The Open GuardCast

Rene Lopez the Open GuardCast to talk about his third place finish at the 2021 Worlds, his start in the sport, competing in the adult division, his new academy Jiu Jitsu Methods, and much more. This will be the last new episode on this feed. Be sure to follow the 'Bloody Elbow Presents' channel on all the major podcast players to keep up to date on new episodes!

Open GuardCast Episode 120 is an interview with Iasmim Casser. Iasmim recently won the 2021 IBJJF Worlds as a brown belt and was then promoted to black belt by her coach Gui Mendes. Iasmim talks about the Worlds, her struggles coming in the sport, mixed martial arts, and much more. Be sure to follow Iasmim on Instagram at @iasmimcasser for updates on her jiu-jitsu and MMA careers!

Richar Nogueira joined the Open GuardCast for episode 119. Richar is currently the #2 ranked featherweight in the IBJJF. He discussed the 2021 Worlds, pursuing his jiu-jitsu dreams in the U.S., his new instructional called Point Zero, and much more. Be sure to follow Richar on Instagram at @richar.bjjstyle and check out his instructional at bjjtrainingonline.com.

Sebastian Serpa is our guest for episode 118. Sebastian won the 2021 IBJJF Pans and Worlds as a brown belt and was recently promoted to black belt. In this episode we discuss: Starting jiu-jitsu at a young age Changing your mindset around training Finding good mentors in the sport What Sebastian is looking forward to in 2022 Advice for young competitors And much more Follow Sebastian on Instagram at @sebastianserpajj!

At the 2021 IBJJF Worlds, Junior Fernandes competed in the purple belt lightweight division. After six tough matches Junior became a World Champion. In this episode Junior discusses: His roots in the sport Representing team Checkmat Coming to the US to train at Checkmat HQ Training with the top Checkmat competitors Goals in the sport And much more Be sure to follow Junior on Instagram at @jfernandesss1

Episode 115 of the Open GuardCast is an interview with John Hansen. John recently won the ADCC East Coast Trials and has been tearing up the no gi jiu-jitsu scene lately. Topics discussed in this episode include: John's start in jiu-jitsu ADCC East Coast Trials The UWW tournament And much more Be sure to follow John at @rearden_mettle on Instagram!

Open GuardCast episode 114 is an interview with Arsen Aleksanyan, the Director of Combat Sports for Nuway Combat. Topics discussed include: His start in grappling The Nuway Combat promotion Promoting multiple grappling arts The promotion's relationship with BJJ Fanatics And much more Follow Arsen on Instagram at @arsencombat and Nuway Combat at @nuway_combat!

Episode 113 of the Open GuardCast is an interview with Felicia Oh. Felicia is one of the Women's Dirty Dozen and just won another Master World title at the 2021 edition of the event. Topics discussed in this episode include: Her start in the sport How to learn from competition Longevity in the sport Felicia's vision for the sport in the next 10 years And much more Follow Felicia on Instagram at @felicia0h!

Episode 112 of Open GuardCast is an interview with Jordan Vaisman. Coming fresh off a gold medal performance at the 2021 Jiu-Jitsu Con, Jordan joins the show to talk about his start in the sport, sacrifices he's made to chase his dream, and much more! Follow Jordan on Instagram at @jordanvaismanjj.

Episode 111 of the Open GuardCast is an interview with Keith Krikorian. Keith recently got 2nd at the ADCC East Coast Trials and is a 10th Planet black belt. Topics discussed in this episode include: His start in the sport Competing in wrestling The 10th Planet association ADCC and the 66 kg division And much more Follow Keith on Instagram at @keithkrikorian to keep up with his training, competitions, and seminars.

Amanda Leve joins Open GuardCast for episode 110, just off her huge win at WNO over Gabi Garcia. Topics discussed in this episode include: No-gi jiu jitsu Coming up in the Renzo Gracie Lineage Early exposure to mixed martial arts Competing at WNO Her match with Gabi Garcia Fighting for the PFL And much more... Be sure to follow Amanda on Instagram at @amandaleve_mma!

Ryan McGuire joins OGC for a third time to discuss 3GC 8: The Underdogs, working with Seth Daniels and Fight to Win, taking his show on the road, and his thoughts on recent issues that have come to light in the jiu-jitsu community.  Follow Ryan and 3rd Coast Grappling at @ryan3cgf2w and @thirdcoastgrappling on Instagram!

Ethan Crelinsten joins OGC for episode 108! Ethan is a black belt under John Danaher, a member of the newly formed B-Team, and an ADCC Trials winner. Topics discussed in this episode include: Ethan's recent injury The B-Team Current landscape of professional jiu-jitsu Tips for aspiring full-time competitors And much more... Be sure to follow Ethan at @ethan.crelinsten on Instagram!

Episode 107 of Open GuardCast is an interview with Margot Ciccarelli. Margot is a black belt under Murilo Santana and recently earned a silver medal at the 2021 IBJJF Pans, her first major tournament as a black belt. Topics discussed in this episode include: Margot's experience in other martial arts disciplines Optimal training intensity Gaining skill while living a nomadic lifestyle Her first major tournament as a black belt And much more... Be sure to follow Margot on Instagram at @thenomadicmars!

Episode 106 of the Open GuardCast is an interview with Victor Hugo. Victor is a multiple time world champion and recently won the 2021 IBJJF Pans in the Ultra Heavyweight division. Topics discussed in the episode include: Victor's start in jiu-jitsu His first tournament Becoming a professional Tips for young professionals His goals as an athlete and instructor And much more... Follow Victor on Instagram at @victorhugojj!

Episode 105 of OGC is an interview with Josh Guerra. Topics discussed in this episode include: Josh's start in the sport Ups and downs of competition Training at GD Jiu-Jitsu HQ Teaching Opening an academy And much more... Follow Josh at @guerra_bjj and refuge_bjj on Instagram!

Episode 104 of the Open GuardCast is an interview with Kevin Gallagher. Kevin is a black belt under Matt Arroyo and head instructor at Gracie Trinity in Odessa, Florida. Topics discussed in this episode include Kevin's origin in the sport, making a living in jiu-jitsu, competition, and much more. You can follow Kevin at @unclecoachkevinbjj on Instagram.

Episode 103 of OGC is a recap of the AZBJJL State Championships. These tournaments have had a massive impact on our jiu-jitsu journeys, so we were absolutely thrilled that they came back on August 14th and 15th. Next up is the Southwest Classic on October 16th and 17th. Head to azbjjl.com to sign up!

Episode 102 of OGC is an interview with Mindset Mike. Mike is a former FBI investigator, a wrestling coach, a jiu-jitsu blue belt, and a mindset coach. He's coached champions in wrestling, mixed martial arts, and jiu-jitsu to have better performances through mental training. You can follow Mike at @mindset_mike on Instagram!

Episode 101 of the Open GuardCast is an interview with Ryan McGuire. Ryan runs 3rd Coast Grappling and recently announced he'll be the new matchmaker for Fight to Win. Hear from Ryan about how the position came about and what he expects from 3GC and F2W moving forward! Subscribe to our Patreon page for exclusive OGC content :)

We made it to episode 100! Our guest today is Ryan Bader. Ryan is the Bellator Heavyweight champion, a former collegiate wrestling All-American at ASU, and a brown belt in jiu-jitsu. W discuss wrestling, jiu-jitsu, Ryan's MMA career and much more! Follow Ryan on Instagram at @ryanbader!

Welcome to the first episode of the Open GuardCast Listener Series! If you'd like to be a part of this and come on the podcast, check out our Patreon page. We can't wait to interact with more of our listeners! This first episode is with Spencer Selmon. Spencer is a brown belt at Swamp Fox Jiu-Jitsu. Hear about Spencer's start in the sport, training at 5 am, dedicating his professional life to jiu-jitsu, competition anxiety, and much more! Follow Spencer at @spinzilla_bjj on Instagram.

OGC 99 is a recap of IBJJF American Nationals. Our own Jake Watson competed in the heavyweight division in both gi and no gi, earning a bronze medal in the gi and a silver medal in no gi. Hear Jake's thoughts on the tournament and what we're looking forward to with the podcast!

OGC episode 98 is an interview with Ram Ananda. Ram is a black belt under Cobrinha and won the Worlds in the brown belt adult light featherweight division at 36 years old. Topics discussed in this episode include: Ram's introduction to Jiu Jitsu Starting the sport in his 30's Choosing Jiu Jitsu as his profession Winning the Worlds Training under Cobrinha And much more... Follow Ram at @rambjj on Instagram!

OGC episode 97 is an interview with Damien Nitkin! Damien is a black belt and runs Atlas Grappling in Las Vegas, Nevada. Topics discussed in this episode include: EUG II Damien's thoughts on his performance at the event His academy and future competition plans And much more... Follow Damien at @damiennitkinjj on Instagram!

OGC episode 96 is an interview with Adrian Nez! Adrian is a black belt under Gustavo Dantas and recently won the Sapateiro Invitational. Topics discussed in this episode include: The No Gi competition scene Winning Sapateiro Invitational The evolution of Adrian's game And much more... Follow Adrian at @adriannezbjj on Instagram!

Episode 95 of OGC is an interview with Rafael Dos Anjos. Rafael is a European, Brazilian National, and American National Champion. Topics discussed in this episode include: EUG Promotions II His start in Jiu Jitsu Leaving his home to train Jiu Jitsu full time Moving to the US to pursue his dreams Training under Cobrinha And much more... Follow Rafael on Instagram at @rafaeldosanjosbjj!

Episode 94 of OGC is an interview with Michael Liera Jr. Michael is a black belt under Andre Galvao and owns Logos Jiu Jitsu in Denver, Colorado. Topics discussed in this episode include: EUG II Michael's thoughts on EUG's inaugural event Learning the leg lock game Running his new academy And much more Follow Michael on Instagram at @lierajr!

Episode 93 of OGC is an interview with Mathias Luna. Mathias is a black belt under Lucas Leite and will be competing in the upcoming EUG II event in Las Vegas, Nevada. Topics discussed in this episode include: EUG II Mathias' start in Jiu Jitsu Teaching as a white belt Moving to the U.S. to train and compete Training with team Checkmat Old school vs new school Jiu Jitsu And much more... Follow Mathias on Instagram at @mathias_luna!

Episode 92 is an interview with Erik Astramecki. Erik is a brown belt under Rich Castro, a partner at EUG Promotions, and a very successful businessman. Topics discussed in this episode include: Erik's Jiu Jitsu and business backgrounds His involvement with EUG Promotions EUG 1 review and EUG 2 preview And much more Follow Erik at @eriksbjj and EUG Promotions at @eugpromotions on Instagram!

OGC episode 91 is an interview with Pablo Lavaselli. Pablo is a black belt and recently won the World Pro in the 77kg division. Topics discussed in this episode include: Pablo's start in Jiu Jitsu Training mainly in his garage Studying the top competitors Pablo's main influences Titles and accolades achieved throughout his career Future plans for competition Follow Pablo at @pablojj on Instagram!

OGC episode 90 is an interview with Kenny Florian! Kenny is the former #1 contender in the UFC, a podcast host, and a commentator, among many other things. Topics discussed in this episode include: Being on the Ultimate Fighter Training under Firas Zahabi Learning from specialists His relationship with Ryan Hall How to become a great commentator Follow Kenny on Instagram at @kennyflorian!

OGC episode 88 is an interview with Tyler Held! Tyler won No Gi Worlds as a blue belt and is currently a purple belt under Steve Rosenberg at Arizona Combat Sports. Topics discussed in this episode include: Getting started in wrestling and Jiu Jitsu Enlisting in the army Training under Steve Rosenberg Winning No Gi Worlds Balancing career and athletic goals And much more Follow Tyler on Instagram at @powerrangerbjj!

Episode 87 of OGC is an interview with Isaac Doederlein. Isaac is a black belt under Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles and has won the Europeans, Brazilian Nationals, and King of the Mats, among other important titles. Topics discussed in this episode include: EUG Promotions April 3rd event Training during the pandemic Evolving your game as a black belt Teaching and maintaining a rigorous training schedule Isaac's plans post competition career Follow Isaac at @isaacdoederlein on Instagram!

OGC Episode 87 is a conversation about F2W 167, where Jake takes on Pedro Marinho of Gracie Barra. Sean Joseph also makes a brief appearance to have a flex off with Jake and talk about what it's like to work for Fight 2 Win.

Episode 86 of OGC is an interview with Jessa Khan. Jessa is a black belt under Gui and Rafa Mendes. Topics in this episode include: Jessa's upcoming match at EUG Promotions Her training history Moving to Costa Mesa to train at AOJ Potential MMA aspirations And much more... Follow Jessa at @jessakhan on Instagram! 

Episode 85 of OGC is an interview with Gianni Grippo! Gianni has won numerous IBJJF titles and has been competing at the highest level since 2014, after receiving his black belt from Marcelo Garcia. Topics discussed in this episode include: EUG Promotions Competing frequently Training with the Miyao brothers The optimal training environment Working with a mental coach And much more... Follow Gianni at @giannigrippo and his finger tape brand at @gripptape!

Episode 84 of OGC is an interview with Gutemberg Pereira of GF Team. Gutemberg is a black belt under Julio Cesar and is currently the head coach at GF Team HQ in Rio. Topics covered in this episode include: BJJ Stars Gutemberg's start in Jiu Jitsu Training with Rodolfo Social media and branding And much more... Follow Gutemberg at @gupereirabjj on Instagram!

Episode 83 of OGC is an interview with Thiago Macedo. Thiago is the current featherweight Pan American Champion and is part of the 8 man -160 lb bracket at EUG Promotions upcoming event on April 3rd in Las Vegas. Topics discussed in this episode include: EUG Promotions inaugural event Thiago's early days competing in Jiu Jitsu Maintaining a busy competition schedule Developing his style Training with Ribamar and other talented competitors at Rodrigo Pinheiro BJJ in Texas And much more.. Follow Thiago at @thiagomacedobjj on Instagram and be sure to tune in to EUG Promotions on April 3rd!

Episode 82 of OGC is an interview with Andy Murasaki. Andy is a black belt under Andre and Angelica Galvao and will be competing at EUG Promotions inaugural event on April 3, 2021. Topics discussed in this episode include: Competing at the upcoming EUG Promotions event Andy's strength and conditioning training Training in Japan Andre Galvao and Atos HQ Teaching Jiu Jitsu And much more... Follow Andy @andymurasaki on Instagram and be sure to catch him April 3rd on EUG Promotions!

Open GuardCast Episode 81 is an interview with Shane Jamil Hill-Taylor. Shane is a black belt under Lloyd Irvin and an IBJJF World Champion at blue, purple, brown, and black belt. Topics discussed in this episode include: EUG Promotions, for which Shane will be competing on April 3, 2021 Training under Master Donnie in the TLI kid's program Developing his unique style Early influences in Jiu Jitsu His upcoming lasso instructional And much more... Follow Shane @jamilbjj and be sure to join his Lasso Syndicate Facebook group for updates on his lasso instructional! 

Episode 80 of OGC is an interview with Italo Moura. Italo is a black belt under Murilo Santana and Cicero Costha and has achieved great results in the IBJJF tournament scene. Topics discussed in this episode include: Italo's start in Jiu Jitsu Training at Cicero Costha's gym in Brazil His plans for traveling, training, and competing in 2021  Follow Italo at @itmoura on Instagram!

Episode 79 of OGC is an interview with Hector Vasquez of EUG Promotions. Topics discussed in this episode include: Hector's training background under Cobrinha The April 3rd EUG Promotions event Hector's business experience running a jiu jitsu academy, an MMA promotion, and a clothing company Plans for EUG Promotions for 2021 and beyond Follow Hector @hectorvasquezbjj and @eugpromotions for updates on the event!!

Episode 78 of OGC is an interview with Leo Silva of GF Team. Leo is a black belt under Gutemberg Pereira. Topics discussed in this episode include: BJJ Stars Training under Gutemberg Pereira Proper mindset for training Leo's brown belt run at the World Championships His goals for the future And much more... Follow Leo at @leosilvabjj on Instagram!

OGC episode 77 is an interview with Ryan McGuire of Third Coast Grappling. Topics discussed in this episode include: His start in Jiu Jitsu Initial inspiration for Third Coast Grappling What Jiu Jitsu needs to be more professional Upcoming plans for Third Coast Grappling And much more... Follow @thirdcoastgrappling on Instagram

Episode 76 of OGC is an interview with Alex Enriquez! Alex recently won double gold at both the IBJJF Gi Pans and No Gi Pans. She is also a high level wrestler. Topics discussed in this episode include: Alex's start in Jiu Jitsu and wrestling Competing as a kid and moving back and forth between both grappling arts Training under Professor Bruno Frazzato at Atos Atlanta Her plans for the future And much more... Follow Alex on Instagram @aenriquez218!

Episode 75 of OGC is an interview with Rico "Astro" Staton. Rico is a TLI purple belt and creator of Astrologi Worldwide. Topics discussed in this episode include: Rico's start in Jiu Jitsu as a young kid Competing and winning at an early age His experience competing on Flograppling's Who's #1 event Rico's brand Astrologi Worldwide and his long term vision for the project And much more... Follow Rico @astrobjj on Instagram!

Episode 74 of OGC is an interview with Gabi McComb. Gabi most recently won the 2020 IBJJF Pans and has won many other important titles in her career. Topics discussed in this episode include: Gabi's start in Jiu Jitsu Transitioning from Brazil to the US Training under Leticia Ribeiro Competing on F2W's first female only card And much more... Follow Gabi @gabimcbjj on Instagram!

Episode 73 of OGC is an interview with Pedro "Paquito" Ramalho. Pedro is a black belt under Manoel Neto and has won the achieved amazing competitive results in the IBJJF major championships. Topics discussed in this episode include: Pedro journey through the kids' ranks Winning the worlds as a purple belt Managing highs and lows from competition Strength and conditioning Learning in different training environments And much more... Follow Pedro on Instagram @pedropaquitoramalho!

Episode 72 of OGC is an interview with Jakob "Spatchy" Brooks from the Daisy Fresh Crew and PSF. You may know Spatchy from the competition circuit or from the new Flograppling Daisy Fresh documentary series. Topics discussed in this episode include: Jakob's transition from the work world to the Daisy Fresh team Overcoming obstacles to start winning tournaments Jakob's future plans with the Daisy Fresh team And much more... Follow Jakob at @spatchzilla on Instagram!

Episode 71 of OGC is an interview with Ariel Tabak. Ariel is a black belt currently living in Australia. He released a BJJ Fanatics guard retention instructional that everyone should study! Topics covered in this episode include: Ari's start in Jiu Jitsu Developing good guard retention Training at Cicero Costha and Unity Jiu Jitsu His future teaching and competition plans Follow Ari at @arieltabakbjj on Instagram!