two grappling invitationals this year, let him know! Either hit him up on social media, or email us at INFO@thegrapplingpodcast.com   Without further delay, here is our recap on TGI4.   Enjoy!     Follow us on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegrapplingpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thegrapplingpodcast Podbeam https://thegrapplingpodcast.podbean.com/ Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grappling-podcast/id1700545329

Hi everyone!   In this week’s episode of the grappling podcast, Levi and Matt brainstorm on an idea that might help with forming a solid grappling game.   They talk about Check points and basecamps, and honestly the idea evolves a bit over the course of the episode. But they end up in a better place than where they started.   So if you are interested in learning about ways to think about positions and connections that can help you build a grappling game, this episode is for you!   Also, friend of the pod Forrest pops in at the end to say hi.     Follow us on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegrapplingpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thegrapplingpodcast Podbeam https://thegrapplingpodcast.podbean.com/ Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grappling-podcast/id1700545329

Hello GrappleFam,    In this episode Levi and Matt discuss lessons learned, mistakes made, and insights on the path from blue belt to purple belt!   If you find value in this episode, please share it with a friend.    Follow us on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegrapplingpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thegrapplingpodcast Podbeam https://thegrapplingpodcast.podbean.com/ Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grappling-podcast/id1700545329

Hello Grappling Folks!   This week Levi and Matt cover details, rules, and thoughts on the CJI (Craig Jones Invitational).    Thank you! If you enjoy this episode please like us up on social and share it with a friend!    Follow us on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegrapplingpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thegrapplingpodcast Podbeam https://thegrapplingpodcast.podbean.com/ Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grappling-podcast/id1700545329  

Welcome everyone to the grappling podcast, today Levi and I have part 2 of our interview with Rob Biernacki and Dusty Hjelle.   As a quick reminder,   Rob is a black belt, and also the owner and head coach of Island Top Team located in Nanaimo, BC. And is well known in the grappling space for his aliment framework and contributions in constraint base learning.   Dusty is a Brown Belt under Rob, he is the owner and head coach of Drengr Jiu Jitsu located in Duluth Minnesota.   In this episode Rob and Dusty cover. What Jiu Jitsu can FEEL like once you have a deep understanding of applying the underlying principles. How long it should take for an instructor to build a black belt, and why that’s important. The difference between a persons gym game and their competition game. And how reducing that gap can help a person have a better day in competition. How to super charge your training through constraints.   If you enjoy this episode, please share it with a friend, this is how we grow the podcast and get great guests like Rob and Dusty.   And if you enjoy what Rob has to say, please make sure to support his work, he has amazing content out there. He has a subscription site, BJJconcepts.net , and he also has instructionals on grapplearts.com. Both are outstanding resources.   Alight, time for part 2!

In this episode Levi and Matt interview Rob Biernacki and Dusty Hjelle.   Rob has had a massive impact on the grappling body of knowledge through his conceptual based approach, and a thoughtful approach to training jiu jitsu. Rob is also the owner and head coach of Island Top Team located in Nanaimo, BC. Follow Rob on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/islandtopteam/   Dusty Hjelle is a Brown Belt under Rob. Dusty is the owner and head coach of Drengr Jiu Jitsu located in Duluth Minnesota. If you find yourself in the Duluth area and are looking to train, please stop by Drengr! Follow Dusty on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/drengr_jiujitsu/   This episode is broken into two parts due to the massive volume of knowledge bombs being dropped.   In this episode you can look to learn What are Robs alignment principles and how to use them to improve your understanding and abilities in grappling. How concepts can be the under lying theme that drives how you think about development in jiu jitsu, and how to design training to enhance those skills. How focusing on movement quality and chasing perfect in process might actually give the outcomes you are looking for. And a LOT more.   If you are interested in improving as a grappler for as long as possible, this episode is for you!   If you like this episode, please share it with a friend, this is how we grow the podcast.   And if you find what Rob has to say impactful, please make sure to support his work. He has amazing content out there! He has a subscription site, BJJconcepts.net , and he also has instructionals on grapplearts.com. Both are outstanding resources.   We hope you enjoy!    Follow us on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegrapplingpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thegrapplingpodcast Podbeam https://thegrapplingpodcast.podbean.com/ Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grappling-podcast/id1700545329

Hello GrappleFam,  In this episode of the Grappling Podcast, Levi and Matt discuss instructionals that actually improved their grappling. They cover different categories from what they believe is the a great value to biggest impact.  If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with a friend and like us on social media!   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegrapplingpodcast/   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thegrapplingpodcast   Podbeam https://thegrapplingpodcast.podbean.com/   Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grappling-podcast/id1700545329  

In this episode of the Grappling Podcast, Levi and Matt discuss some thoughts and observations around belt promotion systems.  - Are some systems better than others? - Is it strange to ask your instructor about your next belt? - What should a holistic promotion system look like?   Thank you everyone!   Follow us on social media!   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegrapplingpodcast/   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thegrapplingpodcast   Podbeam https://thegrapplingpodcast.podbean.com/   Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grappling-podcast/id1700545329

  Hello Grapplefam!   In this episode of the Grappling Podcast, Levi and Matt discuss things they have learned getting their buns kicked in jiu jitsu.   Grappling sports are hard, and getting smershed (that’s not a typo) is part of the process. So how do you turn a smershing in an opportunity for learning?   If you enjoy this episode, please like it, and share it with a friend.   Now to the pod!   Follow us on social media! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegrapplingpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thegrapplingpodcast Podbeam https://thegrapplingpodcast.podbean.com/ Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grappling-podcast/id1700545329

Hi Everyone! In this episode the guys discuss some concepts that have helped them learn techniques. The general theme is around understanding why a specific move or grouping of moves works. That way you can implement that principle in your training.   If you enjoy this episode, please like it, and share it with a friend!

Hello Fellow Grapplers! In today’s episode, Levi and Matt discuss the Pros and Cons of different rule sets. Expect to learn a few different formats for grappling competition, how many competitors use alternative win strategies when they are available, and what is the mysterious golden toad! If you like this episode, please share it with a friend!  

Hello everyone!   This week, Levi and Matt discuss some ideas that may help when transitioning from a Gi heavy game to a No Gi game.   If you enjoyed this episode please share it with a friend.

Hello fellow grapplers! In this episode of the grappling podcast, Levi and Matt discuss some practical thoughts on self defense.   In this episode you can look about • Why de-escalation is an under represented tool.  • How self defense training seems to start in the middle of a confrontation for some reason? • And the difference between a fight and a self defense scenario.  Thank you everyone! If you end up enjoying this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe!