Humans of Grappling

In this engaging conversation, Matt Guffey, a Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and owner of Victory Submission Grappling, shares insights from his journey from hockey to martial arts. He delves into the application of ecological dynamics in sports coaching and the importance of individualized strength training for grapplers. The discussion highlights load management, innovative class structures, and the necessity of adapting training methods to foster resilience. Matt emphasizes the growth that comes from being comfortable with discomfort, both on the mat and in life.

In this conversation, Mike Lady and Doug Ancey explore the intersection of grappling, mental health, and community support. They discuss the importance of recognizing mental health stigma, the role of medication, and the significance of community in jiu jitsu. The conversation also touches on navigating political views within the sport and the need for empathy and understanding in a competitive environment.TakeawaysMental health is a crucial aspect of grappling and life.There is a stigma around medication that needs to be addressed.Medication can be beneficial for managing mental health issues.Community support in jiu jitsu is vital for emotional well-being.It's important to have open conversations about mental health.Jiu jitsu can provide a sense of belonging and support.Navigating political views in jiu jitsu requires empathy and understanding.Competition can be approached with a mindset of personal growth rather than just winning.Emotional regulation is key to managing anxiety and stress.Building a supportive community can help individuals cope with life's challenges.Sound Bites"You can still cry.""It's okay to be soft.""You can have both, man."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Grappling and Competition Preparation06:31 Mental Health and Medication Stigma17:38 Navigating Emotions and Therapy in Jiu-Jitsu18:36 The Role of Jiu-Jitsu in Mental Health21:20 Cultural Context of Martial Arts22:42 Understanding Tradition and Change24:46 Navigating Fast-Paced Environments27:56 The Importance of Training and Experience30:29 Leveraging AI in Technical Writing32:58 The Impact of AI on Employment34:40 Community Support and Mental Health Awareness36:54 Community Support and Connection39:12 The Role of Coaches in Personal Development42:06 Mindset and Competition in Jiu Jitsu44:38 Growth Through Teaching and Learning46:58 Mental Health and Vulnerability in Martial Arts49:58 Political Awareness and Community Engagement54:55 Building Community Through Jiu Jitsu

In this engaging conversation, Mike Lady, Cesar Clavijo, and Ryan Scialoia explore the profound connections between Jiu-Jitsu and life. They discuss unique teaching philosophies, the importance of health and longevity in martial arts, and the ethical responsibilities of instructors. The dialogue also delves into the biomechanics of movement, the role of hypnosis in performance, and the healing aspects of Jiu-Jitsu. Throughout the discussion, the trio emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to training, encouraging practitioners to develop not only their physical skills but also their mental and emotional well-being.Gofundme for Ryan's health issues https://gofund.me/9cfa4499Ryan's instructionalshttps://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/first-to-learn-first-to-master-trap-roll-by-ryan-scialoia?variant=41309622304866https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_ryan-scialoiaCesar's Stillness Academy Sanctum online programhttps://stillness-academy-shop.fourthwall.com/TakeawaysCesar Clavijo emphasizes a holistic approach to Jiu-Jitsu teaching.Ryan Scialoia shares how Jiu-Jitsu has shaped his life and interactions.The conversation highlights the importance of health in martial arts training.Understanding biomechanics can enhance Jiu-Jitsu techniques.Longevity in practice is crucial for sustaining a martial arts journey.Ethics in teaching and training are often overlooked in Jiu-Jitsu.Hypnosis can be a valuable tool for performance enhancement.Community support is vital for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.The evolution of Jiu-Jitsu as a combat sport raises questions about healing.A complete martial artist should also focus on self-care and healing. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests00:57 Cesar's Unique Teaching Philosophy03:57 Ryan's Journey in Jiu-Jitsu06:00 Cesar's Martial Arts Journey and Transition to Jiu-Jitsu09:50 The Objective Reality of Jiu-Jitsu10:15 Agreeing and Disagreeing in Jiu-Jitsu13:05 Biomechanics and Teaching Techniques17:34 Understanding Movement and Health in Jiu-Jitsu23:09 The Healing Aspect of Martial Arts25:38 Adapting Jiu-Jitsu for Longevity28:28 The Interplay of Hypnosis and Jiu-Jitsu32:32 Experiments with Hypnosis in Training38:34 The Role of NLP in Martial Arts44:57 The Legacy of Lloyd Irvin in Jiu-Jitsu46:17 The Passage of Time and Memory48:19 Understanding Manipulation and Influence49:46 The Role of Ethics in Teaching53:14 Navigating Power Dynamics in Instruction01:00:33 Holistic Approaches to Jiu-Jitsu Training01:06:12 The Language of Touch and Kinesthetic AwarenessKeywordsJiu-Jitsu, grappling, teaching philosophy, biomechanics, holistic health, hypnosis, martial arts ethics, longevity, community, self-care

In this conversation, Mike Lady and Brad Congram explore the intersection of grappling, life, and personal growth. Brad shares his journey in Jiu-Jitsu, the challenges of balancing life as a new parent and a black belt, and the insights gained from both competition and professional life. They discuss the importance of community, the role of failure in learning, and the resources available for new parents. The conversation highlights the continuous journey of learning and the impact of Jiu-Jitsu on personal and professional development.TakeawaysBrad started Jiu-Jitsu in 2010 after being inspired by a match he saw online.He received his black belt in December 2024 and reflects on the mixed feelings of achieving this milestone.Balancing training with being a new parent has been challenging but rewarding for Brad.Morning classes have become a new routine for Brad, allowing him to train without taking time away from family.The importance of learning through failure is emphasized, both in Jiu-Jitsu and in professional life.Brad works in institutional research, applying analytical skills developed through Jiu-Jitsu to his job.Parenthood has shifted Brad's perspective on economics and social issues, particularly around childcare.The conversation touches on the cultural differences in parenting resources between Canada and the U.S.Brad emphasizes the importance of community support for new parents and grapplers alike.The journey of continuous learning in both Jiu-Jitsu and life is highlighted as a key theme.

In this conversation, Mike Pabua shares his journey through Jiu-Jitsu and healthcare, exploring how grappling has influenced his life and career. He discusses the challenges he faced in both fields, the importance of resilience, and how Jiu-Jitsu provides perspective on life's difficulties. Mike also highlights his training philosophy, the significance of skill development, and his experiences training in Austin. In this conversation, Mike Lady and Mike Pabua delve into their experiences in Jiu-Jitsu, discussing training with notable figures like Nicky Rod, the community aspect of martial arts, and the personal growth that comes from the sport. They also explore the parallels between their careers in healthcare and Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the importance of patient advocacy and navigating the healthcare system. The discussion highlights the significance of regular health check-ups, including blood work, and the idea that health management is a skill that can be developed over time. Ultimately, they reflect on the rewarding nature of helping others and the impact of Jiu-Jitsu on their lives.TakeawaysGrappling can be applied to everyday life situations.Healthcare and Jiu-Jitsu share common themes of resilience and problem-solving.Perspective gained from healthcare can enhance Jiu-Jitsu training.Training in Jiu-Jitsu helps relieve stress and provides a healthy outlet.The importance of fundamentals in Jiu-Jitsu cannot be overstated.Engaging with different training environments can lead to significant growth.Patient advocacy is a crucial aspect of healthcare work.De-escalation skills learned in healthcare can be applied in Jiu-Jitsu.Training with a focus on specific skills can lead to rapid improvement.Building relationships in the Jiu-Jitsu community enhances the training experience. Training with pros can be humbling and fun.Jiu-Jitsu fosters a strong community spirit.The joy of martial arts comes from personal improvement.Engaging in Jiu-Jitsu is about more than competition.Patient advocacy is crucial in healthcare.Navigating the healthcare system requires persistence.Regular blood work is essential for health management.Health is a skill that can be improved over time.Helping others is a rewarding experience.Jiu-Jitsu can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Grappling and Life02:58 Journey into Jiu-Jitsu05:58 Transitioning into Healthcare08:59 Challenges in Healthcare Administration12:03 Resilience and Perspective in Healthcare14:59 The Intersection of Jiu-Jitsu and Healthcare19:15 Dynamic Interactions in Jiu Jitsu22:43 The Importance of Testing Skills28:21 Experiences at 10th Planet Austin32:02 The Joy of Jiu Jitsu: Community and Personal Growth38:14 Connecting Jiu Jitsu with Professional Life42:06 Problem Solving in Healthcare44:19 The Growth of Healthcare in Las Vegas45:36 Understanding Healthcare Systems46:50 Finding the Right Doctor48:15 Navigating Medical Reviews50:38 The Importance of Blood Work52:46 Understanding Your Health Data54:39 Taking Control of Your Health56:52 The Value of Coaching and Mentorship

In this conversation, Eric Robinson shares his extensive journey in Jiu-Jitsu, from his initial introduction to the sport to his evolution as a content creator. He discusses the challenges and joys of building a community through social media, the importance of crediting creators, and the philosophical aspects of training. Eric reflects on his experiences living in the Caribbean, the dynamics of ego in training, and the significance of balancing life and Jiu-Jitsu. The conversation culminates in insights about belt progression and the social nature of the sport. In this conversation, Mike Lady and Eric Robinson delve into the ecological approach to Jiu-Jitsu, discussing its benefits, the importance of fun in training, and the challenges faced by practitioners, particularly at the blue belt level. They share personal experiences, insights on coaching, and the significance of engagement and community in the sport. The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift in training methods to enhance learning and enjoyment in Jiu-Jitsu.TakeawaysEric has been practicing Jiu-Jitsu for over 16 years.He started creating content to credit other creators in the Jiu-Jitsu community.Living in the Caribbean provided unique experiences and challenges for his Jiu-Jitsu journey.Social media plays a crucial role in building community and sharing knowledge in Jiu-Jitsu.Eric emphasizes the importance of crediting original content creators.He believes in tapping quickly during training to avoid injuries and maintain longevity in the sport.Ego plays a significant role in training dynamics and personal growth.Belt progression can be a long journey, with many ups and downs.Training is not just about competition; it's about community and personal development.Eric aims to continue sharing his passion for Jiu-Jitsu through content creation and coaching. The ecological approach emphasizes learning through engagement and fun.Positional sparring with task constraints can enhance skill acquisition.Training should be enjoyable to promote longevity in Jiu-Jitsu.Coaches have a responsibility to create a positive training environment.Understanding positions is crucial for effective technique application.Games in training can make learning more enjoyable and effective.Plateaus in skill development can be mitigated through effective coaching.Engagement in training leads to better learning outcomes.The community aspect of Jiu-Jitsu is vital for personal growth.Fun should be a primary focus in Jiu-Jitsu training.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu and Content Creation05:46 Life in the Caribbean and Jiu-Jitsu Development11:43 Building a Community Through Social Media16:50 Navigating Content Creation and Engagement21:07 The Journey of Belts in Jiu-Jitsu22:52 The Challenges of the Brown Belt24:52 The Culture of Training and Ego26:49 The Importance of Intent in Training28:42 Understanding Mistakes and Learning30:32 The Evolution of Training Philosophy32:49 Exploring Ecological Approaches in Jiu-Jitsu43:06 Embracing Fun in Jiu Jitsu45:58 The Importance of Engagement and Longevity48:33 Learning Through Movement51:18 Understanding and Teaching Jiu Jitsu54:06 Overcoming Plateaus in Jiu Jitsu58:00 The Role of Community and Fun in TrainingKeywordsJiu-Jitsu, content creation, social media, training, ego, community, Caribbean, belt progression, philosophy, grappling, Jiu-Jitsu, ecological approach, positional sparring, coaching, engagement, fun, learning, techniques, plateaus, community

In this conversation, Mike Lady and James Wilson explore the intersections of mountain biking and Jiu-Jitsu, discussing James's journey from fitness training to becoming a Jiu-Jitsu black belt. They delve into the principles of mastery, the importance of biomechanics, and the evolution of training methods. James shares insights on pedal design and how it relates to performance, while also emphasizing the significance of live training and understanding the most important battles in Jiu-Jitsu. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of the journey in martial arts, encouraging listeners to embrace the process of learning and growth.TakeawaysJames Wilson transitioned from mountain biking to Jiu-Jitsu, finding parallels in mastery.The principles of mastery apply across different sports and disciplines.Biomechanics play a crucial role in both mountain biking and Jiu-Jitsu.Live training is essential for understanding and applying techniques effectively.Coaching should focus on principles rather than just memorizing techniques.Ego can be a significant barrier in the learning process of Jiu-Jitsu.Recognizing the most important battles in Jiu-Jitsu is key to success.There is no hidden knowledge in Jiu-Jitsu; all techniques are accessible to everyone.The journey in Jiu-Jitsu is filled with ups and downs, but it's worth it.Continuous learning and adaptation are vital in martial arts. Chapters00:00 Introduction to James Wilson and His Journey02:55 Transition from Mountain Biking to Jiu-Jitsu05:57 The Evolution of Mountain Biking and Jiu-Jitsu08:54 The Science Behind Pedals and Performance11:58 The Catalyst Pedal: Innovation in Cycling14:56 The Intersection of Insights: Adjacent Possible18:02 Coaching Philosophy and Learning in Jiu-Jitsu28:34 Critical Thinking in Jiu-Jitsu31:53 The Role of Demonstration in Learning33:26 Practical Applications of Drilling35:49 The Continuous Nature of Jiu-Jitsu36:58 Recognizing Opportunities in Jiu-Jitsu38:26 Adapting Techniques Over Time40:46 The Evolution of Techniques42:30 The Accessibility of Jiu-Jitsu Knowledge44:50 The Journey to Blue Belt45:42 Defining Battles in Jiu-Jitsu47:54 Recognizing the Most Important Battle49:05 Revisiting Teaching Methods51:16 Walking the Path of MasteryKeywordsJiu-Jitsu, mountain biking, mastery, coaching, biomechanics, training, sports, personal development, pedal design, ego

Welcome back to Humans of Grappling, where we explore the intersection of grappling and everything else in life. We talk about applying grappling to everyday life, and everyday life to grappling. Mike describes how he’s been feeling in 2024 and how it’s different than what he felt in 2022. He talks about how he and a small group of friends enabled him to make it to the round of 16 in ADCC West Coast Trials as a regular software engineer with no professional athletic background beyond high school sports. Mike talks about his mental health, his battle with anxiety, and how he’s channeling his passion into coaching others to follow his lead. ADCC 2022 WC Trials -99kg bracket https://arena.flograppling.com/event/a2fe54ab-be1f-9ebd-c24f-be927cc4fe18?page=brackets If you want to level up your game with a curriculum and community that guarantees results, check out www.sandboxbjj.com ⏩ the fastest way to develop grappling skill 🏖️ creative, iterative, resettable play 🔲 boundary around what we focus on 👇 join a community that cares www.sandboxbjj.com Follow for more on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mikelady/ https://www.instagram.com/sandboxbjj/

Mike describes how anyone can start training ecologically by defining their own games with the elements of: 1. where to start 2. where to end 3. what each player is trying to do 4. how to "handicap" yourself to make things easier or harder depending on your skill level. Mike also talks about his course and community on Sandbox BJJ. If you want to level up your game with a curriculum and community that guarantees results, check out www.sandboxbjj.com ⏩ the fastest way to develop grappling skill 🏖️ creative, iterative, resettable play 🔲 boundary around what we focus on 👇 join a community that cares www.sandboxbjj.com Follow for more on Instagram   / mikelady    / sandboxbjj  Mike describes how anyone can start training ecologically by defining their own games with the elements of: 1. where to start 2. where to end 3. what each player is trying to do 4. how to "handicap" yourself to make things easier or harder depending on your skill level. Mike also talks about his course and community on Sandbox BJJ. If you want to level up your game with a curriculum and community that guarantees results, check out www.sandboxbjj.com ⏩ the fastest way to develop grappling skill 🏖️ creative, iterative, resettable play 🔲 boundary around what we focus on 👇 join a community that cares www.sandboxbjj.com Follow for more on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mikelady/ https://www.instagram.com/sandboxbjj/

Mike describes how we can frame ecological Jiu-Jitsu games similar to video game tutorial levels. Mike relates this to his course and community on Sandbox BJJ. If you want to level up your game with a curriculum and community that guarantees results, check out www.sandboxbjj.com ⏩ the fastest way to develop grappling skill 🏖️ creative, iterative, resettable play 🔲 boundary around what we focus on 👇 join a community that cares www.sandboxbjj.com Follow for more on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mikelady/ https://www.instagram.com/sandboxbjj/