Black Belt or Bust

Everyone gets ready for competition in their own ways and even we have changed our training throughout the years based on what we feel we need at the time. In today's episode we talk about how we currently prepare for bigger tournaments compared to how we prepared as blue belts. Additionally, we talk about the benefits of jiu jitsu camps serving to reset ourselves mentally and spiritually and how that can play a role in our goals for the year. Ultimately, while we want win gold and to be world champions, some things are more important to us and that is just as much cause for celebration.

Join us as we recap our past year on hiatus from the podcast and how we are feeling now that we are back! This episode reflects how we prioritized ourselves and sought out balance in our hectic lives. From changing jobs, new training schedules, habits, and holistic approaches to our day-to-day thanks to Natalie Boss and the Body By Boss Performance Blueprint. We have truly grown as individuals and jiujiieiras and cannot wait to share our experiences with all of you.

Our discussion today revolves around some behaviors we have observed in competitors as well as ourselves. This is not the same as a competitive behavior so much as behaviors like selfishness, sportsmanship, portrayal on social media, and gameness. We also reflect on having realizations on where you are at with your jiu jitsu and how that impacts your preparation for competitions. Then we wrap things up by going over why some people even compete and understanding that all of your time and energy used to prepare for competitions have to come somewhere. Which ultimately means that if you want a healthy life balance and to be able to do jits for the long run, you need to have a balance or you will burn out. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, your co-hosts discuss some of the reasons some people decide to quit jiu jitsu which can maiinly be broken down into internal and external factors. From the things you can control, like your own emotions, reasons for training, and self confidence, to things you may not have as much control over like work, financial status, and other responsibilities. However, choosing to leave jiu jitsu isn't necessarily black and white as some things are connected like family and personal obligations. In no way are we shaming anyone who chooses to leave jiu jitsu, but we want everyone to know that no matter your reason, you are always able to come back to the mats. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's episode focuses on the new practitioner and different learning styles. Once you have been training for a few months, you should generally have an idea of what works best for you, but what about in the very beginning? What learning styles are there for you to choose from? We go over flow charts, note taking, videos, audio, textile learning, and more! Hopefully this episode gives you an idea of how to start learning more information or maybe even convince you to change up your study habits! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's episode we catch up on everything we have been up to over the haitus. Misty was officially hired at UFC Gym as as assistant kids coach and we discuss some of her ideas to develop and grow the kids program. Meanwhile, Keelee has settled into Denver, CO at a new job and new gym ans we talk about some of the green and red flags to look for. Finally we wrap things up by talking about women's classes and their role in jiu jistu gyms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you wonderful listeners! It is that magical time of year again, so here is round two of FESTIVUS. The time air grievances and woes with the wonderful David Close!  So get ready to ditch some of those new years resolutions  as we discuss this years BJJ inspired tangents. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It seems as though your co-hosts are all over the place lately, but how? With both of us working and sometimes living paycheck to paycheck, how are we able to travel and compete the way that we have been lately? In this episode we give you some tips and tricks we have implemented (that have worked for us) in order to be able to compete this year. Reminder that we are in different circumstances compared to some of our listeners, so what works for us may not work for you and vice versa. However, these are some things you can consider to implement to possibly save some money! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode is an oldie, but goody found in our episode vault from our Florida road trip a few months ago. We discuss the importance of communication with your training partners at open mats or when cross training. Sometimes, especially females, we need to speak up in order to ensure we are getting not only the training we want, but the mat time we need. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Lately with the Olympics and other large scale competitions going on, there has been a lot of discussion regarding athletes mental health and their justification for taking time off or stepping back from competition. In this episode we aknowledge that athletes have to focus on both their physical and mental game in order to be successful. While injuries and medical drops are commonly accepted and sometimes ignored in athletics, impaired mental health has not been as widely accepted. At the end of the day, athletes are still human, and both their physical and mental wellbeing play a role in their performance. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode we discuss Natalie Boss' mindset masterclasses coming up and the importance of evaluating your mindset and goals on and off the mats. To connect with Body by Boss, check out the following links! IG @nattiebossrd and www.bodybyboss.com. Competition Mindset Masterclass on Thursday 9/16/2021 at 1-3pm EST; to register: https://www.bodybyboss.com/offers/5zewc2P3/checkout (BASP members save 10% with discount code). The Performance Blueprint is a signature step-by-step lifestyle transformation group coaching program designed to teach female grapplers how to optimize their performance and health by taking control of their nutrition, mindset, and recovery; to complete application for January 2022: https://www.bodybyboss.com/assessments/29073. Empowered Athlete Academy is a 6-month coaching container for deep transformative healing using breathwork, energetics, and somatic practices. The next round of EAA will be from 1/4/2022 - 6/28/2022; complete application here: https://www.bodybyboss.com/assessments/166243. Breathwork Training Center membership is designed to facilitate a self-healing process that allows you to use the energetics of the system to heal the trauma, stuck emotions, and pain locked within our bodies. Our videos are designed to help you regulate your nervous system, connect to your truth, re-claim your power, reduce stress, increase performance, find inner peace and more. Click here https://www.bodybyboss.com/offers/oh5cYeQB/checkout to become a breather for only $20/month. 1:1 Mentorship/Life Coaching is a 12-month long commitment with Nattie Boss as your life and performance coach. In a year's time, we will do a deep dive into every area of your life to support you reaching your BIGGEST goals and dreams. We will be doing deep inner work using energetics, somatic practices, and breathwork to help you overcome limiting beliefs in order to help you live your life fully in your power; email: mailto:natalie@bodybyboss.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Our interview today is with the lovely BJJ black belt Elizabeth "Lyzz" Mitrovic out of Precision Jiu Jitsu Academy in Sacremento, California. We discuss her beginnings in Hapkido as a means of learning self defense to beginning jiu jitsu as a means to be able to compete and how she has transitioned into a teaching role. Primarily how she has balanced her teaching responsibilities with her own competition goals. Lyzz goes over how teaching reinforces our own knowledge of the sport whereas our own training allows us the opportunity to focus on the techniques we feel we need to improve at that point in time. Follow her on IG @ms_daemonette @hoesnkimonos and the academy she teaches at @precisionjjacademy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's episode is a throwback to when we were driving to Sophia McDermott's Lifestyle camp in Florida and are answering some questions from our listeners. We have been asked a few times now about motivation and how we continue to train when we lack motivation. In this episode we discuss motivation, inspiration, perseverance, and self discipline. Plus a few random tangents along the way! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Whenever BJJ is brought up, at some point you will have a discussion about ego. Especially since jiu jitsu is supposed to be a humbling experience to allow for personal and technical growth in the sport. However, how do you deal with the newer students having ego? How do you train with the younger generation in order to allow them to gain confidence without crossing the line into cockiness? These are a few things we discuss in today's episode as well as where we draw the line with egotistical training partners. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

As restrictions are starting to lessen or be lifted completely, competitions are becoming more and more popular and available. After a crazy year, all of the avid competitors are signing up! However, registrations are all opening up at the same time and selling out quickly. Plus, we are so quick to sign up for the tournaments that we don't realize we are competing back to back weekends without pause. Has anyone else gotten to the point where they are tired of competing? Exicted for a break? Or just feel indifferent? Well, if any of those apply to you, then you are going through competition burnout. This episode discusses signs and realizations that may lead to you taking a step away from the competion season for a short spell. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

As things have been crazy the past few weeks in terms of tournaments and travel, we take a moment when driving to a BJJ lifestyle camp in Florida to discuss how we pack and prepare for all of our trips. As you may well know, your co-hosts are pack rats, but we discuss all of the things you might want to consider to bring with you for both training and recovery. At the end of the day (or road trip) if there is only one thing you remember, it should be to pack snacks and a gi! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We are in Bradenton, Florida for a BJJ lifestyle camp and had the wonderful opportunity to meet Jana VanWitbeck from Idaho Falls. She is a Judo black belt, BJJ purple belt, and creator of JudoFit. We get to discuss the parallels between her journey as a judoka and jiujietera all the while developing an innovative and agility-based program. The JudoFit program is easily accessible, fun, fast-paced, but also incorporates a style of "shadow judo" that reflects the repetitive steps and movements incorporated in judo. check out www.judo-fit.com or follow on IG @judofitusa if you want to learn more information on this amazing program! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Your lovely co-hosts are in Dallas, Texas for IBJJF NoGi Pan-Ams and wanted to talk about what it means to balance aspects of your life in order to train and compete in BJJ. Sometimes other aspects of our life take priority and our training suffers ,while other times it seems as though we have found the perfect balance that doesn't last long. As things change, so do our level of priorities, ad we wanted to go over some of our mental, emotional, and physical priorities to be able to come back to competing full time. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Welcome back listeners! After a much needed break, your hosts found it very fitting to talk about when to take some time off off the mats, or in this case off the air. Sometimes things happen in your day to day life, such as a personal loss, work related issues, family, or an injury. In today's episode we talk about how it is okay to knowledge when you may need a break, so that other circumstances don't decide that for you. Again, welcome back to Black Belt or Bust and know that we have missed you! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today we get to talk about all things lifestyle with Sophia McDermott, better known as Australia's first female black belt. From her early days in BJJ and competing to her current profession as a health and nutrition specialist running lifestyle camps. We get to discuss all things relative to a healthy and wholesome lifestyle that can benefit anyone, but especially jiu jitieras. We also delve into how she has paved the way for female grapplers. Check her out on IG @sophia_fit_official and @sophiamcdermottbjj, online at www.sophiaFIT.com and www.girlsontop.org, FB SophiaFIT, and her sponsors at FujiSports and Athleta, and her upcoming lifestyle camps. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we are on their way back from IBJJF Dallas after competing over the weekend. During the self care series, we will be discussing ways to prioritize your care or to plan for it in your training schedule. However, in this episode we talk about how to care for yourself when traveling for competitions, especially when you have to stay on weight. Just because you have to be at a certain weight, doesn't mean you cannot continue to fuel your body throughout the weekend until you compete. It also relies heavily on having a support system or teammates who promote healthy and positive behavior. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today we get to sit down with Natalie Boss, a registered dietician, performance coach, the founder of The Performance Blueprint, a BJJ and Judo brown belt, and new mother. In this episode we discuss balancing various aspects of life to improve out overall performance as a BJJ practitioner. We go over why she decided to become a dietician to her methods of approach with the women who join her program and some of the reasons they seek out her guidance. Finally, we wrap up our discussion by differentiating between what it means to be an athlete compared to a martial artist. Follow her on IG @nattiebossrd and her programs at www.bodybyboss.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today we sit down with George Stephens, a purple belt, seasoned competitor, and previous teammate that recently relocated to the UK about some of his experiences in BJJ through the years. At 18 years old, George has transitioned from kids to adults programs and competes at a high level regularly. We discuss how he handled the transition between classes, his involvement in teaching the younger generation, his personal goals, and training schedule. Follow him on IG @georgelikesgi as well as his sponsors HyperflyEU, Dr. K CBD, and Xara BJJ Apparel. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's episode we got to sit down with Caitlin Higgins, a black belt since 2015 that currently resides in the Spartanburg, SC area at Spartanburg Jiu Jitsu and new Pedigo Submission Fighting affiliate. We talk with Caitlin about how she balances her own training with coaching responsibilities in addition to how she has developed the ladies program and LGBTQ friendly classes. We talk about what are some things their gym does to promote a positive atmosphere for women to train and some things gyms may be doing, without realizing it, that deter women from joining or staying in their gym. Follow on IG @thewitchyjiujiteira @spartanburgswimteam and @pedigosubmissionfighting --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

During this episode we discuss how overstimulation in BJJ can impact your training. We specifically use the term "overstimulation" in terms of some mental aspects of training brought on by environmental stimuli that differs from burnout or overtraining. We go through some of our moments of overstimulation and when we recognize we shouldn't go to the gym or train, even when we feel physically capable of doing do. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

During this post mat chat, we are driving back from a Danielle Kelly NoGi seminar in Savannah, Georgia at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Savannah, and get to reflect on differences between co-ed and womens only seminars. Sometimes, BJJ allows you to feel powerful, strong, confident, and able to take on the world. While other times, jiu jitsu allows you to feel beautiful, peaceful, and graceful. Today's episode talks about the similarities and contrasts we have experienced in the past few weeks. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Heath Pedigo, black belt and fearless leader of Pedigo Submission Fighting and the infamous Daisy Fresh boys. In this episode we talk about what it takes to develop strong competitors, from the training atmosphere and community to training structure and other mental attributes such as dealing with losses and being their for teammates. This discussion encompasses some non traditional ideals of BJJ, but remember, the BJJ community is ever changing and adapting to the world around us. This conversation is insightful, thoughtful, and a reminder of what BJJ is to the individual. Follow them on IG @pedigosubmissionfighting --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

During this post mat chat, we wrap up our discussion about our experience with the Pedigo Submission Fighting Camp in Spartanburg, SC. From the amount of material covered to how we will work on the techniques and incorporate them into our own game once we get back to our normal training schedule. Finally, we discuss how the camp not only impacted our technical game and rolling style, but mental game as well going into the next competition season. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

During this post mat chat, we talk about our experience with the Pedigo Submission Fighting Camp and how this experience has differed from previous camps and seminars. From the structure, material covered, atmosphere of training, to availability of women. We discuss some things to consider and reasons behind going to camps and seminars. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

At IBJJF Master Worlds in Orlando, Florida, we get to sit down with Miyo Strong and Jason Smith, a brown and black belt out of Unified Jiu Jitsu in South Jordan, Utah. In this episode we talk about what it is like to be promoted immediately before a large competition, weight classes, mindset, and their work with the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. Make sure to follow on IG @utahjitsmama and @jasonksouth and find out how you can get involved at www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode we sit down with Kelsey Carter out of Precision Jiu Jitsu Academy in California about what it is like to have to take time off from jiu jitsu because of COVID. Both Kelsey and our co-host Keelee were positive for COVID-19 over the holidays and want to talk about their experiences, what they did while in quarantine, and mindset going back into training following this experience. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Have you taken time off from training and the gym? Have you had other priorities in your life where BJJ was on the backburner? Have you had to step away from the mats for health or an injury? Have you just taken some time away for your own mental health? No matter why you left the gym, we want to talk about how you can may your way back to BJJ and training. Trust us, it's worth going back. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's episode we go over what to expect at the beginning of the year when a wave of new students try out jits for the first time due to New Years Resolutions! In addition to gyms that double as a fitness studio or box gym and have an overall increase in members. During this time we go over how important it is to be patient, open-minded, courteous, and careful. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Merry Christmas wonderful listeners! As our special gift to you, this episode is all about FESTIVUS. The wonderful time of the year to air grievances and woes with the wonderful David Close! So get your hot chocolate, candy canes, and other sweets galore as we go through all of our issues and not so tidings of great joy. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today we got to sit down with our good friend and training partner Crystal Chang, owner and operator of Studio C Greenville, on the similarities and differences between professional ballroom dancing and martial arts. First we discuss Crystal's background in professional dancing and how that has translated over to training jiu jitsu. Then we get to discuss her experiences from being a teacher in dancing to a student in BJJ. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's episode we discuss training during the holidays! The holiday season includes family, friends, memories, good food, and... jiu jitsu? We discuss whether you should or shouldn't train during the holidays based off of our own personal experiences. If you do want to train, we go over scheduling, networking, cross training and preparation. If you don't want to train, but want to do some sort of physical activity, we go over alternatives and options. Most importantly, we go over not training or doing anything at all and being able to enjoy time with your loved ones and have a guilt-free vacation! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode is about every practitioners favorite moment: promotions! Whether it be your first stripe or your final belt, it can be a joyous moment. However, we discuss some of the etiquette you should consider when you or your teammates get promoted. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In part two of our discussion about Impostor Syndrome, we have David Close BJJ black belt back on to discuss an instructor's view on Impostor Syndrome when it comes to his students. We not only discuss whether or not Impostor Syndrome is legitimate, but how it is necessary at some points in development, where it comes from, if it plays a role in blue belt blues, and some signs students exhibit. Finally, we end on how to address some students that have this. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's episode we discuss Impostor Syndrome, a phenomenon in which an individual doubts any of their skills, abilities, or accomplishments. Like other facets of life, we in the BJJ community doubt ourselves and question whether or not we actually deserve the rank tied around our waist. In part one, we discuss how Impostor Syndrome has impacted us personally, when we noticed onset of these thoughts, and how we deal with it. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's episode we talk with David Close, a BJJ and Judo Black belt out of Greenville, SC about ladies programs. Anywhere from what they are, what makes a good program, integration of a ladies programs into your gym, reasons for ladies to join BJJ, and expectations of upper rank women to lead/run these programs. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's episode we got to sit down with Jessica Catherine Buckner, a newly promoted black belt in Jackson, Mississippi under Jarrett Becks of No Limit Combatives and the Killer Bee College. We discuss some of her experiences as she progressed from white belt to black belt, such as training, competition, and situations she has handled as a female in the sport. Jessica gives some insight on how to handle some expectations placed on higher ranks in the gym, determining safe training partners, and acknowledging your own ability and skills within jiu jitsu. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode focuses on some of the recovery tools and methods you can utilize following competitions! We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of training immediately following a tournament. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today we sit down to discuss whether or not someone should compete in BJJ. From what facet of BJJ brought you into the gym to whether or not you have every entertained the thought of competing. We understand that competing isn't for everyone, and not only should you have an open mind about competing, but also have good intentions and realistic expectations. In this episode we you challenge you to show up for: your teammates, your competitors, but most importantly, yourself. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's interview we get to sit down with Iva Liou, a purple belt out of Houston, Texas. Iva is not only a BJJ competitor as she recently opened Texas Garage Jiu Jitsu, is a territory business manager for Michelin and an MBA student. All the while balancing her career and BJJ to be a loving wife and mother. In this episode we talk about how she and her family dealt with shutdowns, finding a new gym during this time, deciding to open their own gym, and getting back on the competition mats. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today we discuss what are some of the things we are doing during training or our daily lives that exacerbate burnout. From being able to differentiate between overall burnout and "blue belt blues" to how our nutrition, sleep, and water intake impact our performance. As white belts we approach BJJ similar to a New Years Resolution. So today we wanted to address some of the issues that cause us to lose motivation or make us to want to quit jiu jitsu, that may not be BJJ related at all. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's competition day! We discuss some tips and tricks to help you navigate your first tournament; from what to expect to what to pack. This episode has a little bit of everything to help easy your nerves and help you feel prepared on your big day! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Before we can get ready for a competition, we have to address the mental aspects of preparation prior to the tournament. In today's episode we discuss how to mentally prepare for competitions as well as the mindset to have afterwards when dealing with wins or losses. We break down preparation, the day of competition, and post tournament analysis. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's episode goes over the dos and dont's of tournament week! From training, to nutrition, to mental health, this episode covers it all! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Throughout the BJJ competition series, we were asked "How do you determine your game?" In this episode, we discuss what we in the BJJ community mean when we talk about our "game" and how we have tailored our styles and guards to reflect those decisions. Also, our co-hosts give you an insight as to what style they chose when they first started jiu jitsu and how their games have developed over time. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

During this post mat chat, we talk about the different types of situationals we work on and how we get specific training and responses out of our training. Particularly, how we either tailor our training to address 1) common problem areas we find ourselves in when rolling at the gym and 2) uncommon responses to positions we train every day. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's episode focuses on how to train for a submission only tournament format. From knowing the rule set you will be competing by, having a game plan, and rolling with intention. As well as how to prepare when overtime rules may come into play. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app