Category: Podcast

It’s time for that all-too-common topic everyone wishes they could avoid: injuries! A lot of people write in for advice on what to do while injured. Unfortunately, I have a lot of firsthand experience with this. In the words of my professor Eduardo de Lima, “Jiu-jitsu is good for you… just not your joints.” Give it a listen:

What To Do When You’re Injured And Can’t Train

Listen to “What To Do When You’re Injured And Can’t Train” on SoundCloud

This episode is unofficially sponsored by STGMTG.com, buyer and seller of Magic: The Gathering cards. They’ll buy your old MTG cards (or you can just send them to me!)

Today we’re talking about building gameplans, drawing flowcharts and becoming a specialist.

Making Gameplan Flowcharts And Becoming A Specialist

Listen to “Making Gameplan Flowcharts And Becoming A Specialist” on SoundCloud

Here’s the question I’m answering:

Curious about how indepth to go into my gameplanning. I currently have an OCD obsession building technique trees where I start with a position, then list available grips, then list techniques off of those grips. I end up with huge flowcharts which while cool, are too extensive to be anything but a reference. I’m curious when you start winding up for a tournament, if there is a limit to the number of techniques you apply drilling rigor to as your “go to” methods for that tournament. Kimura’s biography explained how he would pick 2-3 throws per major tournament with the goal of winning by Ippon. My question also asks that if a similar approach were valid to BJJ, would you advocate choosing 2-3 specific finishes that can be applied from several positions and gearing all your game to getting to those points, or drilling 2-3 specific reversals/sweeps/passes and banking on points instead of gunning for the finish. I currently compete in the intermediate category.

How’s that for a title? Here’s the question I’m answering today:

First of all, thanks for all of the content you produce on your site – I have indeed found it very useful.

I was glad to make a donation ($50) without the need for any kind of reward, but I do actually have a question that I would like to see answered.  This may be the type of situation you have covered in the past, but if so I haven’t seen it.  I am out in Southern Iraq for a year, and clearly there is no opportunity for formal instruction here, but we do have a small but growing BJJ group here training three to four times per week, composed of guys of various levels of experience and skill.  So, my question (posed in a way that will be applicable to more than my unique circumstances) is:

“How would you best utilize an extended period of unstructured training, without access to a school or any formal training?”

If you have any thoughts on the topic, and have the time to share them, I would greatly appreciate it.

Listen to “How To Train In The Middle Of Nowhere With No Instructor” on SoundCloud

You can see the photos of Gracie Barra Carlisle I mention here.

Here’s the podcast! Sorry about the delay but it’s explained if you listen.

Listen to ‘Dealing With Frustration And The Blue Belt Blues’ on SoundCloud

Today’s update will be a quick one because I’m sharing from the road. Here’s the second podcast of the week as promised. Videos and more will be coming soon!

Are Grappling Dummies Worth It?

Today’s podcast is a short one. Here is the question it answers:

HEY MATT – THAT’S REALLY NICE OF YOU.  Here’s my problem – I play primarily a defensive game.  I tend to latch on (I have the nick name Pitbull) when I should be shrimping away.  How do I break this long standing habit?

How To Be Less Defensive and Loosen Up

Listen to “How To Be Less Defensive and Loosen Up” on SoundCloud

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