Grappling with Physio Podcast

In this episode I chat to Dave Nicholls, who has been doing Judo for over 40 years, and has been a been a black belt for over 30 years. Dave started Judo at 7 years old at Sale Judo Club under Sensei Akinori Hosaka (8th Dan); at 16 years of age he attained his 1st Dan (black belt); he went on to achieve the highest competitive grade possible (5th Dan) and is now a 6th Dan (red and white belt).Dave won five senior national titles at the national team championships for the Midland area in five different weight categories. He was consistently ranked in the top 3 UK competitors during the 1990s. He fought and trained internationally representing the UK in competitions and training camps on numerous occasions in Japan, France, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy, Sardinia and the USA.In 2019 Dave achieved the very special grade of 6th Dan whereupon he was presented with the red and white belt of his lifetime coach Akinori Hosaka for exemplary service to the Judo community.Dave says that the path he has taken has given him them best of two worlds: a single journey where he learnt the lessons of patience, humility, a strong work ethic, honesty, fighting spirit, great Judo and both victory and defeat. He goes on to say that his mission is now to share these lessons with others.Not only does he have a great depth of understanding Judo at all levels from the beginner to the top international fighter, he has a very motivational style and an engaging manner on the mat.

 In today's episode I am joined by Steve Brown, a retired member of the British Armed Forces having served 27 years in the Army, his time consisting of service in 3 Para and retiring as the Company Sergeant Major (CSM) of The Pathfinders. Steve is a self-published author, who has written two books with another one currently in the making.Steve is also a well-established brown belt in BJJ and still teaches self-defence classes and techniques on a regular basis.In today's episode, we discuss what training was like for the Para's back in the early 90's, the Pathfinder selection process, transitioning from the Army to civilian life, and the importance of grappling/BJJ for Steve's mental health, plus many more topics.Both of Steve's books: “You'd be nuts too!” and “Meatheads” are available on Amazon please see the links below:-https://www.amazon.co.uk/Youd-Nuts-To... https://www.amazon.co.uk/MEATHEADS-St...

In today's episode I am joined by Mark Tucker, former pro MMA fighter, the highest ranking black belt in Cornwall, a former Royal Marine, former close protection officer, and somebody who's got more black belts in more martial arts than I care to imagine. Mark is the head instructor at the Combat Athletics Academy based is Liskeard, Cornwall. In this episode we discuss his time in the Royal Marines, his introduction to BJJ, fighting pro MMA, running a mixed martial arts school and much more.

In today's episode I am joined by Dan Strauss, an active BJJ competitor who has represented team Polaris on the European and international scene. Dan is a BJJ black belt under Roger Gracie and is the host and owner of the Raspberry Ape Podcast.In this episode, we discussed Dan's BJJ origin and journey so far. His recovery from a lower back injury sustained at the age of 21. The development of BJJ in the UK and the potential for clubs to gain funding from the UK BJJ association. We also discuss his passion for lifting heavy rocks and discuss his large collection of grip strength training apparatus at his home gym, amongst other things. https://soundcloud.com/theraspberryap...

In today's episode I am joined by Mauricio Motta Gomes, commonly referred to as the godfather of UK grappling. Mauricio is the highest ranking BJJ practitioner in the UK, a coral belt. He is also one of the “famous 5” Brazilian practitioners who received their black belt from the legendary Rolls Gracie (RIP).He is the proud father of Roger Gracie (heralded as the greatest grappler of our time), Pedro Bianca, Karina Gomez, Patrick Gomez and Vanessa Gracie Gomez. Along with his son Roger, Mauricio is the head instructor of the Roger Gracie BJJ Academy, based in London and runs the Mauricio Gomez Legacy Cup. In this podcast we discuss everything BJJ, competing, promotion and the importance of maintaining an all over working life balance.

In today's episode I am joined by Nexus BJJ head coach Kevin Webb. Kev is a former primary school teacher a current strength and conditioning coach, and a full time Brazilian jiu jitsu instructor at the Warwick Judo & BJJ school. Kev was one of the first three UK based blackbelts to be given out by his then head instructor and coach Braulio Estima. Kev has since gone on to compete in multiple national and international BJJ championships with moderate success at all levels. In this episode we also discuss his recovery from a previous stroke and heart attack experienced approximately 10 years ago.https://warwickjudo.com/

In this episode I catch up an old friend and former patient, Jamie Roman Hales, an amatuer MMA fighter with GFTPs. We discuss his return to the right following a 3 year hiatus and the tragic loss of his son Roman, to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and the devastating impact it had on his life. Please see attached link for the Lullaby Trust: https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer...

In episode 7, I visit Red Corner boxing gym in Coventry to talk with one of the resident coaches Anthony Somers, or Tony to his friends. Tony, an ex-fireman turned councillor is however, far from your standard boxing coach. An avid martial artist, an accomplished author, qualified counsellor in psychotherapy, NLP instructor, hypnotherapist and co-owner of the Real Combat System, Tony is a highly sought after coach who provides clients and professional fighters with the highest level of counselling and mental preparation prior to competing. In the episode we discuss fear, mental health, fight or flight, motivation and goals. Tony is currently running the ‘Worrier to Warrior' course in conjunction with running a clinical counselling service in Leamington Spa on a weekly basis. Tony is taking bookings so if you want to talk to someone professionally, then I recommend you get in touch https://anthonysomers.com/ 

In this episode I catch up with long term friend and old sparring partner, Joe Sherriff. Joe is a pro boxer 14-1 and currently lives in my Marbella, Spain. We discuss life as an amateur and how Joe got into boxing following a career threatening injury in Royal Marines training, which ultimately resulted in his medical discharge. We also discuss Joe's decision to move into the professional ranks and what life is like as a professional boxer.Joe is currently working on a new boxing gym, studio and fight camp based in Marbella, which is due to open in the next month. Apologies, there is a slight lag between the questions and answers due to a connection issue. However, the content of the podcast is still fantastic and enjoyable therefore, well worth a listen if you are a budding amateur boxer. Enjoy

In this episode I catch up with an old friend Spencer Price, about his Gym clothing brand 365 Strength, his frustrating journey of misdiagnosis and battle with low testosterone since the young age of 38. Spencers open and honest account of how he dealt with the situation of being constantly dismissed and told by GP's that he had depression, and how he turned the situation around to develop a social media page to promote men's health and discuss TRT more openly.

In this episode of the podcast I jump across the Irish sea to chat everything Jui Jitsu with head coach of The Jui Jitsu Brotherhood-Belfast, Cole Porter. We discussed his own journey and the rise of BJJ in Northern Ireland, or as Cole would say “Our wee country”. We also delve into the various aspects of the belt system, stresses and frustrations and experiences he has had as a coach in the current COVID-19 environment. We also explore how BJJ is breaking down social & cultural barriers in Northern Ireland and the benefits of BJJ for men's mental health, and important role it can play in developing confidence in younger athletes. Enjoy!

In today's episode, which I'll admit is not our usual run of the mill guest, despite his nickname in the professional snooker circuit. I chat with and discuss the sports mindset with Michael Holt, a professional snooker player. Michael is an old friend and he's been a consummate professional in the snooker world from an early age. We discussed the strategies he uses to remain focused when competing, controlling the fight or flight systems, avoiding negative thoughts, letting go and dealing with loss at the highest professional level of snooker. Enjoy!

In this episode I catch up with an old friend and work colleague Sean Cole. Sean is a former Royal Navy veteran who completed 24 years' service achieving the highly specialised position as a physical training instructor, progressing to an exercise remedial instructor (ERI). After Sean completed his full service, he then opened up his own gym in Portsmouth (SC Vital Fitness), where a new journey and a whole new plethora of learning and coaching experiences presented itself.  This, for Sean is where the real education began. Some of the best lessons we can learn, are by doing and Sean discusses these openly in this episode. Enjoy!

In todays podcast episode I have a great chat with Dale Hardiman, a former Royal Marine, former MMA fighter and currently practicing Osteopath and clinical director of Hardiman Performance. Dales journey is a fascinating story over his transition from an Elite forces' operator to becoming an Elite fighter with the BAMMA promotion. Dale is now running an Elite Osteopathic and Sports injury clinic out of Luton. Enjoy Should you wish to book an appointment with Hardiman Performance:https://hardimanperformance.com/

In today's episode I talk with Navan's very own and only BJJ black belt coach and Professor. Keith Cooper from Coopers MMA. This one gets a bit political!!! However, we do discuss topics such as the early day training in the shed with Coach John Kavanagh, mental health, importance of training, finding your own path and sticking at it. The journey of a BJJ black belt. The stresses, strains, and rewards of running a Dojo, Gym, MMA club and the high relevance and importance of providing a positive role model for the younger generation. Enjoy!

In this episode, I chat with Professor David Iverson of Gracie Barra Tamworth about the start of BJJ in Birmingham under Braulio Estima. Career ending injuries, alcohol and substance misuse. The toll of working in social care and being able to move on and forwards. We also talk about pre-competition nerves and game plans.

In this episode I talked with my very first BJJ coach, James Dixon. James is a Gracie Barra black belt under Braulio Estima (Episode 11).  James is now also the head coach for Jiu-jitsu, Boxing, Wrestling and no Gi-grappling at Lions Gym in Coventry. We have a good catch up and chat all thing grappling, MMA, injury management and weight cutting in camps plus much more.

Todays podcast is a “NO HOLDS BARRED”, honest and frank discussion with Catch Wrestling champion, 2nd Degree BJJ black belt (under Eric Paulson) Chris Crossan. We discuss everything from troubled childhoods to religion, living and training in Brazil, Catch as Catch Can Wrestling, Axe attacks, gang attacks, pro wrestling, substance abuse and much, much more. Enjoy!

In episode 14 I chat with Mark Ormrod. Mark was the UK's first triple amputee, as a direct result of an idea explosion in Afghanistan on operation Herrick. Mark is now an ambassador for the Royal Marines Association, REORG BJJ, an author and the star of his own documentary available on Netflix. Mark has paved the way and led by example and shown us all what is possible to achieve, despite the loss of both legs and his right arm. Mark is a BJJ blue belt and trains at the Royal Marines BJJ charity gym in Plymouth. Enjoy. 

In episode 12, I talk with Gracie Barra's (Sutton Coldfield) head coach Tom Bracher. Tom is a former IBJJF European Champion, a 3x IBJJF World Championship Medallist and a 4x British Champion. We discuss the difficulties and challenges in running a new school during the COVID-19 outbreak, his inspirations for starting BJJ and how his recovery and rehabilitation is coming on since his recent knee injury in the European championships.

In today's episode I chat with Colin Byrne (MCGREGOR FAST), Connor McGregor's S&C coach, close confidant and stable mate. Colin is one of the three main directors behind McGregor Fast, including Dr Julian Dalby and Connor McGregor himself. Where to start with Colin. Well, the standard story of growing up in Dublin in the 70s/80s/90s prior to the Celtic Tiger or the countries absorption into the Euro was one of getting a trade and a steady number. Colin could have been a painter and joined other family members in the Guild of Tanners and stayed in his lane. Fierce ambition to go against the grain and a chance meeting, when he took up cycling with his current long-term friend and mentor Dr Julian Dalby resulted in a different path which has led Colin to where he is now. As one of the main intricate members of a tight knit team behind the main man in MMA. Enjoy! 

In this episode I talk with Geoff about his transitioning from sweeping the factory floors to becoming one of the most prolific doorman, martial artist, pioneer of 'The Fence' technique, the fear pyramis, author of over 50 books, screen writer and BAFTA award winner to mention but a few of his achievements. As a native to Coventry, Geoff defied the odds against him and overcame debilitating bouts of depression, fear, juvenile grooming and sexual abuse at the hands of his the then mentor and martial arts instructor to become the man he is today. Enjoy!

In this episode I speak with someone from the grappling/MMA community that needs no introduction. Braulio Estima has won it all in BJJ. We talk about his early transition from Judo to BJJ, his move to the UK, training with George St.Pierre and his best friend Roger Gracie. We also talk about his remarkable recovery from a traumatic neck injury from which he not only recovered but went on to beat his toughest foe JACARE at ADCC. Enjoy

In episode 9, I went to see an old friend and the first person to ever teach me some fundamentals of grappling. This was of course, in exchange for some much-needed physio and rehab on his knee after an ACL reconstruction operation. Matty Evans is a seasoned grappler, Greco Roman wrestler, boxer Judoka, Karate Black belt and chief instructor of The Real Self Defence system. Matty hails from the Geoff Thompson era and was one of Geoff's prodigies. In this episode we discuss his recent trauma and recovery from a motorbike accident. The self defence system of ‘The Fence'. Mental health, training. Bereavement and much more. If you would like to find out more about Matty or book onto one of his courses, please see the attached link: http://www.mattyevans.co.uk

In this episode I visit Gracie Barra Halesowen to chat with head coach professor Stuart Gwilt. We talked about BJJ in Birmingham and the West Midlands in the early days with Braulio Estima. Stuart discusses the process of setting up his current BJJ school and the stresses and responsibilities that come with running a BJJ school. We also talked about Stuart's recovery from spinal surgery and how he still manages to stay on the mat, inspiring the next generation.

In this podcast I pay a visit to Neil Adams M.B.E. Britain's first world Judo champion, two time Olympic silver medallist, 5 time gold medallist European champion and multiple British champion. After a bit of one to one coaching where Neil instructed me on the finer details of body positioning and technique to complete a throw on his own designed training aid and resistance bands, we discussed as much as I could cram in within the hour time slot, form his start in Judo, the Olympics, retirement, moving into commentating, the death of his brother, hip and knee joint replacement surgery, rehabilitation, training methods, alcohol abuse, mental health issues and saving grace, the marriage to his wife Niki and the importance of family. I have never met someone with such a welcoming presence and can totally understand the nickname, ‘Happo Bigin' bestowed to him by the Japanese judoka community. Enjoy

In episode 8, I visit Ippon MMA & BJJ gym in Bournemouth to talk with head coach: JEFF LAWSON. Quick search on YouTube for “Judo destroys BJJ” and if you've never come across Jeff before, you will once you watch the video of him executing a perfect throw, through to arm bar finish at Polaris 4. Contrary to belief Jeff is not just a black belt in Judo, he is in fact a retired MMA fighter and also a black belt in BJJ via the legendary Yuki Nakai's lineage. We discuss BJJ, Judo, MMA, the pressures of running a gym, mental health and just about everything else. If you are in the Bournemouth area and want to train Muay Thai, BJJ, Judo, MMA, No Gi Grappling then please get in touch with Jeff at the gym: https://www.ipponfitness.com/

In this podcast I pay a visit to Gracie Barra Fulham to talk to Lucio Rodrigues "Lagarto". After an amazing class taught by Lagarto, we discussed his current journey so far. His move from Brazil to London to set up GB Fulham. How he competed with a broken elbow, competing after chemotherapy and how he beat cancer. We also discuss how to balance training to avoid injuries and maintain regular mat fitness. Lagarto's journey has been one of true inspiration. He is the consummate gentleman, motivator and figurehead of the London grappling scene. His competition record is outstanding and he is someone I felt utterly privileged to talk with. Enjoy.

In this podcast I pay a visit to Gracie Barra Fulham (again) to talk to Brazilian Black Belt (Gracie Barra) Professor. Guilherme Trestini. The previous night to this, I met Guilherme for the first time at GB West Kensington, the night before we recorded and participated in his GB1 class. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and really got on well with him. He invited me to GB Fulham the next day for a GB3 class. It was an amazing experience that I managed to top off by firstly having a 6 minute spar with him, followed by recording a podcast episode to get his story. We discussed his journey so far, including his move over from team Carlson Gracie to Gracie Barra to teach at GB Fulham with Lagarto. We also discuss his ongoing acting career and his surprising lack of ability to be able to surf. Bizarre, as common stereo types would have us believe the opposite if you are originally from Rio and do BJJ. You couldn't meet a nicer guy. Both Guilherme and Lagarto complement each other so well as the master and the student which reflects well when Guilherme teaches as he carries such authority. It's hard to believe he's only 28. Watch out for this guy. Enjoy.