The Grappling Central Podcast: The biggest names in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), MMA and Grappling

Master Fabio Gurgel joins the show to talk about the two paths of growth in Jiu-Jitsu that need equal focus from the community. He also shares his opinion that the way BJJ is marketed should be reflective of the times and what new students are seeking

Paul Sharp is one of the US's most respected self defense experts. In this episode he talks about how his training saved him as an undercover narcotics agent and how he teaches Jiu-Jitsu to nurses and doctors to protect themselves from workplace violence!

Chris Haueter joins the show for a deep conversation about Jiu-Jitsu! He talks about his role as a "carrier of the art", human's primitive grappling instincts and how his approach to teaching changes depending on how his students learn!

UFC veteran Eliot Marshall joins the show to share insight on building a healthy culture within a gym, why first impressions are everything when a new student visits and what school owners can do to maximize their results with student retention and sales!

Its a HUGE HONOR to have Bernardo back to discuss the value of confidence as a competitor, BJJ for "old guys" and Bernardo opens up about how Jiu-Jitsu taught him more life skills than college did. He also talks about pursuing a mission of helping others.

Magid Hage joins the show to tell his story and share his unique perspective on Jiu-Jitsu. He talks about how having other hobbies outside Jiu-Jitsu like Surfing and Yoga have helped him on the mats. He also talks about building an unorthodox game!

Lachlan Giles is back! We discuss fatherhood, how Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals have changed with the sport's growth, how he guages a student's progress and the importance of having a plan in BJJ.

Kurt is back! This time we cover recent MMA fights, Brazilian TV shows and tattoo ideas. He also talks about 80's metal, strategies for battling cannibals and Jiu-Jitsu moves that work well in moshpits.

Roberto Jiminez joins the show to discuss his ADCC trials performance, the life of a young athlete, taking the road less-traveled in life, nutrition and the pride he takes in being a natural athlete!

Adam Wardzinski joins the show to talk about traveling to compete, applying Jiu-Jitsu to learn other things, being ambidextrous with your game and the sweeping mechanics you need to understand in BJJ!

Jeff Glover is back! We discuss overcoming larger opponents, declining rolls with people, learning to be aggressive and the Deep Half Guard! Other topics include Vlad The Impaler, zombie apocalypse plans and the strength of the Glover family facial hair.

Josh Cisneros joins the show to talk about his start in Jiu-Jitsu and how his Wrestling background helped him. He also talks about the importance of patience on the mats and his thoughts on ADCC, as well as a story of chasing down a hit-and-run offender!

Bruno Bastos joins the show to talk about guiding kids through Jiu-Jitsu, tough lessons learned on the mats and gives solid advice for future BJJ instructors. He also breaks down his "Bubble Theory" and explains how you can apply it to your game!

Stephen Whittier joins the show to discuss optimizing your Jiu-Jitsu after 40, the core principles of BJJ, the role of optimal alignment and understanding strength in context. He also explains the benefits of chasing knowledge rather than rank or titles

The Warmaster returns! This time we discuss the importance of setting boundaries as a coach, Josh explains why he prefers a smaller pool of students and he also talks about the value of a good ego.  He also gives great technical insight on ankle locks!

Neil Melanson joins the show to share advice on figuring out your game, adapting techniques to your body type, getting the most out of training with anyone, and how nothing in grappling is new. He also shares stories of blowing up toilets in the NAVY!

Matt Brown joins the show to share his inspirational story. From overcoming drug use and surviving a heroin overdose, to becoming one of the UFC's most successful welterweights in history. He also talks about his unique start in MMA.

4x World Champion Tarsis Humphreys joins the show to talk about actively training your mindset, leg locks in the gi and finding your perfect training frequency. He also gives advice for BJJ athletes who want to cross over to MMA!

Legendary Wrestler and Coach, Wade Schalles joins the show to discuss why he teaches techniques in reverse, spinal manipulation to improve pins and how Jiu-Jitsu guys can use pins effectively. He also tells the story behind how he created the Spladle!

Silverfox is back! In this episode he discusses avoiding burnout in Jiu-Jitsu, the idea of building universal grips and he dives deep on his Split Guard system! He also gives advice to the 40+ crowd to train more efficiently!

Mason Fowler joins the show to talk about overcoming a troubled youth through sports and Jiu-Jitsu. He discusses learning in an unstructured enviornment and how competition exposes your true BJJ game. He also talks about his second passion, Call of Duty!

After nearly a year since his last appearance, Kurt joins the show to give an update about his health and recovery. Other topics include cheap food hacks. Waterworld apocalypse scenerios. He also gives advice on improving sweeps from guard.

John Combs joins the show to discuss pay vs prestige in BJJ events, why he eats fermented foods with every meal and finding the right environment for growth. He also gives some great technical insight on the guillotine, his highest percentage submission!

Travis Stevens joins the show and shares his frustrations with Judo in the US and what he feels the sport needs to continue to grow. He also talks about overcoming the fear of losing a how BJJ players should approach learning Judo effectively.

Ryan Gruhn joins the show to talk about his diverse MA background which includes full contact competitive stick fighting! Other topics include using BJJ for self defense when weapons are present and why he feels new BJJ students should compete right away!

Haisam Rida joins the show to share his story! Topics include immigrating from Ghana to Japan, training in Japanese academies, surviving the Fukushima disaster and navigating America's fast food choices. He also gives technical insight on the Kimura Trap!

In his first podcast interview ever, Bird explains the importance of skill tiers in training rooms, overcoming overthinking, commitment when attacking and managing your internal monologue. He also convinces Ryan that telekinesis is the best superpower!

Andrew Wiltse joins the show to sound off on PEDs in BJJ, harsh truths about BJJ for self defense and the importance of conditioning. He also opens up about mental health, his passion for literature and he dives deep on how to improve your back control!

Thomas Rozdzynski joins the show to discuss the art of teaching Jiu-Jitsu. Topics include gym culture, curriculums, mat fees and more. He also explains the importance of teaching the more "boring" parts of BJJ in a way that captivates your students.

Amanda "Tubby" Alequin joins the show to talk about learning to hit the mental switch in competition, building protocols from guard and the value of focusing on the mechanics of techniques. She also shares her opinion about equality in Women's Jiu-Jitsu!

Renato Canuto provides tremendous insight for all competitors! He talks about managing adrenaline dumps and fatigue, avoiding overthinking and how to develop a pre-competition routine. He also talks about overcoming losses and winning 2021 Worlds!

Roy Dean joins the show to talk about the pressures and expectations black belts carry, rank envy and keeping a student mindset. He also talks about designing and re-designing your game and his new film project with Jeff Glover. 

Tommy Langaker joins the show to talk about his transition from Japanese JuJitsu to BJJ, seeing Jiu-Jitsu as a language and using BJJ in self defense. He also talks about video games and the Collar Sleeve Guard! 

Pedro Marinho joins the show to talk about overcoming self doubts as a competitor, the importance of understanding the mental game and coming to the US and training in Texas. He also drops knowledge on his most dangerous submission, the guillotine!

Scott Nelson was one of the early men in the trenches helping BJJ grow into the sport it is today. He talks about founding BJJ's oldest website, living in Brazil in the 90's and nearly getting killed trying to start his own gi brand in Pakistan! 

Henry Akins joins the show to discuss the fine points of weight distribution, overcoming plateaus and why you need to always fight to be on top! He also opens up about his near-fatal motorcycle accident and how it changed his perspective on things.

Jordan Preisinger joins the show to discuss the benefits of online learning, starting a gym when he was a blue belt and dealing with people who criticize your goals. He also talks about his self-guided journey in BJJ and what it was like learning alone!

Ashley Williams joins the show to share his thoughts on ADCC 2022 where he will be in the 66kg division. He also talks about life as a professional grappler, why he still attends local tournaments and the new standards in modern BJJ!

Vernon Kirk joins the show to talk about his experience in various grappling styles and how he blends them together for maximum efficiency. He also talks about leg locks in Sambo vs BJJ, learning take downs and the North South position! 

Cole Abate joins the show to talk about being a full-time athlete as a kid, building discipline in your training and competition mindset. He also shares his thoughts on potentially becoming the youngest ADCC Champion in history! 

Felipe Pena joins the show to talk about his development in the art, building discipline within yourself and his decision to retire from IBJJF events. He also shares his thoughts on a potential rematch against Gordon Ryan at ADCC 2022!

Jeff Glover joins the show to talk about accidental triangles, how his instructor Franjinha changed the direction of his life, improving weak spots in his game and learning to stop worrying what other people think. He also talks about defense and escapes!

William Tackett joins the show to talk about the value of competition, overcoming tournament anxiety, why the Coyote Half Guard was revolutionary for his game and his thoughts on crosstraining. He also goes deep on escaping bad positions!

Amanda Leve joins the show to talk about her transition into MMA, why the purple belt was the hardest rank for her and having to close her school due to Covid lockdowns. She also talks about her big win over Gabi Garcia and the build up before the match!

Sean Applegate joins the show to talk about starting BJJ in a small town, the meaning of belts and the importance of understanding weight distribution. He also gives deep insight on outside heel hooks and explains why teleportation is superior to flying!

Pedro Sauer joins the show to talk about longevity in Jiu-Jitsu, the importance of learning to set traps and how your physical limitations can become strengths. He also gives deep insight on escaping side control and also explains why he hates pickles!

In this special episode, Bernardo Faria sits down with Gui Mendes during the 2021 Worlds in California for an interview! They discuss developing champions, competition, academy ownership and much more!

Coach Matt Lindland joins the show to discuss why he chose Greco over Freestyle Wrestling, developing take downs, the importance of taking risk and the greatest lessons he learned from his Olympic experience!

Jeff Curran joins the show to discuss how he found BJJ in the early 90's, the importance of holding rank to a high standard and dealing with feeling technically inadequate. He also gives great insight on attacking the back!

Combat Jiu-Jitsu Champion Ryan Aitken joins the show to share his story. He talks about the benefits he's gotten from exploring all branches of the BJJ tree, the importance of finding the right team, Yoga for BJJ and building comfort in competition!

Legendary MMA coach Greg Jackson joins the show to talk about his origins growing up in a tough neighborhood, developing yourself as a martial artist, BJJ's impact on the martial arts world, coaching elite fighters, sports psychology and ground and pound!