Ask Coach Ben: Fitness, Nutrition, S&C, BJJ, and Random Q&A Podcast

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AskBen Podcast is a question and answer show dedicated to answering listener submitted questions on fitness, nutrition, strength & conditioning, diet, exercise, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Coach Ben Z (@coachbz) is a Personal Trainer, Nutritionist, Strength & Conditioning…

Coach Ben Z


    • Aug 26, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 41m AVG DURATION
    • 86 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Ask Coach Ben: Fitness, Nutrition, S&C, BJJ, and Random Q&A Podcast with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Ask Coach Ben: Fitness, Nutrition, S&C, BJJ, and Random Q&A Podcast

    Does hard work even matter

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2021 21:07


    Hard work.

    Belts do not Matter

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2021 20:38


    Belts do not Matter

    Competition is Insignificant

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2021 22:55


    Dealing with a Problem Student

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2021 49:00


    Dealing with a Problem Student

    Is the GI dead?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2021 40:24


    Ben and Jim discuss whether the Gi or Kimono is on it's way out of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

    Where does Confidence come from?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2021 36:16


    Jim and Ben talk about where confidence comes from.

    Mentors are overrated

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2021 34:35


    Mentors are overrated.

    Why copying the greats won't make you great

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2021 34:38


    Copying the greats will only lead to mediocre results, if that. Jim and Coach Ben talk about the reasons why.

    Erik Paulson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2021 83:50


    Coach Ben and Jim talk with Erik Paulson. Rickson Gracie. Josh Barnett. CSW.

    Gordon Ryan and Andre Galvao Situation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2021 47:04


    The Gordon Ryan and Andre Galvao Situation Coach Ben and Jim discuss the Gordon and Andre situation and the slap as well as the apology from Andre and what we can learn from this.

    Rigan Machado

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2021 75:36


    Rigan Machado on his match with Rickson Gracie and on becoming the go-to man for training Hollywood celebrities at his academy in Beverly Hills, California. Rigan's celebrity clients include Ashton Kutcher, Marlon Wayans, Freddie Prinze Jr, Shaquille O'neal, Paul Walker, Scott Caan. There is a great story about Chuck Norris in here as well.

    Rafael Lovato Jr.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2021 46:35


    Coach Ben and Jim talk to undefeated MMA fighter, former Bellator middleweight champion, and American Jiu-Jitsu legend Rafael Lovato Jr.

    Critical Thinking

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2021 47:06


    Coach Ben and Jim talk about Critical Thinking and it's importance to jiu-jitsu and to personal development in other aspects of life.

    How to change your mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2021 40:54


    How to change your mind... and why it is an important attribute, value, virtue (whatever you want to call it) Coach Ben and Jim talk about the importance and strategies of changing your mind.

    Coach Chong Xie (Hyperarch Fascia Training)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2021 107:38


    Coach Chong Xie (Hyperarch Fascia Training) Coach Chong is the performance coach for UFC Champion Zhang Weili and UFC Hall of Famer Allistair Overeem.

    Drilling vs Sparring

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2021 28:18


    Drilling vs Sparring. Specific Training, Jiu-Jitsu, BJJ.

    Fight2Win 160 Betting Analysis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2021 10:01


    Fight2Win 160 is a submission-only grappling event taking place on *Saturday January 16, 2021* in *Miami, FL* and streamed live on FloGrappling. William Tackett (-350) vs John Combs (+290) Jonnatas Gracie (-200) vs Hugo Marques (+165) Gabriel Almeida (-200) vs Pedro Marinho (+165)

    Goal Setting and Jiu-Jitsu Trends for 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2021 34:35


    Goal Setting and Jiu-Jitsu Trends for 2021

    Tom DeBlass on Haters in Jiu-Jitsu

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2020 46:17


    Coach Ben and Jim have Tom DeBlass on to talk about Haters in Jiu-Jitsu. How he deals with them, and how he needs them and even appreciates them. We also get Tom's opinion of loyalty and get some insight into how he runs his academy, Ocean County BJJ. Check out Tom's excellent instructional videos by going to his instagram page @tomdeblass and clicking the Link in Bio.

    Nick Rodriguez AKA NickyRod

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2020 42:22


    Coach Ben and Jim talk to Nicky Rod about his future. On the team's move to Puerto Rico. Why John Danaher follows him? and more.

    Ryron Gracie on "Ego" 2.0 (episode on youtube)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2020 19:01


    Please go to the JiuJitsuMag YouTube Channel or click the link below. Thanks! Coach Ben and Jim do a lesson with Ryron Gracie on Ego during training and having a different mindset during training to MAXIMIZE learning, fun and enjoyment of jiu-jitsu. Filmed at GRACIE UNIVERSITY in TORRANCE, CA. https://youtu.be/z-GnJ1ogyrY

    5 Topics to Avoid in the Gym

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2020 46:50


    Coach Ben and Jim talk about 5 topics you should probably avoid in the jiu-jitsu academy, gym, or training facility. Please subscribe to the RSS feed!

    Carla Esparza

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2020 50:14


    Coach Ben and Jim talk to CARLA ESPARZA about JIU-JITSU, wrestling, MMA, her career, weight cutting, How she got her nickname etc. Carla "Cookie Monster" Esparza #4 Ranked UFC Strawweight 

    Is Jiu-Jitsu a good base for MMA?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 27:23


    Is Jiu-Jitsu a good base for MMA?

    One of the biggest problems with Jiu-Jitsu in MMA

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2020 23:02


    Coach Ben and Jim discuss standing back up.

    Foot and Ankle Training for Performance

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2020 34:58


    Coach Ben talks about experimenting with conditioning the feet and the transfer to sports performance.

    Robert Drysdale CLOSED GUARD: The Origins of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2020 71:52


    Robert Drysdale came on the podcast to talk about his NEW documentary about jiu-jitsu dropping SOON. CLOSED GUARD: The Origins of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil www.closedguardfilm.com We also talk about his training philosophy and how he transitioned from becoming an elite jiu-jitsu competitor to becoming an elite mma coach. His online back and forth with Gordon Ryan. His student Max Rohskopf’s future. And what it’s like being half Brazilian and half Caucasian in a sport dominated by Brazilians. I learned a lot just from his mindset. Once again, YouTube version on @jiujitsumag YouTube Channel has our faces. RSS feed on coachbz.net will be uploaded within the next 30 minutes. coachbz.net closedguardfilm.com drysdalejiujitsu.com

    Betting Analysis - Fight2Win 152

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2020 12:12


    Main Event: ### Edwin Najmi (-125) vs Michael Liera Jr. (+100) * GI Match * 10 Minutes * 170LBS The main event of F2W152 features Edwin Najmi taking on Michael Liera Jr. Edwin is one of Gracie Barra’s top competitors and likewise Michael Liera Jr. is one of the top competitors from ATOS. Edwin’s game involves aggressively attacking for submissions and the F2W rules favor this style since submission attempts are scored. Liera Jr. is considered the more fundamentally sound athlete and may be more technical. I favor Edwin in this match-up for several reasons. He has been the more active competitor and has fought several times recently at F2W. He should also have a slight size advantage. Liera Jr. is also a F2W veteran but we haven’t seen him for awhile in competition. He recently opened his own academy and his access to quality training partners is an unknown. Edwin also runs his own academy but he is very close to his home gym Gracie Barra Northridge where he has the highest level training partners including his teacher Romulo Barral. This is a tough one to call but I favor Edwin and expect him to win by judges decision. Edwin Najmi -125 / 1.8 / 56% implied probability to win Michael Liera Jr +100 / 2.0 / 50% implied probability to win *Prediction: Edwin Najmi by judges decision.* --- Co-Main: ### Johnny Tama (-110) vs Johnatha Alves (-110) * GI Match * 8 Minutes * 170LBS The co-main event of F2W152 features Johnny Tama of Alliance taking on Johnatha Alves of Art of Jiu-Jitsu. Both men are black belts and veterans of F2W with both competing recently against other opponents. Johnny Tama is a dangerous submission artist with an exciting style. His style better suits the F2W judging criteria. Johnatha is a rising star but most of his experience doesn’t come from submission-only rulesets. He may be the more technical fighter, but F2W is about submissions and submission attempts. I favor Tama under this ruleset but there are a lot of unknowns with Johnatha which explains why Tama is not the betting favorite. For one, Johnatha is young and can be making big improvements training with the Mendes Bros (his teachers). Also, due to his name value I believe he will end up as the betting favorite anyway. I consider Tama a great bet at any +money odds. I can see Johnny Tama winning by judges decision via more submission attempts in this match. Johnny Tama -110 / 1.91 / 52% implied probability to win Johnatha Alves -110 / 1.91 / 52% implied probability to win *Prediction: Johnny Tama by judges decision* --- ### Romulo Barral (-240) vs Gabriel Almeida (+195) * GI Match * 8 min * 200lbs Gracie Barra Northridge’s Romulo Barral is back again and this time taking on Gabriel Almeida of CheckMat. Most fans of jiu-jitsu recognize Romulo as one of the greatest competitors of his generation. Gabriel Almeida is one of CheckMat’s most active competitors at the moment. I think Gabriel Almeida is live here in this match-up especially under F2W rules. He knows this ruleset very well and understands the judging criteria. However, I do expect Romulo to win and the GI does favor him greatly. Romulo is a legend but he is aging and Gabriel is a rising star with several big victories in F2W. I know that Romulo was somewhat disappointed in his last performance and he could come out looking like a -500 favorite if he outclasses Almeida. It is a possibility and Romulo does have that capability. I see Romulo Barral winning a judges decision here, 8 minutes is not a lot of time for either man to secure a submission. Romulo Barral -240/ 1.42 / 71% implied probability to win Gabriel Almeida +195 / 2.95 / 34% implied probability to win *Prediction: Romulo Barral by judges decision*

    Ryron Gracie on "Ego"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2020 68:36


    Ryron Gracie on "Ego" Coach Ben and Jim talk about the EGO with a man that knows a thing or two about it. Gracie University founder Ryron Gracie comes on the podcast to discuss this very important topic in relation to Jiu-Jitsu. Thank you Ryron for coming on. I learned a lot. We talk about what caused Ryron to take a match on days notice against Josh Barnett when 10 other black belts turned the match down. We also talk about the Ego and mindset in jiu-jitsu. Must listen for anyone who wants to train jiu-jitsu for life. Check out Ryron's website and academy: https://www.gracieuniversity.com/ http://www.Patreon.com/coachbz Help us out by donating to our patreon (only if you can), we don't have sponsors yet!

    Bonus: Ego and Jiu-Jitsu

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2020 24:17


    We talk about Ego. Apologies for our state of being. We both had no sleep and probably sound drugged up.

    Betting Recap - SUG17, WUG1, Subversiv, UFC

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2020 36:48


    Coach Ben recaps the weekend of betting from:   Submission Underground 17 Wrestling Underground 1 Subversiv 3 and UFC Fight Night

    Betting Analysis - Submission Underground 17

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2020 9:56


    Betting Analysis - SUG17 presented by Chael Sonnen Coach Ben gives the betting analysis and breakdown for this weekend's upcoming Submission Underground 17 event taking place live on UFC Fight Pass. Craig Jones vs. Mason Fowler Amanda Loewen vs. Gillian Robertson PLUS Roberto Jimenez, Ethan Crelinsten, Ben Egli, Jesse Taylor, PJ Barch, Richie Martinez

    Chael Sonnen

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2020 34:47


    Coach Ben welcomes Chael Sonnen, former UFC title challenger, collegiate All-American, and the FOUNDER of Submission Underground. Listen as they breakdown this weekend's SUG 17 event and the launching of "Wrestling Underground". All action can be caught on UFC Fight Pass.

    Betting Recap - WNO & UFC Fight Night

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 75:59


    Ben and Jim recap the past weekend's Who's No.1 results as well as UFC Fight Night. Betting Recap.

    Betting Recap AND Who’s #1 - Betting Analysis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2020 76:00


    Jim and Coach Ben recap the betting action from Fight2win 148 as well as UFC Fight Night. Then Coach Ben goes over the betting analysis and new matchups of Who’s #1. Gordon Ryan and Craig Jones are OUT. Vagner Rocha is IN. 

    Betting Analysis - Fight2Win 148

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2020 38:18


    Coach Ben and Jim discuss Fight2Win 148 AND recap Figh2Win 147.

    Betting Recap - Submission Underground and Fight2Win147

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2020 34:58


    Coach Ben recaps last weekend's events and goes over the betting analysis for Fight2Win and Submission Underground.

    Sports betting: Is it the future of Grappling?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2020 75:59


    Jim and Coach Ben talk about sports betting and gambling on grappling and whether or not it’s the future of the sport.

    Seth Daniels

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 75:59


    Coach Ben and Jim talk to Seth Daniels the owner and founder of Fight 2 Win. They talk about a wide array of topics including the plans for the next few F2W shows, ADCC preparations, The rules and judging, and plans to get sports betting into grappling.

    Life Lessons #3 - How to know WHO to believe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2020 15:04


    Life Lessons #3 - How to know WHO to believe I talk about my method of assessing someone's believability.

    Life Lessons #2 - There is no GOOD or EVIL

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2020 15:03


    Life Lessons #2 - There is no GOOD or EVIL There is no good or evil, only perspective.

    Weekend Event Recaps (Who's #1, UFC250, 3rd Coast Grappling)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2020 50:16


    As events begin to start back up, Coach Ben recaps the past weekend's action. Who's #1 UFC 250 3rd Coast Grappling Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts

    Will Jiu-Jitsu Academies Survive?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2020 41:14


    Through pandemic, jiu-jitsu academies have many obstacles to face on the road to recovery. Whether through regulations or academy owner's treatment towards their student base, Coach Ben covers the topic through these multiple angles.

    Positives of the Pandemic

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2020 33:16


    Not all that comes out of a bad situation is "bad". Starting with a positive mindset will be key to moving onward and positioning yourself for the highest probability of a full recovery through this pandemic.

    Dan Lukehart (Part 2) - Strategies for Re-opening

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2020 20:35


    Coach Ben welcomes "TrumpetDan" Dan Lukehart as they discuss some ideas on how to reopen once the stay at home orders end. Brea Jiu-Jitsu

    Dan Lukehart - Re-opening Gyms

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2020 88:23


    Dan Lukehart on re-opening BJJ academies after the coronavirus outbreak. Dan or "TrumpetDan" is the owner of Brea Jiu-Jitsu in Brea, California and a black belt under Beneil Dariush.

    BJJ Customs: Uniforms

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2020 42:09


    Uniform requirements in martial arts. Culty or not?

    Life Lessons #1 - Play long term games with long term people

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2020 11:35


    Life Lessons #1 - Play long term games with long term people If you can’t see yourself working with someone for life, don’t work with them for a day.

    Covid-19 Update #2, The road to recovery

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2020 41:24


    Covid-19 Update #2, The road to recovery

    Submission Underground 13 RECAP

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2020 37:46


    Submission Underground 13 RECAP SUG13, Craig Jones, Vinny Magalhaes, Gordon Ryan, Betting Advice, Betting Lines, Ethan Crelinstein, Ritchie Boogeyman Martinez, Austin Vanderford, Mr. VanZant, Jake Ellenberger, Chael Sonen

    BJJ Customs: The Gauntlet/Whipping

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2020 25:01


    Coach Ben and Jim Lawson talk about whether or not we should continue the tradition of "the gauntlet" when students are promoted to the next belt rank.

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