
1-800-BJJ-HELP
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!
Latest episodes

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!

9 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 56min
#137 Josh's 6th Competition, Greg Souders at 10p Southbay, and Outlier Database Coaching Platform
Dive into the highs and lows from a recent jiu-jitsu competition, where mental resilience and performance strategies take center stage. Discover stress management and visualization techniques that enhance preparation. The discussion shifts to effective grappling maneuvers and innovative training methods that boost adaptability. Insights on incremental progress in BJJ highlight the importance of mastering techniques like hand fighting. Plus, get a sneak peek at a new coaching platform designed to foster community and enhance teaching methodologies!

15 snips
Jun 1, 2025 • 1h 2min
#136 Pat Campagnola: CLA, Hosting the Eco Camp, Owning a Gym while Working Full Time
In this engaging discussion, Pat Campagnola, the owner and head instructor at 10th Planet Springfield, shares his journey through jiu-jitsu, emphasizing the mental aspects of competition and coaching. He elaborates on the innovative constraints-led approach to training that has transformed his gym. Pat also opens up about hosting the Eco Camp, highlighting community engagement and the importance of feedback. Balancing gym ownership with a full-time job presents challenges, yet Pat's insights on time management and fostering a welcoming environment shine through.

6 snips
May 25, 2025 • 40min
#135 Real vs Feel and Thoughts on Competing
Discover the intriguing contrast between subjective feelings and objective realities in athletic performance. The hosts delve into the psychological challenges of competition, emphasizing how to transform anxiety into excitement. They discuss the importance of aligning perception with reality, especially in grappling sports like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Personal anecdotes highlight the emotional rollercoaster of competition, showcasing strategies for managing nerves and embracing both victories and setbacks. Tune in for insights that could elevate your game!

33 snips
May 18, 2025 • 1h 8min
#134: Alex Ayliffe: Staytech.jj, Grey Area Skills and Designing Games Around Concepts
Alex Ayliffe, a jiu-jitsu innovator from Staytech.jj, dives into the intriguing world of "grey area skills" in grappling. He discusses how to turn concepts into practical training through engaging games, emphasizing the power of distraction in controlling opponents. Ayliffe shares innovative strategies like 'killing limbs' to enhance skill development, making learning both effective and playful. He also touches on creative jiu-jitsu content creation, blending AI with traditional techniques to engage the community and promote a deeper understanding of the art.

19 snips
May 11, 2025 • 1h 3min
#133 Aaron Parham: Designing CLA Games, Moderating r/bjj, Starting Eco Discord, and the Eco Camp
Aaron Parham, a newly-minted black belt and creator of Ecological Dynamics for Submission Grappling, dives into his journey in the martial arts world. He shares insights on designing effective jiu-jitsu classes and emphasizes experiential learning and dynamic game models. The discussion highlights the flow chart for beginners and the importance of structured training plans. Parham also reveals the growth of the Eco Camp community, born from a supportive Discord space, and reflects on fostering meaningful connections in the grappling community.

May 4, 2025 • 59min
#132 Check In: Jiu Jitsu Lessons from Josh Waitzkin, WNO, and App Updates
Discover valuable lessons on adaptability in jiu-jitsu inspired by insights from Josh Waitzkin. The podcast explores balancing risk and personal finance strategies on the mat, enhancing performance through mindfulness. Dive into coaching perspectives that merge athletics with life skills and reflect on the importance of journaling for personal growth. Unpack the psychology of competition, from fear to excitement, and navigate the challenges of developing a jiu-jitsu training app with AI insights. It's a journey of self-discovery and enhanced grappling!

12 snips
Apr 27, 2025 • 1h 1min
#131 Eco Camp Debrief: Andris Brunovskis, Jake Luigi, Michael Marrewa, and Josh Lu
Michael Marrewa, a BJJ practitioner and EcoCamp participant, shares insights on game design's impact on martial arts and coaching. Andris Brunovskis, a BJJ instructor, emphasizes the crucial role of language in skill development. The guests reflect on their transformative EcoCamp experiences, showcasing the evolution of teaching methods and the importance of clear communication. They also explore strategic weight management and the excitement surrounding upcoming matchups, providing a rich tapestry of ideas for grapplers looking to enhance their training.