

1-800-BJJ-HELP
Josh Lu and Jake Luigi
Brand new White Belt Josh Lu calls on Jake Luigi, BJJ Youtuber from "Less Impressed More Involved BJJ", and other guests for help on the path to improvement, performance, and enjoyment in the sport of Jiu Jitsu. Follow the journey!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 17, 2025 • 36min
147: Finishing Leg Locks
Dive into the art of leg locks, starting with the nuances of heel hooks and ankle locks. Discover advanced techniques like the achilles grip, and learn the importance of body positioning in executing these submissions effectively. The conversation also examines the dynamics of control during leg lock exchanges. Personal stories offer insights into mastering these skills, and there's even a funny tale about transitioning from gi to no-gi training. Perfect for grapplers looking to elevate their game!

Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 6min
#146 Check In: Jake's Takeaways from AIGA and Updates on Sherpa and Outlier Database
Dive into the freshest insights from a recent AIGA event, unearthing standout moments in the jiu-jitsu community. Discover groundbreaking strategies in grappling techniques, especially the evolving leg lock tactics focusing on pressure and manipulation. Explore advanced methods for mastering transitions and defensive maneuvers during matches. Plus, get inspired by the Sherpa app, a journaling tool that helps athletes refine their training goals and tactics. Creativity in grappling and user engagement also take the spotlight, as the hosts share personal insights.

Aug 3, 2025 • 35min
#145 How Should I Play Half Guard Bottom?
Dive into the nuances of playing half guard from the bottom in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Discover effective strategies and unique techniques that can turn the tides in competitions. The discussion uncovers the tactical advantages of half guard, emphasizing grip control and knee shield techniques. Explore advanced passing strategies, including the innovative weave position that enhances control. Plus, catch up on the latest developments in grappling competitions, showcasing fresh techniques from top athletes. Get ready to elevate your game!

10 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 30min
#144 How Do I Attack Triangles and Armbars from the Back?
In this podcast, Jake Luigi, a BJJ YouTuber known for his engaging instructional content, dives into the intricacies of attacking triangles and armbars from the back position. He shares advanced techniques for executing submissions beyond the rear naked choke. The conversation focuses on trapping opponents' arms, maintaining positional control, and strategic execution. Jake also discusses the seated head and arm position and the psychological aspects of applying pressure in training. Get ready for a mix of technical insights and personal anecdotes!

Jul 20, 2025 • 46min
#143 Dr. Andy Moon from Back on the Mat PT: Reflections on 1 Year of Physical Therapy, Healing Chronic Back Pain, Tendonitis, and More
In this episode, Josh reflects with Dr. Andy Moon from @backonthematpt on the last year of working together on a number of injuries from chronic lower back pain/stiffness, turf toe, QL strains, elbow tendonitis...etc. We share a few lessons learned along the way and dive into what a year of physical therapy designed for jiu jitsu can look like. Hope you enjoy! Download Sherpa, the free AI-powered journaling app for athletes. Join the convo with Josh on Discord here. Use the code "BJJHELP" for 50% off your first month on Jake's Outlier Database to study match footage, get links to resources, and more.Use code “BJJHELP” at submeta.io to try your first month for only $8!

5 snips
Jul 13, 2025 • 29min
#142 What Are the Major Threats from Leg Entanglements?
Jake Luigi, a renowned BJJ YouTuber from 'Less Impressed More Involved BJJ' and creator of the Outlier database, dives deep into the world of leg entanglements. He explains the intricacies of straight vs. cross leg orientations and discusses how heel and back exposure affect control. Listeners learn about tactical transitions, effective defensive strategies to counter opponents, and the significant role of rotation in grappling. Jake also emphasizes the importance of training games to master these complex techniques.

12 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 1h 6min
#141 Jared Wade: Competition Mindset & Prep, Training Smart, and Self Reflection
Jared Wade, a top-ranked Purple Belt training at Atos in San Diego, shares his journey to becoming a leading competitor with 30 IBJJF Gold Medals. He discusses the mental strategies that fuel his success, including affirmations, meditation, and mindfulness. Wade stresses the importance of self-reflection and balancing passion with improvement in training. He also touches on managing distractions, highlighting innovative tools to enhance productivity. With insights into overcoming competition-related stress, Jared promotes personal growth over external validation.

11 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 1h 23min
#140 Mark Trowbridge: Designing Beginner's Program, Jiu Jitsu as a Stress Management Tool, Coaching, and More
Mark Trowbridge, the owner and head coach of Clarity Jiu Jitsu, discusses the profound mental, social, and physical benefits of jiu-jitsu, particularly as a stress management tool. He shares insights on creating supportive beginner programs that foster emotional regulation and inclusivity. The conversation highlights personal transformations through jiu-jitsu, the importance of mindfulness techniques like journaling, and the significance of setting intentions in training. Trowbridge's approach encourages a holistic view of growth in both sport and life.

22 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 1h 10min
#139 PJ Barch: Influences on Grappling, Self Directed Training, Competition and Coaching
In this discussion, PJ Barch, a talented Jiu-Jitsu coach and competitor, shares his rich journey in grappling. He reflects on key influences and pivotal moments in his martial arts evolution. Barch dives into the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) as a fresh perspective on training. He also discusses the challenges of managing a gym, including personal growth and the significance of mentorship in coaching. Beyond techniques, he expresses his vision for creating an inclusive grappling community in San Diego, emphasizing collaboration and support.

9 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 58min
#138: Carl Mintern aka SelfSufficientHub: Moderating r/BJJ, Tips for Starting Jiu Jitsu, Teaching, Eco, and More
Carl Mintern, known as SelfSufficientHub on Reddit, shares his journey from construction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after starting at 45. He discusses his role as a moderator of r/bjj and highlights common trends in the community. Carl offers valuable tips for older beginners, stressing the balance of strength and technique. The conversation also touches on sustainable living, ecological training, and the importance of effective communication in teaching. Plus, he shares insights on using the Sherpa journaling app for athletes!