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Coach John is joined with HJJ purple belt Luke Whiffen. Luke is a dad, husband, lawyer, and devout student of jiu jitsu. He is in his second stint of jiu jitsu, and has been training at Higher Jiu Jitsu for over three years. Throughout his journey in the art, he has been faced with numerous challenges, and has appreciated the ups and downs for making him stronger off the mats too. It was an inspiring chat, and I'm happy to share it with you! Thanks for tuning in. Catchya on the mats! Coach John PS. Don't forget about our library of HJJStories on this feed too.
HJJ's very own Pat Osbourne has done the rounds of the martial arts. And he has applied his knowledge in the most stressful situations. We sat down to discuss his martial arts journey so far, as well as where he sees it all going in the future. It was a fun chat, and we thank Ozzy for jumping on! PS. In the name of simplicity, we will now be moving all future HJJ Stories Shows onto this HJJPodcast feed. And with the current situation in NSW, we're hoping for a few more episodes like this one so stay tuned! All the best, Coach John.
In this special episode I'm joined by HJJ legend Sam Alderton Johnson. We introduce the exciting, new HJJ initiative known as the Spark Program. The Spark program is here to offer the opportunity of Gracie Jiu Jitsu to less privileged kids from around the Woolloomooloo area. We've created a sponsorship program with an application process to find the right students to provide mat skills, and guidance along the martial arts journey. With so much on offer in our Jits4Kids class, we see this as the next step forward to help our local community and embody the PCYC mission of 'helping young people stay active in life'. Lastly, the Spark Competition is a chance to support this! HJJ students, jump on and have a go, and let's do great things for the kids of Sydney. A special thanks to Sammy for being an integral part of this. We're very grateful to have his passion and enthusiasm being put to work at Higher. Thanks for listening. Higher We Go. Coach John
On this episode of the podcast I sat down and had a chat with my good friend, mentor and MY very first jiu jitsu coach, John Smallios. John is a Professor Pedro Sauer/Phillip Grapsas (episode 10) black belt and the head coach of Higher Jiu Jitsu in Sydney, Australia. John shares his martial arts story and how jiu jitsu quickly became a passion that seemed to take priority over other aspects of his life (like many of us). We chat about how he came up through the ranks and was motivated heavily by competition in his early years of jiu jitsu and how a devastating shoulder injury forced him to change his entire outlook and approach to jiu jitsu. We chat about the Jiu Jitsu Commune and how it slowly became what is known as Higher Jiu Jitsu today. We also talk about the Feldenkrais method and how awareness of movement impacts every aspect of our being and how this has influenced his approach to jiu jitsu and every day life. John and the crew at HJJ had such a positive impact on my 4 years of living in Sydney and I can say with confidence that I would not have enjoyed my time there anywhere near as much as I did if it wasn't for them. I am grateful to you all and look forward to sharing the mats again sometime soon. I hope you enjoy. https://higherjiujitsu.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/higherjiujitsu/ https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/higher-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1454419035
On this episode I had a chat to Matt Panza from Higher Jiu Jitsu. Matt is one of my best mates too so its probably more of a conversational type of chat at times. We did our best to stay on topic and I hope you enjoy. Matt is a purple belt, coach at HJJ and a co-host of the HJJ podcast. Enjoy https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/higher-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1454419035 https://www.instagram.com/mattflameboybjj/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/higherjiujitsu/?hl=en
HJJ and GJ think and reflect on some of the music of faith
John and Matty discuss the differences between sport BJJ and Gracie Jiu Jitsu as a way of life. Many people start in jiu jitsu with the goal to stay safe and compete in MMA. Very quickly I was pulled into the competitive realm, and the 'stay safe' part fell by the wayside to the focus of winning competitions. It isnt that competition jiu jitsu isn't an opportunity to learn, or lots of fun. It's just that there is so much more to this martial art than the sport based competitive side. The Importance of Self Defence A nasty injury forced me to contemplate the other side of jiu jitsu, and therein I came across an entire, unfamiliar world of 'Gracie Jiu Jitsu'. Suddenly we were thinking about situations where an aggressor didn't have jiu jitsu skills. For the first time I contemplated what happens when someone doesn't play by jiu jitsu rules. Through this lens we get to see just how important the concept of leverage is. If there aren't weight divisions, and if we assume that an aggressor (not a competitor) is bigger, and stronger, we must understand how to use it in order to stay safe. Jiu Jitsu for a Lifetime One thing Professor Sauer and Big Phil talk about is the importance of relying on techniques that can be practiced today, as well as in the future, when you're old and grey, and frail. We can't stop the aging process, and time definitely flies by, so if you want to do jiu jitsu for a long time, you need to think about this today. This is Gracie Jiu Jitsu Matty and I have drank the kool aide. It's one that tastes nice, and soothes our competitive juices, and keeps us safe, and confident, and healthy, building quality of life with Gracie Jiu Jitsu. It's how we like to think about jiu jitsu, how we we practice on the mats at Higher Jiu Jitsu, and how we can be on the mats for a lifetime of enjoyment with Gracie Jiu Jitsu. May this conversation helps you consider how you train, why you train, and how you can do it better relative to your intentions, and goals on the mats and off. Hope you enjoy, and either way let us know your thoughts because we'd love to hear them. Much love, John and Matty and all of HJJ.
John and Matty discuss the very common Imposter Syndrome amongst jiu jitsu students, and how it can wreak havoc on your ability to learn, as well as the enjoyment you derive from your practice of the gentle art. It's Self Awareness Being critical is a strength when you seek out what to improve on, and look to refine the parts and benefit the whole. In this way there is no limit to how good you can be. With the right effort in the right areas you can do anything you like. But there is a fine balance to be had here. Issues arise when you expect too much too soon. When you aren't patient with the learning process, you set yourself up to fail. Learn to pay attention to what you are thinking, so that when those thoughts come about, you can consciously replace them with a different story for yourself. Instead of being that guy who doesn't know anything, you're the student who is coming in all ears ready to learn. Focus on Others The fact that you have done even one class means you know more than others. Those others are relying on you to show them the way. You’re the example of how to be a jiu jitsu practitioner. And when you’re nervous within yourself, everyone feels it around you. In turn it makes them nervous. Give yourself a break from the internal talk - divert it toward others around you, look to be of service, and show them the way instead of picking out all of your flaws. Seek Out the Positives There's already enough suck in the Imposter's brain. Instead of focusing on what you aren't doing well, make a habit of seeking out the things that you do well. You tapped early to an oncoming submission. Good for you, note it down. You helped a beginner learn something. Write it down. You prepared a delicious meal for lunch at work? Note it down. Revel in the joys of your good work. These are what you can seek out and learn from and take satisfaction in. Hope you enjoy this conversation. If it resonates with you, let us know how! We'd be delighted to hear about it. Till the next one! John & Matty & HJJ.
Life is busy and you're a little under the weather. You're tired, a little bored of your current routine, and just want to do something fun and fresh. This is around the time that jiu jitsu can help. You do a trial at HJJ, you meet new friends, you learn self defence, and have fun, all at the same time. You're now hooked, you have the bug. You haven't been this excited in a long time. And there you have it, jiu jitsu has saved the day. Join John and Brad as we discuss the joys and delights of Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
Friday 22nd March 2019. Higher Podcasts. Road rage. A day in the life. Emma's farewell and contribution to HJJ. Be nice to yourself.
Coach John talks to HJJ student Jamil. Growing up in a rough part of Sydney, Jamil was encouraged into the martial arts by his dad. From Kung Fu to boxing to Kali, Jamil has done it all. Early on, he was asked - 'Why?' This stuck, and he searched, and he trained, and he questioned. Then he found Higher Jiu Jitsu. This is his story.
Brad gets together with HJJ aficionados Matt Voger Mason & Brendan Byrne. First part is a talk all things jiu jitsu including the experience of learning together at Higher under John Smallios. In the second part, we discuss the McGregor vs Khabib match up and reflect on the Eagles winning the AFL grand final moments beforehand.