Average Joe Jiu-Jitsu Podcast

Richard Jackson is the owner and head instructor at Samurai Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, located at 2125 Winchester Blvd, in Campbell, CA. Richard trained for over 10 years at the Renzo Gracie NYC Academy's world-famous “Blue Basement” and was promoted to brown belt by Master Renzo Gracie and Professor John Danaher. After relocating to Northern California with his family, Rich was awarded his black belt by Professor Alan “Gumby” Marques, who is a third-degree black belt under the legendary Master Ralph Gracie. Rich was also recently promoted to 2ndDegree Black Belt by Professor Alan “Gumby” Marques. Rich also holds the rank of black belt in Judo. Rich can be reached for group classes, privates and seminars at: Samurai Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy 2125 Winchester Blvd, Campbell, CA 95008 (917) 685-1853 Website: www.bjjsamurai.com Instagram: @bjjsamurais

GO to https://rolacademy.tv/ and get 20% off on Rol Academy TV by entering code: AJJJP at checkout! Thomas Rozdzynski is back for his second appearance on the Average Joe Jiu-Jitsu Podcast. Thomas's first time on the podcast was Episode 13. Be sure to go back and listen to that episode if you haven't already, it was a good one. Thomas Rozdzynski who is a 3rdDegree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a Judo Black Belt. Thomas owns and teaches out of ROL Academy located at15629 S 71st Court, Orland Park, Illinois. Thomas is also the host of the ROL Radio Podcast and the Ask a Black Belt Podcast. Thomas and I had a great conversation about How can we continue training as we get older, the vortex of YouTube, what is the best belt, how do I track my progress, difference between surviving and defending, Should I start sparring standing or seated, working in sprints, hand ow do you implement new techniques? I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Thomas can be reached on Instagram at: @rozdzynskibjj @rol_academy @therolradio Or, on the internet at: www.rolacademy.com

Jordan Preisinger is a BJJ black belt and MMA fighter out of Ontario, Canada. Jordan is the owner and head instructor at Limitless Brazilian Jiujitsu and Kickboxing located at 67 Dufferin Ave. Ontario, Canada (phone number is (613) 827-1684). Jordan hosts a very popular YouTube channel, titled, “Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu”. Jordan and I had a great conversation today discussing methods of self-learning and a concepts-based approach towards mastery of Brazilian Jiujitsu. I hope you enjoy the episode. Remember to like, subscribe and share! Thank you! Jordan can be reached at: Email: preisingerjordan@gmail.com Youtube: Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu Instagram: @jordanteachesjiujitsu Patreon: www.patreon.com/jordanteachesjiujitsu

Matt is the owner of several Jiu-Jitsu related business including Epic Roll BJJ and the One Bottle Company. Matt has been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 16 years and is a brown belt and soon to be black belt under Tom DeBlass. Matt is a full-time real estate agent and also flips homes. Matt has competed in off-road races like the Baja 500 and Vegas-to-reno (a 1,000 mile, 3-day-race). Matt has been married for 17 years and is the father of two boys. Matt is an entrepreneur who wants to inspire other entrepreneurs to go out and accomplish big goals in their lives!

Eli Knight is a 2nd degree black belt under Royce Gracie and had been the Senior Supervising Instructor at Three Rivers Martial Arts, located at 3055 N Friendship Rd Unit 4, Paducah, KY for 2 decades. Eli Knight is best known for his contributions to self-defense and adapting jiu-jitsu to address the needs of the real-life altercation. Eli's social media presence is quite large (252,000 subscribers on YouTube), making him one of the most visible advocates for the art and he's been producing helpful content for years, sharing his approach to jiu-jitsu with the masses. Eli has a way of molding jiu-jitsu to fit any setting with a simple and easily digestible curriculum that all practitioners can subscribe to. He is incredibly well spoken, and his instruction is clear, concise, and direct, creating a very enjoyable learning experience for the student. Eli can be Contacted At: · Exclusive Class Content at Patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu · BJJ Fanatics Instructionals here: Search: 10 results found for "Knight" (bjjfanatics.com) · Instagram @knight_jiu_jitsu_ · TikTok @knightjiujitsu · Follow me on DTube: https://d.tube/#!/c/knightbjj · Follow me on Steemit: https://steempeak.com/@knightbjj

Steve Austin is a 2nd Degree Black Belt who is a Philadelphia native and is the owner and operator of Sion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Bucks County Pennsylvania. We discussed Steve's powerful story of how he was born with Legg Perthes (a degenerative disease affecting the hip) which required multiple surgeries into his teen years to address and made him the target of mental and physical bullies. A long interest in martial arts paired with a need for self-defense, Steve found Tae Kwon Do. Then Kempo. And finally Brazilian Jiujitsu. Through jiujitsu, Steve was able at last to find peace and a healthy outlet for the stress in his life. Steve received his brown and black belt from Alison Juca Brites. Over the years studying wresting and judo along with BJJ, Steve now trains with some of the biggest names in the industry; Henry Akins, Ryron and Rener Gracie, and Kroyler Gracie to name a few. He has competed in local tournaments such as Grapplers Quest, Naga, and The Goodfight, along with pro level events such as IBJJ, Metamoris Challenger and is currently a FIGHT TO WIN competitor. Throughout the years, Steve has built up a list of high-profile clients such as Maynard James Kennan, (lead singer of TOOL, A Perfect Circle, and Pusifer) Gil Sharone, (drummer for Marlyn Mason) and Hugh Fitzgerald, head BJJ instructor at 87Eleven Action Design which is responsible for the training and fight choreography of movies such as the John Wick series, and Atomic Blonde. Steve was able to branch out in 2014 and start his own gym called Sion BJJ in Southampton, PA. Sion has since turned into a brand for apparel and retreats around the world. Steve often teaches at other BJJ camps such as BJJ Globetrotters and hosts Sion's own jiujitsu retreats. Being a certified in GST (Gracie Survial Tactics) Steve works with local police in the Bucks County area. Sion also is a proud affiliate of Balance Studios in Fishtown.

Today, I sat down with returning guest, The BJJ Strength Coach, Josh Settlage to talk about his new Strength Matrix website which is dropping on January 1, 2022. We also discussed programming considerations for a three day a week modified conjugate program from grapplers, as well as how to fit in mobility and kettlebells into your strength program. Josh can be contacted at: Facebook: Joshua Settlage Instagram: @joshuasettlage Internet: Thestrengthmatrix.com

Alan “Gumby” Marques is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Ralph Gracie, and co-founder of On The Mat (OTM), a company that revolutionized jiu jitsu's industry during the late 1990s and 2000s, through both their journalism and retail trade. Gumby was one of the first grappling journalists in the US, covering the initial growth of the sport in North America. Alan is the founder of Heroes Martial Arts in San Jose, California. Gumby and I discussed his early years in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coming up under Ralph's tutelage; founding and growing “On The Mat” with Scott (Scotty) Nelson; strength and conditioning considerations for older Jiu-Jitsu athletes; the differences between and the proper application of free rolling, drilling, flow rolling and situational sparing; the arm drag for sport and self-defense; the progression of the belts in Jiu-Jitsu and which one seems to be the most difficult; the concept of “ground, body, body, ground”; and the differences and similarities of gi versus no-gi Jiu-Jitsu. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Scott is the Owner of Extreme Performance Training Systems, also known as “EPTS Gym” and is a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Chris Jones who is the founder of Nucleus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ​located at 3010 Business Park Drive Unit F, in Norcross, GA. Scott is a Vegan Iron Addict and a Practitioner of Taichi & Chi-gong. Scott is a US Navy Veteran. Scott returns for his second episode on the podcast to discuss recovery factors for the average jiu-jitsu practitioner over 40. Scott can be reached at: Facebook: Scott Shetler Instagram: @ssheltlerfitness Training info: scott@eptsgym.com

Today I had the privilege of sitting down and speaking to Karel Pravec, commonly known as “the Silver Fox”. Karel is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt of Czechoslovakian descent. Karel was one of the Gracie's very first students in the United States and studied under both Renzo Gracie and John Danaher. Karel was awarded his black belt by Renzo Gracie in July 2006. Karel is also the author of the Fluid BJJ book, has produced various instructional videos, and hosts his “Roll with the Fox video series” on YouTube each Friday morning (10:30 AM, Eastern Time). Karel has been regularly featured on the Tristar Gym YouTube channel with renowned MMA coach, Firas Zahabi. Karel has demonstrated the success of his style focus on submissionsby winning: · 1st Place – 2006 Tenth Grapplers Quest West (Master Lightweight Division) – all matches won by submission · 1st Place – 2007 NAGA World Championship (Advanced Master – Open Weight) – all matches won by submission, lightest competitor in the division · 3rd Place – 2008 Pan Am Championship No-Gi (Black Belt – ADULTS – Lightweight) · 1st Place – 2010 European Championship (Black Belt Masters – Absolute Division) Karel is recognized as one of the top instructors in the New Jersey area, being behind accomplished competitors such as 2009 ADCC Runner-up Jerry Rinaldi, EBI 12 champion Erin Blanchfield, mixed martial arts fighters Sergio DeBari, Frank Roberts, Enrique Galarza & Juan Galarza and many others. Karel earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Albany and then his master's degree from Columbia University. During our discussion, we covered Karel's experience moving to America as a teenager, his start in martial arts (specifically striking arts) and his evolution into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We discussed Jiu-Jitsu competition; the importance of balancing drilling, flow rolling and live rolling; the differences between gi vs. no gi training; Karel's top three concepts for building an effective guard passing strategy; the pros and cons of focusing on systemized Jiu-Jitsu; and Jiu-Jitsu as self-defense. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

Giovanni is a BJJ Purple Belt. He started training BJJ and Muay Thai in 2010 under Vidiver Vazquez and Juan Delgado out of Combat 360 in Puerto Rico. He currently trains in Austin Texas in VOW BJJ under Ryan Villalobos. He has bachelor's in Exercise Science and Health Promotion and a doctorate in Physical Therapy and specializes in S&C, injury reduction and rehab for combat athletes. He has a special interest in how the balance between training and recovery optimizes performance and longevity in the sport. We had a great conversation discussing recovery tracking, the pros and cons of using a powerlifting based strength training program for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Daily Undulated Periodization Training, among other things. Gio can be contacted on Instagram at @gio.thefightersway

Joel Blanton is a 1st Degree Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a former professional MMA fighter and professional wrestler who currently resides in Tennessee. We discussed Joel's background in MMA and how he transitioned from MMA into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as well as being okay with being tapped to improve your BJJ game, journaling, kettlebell and strongman training for BJJ strength and conditioning, and dieting considerations.

Today, I had the pleasure to sit down and speak with Thomas Rozdzynski who is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a Judo Black Belt. Thomas owns and teaches out of ROL Academy located at15629 S 71st Court, Orland Park, Illinois. Thomas is also the host of the ROL Radio Podcast. Thomas and I had a great conversation about the differences and similarities between Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, hobbyists vs. competitors, the value of taking notes and goal setting, Jiu-Jitsu training modalities to speed up your learning time, helping others to improve their skill in order to improve your own, gi vs. no gi jiu-jitsu, famous Jiu-Jitsu personalities that Thomas has had the opportunity to interview on his podcast, self-defense vs. competition training, as well as running your own academy or searching for an academy that fits your needs. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Thomas can be reached on Instagram at: @rozdzynskibjj @rol_academy @therolradio Or, on the internet at: www.rolacademy.com YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn_y_JZfah8

Malachy Friedman is a second-degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the legendary Master Ricardo Liborio of Carlson Gracie lineage. With almost 20 years of experience, Professor Friedman is adept in multiple fight disciplines including MMA, BJJ, Boxing, Muay Thai and Wrestling. Malachy started his training with the late UFC Middle-Weight Champion, Evan Tanner. After years of competition, in 2006 Malachy joined American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida where he coached beginners and champs in both MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu until 2015. In 2015, Malachy brought his experience and knowledge back to his hometown of Charleston where with his wife, Sarah, they own and operate Black Label Martial Arts Academy. Malachy also owns Black Label Jiu-Jitsu Raiders Team and teaches free Women's Self-Defense seminars to the Charleston and surrounding areas. Malachy teaches the same techniques in Women's Self Defense that he wants his wife and daughter to know. In addition to coaching, Malachy is both a strategist and innovator in the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu having created several video instructionals, based on his innovative style of Jiu Jitsu. I had the privilege of speak with Malachy Friedman this afternoon. We discussed Malachy's MMA career as both a fighter and a coach as well as his relationships with the late Evan Tanner and the late Kevin Ferguson AKA Kimbo Slice), jiu-jitsu poisoning (pins) in their relation to striking effectively, self defense (conventional and specifically for women), as well as Malachy's style of Jiu Jitsu and his instructionals available for purchase on www.bjjfanatics.com, www.malachyfriedman.com or https://www.budovideos.com.

Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down and speaking to Eugene Tsozik PT, DPT, FRCms. Eugene is a Physical Therapist specializing in the reduction and treatment of Jiu-Jitsu related injuries as well as a black belt in Jiu Jitsu under Nick “Chewy” Albin out of Derby City MMA, located at 8021 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40258. Eugene is the creator of Grappling-RX (Rehab for BJJ) and the co-host of the Chewjitsu Podcast with Nick “Chewy” Albin Nick “Chewy” Albin. We discussed Eugene's evolution in Jiu-Jitsu from white belt to black belt, competition experiences, training modalities, injures, and strength and conditioning considerations for injury reduction. I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much I did recording it.

Today I had the pleasure of speaking with The BJJ Strength Coach, Josh Settlage. We discussed various aspects strength training (specifically the conjugate method), conditioning and diet considerations for the grapping athlete. I hope you enjoy!

Tyler is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, an IFBB Pro Bodybuilder in the wheelchair division and a personal trainer. Tyler was born with a condition named “Spina bifida” which is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly. It is a type of neural tube defect. The neural tube is the structure in a developing embryo that eventually becomes the baby's brain, spinal cord and the tissues that enclose them. Tyler and I discussed adapting Jiu Jitsu for people who are physically challenged by using a "conceptual" approach to grappling as opposed to a "technique" based approach. We discussed bodybuilding (in general and competition), resistance training and dieting for the average Jiu JItsu athlete as well as how to do both (resistance training and jiu jitsu successfully at the same time). Instagram: @blackbeltbodybuildingcripple Facebook: Tyler Brey IFBB Pro Kobra Kai Jiu Jitsu, Roseville (contact on Instagram or Facebook)

Kurt Osiander is an accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and multiple time Pan American BJJ champion and has a four-win, one loss MMA cage fighting record. Kurt has become a cult hero in the BJJ community for his straight forward personality which has been featured in two documentary films and Anthony Bourdain's CNN show, Parts Unknown. Kurt is well known for his YouTube channel, “Kurt Osiander Move of the Week” which has 81.1 thousand subscribers and has been viewed over five million times. Kurt runs Empire Jiu Jitsu is San Francisco, CA with his partner, Jake Scovel. Empire Jiu Jitsu 2356 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA Email info@empirejiujitsu.com (415) 658-7520 www.empirebjj.com Instagram: @kurtosiander Instructional: www.bjjfanatics.com

Recently, I had an opportunity to sit down and speak to Scott Shelter about strength and conditioning for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Scott is the Owner of Extreme Performance Training Systems, also known as “EPTS Gym” and is a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Chris Jones who is the founder of Nucleus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ​located at 3010 Business Park Drive Unit F, in Norcross, GA. Scott is a Vegan Iron Addict and a Practitioner of Taichi & Chi-gong. Scott is a US Navy Veteran (we thank you for your service, Scott). During our conversation, Scott and I discuss the soviet based conjugate method of strength & conditioning (and how it differs from “westside” as it is more commonly know in the west). We explored the various components of the conjugate method such as the max effort method, the sub-maximal effort method, the repetition method and the dynamic effort method and how they can be applied to strength and conditioning for jiu-jitsu. We discussed the difference between SPP (specific physical preparedness) and GPP (general physical preparedness) as well as joint health, grip development, strength training program and scheduling considerations for the “average” jiu-jitsu practitioner as well as aspects of diet. I would like to apologize in advance for the editing. I am still getting a hang of editing interviews and I would like to point out one error during the interview on my part…I don't partake in a cheat meal once a day, I eat a cheat meal once a week…If I ate a cheap meal once a day, I would weigh 240 lbs. again in no time flat! If you found this conversation to be helpful or if you have questions about any of the content, please let me know! If there are other persons or topics of interest you would like me to consider for future episodes, please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate your suggestions! I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down and talking with Nathan Mendelsohn of Claudio Franca Brazilian Jiu Jitsu out of Santa Cruz, CA. We discussed Nathan's early year in martial arts which led him to find Jiu Jitsu; traveling to Brazil to train (in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) as well as “Jiu Jitsu Plus Camps in Brazil” currently being offered by Claudio Franca Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We also discussed Nathan's competition goals for 2021; the benefit of strength & conditioning and mobility (specifically yoga) for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; diet and Nathan's one-on-one mental coaching services which will soon be available for a limited number of Jiu Jitsu athletes. I hope you enjoy the episode and thank you for listening.