Best Bionic Gym Podcasts (2026)

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#354 Bionic Rob Handshy and the CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: AJJ, TRT, and What's in my Gym Bag? 1:46:19

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9d ago1:46:19

1:46:19

Christmas is here Again! So that means it's time for a visit with everyone's favorite Jiu-Jitsu Uncle, "Bionic" Rob Handshy(@bionic_bjj)! Today on Rob's agenda: AJJ propaganda TRT Annoying things about Josh Enjoy this wide ranging Christmas Special with everyone's favorite Jiu Jitsu Uncle. ISAJJ Experience Sign Up: https://kick.site/rxi0b3vo Jiu-Ji…

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#355 Josh Answers 40 Questions | How to Suck Less 2:29:55

2h ago2:29:55

2:29:55

This special is a rapid-fire AMA where I answer your questions on jiu-jitsu, coaching, competing, gym ownership, family life, burnout, bad ideas, good albums, worse warm-ups, and everything in between. From how to suck less as a white belt, to training 2–3x a week, to biggest failures, future goals, and what actually matters after the medals fade.S…

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#353 Richie Kelly: I love competing but sub-only is stupid 1:30:52

9d ago1:30:52

1:30:52

The Goose is Loose! Everytime Richie “The Goose” Kelly comes on the podcast we find something to absolutely roast in the Jiu Jitsu space. Today’s victim was dumb jiu jitsu rule sets. Enjoy this wide ranging conversation with one of my top Black Belts and one of the nine coaches teaching at the I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show Experience. ISAJJ Experience S…

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#352 TRT Hot Takes 59:27

14d ago59:27

59:27

Trt is one of the hottest topics in Jiu Jitsu. Today I (@thejoshckinney) take a deep dive into listener opinions on TRT. Some people call it cheating, some people call it necessary, and other's call it gender affirming care. Join me as I get cancelled by a bunch of high testosterone mad men. ISAJJ Experience Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Menta…

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#351: Jake Luigi: Creativity, Content Creation, and Burn Out | Less Impressed More Involved 1:03:40

22d ago1:03:40

1:03:40

In this raw and hilarious conversation, Josh sits down with Less Impressed More Involved (Jake Luigi) to talk about the real world of BJJ content creation — the burnout, the loneliness, the tech, the business, the passion, and why creators keep doing it anyway. From the Outlier Database to the creative grind, this is one of the most honest Jiu-Jits…

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#350 Thanksgiving Special: "Thanks for Kneeing me in the Nuts" 1:08:47

1M ago1:08:47

1:08:47

This Thanksgiving, I’m giving thanks to the real heroes of jiu-jitsu: the ball-kneeing white belt, the conspiracy blue belt, the ref-blaming victim, and that mysterious hair in my mouth. If you’ve ever trained Jiu Jitsu and thought, “Am I the only one suffering?”—this episode is your emotional support roll. Plus, finger tape, gi drawstrings, and th…

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#349 ONE HACK for Getting Good at Jiu Jitsu (FAST) | Performance Days 59:14

1M ago59:14

59:14

What if one rule could change your Jiu-Jitsu forever?In this episode, Josh breaks down Performance Days — the once-a-week training hack that forces you to focus, show up sharp, and actually test your skills under pressure. No extra conditioning, no complicated drills… just one intentional day designed to make you suck less fast.If you’ve been feeli…

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#348 Why You Keep Losing Competitions 1:09:19

2M ago1:09:19

1:09:19

Want to actually win your next tournament? This episode gives you the exact blueprint. I’m breaking down the 10 most reliable ways to compete better, feel calmer, and show up like the best version of yourself on competition day. No fluff. No clichés. Just the training systems, mindset shifts, and strategy upgrades that make the biggest difference f…

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#347 Women's BJJ Hot Takes... 1:04:52

2M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

This is the episode nobody else had the guts to make. Have you ever wondered, "what are the HOTTEST women's BJJ Hot takes?" You'll never need to wonder again... We’re talking about everything people whisper about on the mats but never say out loud: 🥋 Women’s-only classes, creepy DMs, mean-girl rolls, male egos, smelly gis, and the teenage boys who …

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#346: 13 Jiu Jitsu Horror Stories! 1:13:11

2M ago1:13:11

1:13:11

Every Jiu-Jitsu gym has its own ghost stories—broken toes, cursed Darce chokes, phantom white belts that vanish for years, and students who never came back. In this Halloween special, I(@thejoshmckinney) and Bryce(@bryceallen_) share 13 real mat horror stories that’ll make you laugh, cringe, and appreciate how crazy our sport really is.From "Ralphi…

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#345 The Sacred Art of Stalling 1:16:15

2M ago1:16:15

1:16:15

Everyone hates stalling—until they realize it’s actually strategy. In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) breaks down why the best competitors know when to slow the game down, how to use the clock as a weapon, and why “winning is winning” (shoutout Dom Toretto). Learn how to control pace, protect your energy, and make less Jiu-Jitsu happen when it ma…

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#344 I'm Quitting BJJ, Here's Why... 56:21

3M ago56:21

56:21

After 17 years I'm Quitting BJJ If you want to know why, listen to the episode. HeadnodHQ Home of American Jiu-Jitsu Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK” Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK” The Competitor’s Journey Join ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place) Follow the show on⁠ Instagr…

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#343 Black Belt's Guide to Getting Promoted 1:02:24

3M ago1:02:24

1:02:24

What is required of a black belt? What is required of a blue?Today Josh(@thejoshmckinney) defines every belt and exactly what you should be focused on at every belt.This episode is literally made for everyone white to black belt! Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): ⁠https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck⁠ ⁠sportshygiene.com⁠ Promo Co…

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#342 Henry Akins and Micheal Zenga: Stop Overcomplicating Your Jiu-Jitsu 1:15:13

3M ago1:15:13

1:15:13

Jiu-Jitsu isn’t supposed to be complicated — so why do most people make it harder than it has to be? In this episode of The I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show, I(thejoshmckinney) sit down with Henry Akins(@henryakinsbjj) and Michael Zenga(@michaelzenga) to break down the most powerful “old school” concepts. We talk: mount vs. back, the forgotten power of the…

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#341 Glyn Powditch: Breathe like THIS for Better Jiu Jitsu 1:02:49

3M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

If you still “gas” when the pressure hits, you’re breathing wrong. Today, I (@thejoshmckinney) sit down with Glyn Podwitch (@glynpowditch). Glyn breaks down practical breathwork for BJJ—how to brace in crushing positions (scarf hold, neon belly), inflate to survive triangles, and use exhale timing to escape without panicking. We also get into Ricks…

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#340 Don't Let Jiu-Jitsu Ruin Your Life 1:16:47

4M ago1:16:47

1:16:47

Jiu-Jitsu obsession is powerful—it can make you great, but it can also wreck your health, family, and future if you don’t control it. In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) break down why “balance” is a lie, the dark side of obsession, and the 5 hacks that keep you training hard without destroying everything else. If you’ve ever felt like Jiu-Jitsu i…

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#339 Old Bastard and Matt Linsemier: Using Magic to get Better at BJJ? 1:23:55

4M ago1:23:55

1:23:55

Ever wonder if there’s a little magic behind getting better at Jiu-Jitsu? In this episode, I sit down with Old Bastard BJJ Mike Mahaffey and his coach Matt Linsemier to talk training smarter, rolling longer, and mastering the game—no matter your age. From staying injury-free to using experience as a weapon, we dive into stories, strategies, and min…

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#338 Micheal Zenga: How a Website Changed BJJ Forever | Owner of BJJ Fanatics 49:14

4M ago49:14

49:14

In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) sit down with Michael Zenga(@michaelzenga), the co-founder of BJJ Fanatics, for an in-depth conversation on building one of the most influential brands in jiu-jitsu. We talk about what makes BJJ Fanatics different, their vision for the future, Michael’s personal insights on running a successful BJJ business, and…

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#337 Hot Takes: CJI Will Fail? Mikey Sold Out? Danaher Sucks?? | Bryce Allen Joins The Conversation 1:42:45

4M ago1:42:45

1:42:45

The Fans WORST BJJ hot takes of the year: don’t tap to pressure, cartwheel passes are trash, competing is “stupid,” and yes—we argue whether or not CJI will fail. Plus: did Mikey Musumeci sell out, will UFC BJJ take over, and is Danaher actually overrated? In this special episode Josh (@thejoshmckinney) is joined by executive producer Bryce Allen (…

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#336 Robert and Erik Arias: The BJJ Twins You'll Never Forget | "Jiu Jitsu Saved Our Lives" 1:51:56

4M ago1:51:56

1:51:56

Two brothers. Two paths. One life-changing journey. Robert Arias started training Jiu-Jitsu with me(@thejoshmckinney) about 10 years ago . Six years ago, Erik finally stepped onto the mats — and it changed everything. Today, both brothers are competitors, coaches, and soon-to-be gym owners of Arias Bros BJJ. In this episode, we talk redemption, bro…

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#335 Black Belt vs Reddit BJJ 1:06:18

5M ago1:06:18

1:06:18

r/BJJ is basically the Mean Girls of Jiu-Jitsu. It’s petty. It’s chaotic. It’s ruled by digital “mean girls” with four stripes and zero rolls. But today, I(@thejoshmckinney) am Lindsay Lohan — and I’m infiltrating the plastics. Let’s see what happens when a friendly black belt infiltrates Jiu-Jitsu's Meanest Community.In this episode, I go toe-to-t…

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#334 Greg Souders: Is Greg Souders a Nice Guy? 1:32:31

5M ago1:32:31

1:32:31

You’ve heard him talk about the ecological approach. You’ve seen the debates. But who is Greg Souders, really? In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) sit down with one of the most polarizing minds in Jiu-Jitsu for a conversation that skips the buzzwords and gets into the why. We dive into Greg’s origin story, why he started preaching the CLA gospel, …

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#333 THE 10 COMMANDMENTS of SUCKING LESS at JIU JITSU 1:01:51

5M ago1:01:51

1:01:51

In this sacred scroll of suck-reduction, Josh McKinney reveals The 10 Commandments to Suck Less at Jiu-Jitsu—a divine list of timeless ISAJJ truths spoken how the real scripture was originally written in King James-style scripture. From "Thou Shalt Embrace the Designated Winner" to "Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Teammate’s Game," this episode is equal p…

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#332 Kyle Watson & Mark Vives: How Great BJJ Coaches Build Champions 2:16:44

5M ago2:16:44

2:16:44

Want to win more as a competitor—or build a room full of killers as a coach? This episode delivers the strategies, mindset shifts, and real stories that shaped three BJJ competitors-turned-coaches: Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) Kyle Watson(@watson_martial_arts) and Mark Vives(@mvivesbjj). From cornering tactics to creating game plans to trash tal…

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#331 Hot Takes: Should have to compete to get promoted? 1:24:57

6M ago1:24:57

1:24:57

What SHOULD BE Jiu-Jitsu's Belt Criteria?In this solo scorcher, Josh McKinney unloads his 25 spiciest Jiu-Jitsu hot takes — the kind that make you question your training, your teammates… and maybe even your whole gym. From why your cardio sucks (hint: it’s not your lungs, it’s your brain), to why you should have to compete to get promoted, this is …

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The Jiu Jitsu Community is Falling Apart. Here's what we can do. 1:07:44

6M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

Is Jiu-Jitsu really a community—or just a bunch of cliques in gis pretending to be one? In this episode, Josh rants on the myth of unity in BJJ, calls out the gatekeepers, and makes a case for a more creative, open, and fun future for the art we all love. You’ll hear why the idea of “real Jiu-Jitsu” is holding us back, how the culture is becoming m…

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#329 UNPLATEU Your Jiu Jitsu 1:07:54

6M ago1:07:54

1:07:54

Feel like your Jiu Jitsu hit a wall? Burn the wall down. In this episode, Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) gives you the no-nonsense, actually-useful strategies to keep leveling up—forever. No more spinning your wheels, no more "maybe I just suck" spirals. Just simple, smart ways to make sure your game keeps evolving, whether you're a clueless white…

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#328 Mastering Jiu-Jitsu’s TIME STONE (Seriously) 1:35:10

6M ago1:35:10

1:35:10

Ever roll with someone who seems impossibly fast or like they know what you're going to do before you do it? That’s not magic — it’s timing. In this episode of the I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show, Josh(@thejoshmckinney) breaks down how to master timing in your rolls, your training, and even your mindset. Learn how to slow things down, make better decision…

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#327 The 25 Most HATED People in Every BJJ Gym 1:09:27

7M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

Welcome to the most brutally honest episode of ISAJJ yet. I(@thejoshmckinney) asked my listeners: What do you hate most about Jiu Jitsu? The answers were unhinged. From the tape mummies and smelly gi warriors to the spazzy white belts and the legend of the "let's roll light liar"—this is a full-on roast of the most annoying people in every BJJ gym.…

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#326 Devin Pirata: Here's A List of BJJ Tradition's that I HATE 1:32:06

7M ago1:32:06

1:32:06

In this episode of I Suck at Jiu Jitsu, Josh(@thejoshmckinney) is joined by Devin Pirata(@devinpirata) to rant about the weirdest, cringiest, and most outdated BJJ traditions—like bowing to the mats, saying “oss,” and calling your coach “professor.” It’s honest, hilarious, and guaranteed to offend at least one person in your gym(probably your coach…

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#325 Competition HACKS for BJJ Coaches | How to Coach a Live Match 1:03:18

7M ago1:03:18

1:03:18

You can drill berimbolos ’til your hips explode, but if your corner can’t guide a match you’ll still walk home with participation pics. In this episode of The I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show, I(@thejoshmckinney) flip the camera to the coach’s side: how to build a battle-ready team, run chaos-free tournament days, and yell the right words when everything’s…

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#324 James Driskill: Rickson's Uke | Finding Balance On and Off the Mats 1:43:17

7M ago1:43:17

1:43:17

Today, I sit down with James Driskill, a third-degree black belt under the legendary Rickson Gracie. James is not only Rickson’s trusted uke and teaching assistant but also a lifelong martial artist dedicated to preserving and sharing Rickson’s philosophy. We dive deep into James’s unique journey from training under Rickson in Los Angeles to becomi…

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#323 The Ultimate Guide to BJJ Tape Study 1:18:27

8M ago1:18:27

1:18:27

Stop doom-scrolling and start skill-scrolling. In this episode—the Ultimate Guide to Visual BJJ Learning—Josh(@thejoshmckinney) finally delivers on his promise to break down exactly how to watch tape, instructionals, class demos, and even TikTok clips so they translate into real-world taps. You’ll learn the “one-detail rule” that fixes a thousand m…

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#322 Jack Taufer: Be Black Belt Level at White Belt moves 1:31:21

8M ago1:31:21

1:31:21

Today, I (@thejoshmckinney) sit down with Rickson Gracie black belt Jack Taufer (@jacktaufer) to explore the mindset and methods behind becoming a true master of the fundamentals. Jack shares his unique approach to training, emphasizing how to be black belt level at white belt moves. We dive deep into the learning process, discussing how to improve…

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#321 How many Gorillas would it take to kill a blue belt? 1:25:43

8M ago1:25:43

1:25:43

In this Q and A episode Josh answers some of your wildest questions ranging from gorillas fighting blue belts all the way to how to teach a Jiu Jitsu move.There is something for everyone in this episode. ISAJJ GEAR Presale ends May 14th Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day Trial Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “IS…

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#320 Chris Burns: Using Old School Methods to Perfect Your Jiu-Jitsu 1:28:25

8M ago1:28:25

1:28:25

Chris Burns has recently taken Jiu-Jitsu Teaching by storm. Not with new and flashy moves but with simple refined ideas that he has learned from his Professor, Rickson Gracie.Chris ( @the.BJJproject ) has used "Old School" Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Methods to protect his body, perfect his jiu-jitsu, and get back to the roots of the art and today he will hel…

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#319 Hot Takes: Wrist-Locks, Wisdom, and Weirdos 1:33:30

8M ago1:33:30

1:33:30

Today we’re diving headfirst into another round of spicy hot takes—where flow rolls turn violent, blue belts turn into prophets, and your coach is probably just winging it five minutes before class. From the culty undercurrents of mixing martial arts and religion to the shame of explaining why a teenager tapped you, this one pulls no punches and de…

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#318 Justin Kichler and Justin Huff: From Training in a Garage to Teaching at an Academy 1:23:27

9M ago1:23:27

1:23:27

Today I (@thejoshmckinney) sit down with my friends Justin Kichler and Justin Huff to talk about the Jiu-Jitsu Journey.Huff, Kich, and I have been training together for over 15 years. Starting as students, evolving into purple belts training in my garage in the ghetto, til now where we all all coaches at the famous HeadnodHQ. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbecile…

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#317 16 Reasons You STILL SUCK at Jiu-Jitsu 1:16:42

9M ago1:16:42

1:16:42

Ever wonder why your Jiu-Jitsu progress feels stuck? In this video, we’re exposing 16 painfully honest reasons you might still suck. Whether you’re training like you’re in the UFC but tapping like you’re auditioning for Riverdance, relying on binge-watching Cobra Kai instead of real tape study, or mysteriously appearing and disappearing from the ma…

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#316 Matt Kwan: What BJJ Learned from WWE | Wild Conspiracy Theories 2:24:38

9M ago2:24:38

2:24:38

"Take us to your Leader" Today I am joined by podcaster Matt Kwan( ⁨@TheEverydayJiuJitsuPodcast⁩ ) to discuss what WWE is doing that BJJ could be doing too. Then the conversation takes a wild turn when we start talking conspiracy theories. From Greased UFC Legends, to the DDS Split, to a fake moon-landing, and even how aliens and religion go togeth…

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#315 Sock-Wearing Guard-Pullers and the Fall of BJJ 1:22:11

9M ago1:22:11

1:22:11

This episode is a disaster—and that’s why you’ll love it. Josh answers YOUR most unfiltered, unhinged, and uncomfortable questions he’s ever gotten: Do stripes matter? Should socks be illegal on the mat? Would he rather delete every episode of the podcast or give up all his medals? From nut cups to purple belt philosophy, nothing is safe. Chaos, ho…

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#314 HOT TAKES: Is my bjj gym a cult? 1:28:07

10M ago1:28:07

1:28:07

JOIN US.... For another episode of ISAJJ where host Josh McKinney goes through YOUR Hot Takes about jiu-jitsu. In today's episode we will be talking butt-scooters, bj penn, and cult like jiu-jitsu behavior! As we dig deeper into the episode we will all come to the conclusion that Josh is probably a cult leader himself. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE…

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#313 Never Lose to Competition Anxiety Again 1:40:56

10M ago1:40:56

1:40:56

🚨 Struggling with competition anxiety in BJJ? 🚨 In this episode, I break down exactly how to overcome imposter syndrome, stay calm under pressure, and perform at your absolute best—no matter who’s standing across from you. I just competed at the IBJJF Indianapolis Open and took gold 🥇, and I’m sharing every mindset shift, warm-up trick, and pre-fig…

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#312 Stephan Kesting: One Man, One Kidney, and a 1000-Mile Arctic Adventure 1:23:00

10M ago1:23:00

1:23:00

Join Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) as he sits down with Stephan Kesting ( @StephanKesting )—jiu-jitsu black belt, kidney transplant survivor, and wilderness adventurer—who completed a grueling 1,000-mile canoe journey across the Canadian subarctic. In this conversation, Stephan reveals how he overcame brutal storms, near hypothermia, and countles…

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#311 Marc Ste-Marie: Grappling since before you were born! 1:26:16

10M ago1:26:16

1:26:16

Today I am joined by OG Grappler Marc Ste-Marie. Marc has been on the mats for his whole life and has so many nuggets of wisdom to share!Marc is also father to one of the best female grapplers of today, Brianna Ste-Marie.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Join⁠ISAJJ PR…

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#310 Do Belts Actually Matter in BJJ? 1:11:28

11M ago1:11:28

1:11:28

Join host Josh Mckinney as he goes through his Jiu-Jitsu journey to break down what every belt should be focused on. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day Trial Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK” Join⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place) Join the Gi Gazette ⁠Ask Questions/Suggest Topics⁠ for the show…

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#309 Chris Paines: BAN ALL SUBMISSIONS!? (Crazy Idea that Actually Makes Sense) 1:49:27

11M ago1:49:27

1:49:27

Chris Paines (@chrisvillainbjj) got tired of "how to defend everything" and recently decided to BAN Everything instead. Today I(@thejoshmckinney) get to talk to my favorite Englishman about a new training methodology that he is experimenting with that can prevent injuries, produce better grapplers, and even eliminate inner-gym conflict. Jiu-Jitsu f…

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#308 Is Your Jiu Jitsu Complete? 55:16

11M ago55:16

55:16

In todays episode I (@thejoshmckinney) present you with 3 simple methods to "Complete" your jiu jitsu game. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models FREE Copy of ⁠The 3 Lenses⁠ Join ⁠ISAJJ PRO(“Master the Melt Pass”) Join the Gi Gazette ⁠Ask Questions/Suggest Topics⁠ for the show Follow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠ ⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube C…

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#307 Answering Mean Listener Mail 56:16

11M ago56:16

56:16

I asked for offensive questions, then listeners decided to offend me instead. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models FREE Copy of ⁠The 3 Lenses⁠ Join ⁠ISAJJ PRO(“Master the Melt Pass”) Join the Gi Gazette ⁠Ask Questions/Suggest Topics⁠ for the show Follow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠ ⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠…

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#306 Steve McKinney: Life Hacks of a 63 Year Old Black Belt 1:37:42

11M ago1:37:42

1:37:42

My dad Steve and I have been training jiu-jitsu together for almost 17 years. In that time we have seen a lot of people who "are in it for the long haul" quit. Whether from injury, life changes, or simply being as soft as butter we have seen so many people give up on their dream of "training jiu jitsu forever."Today we reveal every secret of Steve'…