Throwin Down with Andy and Ricardo

Episode 46 featured Natalie Boss, or as  she's better know as, Nattie Boss.  Nattie Boss is a Sports Dietitian and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu PurpleBelt that competes on a high level of competition.  In fact, she'll be competing in the Fight2Win Pro 81 next weekend in Philly.    Natalie is also a personal trainer and you can find her on YouTube and also at her webpage, Body By Boss.  You can also find her on Facebook.   We're super happy that Natalie came on the show and shared some of her knowledge with us.    As usual, thank you to our sponsors at Da Firma Kimono Company and Menehune Soaps.   Find us on iTunes    Throwin' Down With Andy and Ricardo is a MadSiss Productions podcast.

Andy and Ricardo are back with episode 45.  They discuss the Makenzie Dern weigh-in debacle, Da Firma Training Center's Grand Opening Super Seminar in September, Java Jitsu and more. Here's the Link to Makenzie Dern defeating the Judo black belts Be Sure to check out Professor Rodrigo Artilheiro in the new show Knife or Death. Finally, if you're into coffee check out Nick at Forte Legato.   Thanks again to our sponsors Da Firma Kimono Company and Menehune Soaps   

We're back with Episode 44.  Professor Ricardo is in Washington DC with the team for the IBJJF tournament, but he calls into the show.   Chad joins us again and we discuss the IBJJF tournament, happenings at the new place, upcoming events and so much more.   Be sure to check out our sponsors at Da Firma Kimono Company and Menehune Soaps

Professor Ricardo is up in Maryland this week to participate in Kristen DeBruycker's seminar, so Chad stepped up and filled in for him. We had the opportunity to have a gentleman who's Facebook following is rising rapidly.  Mike "Mr. JiuJitsu" Mihas joins us for episode 44.  Mike has a following of around 171,639 on his Facebook page. Mr. Jiu Jitsu posts vlogs related to jiu jitsu and other topics on his page, and he tells it like it is.  Love him or not, his posts are intelligent, thought provoking and entertaining. He's a great guy and it felt like we've known him forever.  If you're in the Ohio area and looking for some great training, stop into Next Level Martial Arts and say hello. Check him out on Facebook, Instagram, and his YouTube channel. As usual, we want to thank our sponsors Da Firma Kimono Company, Menehune Soaps and Madsiss Productions. Also, a special shoutout to MMA Podcast for hosting the show.  Check them out at MMApodcast.com/bjj   Thanks for listening.  Now get back out on those mats and train!

Kristen DeBruycker        Kristen was awarded her black belt this past December by Master Pedro Sauer.  She has a very diverse background in the Martial Arts and trains at Master Sauer's Academy in Herndon, VA. Kristen will be hosting a seminar at Urbania Jiu Jitsu Academy in Monrovia, MD on February 17, so if you're in the area, do yourself and attend the seminar.  You can sign up on the Urbania Jiu Jitsu Academy's facebook page.  Just click the link above. Kristen also has a YouTube channel where she combines martial arts instruction with "all the nerdy references you can hope for."  Check it out here: Throat Punch Thursdays Be sure to check out her website and show her some love.  Kristen's webpage.   As always, big props to our sponsors at Da Firma Kimono Company and Menehune Soaps. Now get back on those mats and train.  

We have a new website!  Check it out  http://madsissproductions.libsyn.com/   Episode 42 brings us back after about a two half week hiatus due to illnesses in the families.  Professor Ricardo was actually sick this past week and not expected to be on the show so Chad stepped up and volunteered.  Lo and behold, Professor "Pretty Ricky" Ricardo escaped his death bed and made it into the show.   The new Da Firma Training Center at 1912 Professional Place in Chesapeake, VA will have their soft opening on March 15th.  Construction and renovation has begun.  If you want to see the "Before" video of the new location, check it out here, or go to MadSiss Productions on YouTube and see it there. If you're interested in the charity seminars that Professor Ricardo is doing, contact the show at Andy@madsissproductions.com or info@dafirmatc.com.   If you're in the are on March 15th, don't miss out on the Eli Knight seminar. Shout out to our sponsors at Da Firma Kimono Company and to Menehune Soaps. Thanks for listening. Now get back on those mats and train.      

Episode 41 That Others May Live featuring retired PJ Brent Episode 41 features retired USAF Pararescueman (PJ) Brent.  Due to security reasons, we've purposefully kept Brent's last name private.  I first met Brent twenty-one years ago in Amphibious Reconnaissance School.  Brent started his career as a Navy Corpsman serving with Marine Corps infantry. After the first Gulf War, Brent screened for and was accepted into the Marine Corps Reconnaissance community.  After meeting and working with Air Force PJs, Brent decided to get out of the Navy, join the Air Force and become a Pararecueman.  And the rest, as they say, is history. Brent talks to us about going through the training pipeline, his time as a PJ and his recommendation for those wanting to take the PJ path. To listen to the podcast with Mike, click here.   Thanks for listening and be sure to check out our sponsors.  Da Firma Kimono Company  and Menehune Soaps. Also, check out MMA Podcast

TDWAAR Episode 40: Last Podcast of 2017 Episode 40 is our last podcast for 2017, and we decided to do something a little different.  We had our buddy, coach, and training partner Chad Hamm guest-host with us.  Chad is a two-stripe purple belt under Professor Ricardo.  What else did we do different?  Well, instead of having a regularly scheduled guest on the show, we decided to "surprise" call several people. The other big change going into the new year is our name change.  It's not a huge change but, we've gone from Throwin Down With Andy to Throwin Down with Andy and Ricardo. Our first guest was Professor Rodrigo Artilheiro.  Check out his YouTube Channel, and if you want to contact him for seminars, you can check out his Facebook page. Our next guest was Belton Lubas.  Belton is the owner of Warrior Strength Martial Arts.  This was the second time that Belton has been on the show.  Be sure to check out his YouTube Channel and his Facebook page if you want to contact him for seminars. Our next guest Jonathan Duncanson.  What an amazing story he has.  Jonathan's company is Duncanson Construction.  So if you're looking for some work in his area, look him up. And lastly, Brown Belt Dan is back on the show and as always, he's very entertaining. The last big thing that we hinted around was a new YouTube show but, we're not going to give away too many details until it's final. Thanks again to our sponsors at Da Firma Kimono Company and Menehune Soaps.  Also, check out our friends at MMA Podcasts. Thanks for listening, and as always...Get back out on those mats and train!

Listen Here Episode 39 featuring D&M Paranormal Investigation Group As stated in our intro, we're the podcast that brings you Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, MMA and just about any other damn thing we feel like talking about.  Well, this episode is one those "Other" topics.  Do you like spooky stories?  Who doesn't?  Our featured guests for this episode are Dane Eckelman and his wife Jennifer from D&M Paranormal. Also, we had a special co-host for this episode; my wonderful wife Connie. Dane and Jennifer got into the paranormal investigation world around three years ago and have been going strong ever since.  They've been on some pretty interesting investigations.  Some of the locations that they've investigated include Waverly Hills Sanitarium , Edinburgh Manor and several other locations famous for being "haunted". Now personally, I'm a skeptic; a non-believer.  Granted, I want to believe, but until I see unrefuted proof, I will probably remain a skeptic.  Some people may think that Dane and his wife are crazy, but to me, they genuinely want to help people, and I tip my hat to them.  I will remain open-minded about the whole possibility of spirits and ghosts. If you're a believer (I'm not judging), and you need some help or, just want to reach out to Dane and Jennifer, you can contact them on their Facebook page D&M Paranormal or on their website D&M Paranormal. Take a listen to the show, and let us know what you think in the comments.

  As stated in our intro, we're the podcast that brings you Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, MMA and just about any other damn thing we feel like talking about.  Well, this episode is one those "Other" topics.  Do you like spooky stories?  Who doesn't?  Our featured guests for this episode are Dane Eckelman and his wife Jennifer from D&M Paranormal. Also, we had a special co-host for this episode; my wonderful wife Connie. Dane and Jennifer got into the paranormal investigation world around three years ago and have been going strong ever since.  They've been on some pretty interesting investigations.  Some of the locations that they've investigated include Waverly Hills Sanitarium , Edinburgh Manor and several other locations famous for being "haunted". Now personally, I'm a skeptic; a non-believer.  Granted, I want to believe, but until I see unrefuted proof, I will probably remain a skeptic.  Some people may think that Dane and his wife are crazy, but to me, they genuinely want to help people, and I tip my hat to them.  I will remain open-minded about the whole possibility of spirits and ghosts. If you're a believer (I'm not judging), and you need some help or, just want to reach out to Dane and Jennifer, you can contact them on their Facebook page D&M Paranormal or on their website D&M Paranormal. Take a listen to the show, and let us know what you think in the comments. www.madsissproductions.com

[siteorigin_widget class="WP_Widget_Media_Audio"][/siteorigin_widget]  TDWA episode 38 featuring Master Pedro Sauer On Episode 38 of TDWA, we had the opportunity to travel to Pace, Florida to support our friend and brother, Professor Marcello Alcantar's grand opening of Pace Gracie Jiu Jitsu and to attend a seminar conducted by coral belt Master Pedro Sauer.  What an honor it was to be able to support Marcello and his family and to meet and get to know Master Sauer both on and off the mat. This was one of our shorter podcasts, and our first ever Facebook live podcast.  If you want to watch the video, you can here. It was such an honor to have all of these gentlemen on the show.  If you want to contact Master Sauer, you can find him on the internet at Pedro Sauer and on instagram.  If you want to see the fight with Mr. Utah that we talked about, check it out here. To contact any of the guests on the show, see the links below. Professor Marcello:  Website: Pace Gracie Jiu Jitsu,  Facebook, instagram or call them directly at (850) 816-0065. Professor Ernesto Anguesto: Website: BJJ Revolution  Professor Ricardo Tubbs: Da Firma Training Center, Facebook or by phone at (757) 333-3287. Professor Ricky Semeglia: instagram or by phone (954) 864-9174. Coach Dan Steere: Facebook and instagram. Here's a couple of links to Dan's combatives videos: First match   Second match Finals  and of course, you can find your's truly at Andy@madsissproductions.com, our Facebook page, instagram and our YouTube channel. Thank you to you, the listeners and thank you to our sponsors at Da Firma Kimono Company and Menehune Soaps. Now get back out on those mats and train. [siteorigin_widget class="WP_Widget_Media_Gallery"][/siteorigin_widget]

Roger "The Silverback" Narvaez and his wife Brandi Roger "The Silverback" Narvaez and his wife Brandi are our guests for episode 37 of TDWA.  Roger is a retired Mixed Martial Artist that has fought in several organizations including Legacy Fighting Championship, Fury FC and most notably, the UFC.  Brandi has fought in several amateur organizations and has just recently turned pro. Roger is the real deal folks.  Not only does he train and teach, he is a full time fireman.  Roger and Brandi train at Weapons at Hand Mixed Martial Arts out of Corpus Christi, Texas.  If you're in the area, drop in and say hello.  Also, check them out at Narvaez BJJ.       In other news, Professor Ricardo is back from Colorado and reclaims his spot on the mic. Many thanks to our sponsors Da Firma Kimono Company and Menehune Soaps.  Be sure to follow us on iTunes and on Google Play.   Thanks for listening, now get back out on those mats and train.

TDWA Episode 36 with Clinical Psychologist and BJJ Purple Belt Dennis Proffit   Our guest for this episode of the podcast is Dennis Proffit.  Dennis is a clinical psychologist and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt.  We discuss many things but, the highlight/main theme of the show is pre-competition nerves.  Dennis explains the physiological changes that occur when the body reacts to the "Fight or Flight" response and reviews some of the techniques that we can incorporate to combat our competition jitters. Professor Ricardo was unable to join us for this episode, but never fear, he'll be back. Thank you to our sponsors Da Firma Kimono Company and Menehune Soaps for their continued support. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and on Facebook. For questions, send an email to andy@madsissproductions.com Thanks for listening, now get back on those mats and train.

TDWA Episode 35: Royce Gracie Black Belt, Eli Knight Our featured guest for episode 35 is Professor Eli Knight.  Professor Eli trains and teaches out of Three Rivers Martial Arts Academy in Paducah, Kentucky. Professor Eli is the senior supervising instructor at Three Rivers. He has 22 years experience in martial arts and 18 years teaching, and he's a Royce Gracie Black Belt. Professor Eli also has a new DVD series out entitled "The Bladed Grappler" which can be found at Funker Martial Arts.  Be sure to check out his other great instructional videos on his YouTube Channel. You can find Eli on his Facebook page or on his instagram account. It was great having him on the show.  As usual, we'd like to thank our sponsors at Da Firma Kimono Company and Menehune Soaps. If you talk to Eli, be sure to ask him about #KnightGoo Thanks for listening, now get back on those mats and train.

We're back folks!  Our first episode in three months.  We've finally made the move from Japan to Virginia and we're super excited to back to the show.  In this episode, Kris Zaporteza (from For Emergency Use Only with Dr. Kris Zaporteza) drives up from North Carolina to join us. We talk about a myriad of topics including the Mayweather-McGregor fight, "I Wear Speedos" a parody of "Despacito" and more.   Don't forget to visit Da Firma Training Center, and if you're in the Hampton Roads area, stop in and say hello.   www.madsissproductions.com

In Episode Three, Dr. Kris discusses how to succeed as an introvert, doctor stereotypes and the importance of having hobbies. There are many different stereotypes in the medical community.  Dr. Kris covers most, but not all of them, and I think that you'll find them as amusing as we did.  

Episode 27:  Tim Kennedy Tim Kennedy joins us for episode 27.  We talk about why he joined the Army, his time both active duty in in the Guard as well as his controversial statement (see below) about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  We also talk about how he got started into fighting and his time in the UFC. Tim is an Army Sniper and Special Forces veteran.  He has multiple combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan Tim has a lot of irons in the fire.  If you're interested in some tactical training or just some cool gear check out his websites and contact him. Ranger Up Sheepdog Response It was a blast having Tim on the show.  We wish him much success in the future and hope to have him back.t Tim's Statement on PTSD "I'm asked daily about how and why I don't have PTSD. I'm probably the last person on Earth you should ask about this stuff. I have killed kids and women during war. I have seen my friends and fellow soldiers burn alive. My adult life is filled with the things horror movies are made of. I could have nightmares every night or be a medicated PTSD victim if I didn't choose every day to make a difference for myself and more importantly for the men that died to my left and right. I don't give a fuck about how they say we are supposed to heal. I'll tell you how to get better. You stop being a pussy. You get up early and train. You train so hard your hands bleed, and you sweat acid. You train so hard you collapse seeing stars. You go get cleaned up. Have a healthy meal. Look your best, dress nice. Then know that the real work is about to start. Find something bigger than yourself and pour every ounce of who you are into it. If that's your family, be the best father on Earth. If you are a cop, firefighter, or a trash man, be the BEST. Know every law, regulation, or route like the back of your hand. Be the best shot on the force. Be in better shape than every officer in the country, and serve the community like its your reason for living. When you finally get home, be a generous lover then collapse into bed. You should be falling asleep before your head hits the pillow because you worked so hard every moment of the day. Get up the next day.... and start all over again. At some point, and I'm not sure when, you won't need to do these things any more.... but you will, because you know you are making a difference. It won't be about you getting better or healthier. It will be about you contributing and giving. It will be about being the best version of yourself, and that version is a baddass that is hard to kill, that doesn't give a fuck about what other people think. You do the right thing because you believe in it. When you finally get to heaven and get to see your brothers, they will high five you as you walk by because you made their death worth something and made your life meaningful. Hell you might even get a little wink and a pat on the ass from God as you walk by. #greenberet #ranger #sniper #oef #oif #infantry #Isis #pstd"

Episode 26. Ricardo is back. We talk about that last UFC on Fox Sports 1 specifically BJ Penn's return to the Octagon. We discuss the possibility of the Mayweather/McGregor fight and we of course discuss Jiu Jitsu. Ricardo will be embarking on a Jiu Jitsu endeavor to Brazil in the next couple of months in support of a children's charity. We're looking to up the production of the podcast to weekly. If you're interested or know of someone interested in sponsoring the show, contact Andy or Ricardo via email. Andy@madsissproductions.com or Ricardo@madsissproductions.com Be sure to check out Da Firma Kimono Company for all of your jiu jitsu gear. If you're in the Hampton Roads area, swing by and say hello to Ricardo and the crew at Da Firma Training Center.

Episode 25 FIRST PODCAST OF 2017! Our long distance co-host from Virginia, Ricardo, joins us for episode 25.  We discuss UFC 207 (yes Rhonda Rousey), and we even discuss the other fights on the card. If you're in Hampton Roads drop in and visit Ricardo at Da Firma Training Center, or if you need new gear, check out Da Firma Kimono Company. If you're interested in the rower that Ricardo was talking about, check it out here. Ricardo is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Ricardo Calvalcanti and owner of Da Firma Training Center and Da Firma Kimono Company.

Throwing Down With Andy: Episode 24. Larry Criner is the Co-founder and Co-Owner of Rolling Bones Gear.  He's an avid Martial Artist and great friend.  If you're interested in picking up some new gear for Jiu Jitsu, swing by their webpage and check them out.  Rolling Bones Gear.  They also have a blog which can you can follow at Rolling Bones Gear Blog.