Gracie Jiu Jitsu Rocks! podcast
Welcome to the Gracie Jiu Jitsu Rocks! podcast, a podcast dedicated to Gracie Jiu Jitsu and all things Gracie, including self defense, competition, anti bullying, women's self defense and empowerment, nutrition, and most especially the people involved in GJJ..This podcast is for the average Joe; it's for anyone who practices, trains, teaches, or just loves to talk about or hear about Gracie Jiu Jitsu. We'll explore the lives of Gracie JJ practitioners, how they got involved with the art, and what effect it's had on their lives.

End of the year episode featuring clips from Roger Gracie (what made him so successful and mastering the cross collar choke), Sophia McDermott (being part of the Jiu Jitsu community and advice for people new to BJJ), Physical Culture and BJJ (with Roy Dean, Henry Akins, John Frankl, and Robb Wolf (how BJJ can cause physical  imbalances)), Robert Drysdale (accountability and ego), and Tom DeBlass.

Direct download: 122_GJJR_EP_122_Good_bye_2019.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:28am EDT

Professor Scott Smith, 3rd degree Pedro Sauer Black Belt and owner of Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Kentucky, is an accomplished martial artist and sought after instructor. In this episode he discusses his thoughts on competition and self defense, the recent Pedro Sauer camp, the major influence people like Jim Kelly and Henry Akins, have had on his Jiu Jitsu, how he initially didn’t like Jiu Jitsu, testing (or not testing) for rank, how he started his school with $385 and grew it to a thriving academy with hundreds of students, his philosophy in working with kids, his family’s role in hs academy, his relationship with Master Sauer and the impact he’s had on his life, and more….

Direct download: 121_GJJR_EP_121_Scott_Smith.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:20am EDT

Dr. Gaetano (Guy) Scuderi, is an orthopaedic and spine surgeon and 4th degree black belt under the Velente brothers. He has been a practitioner of martial arts since his youth, with experience in Aikido, Kickboxing, Boxing, Shoot Fighting, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Judo, Japanese Jūjutsu, and Brazilian Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. He has been a part of the Valente Brothers family for nearly 20 years and He owns Jupiter Self Defense in Jupiter Fl.  In this interview he discusses his martial arts journey, important aspects of self defense, the accident that severely impacted his life, the exciting discovery he made that may change the way the world treats pain conditions, his relationship with the Valente brothers and the impact they’ve had on him, the most common injuries in BJJ and tips to avoid them, what to do if you do get injured, they people who’ve influenced his life the most, and more…...



Direct download: GJJR_Podcast_EP_120__1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:22pm EDT

Robert Drysdale is a world renowned Jiu Jitsu & MMA competitor. He is the co-founder of Zenith BJJ and founder of Drysdale BJJ.  He’s an IBJJF black belt world champion and a ADCC world champion. He had an 8-0 MMA record. In this interview he talks about the “golden era” of BJJ, the early days in Brazil, what made him (and all successful people)  so successful, what part accountability and ego play in success, accepting when your attributes are declining and how hard that can be, how being a father has changed him, Jiu Jitsu for real combat/self defense, competition, Gi and No Gi…..(Functional Jiu Jitsu),  why wrestling can be a better foundation for MMA than Jiu Jitsu, why MMA is the most efficient form of self defense ever created, details of the north south choke, his mom’s impact on his life, biggest influences on his BJJ, his new podcast with David Avelon (known for the Kimura Trap system), his upcoming documentary Closed Guard The Movie, commentating at the A upcoming ADCC, and more….. Don’t miss it!



Direct download: 119_GJJR_Podcast_EP_119_Robert_Drysdale.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:56am EDT

North Carolina had some great representation at the 2019 Masters World Championships! In this episode we talk to the people that medaled at this year’s event including Geeta Bhat (the Jiu Jitsu Cowgirl), Daniel Branch, Chris Lewter, Lourdes  Cantu (Lola Funki Munkii), Logan Gulick, Trevor Burns, Kim Rice and Dave Owens.

Direct download: GJJR_EP_118.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:33pm EDT

Nick “Chewy” Albin is a BJJ black belt and world class competitor and instructor. He’s the owner and head instructor of Derby City MMA in louisville KY, and creator of the brand “ChewJitsu” which includes the extremely popular  website ChewJitsu.net, Youtube channel and podcast. In this interview he discusses his recent Double Gold lwin, his philosophy on Competition, the importance of controlling your mental state, breathing, the importance of ego, his martial arts journey, his podcast, how he got his nickname, his school- Derby City MMA, biggest impacts on your life, what people would be surprised to know about him, and more!

Direct download: 117_GJJR_Podcast_EP_117__Nick__Chew__Albin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:25pm EDT

Helio Soncea is a the co-founder of Gracie Barra, an accomplished competitor and world champion, and a world renowned instructor and coach. In this episode he discusses how Gracie Barra was started, training with Renzo Gracie and the Machados, why Renzo is his “guardian angel, his relationship with Carolos Gracie Jr, advice on staying on the mat long term, facing his idol, Royler Gracie, on the mat, fighting against Megaton Diaz in ADCC, teaching Roger Gracie, Igor Gracie, & Rolles Gracie, working with MMA fighters such as Anderson Silva, Alan Belcher, Vanderla Silva, etc and why teaching MMA fighters is not his favorite thing, how Jiu Jitsu teaches you about life, his proudest moments in JJ, His one hobbie that he likes even more than Jiu Jitsu, how important his faith is, his gratitude for the USA, and the people who’ve influenced his life the most….



Direct download: 116_GJJR_Podcast_EP_116.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:35pm EDT

Eli Knight of Knight Jiu Jitsu is a 2nd degree Royce Gracie Black Belt and professor, and Senior Supervising Instructor of Three Rivers Martial Arts Academy in Paducah, KY. In this interview Eli discusses training at the Gracie academy back in the day, early UFCs, first thing he remembers about Royce, Gracie’s teaching abilities and what it takes to be a great teacher/instructor, the long road to black belt, training for sport, self defense, and MMA, how BJJ become a therapeutic outlet for him, different approaches to teaching, his thoughts/insights on various positions such as knee on belly, kimura, chokes, etc, Jiu Jitsu as a methodology and philosophy, staying open minded in JJ, his daughter and girlfriend, the impact that Jason Hawkins, Jerrod Jessup, and Royce Gracie have had on his life, and more…..



Direct download: GJJR_Podcast_EP_115.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:35am EDT

Eli Knight of Knight Jiu Jitsu is a 2nd degree Royce Gracie Black Belt and professor, and Senior Supervising Instructor of Three Rivers Martial Arts Academy in Paducah, KY. In this interview Eli discusses training at the Gracie academy back in the day, early UFCs, first thing he remembers about Royce, Gracie’s teaching abilities and what it takes to be a great teacher/instructor, the long road to black belt, training for sport, self defense, and MMA, how BJJ become a therapeutic outlet for him, different approaches to teaching, his thoughts/insights on various positions such as knee on belly, kimura, chokes, etc, Jiu Jitsu as a methodology and philosophy, staying open minded in JJ, his daughter and girlfriend, the impact that Jason Hawkins, Jerrod Jessup, and Royce Gracie have had on his life, and more…..



Direct download: GJJR_Podcast_EP_115.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:34am EDT

Robin is one of Relson Gracie’s 10 first black belts. He’s the owner & head instructor of Relson Gracie Columbus. Robin  has completed in some of the world’s largest competitions, winning the Gracie Nationals and Arnold Gracie World championships multiple times, and is known for his exceptional coaching abilities. His mission is to empower as many people as possible through the power of Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

In this interview he discusses the early days of Ji Jitsu, what inspired him to get into BJJ, people who have had the biggest impact in his Jiu Jitsu (and life), thoughts on achieving black belt and what it means to be a black belt, being a dad to his 8 kids, coming full circle in his self defense philosophy, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, confidence gained through Jiu Jitsu and how it affects all areas of one’s life, the major impact his wife’s support has had on his life, whether we should push our kids into Jiu Jitsu or not, why it’s easier for kids to learn Jiu Jitsu, working with the Catch Court (victims of human trafficking program), importance of breathing, etc

Direct download: 114_GJJR_Podcast_EP_114_Robin_Gieseler.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:14am EDT

In this interesting and lively discussion, professors Keith Owen, Greg Nelson, and Mark Cukro discuss what it takes to stay on the mat long term-well into your years. Keith Owen (The Rhino) is a Pedro Sauer Black Belt and founder of team Rhino. Greg Nelson is Pedro Sauer's first black belt and a world renowned MMA coach (including coach to 3 UFC champions). Mark Cukro is also a Pedro Sauer Black Belt and owner/head instructor of Integrated Martial Arts.


World renowned Jiu Jitsu and MMA competitor and coach, Tom DeBlass, discusses many topics, including what fatherhood means to him, his dad’s struggles with addictions and the impact on him, living your own life, training for fun and flexing to the person you're rolling with, heated/intense  training sessions, unrealistic online videos, intermittent fasting, fitness, his faith, tragedy of people doing bad things in the name of religion, chasing competition glory, serving others, peace of mind, dealing with ADHD growing up, being a man, walking away from conversations when needed, and more...

Direct download: GJJR_Podcast_EP_112_Tom_Deblas.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30pm EDT

Joel Garcia is a BJJ black belt & owner of Embrace Martial arts, in WS, where he teaches BJJ and Muay Thai, and is an official representative of American Killer Bees association.  He is an incredibly knowledgeable BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA coach & instructor, and a truly exceptional ambassador for the martial arts. In this interview he discusses his academy and how he ended up in NC; God First slogan; Judo in Brazil; The birth of the Killers Bees; surviving cancer; his nickname “The Joker”; dealing with betrayal; differences between US and Brazil; working with UFC fighters; realizing your strengths but improving your weaknesses; making JJ your own; looking at the whole picture when achieving rank; student and instructor behavior on and off the mat; making a deep impact; working with current UFC fighters Allen Crowder and Hannah Cifers; Sean Spangler’s impact on him, and more

Direct download: 111_GJJR_Podcast_EP_111_Joel_Garcia.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:26pm EDT

Aaron Sundstrom, roving reporter for the show, discusses the recent Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle Summit (with mini interviews with Ryron Gracie, Jackson Fortunato , Elroy Spoonface Powell, and

Patrick Christopher& Mikayla June, as well as his background, etc. Aaron is a very interesting person so don’t miss this chance to learn more about him, as well as hear all about the JJLS including the speakers, the defend and control mindset, community and connection in BJJ, flexing to whom you’re rolling with, and of course the Ice Bath Experience!



Direct download: 110_GJJR_Podcast_EP_110__Aaron_Sundstrom_Recaps_the_JJLS.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:06pm EDT

Physical Culture & BJJ: A discussion with Henry Akins, Roy Dean, John Frankl, and Robb Wolf. In this episode we dive into topics like can doing jiu jitsu  create imbalances in our bodies, what we can do to correct these imbalances, and what are the elements of effective cross training, etc.

Direct download: 109_GJJR_Podcast_EP_109_BJJ__Physical_Culture.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:18am EDT

Roger Gracie is a 10 time Jiu-Jitsu world champion. He is the grandson of GM Carlos Gracie and Son of Mauricio Gomes  and Reila Gracie. He is considered by many to be the best Jiu Jitsu competitor in history. In this interview he discussed  Moving from Brazil to London, his father influence on him, awarding his first black belt, Competition mindset and what makes him different, most memorable matches, why he’s so successful with the cross collar choke, his MMA career, cross training for BJJ competition and for MMA, his biggest set back he’s had in his career and how he overcame it, what he’s most proud of, and plans now that he’s retired from competition, etc



Direct download: GJJR_EP_108_Roger_Gracie.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:14am EDT

Matt Arroyo, Rob Kahn black belt, owner of Gracie Tampa South, veteran of UFC, TUF, ADCC, and EBI,  discusses training fighters, How he got onto the TUF show and what that experience was like, Robb Kahn’s influence on his Jiu Jitsu and life, his thoughts on Kron Gracie’s UFC debut, Matt Serra’s impact on his Jiu Jitsu, his company: the Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle and his blueprint series of instructionals, advice for transitioning from GI to no GI focus and vice versa, the biggest impacts on his life outside of Jiu Jitsu, his faith, why college might not be the best option for everyone, and how he defines success, etc



Direct download: 107_GJJR_Podcast__EP_107__Matt_Arroyo.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:09am EDT

Jason Culbreth, Royce Gracie black belt and owner and head instructor at Cary has over 25 years of Martial Arts experience, including Wrestling, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As an undefeated Mixed Martial Arts fighter and active Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, Jason has medaled in many local and international events, including winning the 2016 Masters Worlds. As one of the pioneers in MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Jason has contributed to the growth of the sport since it’s infancy. He was an integral part of getting MMA legalized in the state of North Carolina and has coached many successful MMA and BJJ competitors. In this interview we discuss a variety of topics including his views on competition, the most important aspects of self defense (and how to deescalate a situation before it turns into a fight), nutrition, injuries, what it takes to stay in JJ long term, his new prestigious academy and more     

Direct download: 106_GJJR_Podcast_EP_106__Jason_Culbreth.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:43pm EDT


Sophia Mcdermott -  1st Australian female to receive a BJJ black belt, 4 x State, National, Pan Pacific and Pan American Champion, as well as a 2 x No Gi World Champion and a World Champion. She has  also won the Ms Figure competition multiple times and is known for her awesome work in the fitness industry,, particularly in the realm of empowering women. In this episode we discuss competition, perspectives on the jiu jitsu community, advice for people new to BJJ, accepting the good days and bad days, moving into figure/physique competitions and making it to the national level, nutritional principles and info for everyone, fitness and nutrition for athletes, food as health, creating momentum and achieving your goals, the compound effect, why meditation is so important, special issues for women in Jiu Jitsu, her dream to have health and wellness centers worldwide...and much more!

Direct download: 105_GJJR_EP_105_Sophia_Mcdermott.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:04pm EDT

Professor Roy Marsh & Professor Mark Cukro discuss building a positive academy culture.  During the discussion we talk about a host of things such as what it means to have a great academy culture and why it’s so important;  the elements of a great culture, examples of not so good cultures (epic fails ); how the culture affects attraction, retention, and quality of the experience for the students; the importance of structure (structure in the class environment and is this the same thing as a disciplined environment, and structure in the curriculum and how much is good and how much is too much;  using music during class; use of profanity in the academy, and much more…...

Direct download: 104_GJJR_Podcast_EP_104_Roy_Marsh__Mark_Cukro.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:38pm EDT

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