Best Submission Grappling Podcasts (2025)

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229: Are You Part of the Rising Tide in Jiu-Jitsu? 21:10

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15h ago21:10

21:10

Have you ever wondered what really keeps women coming back to the mats—even after tough days, rough matches, or feeling stuck? We believe that “a rising tide lifts all ships.” Small acts of support, encouragement, and connection transform not just your game, but everyone around you. No matter your belt color or whether you step on the podium, this …

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439 - The Real Catch Wrestling and What it Can Teach Jiu-Jitsu, with Val 'The Crippler' Childs 1:04:15

3d ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Catch wrestling was a brutal method for settling disputes on the American Frontier as well as one of the largest, most respected spectator sports prior to the modern era. In this episode Val Childs - who has been training in catch wrestling since he was 5 - takes us on a tour through the historical roots of catch, the modern catch competition circu…

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228: 2025 Jiu-Jitsu Holiday Gift Guide: Gear, Wellness, and Fun Gifts They’ll Actually Use 21:14

15d ago21:14

21:14

Are you ready to get your mat bestie the most epic Jiu-Jitsu holiday gift—or finally land on something YOU secretly wish would show up under the tree? If you’ve ever scrolled endless gear sites or wondered what your teammates actually want (besides another gi…), this episode breaks down the real, practical, and delightfully quirky gifts that’ll lig…

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438 - Crafting Your Ideal Jiu-Jitsu Journey, with Tom Wortman 59:08

16d ago59:08

59:08

AOJ black belt Tom Wortman is a fierce competitor; he won IBJJ Pans, Euros, North Americans and Master Worlds in a single year as a brown belt. He's also a jiu-jitsu gypsy, typically training at a club for 3 to 6 months, then moving thousands of miles to see a new part of the country and training at a new club. Find out how he he does this, what th…

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227: Are You Scaring Off New Jiu-Jitsu Training Partners? 24:07

29d ago24:07

24:07

What happens when a brand-new face walks into your Jiu-Jitsu class? Do you feel welcoming, nervous, or excited like a shark that smells fear and fresh meat? Whether you’re the seasoned black belt, a relatively new white belt, or somewhere in between, how you welcome a newcomer can shape their entire Jiu-Jitsu journey. Or, you might unknowingly end …

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437 - Adam Shoalts, Vanished Beyond the Map 39:55

1M ago39:55

39:55

Canoeist and author Adam Shoalts on the mindset that drives individuals to seek adventure, and the importance of safety and decision-making in the wilderness. We also dive into the mysterious disappearance of the greatest explorer you've never heard of. Grab Adam's book, Vanished Beyond the Map, anywhere books are sold or here: https://adamshoalts.…

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Kings of Kimuras Podcast | Season 3 Episode 10 — “Old Dogs & Wild Stories” 47:00

1M ago47:00

47:00

In this episode, Tony sits down with Mike, a Corvo Martial Arts student, to talk about starting martial arts later in life and staying motivated through the challenges of age and recovery. They share stories about first days on the mat, the wild legacy of the Gracie family, and the fascinating history behind Empire of the Summer Moon — the story of…

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436 - How Training Your Submissions as Positions Takes Your Game to the Next Level, with Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models 58:08

1M ago58:08

58:08

Today the tables get turned and I end up on the other end of the microphone as Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models picks my brain about the huge benefits that arise to treating your jiu-jitsu submissions as positions first, and submissions second. I promise this will make perfect sense by the end of the episode, and may change how you approach your t…

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S3E9: Edgar from Phalanx 27:04

1M ago27:04

27:04

In Season 3, Episode 9 of the Kings of Kimuras Podcast, Tony sits down with Edgar from Phalanx, one of the driving forces behind one of the most recognized No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu brands in the world. Edgar shares his inspiring story of leaving the stability of a regular 9–5 job to pursue his passion for Jiu-Jitsu full-time, joining Phalanx and helping sha…

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226: Progress v. Perfection and How to Manage Your Jiu-Jitsu Expectations 22:23

1M ago22:23

22:23

Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you train, you’re never quite “enough?” There’s a fine line between pushing to be your best and letting the pressure to be “excellent” suck the joy right out of Jiu-Jitsu. This week, we’re grappling with what excellence actually means, why perfection is a trap, and how you can make progress) no matter how mu…

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435 - Roy Dean and the Origins of BJJ in North America 1:02:36

1M ago1:02:36

1:02:36

Renowned BJJ blackbelt Roy Dean came onto The Strenuous Life Podcast to talk about his research into how BJJ got started in North America, martial arts culture in Japan, the power of Judo in self defense situations, the importance of role models in shaping one's conception of masculinitym and more. If you get a chance, please give this show a ratin…

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S3E8: Kings of Kimuras Podcast | Teen Pan Am Champion + FloGrappling Who’s Number One Breakdown 28:36

2M ago28:36

28:36

In this episode of Kings of Kimuras, we celebrate one of our own — a Corvo Martial Arts teen competitor who took home gold in the Pan Am Blue Belt Absolute division! We dive into what it takes to perform at that level, the mindset behind competition, and how our training culture prepares athletes for big moments like this. We also break down the up…

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225: How Do You Take Your Jiu-Jitsu Seriously if You Don't Compete? 21:07

2M ago21:07

21:07

Do you ever catch yourself downplaying how much you care about Jiu-Jitsu just because you don’t compete? If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “serious enough” about your training as a non-competitor, this episode is for you. What does it mean to take your Jiu Jitsu seriously—even when chasing gold medals isn’t your focus? We dig into what purpose…

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434 - High-Percentage BJJ Competition Strategies with Beatrice 'Berimbozo' Jin 54:34

2M ago54:34

54:34

Beatrice Jin shares the competition strategies that have allowed her to become the American National adult black belt middleweight champion and one of the top ranked black belts in the world. From guard pulls to sweeps to takedowns to pin escapes to conditioning to KO grips to structuring open mats so that they become a competitive advantage for yo…

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S3E7 ADCC Louisville Recap: Dom’s Run to Silver & European Trials Results 29:04

2M ago29:04

29:04

In this episode of Kings of Kimuras, we recap the ADCC Open in Louisville, KY, where Dom dominated his side of the bracket and earned a hard-fought second place finish. Stephen also showed great progress with his wrestling, proving that the work on the mats is paying off. We dive into the ADCC European Trials, breaking down the winners and what the…

1
224: Safety or Submission? 22:33

2M ago22:33

22:33

Where is the line between fierce competition and compassion on the mats? Imagine the split-second decisions grapplers must make—do you trust the referee, or is it your duty to protect your opponent even at the risk of losing your match? Do you prioritize victory or the safety of your opponent during a Jiu-Jitsu competition? We’re exploring the mora…

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433 - How Jiu-Jitsu Builds an Unshakeable Self Confidence, with Alicia Reitz 51:07

2M ago51:07

51:07

Alicia Reitz and I dive deep into how BJJ can be used to develop a strong sense of self confidence for everyone, and how that self confidence can then be put to good use in self defense and the the rest of your life. We also digress a little into specifics of the social media drama that I was involved in recently, which certainly raised my blood pr…

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223: Ask a Black Belt Listener Q & A 31:07

3M ago31:07

31:07

We're answering your Jiu-Jitsu questions in this episode. Thanks for sending your questions in! If you love the podcast, share it with a friend! You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App Spotify Apple Podcasts Audible Episodes.fm YouTube 🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here Start Here Spotify Play…

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432 - Hybrid Training 4: Optimal Conditioning for Winning BJJ Tournaments, with James Deirmendjian 57:54

3M ago57:54

57:54

James Deirmendjian a strength and conditioning coach specialising in combat and tactical athletes who ALSO competes in BJJ, fighting against much younger opponents. As such he was the perfect choice to finish our 4-part series on hybrid training and the science of developing strength and endurance at the same time. In this episode James and I touch…

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431 - Hybrid Training 3: Mixing Ultramarathon and Strength Training with James Pieratt 53:41

3M ago53:41

53:41

James Pieratt from Wild Hunt Conditioning joins us to share what he learned on an expedition in which he ran 802 miles through nearly the entire state of California. James is unique in the ultrarunning community because he also lifts heavy weights and trains in BJJ. We looked at the mindset and philosophy required for ultrarunning, the emotional jo…

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222: Do's and Don'ts of Including Women in Jiu Jitsu 29:56

3M ago29:56

29:56

What are the Do's and Don'ts of including women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? If you love the podcast, share it with a friend! You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App Spotify Apple Podcasts Audible Episodes.fm YouTube 🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here Start Here Spotify Playlist Start Here on Our W…

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430 - Hybrid Training 2: The Science of Strength, Power and Endurance with Chris Duffin 1:02:26

4M ago1:02:26

1:02:26

Record-setting powerlifter and freak athlete Chris Duffin discusses the intricacies of hybrid training, focusing on the balance between strength and endurance. He shares his unique qualifications, including his experience with elite athletes and his world record feats. Chris breaks down the relative importance of skill, and the mechanical, neurolog…

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221: Starting Jiu-Jitsu, Restarting Jiu-Jitsu, and Changing Gyms 28:03

4M ago28:03

28:03

What should you know when starting Jiu-Jitsu, restarting Jiu-Jitsu after being out for a while, or changing gyms? Camp Promo code mentioned in the episode: BG100 If you love the podcast, share it with a friend! You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App Spotify Apple Podcasts Audible Episodes.f…

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429 - Hybrid Training 1: Peaking for Power, Endurance, and Mental Strength with Mike McCastle 1:02:05

4M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Mike McCastle smashed David Goggins' pullup record by doing 5,804 pull-ups in 24 hours while wearing a 30-pound backpack... and pulled an F-150 pickup truck 22 miles through Death Valley... and flipped a 250 lb tire for 13 miles... and climbed a rope for the equivalent distance of Mount Everest... and has trained MMA fighters, alpinists, and extrem…

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220: What is a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt? 20:06

4M ago20:06

20:06

What is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt? If you love the podcast, share it with a friend! You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App Spotify Apple Podcasts Audible Episodes.fm YouTube 🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here Start Here Spotify Playlist Start Here on Our Website 🥋 Learn More About Roll Model Gra…

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428 - Tom Callos, A Black Belt and Gentleman 1:15:32

4M ago1:15:32

1:15:32

Martial arts pioneer Tom Callos came onto The Strenuous Life Podcast to discuss the California martial arts scene in the wake of Bruce Lee, the importance of taking your training out of the dojo and into the world, how your students can become your school's most effective advertising, being BJ Penn's first BJJ instructor, and his thoughts about BJ'…

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219: Attitude of Gratitude - Roll Model Indy Base Camp 2025 Recap 26:16

5M ago26:16

26:16

Roll Model Grappling Camp 2025 has come and gone. Here's what happened! Links and Resources Mentioned in the Episode Jocko - https://jockofuel.com Defense - https://www.defensesoap.com Lmnt - https://drinklmnt.com Fit Feral fam - https://www.feralfam.org/ Gaidama - https://gaidama.com/ Kindra Barrett - https://www.kindrabarrett.com Vida jiu jitsu -…

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427 - Overcoming Doubt and Anxiety in Competition, with Sports Psychologist Haley Perlis 53:39

5M ago53:39

53:39

Today let's learn from sports psychologist Dr. Haley Perlis, who delves into the competition mindset, developing mental toughness, managing stress, avoiding burnout, the psychology of extreme sports, and how your core values shape your life and sport. Find out more about Dr Perlis at https://drhaleyperlus.com/ And to get a glimpse into the mental a…

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218: Megan Timler on the Pelvic Floor and Jiu-Jitsu 30:26

5M ago30:26

30:26

Megan Timler visits the podcast this week! Connect with Megan Timler on Instagram @nuttmeg012 If you love the Podcast, share it with a friend! You can also leave us a 5 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts. https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2 Learn More…

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426 - What Needs to Change to Do Jiu-Jitsu after Age 35 56:22

5M ago56:22

56:22

Today I'm joined by wrestler, jiu-jitsuka, and author Chris Jessulat (https://www.thewrongsideof35.com/) to discuss the best practices for staying relevant on the mats as you enter your fourth decade and beyond... 00:00 Training as an Older Grappler 02:48 The Transition from Competitive to Recreational Training 05:46 Physical Changes and Changing t…

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217: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tradition and Etiquette 26:11

6M ago26:11

26:11

What are the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu traditions and etiquette you need to know? If you love the Podcast, share it with a friend! You can also leave us a 5 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts. https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2 Learn More about Roll Model …

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425 - Optimal BJJ Competition Mindset, with Rob Biernacki 1:00:29

6M ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Rob Biernacki has some very impressive competition victories, including black belt masters gold at both No Gi Worlds and ADCC. In this podcast episode he reveals... Why people sometimes just don't perform up to their potential and how to fix it, How to reframe tournament nerves, The optimal state of arousal for competition, Building and executing o…

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S3E6 52:42

6M ago52:42

52:42

🎙️ Kings of Kimuras – Season 3, Episode 6 Hosted by Tony Trammell and Dom Ramos In this episode, Tony and Dom delve into the dynamic worlds of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). They share their insights on recent competitions, discuss the evolving landscape of these sports, and explore various training methodologies. Whether y…

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216: Community Building in Jiu-Jitsu 18:43

6M ago18:43

18:43

This episode is all about building up the Jiu-Jitsu community. If you love the Podcast, share it with a friend! You can also leave us a 5 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts. https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2 Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Cam…

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424 - Writing the Ultimate BJJ Book, with Meerkatsu and Graham Barlow 50:53

6M ago50:53

50:53

It started as an April Fool's joke and then morphed into a BEAST of a book complete with 967 illustrations called "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the Ultimate Illustrated Guidebook". In episode 424 I chat with renowned BJJ black belt, illustrator and designer Seymour Yang (better known as Meerkatsu) and his partner in crime Graham Barlow (the creator of the …