The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting

Dominyka Obelenyte was born in Lithuania, emigrated to the United States at a very young age, and became a 4 time Pan-Am and World Championship gold medalist. In this interview we talk technique, injury recovery, mindset, effective training, the use and misuse of 'loyalty' in the BJJ world, mental resilience and more. I think you'll really like this one. Follow Dominyka on Instagram @domdabomburmom/ Also, check out the brand new Open Guard System that I just released in DVD and streaming format at https://www.grapplearts.com/openguard Cheers, Stephan

Did you know that there were 'anti mask leagues' in the USA to protest masks during the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic? Neither did I until I started listening to Mitch Lerner. Mitch is a professor of history at Ohio State University who specialises in 20th century American History and in today's episode we look at the history and politics of pandemics in the United States. I learned a lot during this conversation and I hope you do too. Stephan P.S. Here's the article I reference in the podcast with guidelines for opening up BJJ academies during covid with Dr Chris Moriarty https://www.grapplearts.com/openingupbjj P.P.S. Here is one excellent summary (not written by me) about the status of the current science behind mask wearing and prevention of covid transmission: https://www.totalem.org/emergency-professionals/podcast-207-myths-on-masks-for-covid-19

The difference between improving every day and setting a personal best every day in sport, training, and martial arts... Notes and pictures from my 1000 mile solo arctic in 2019: https://www.grapplearts.com/solo My in-depth discussion with endurance athlete Mike McCastle: https://www.grapplearts.com/pain-is-a-universal-language-with-endurance-athlete-mike-mccastle/

Dr Moriarty is a medical doctor and had a long fierce career as a BJJ competitor who previously published guidelines for reopening BJJ academies during the Covid-19 pandemic (grapplearts.com/openingupbjj). In this followup episode we look at the current state of the epidemic, implications for training, and how to figure out whether cases truly are going up or down in your area. 00:32 - Intro to Doctor Chris Moriarty, BJJ black belt. 02:43 - Where is the USA and the rest of the world at with Covid? 11:50 - Are cases going up just because of an increase in testing? 14:39 - Memorial day, protests, and other reasons that states may be experiencing a rise in Covid infections. 22:90 - Masks and prevention of coronavirus transmission. 25:46 - Is now safe to train BJJ? 33:18 - What about training BJJ with just one partner? 36:27 - On lighting campfires in dry grasslands and taking risks for other people. 38:09 - Signs of hope. 44:34 - The politicisation of mask wearing. 49:37 - Modes of transmission. 51:25 - Final words.

There are so many techniques to master and so many different areas in BJJ to get good at that jiu-jitsu can seem totally overwhelming. Here's how to use an 80/20 approach to figuring out what to work on next. Also grab my detailed breakdown of the basic positions of BJJ for free here: https://www.grapplearts.com/book Good luck with everything! Stephan

Today I'm joined by Thomas Nadelhoffer an associate professor in the philosophy department at the College of Charleston, an affiliate faculty member in psychology and neuroscience, and a BJJ brown belt. We focus our conversation on the tribalism and rampant conspiracy theory acceptance in the BJJ community during this time of crisis.

I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome Oleg Taktarov to the podcast. Oleg used his Sambo skills to win UFC 6, beat Dolph Lungren in a widely publicised boxing match, and fought at the infamous Pentagon Combat event which ended in a riot and got MMA banned in Rio de Janeiro. Oleg is also a great teacher - I personally use techniques and concepts I learned from him more than 20 years ago almost every day that I step onto the mats. Today we cover dealing with fear in MMA matches, the path to mastering striking as well as grappling, training the Russian special forces, the advantages of leglocks, working in the movies, and the role he would most like to play. If you enjoy this episode then giving it a rating on your favorite podcast platform would be super-appreciated. Stuff like that really helps! Stephan Kesting

Learn a technique and study all its aspects including set-ups, grips, body position, timing, balance, counters and recounters. Get help from your instructor, class-mates, the internet and instructional media. Repetition makes you smooth. Smooth makes you fast. Isolate the technique in sparring. Start with the smallest,least experienced person in the club. When the technique works consistently, move on and try it on the second smallest or second least experienced person. Repeat. In grappling, observe problems you encounter with the technique. Then take time to analyze, brainstorm and discuss with coaches and training partners. Test solutions with more live sparring. Stephan Kesting P.S. Grab my free app to learn BJJ on the go at https://www.grapplearts.com/masterapp. Lots of technique in there but also a podcast player so you can catch my mellifluous voice any time you want ;)

Chris Moriarty is a doctor, a competitor, and a BJJ black belt. His 6 step procedure for reopening academies is available at https://www.grapplearts.com/openingupbjj 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:56 Chris Moriarty's Medical and BJJ Background 0:08:24 Is Covid a Fake Pandemic? 0:18:30 The whitehouse.gov/openingamerica Guidelines 0:26:43 Phase 1 0:06:09 Phase 2 0:46:17 Testing for the Virus and Antibodies 0:54:59 Phase 3 1:05:39 Phase 4 1:14:05 High Risk Groups 1:16:08 Phase 5 1:16:56 Phase 6

On March 1st, 1998 unknown Canadian fighter Joel Gerson defeated superstar Rumina Sato in Shooto, Japan's oldest MMA promotion. Even more astounding was that this was basically Joel's first fight. We go deep into that fight and the differences in MMA training between then and now. I think you'll really like this one! Check out Joel's school at revmma.com and follow him on Instagram at @joelgerson. To learn BJJ on your phone download my free app, The Grapplearts BJJ Master App! iOS users click here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bjj-master-app-by-grapplearts/id1308072068 Android users click here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.grappleartcontainer Take care! Stephan