

The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting
Stephan Kesting
What is it that allows some people to push themselves beyond their limitations? Why can some people survive situations others do not? On this podcast we try to find out the answers. Stephan Kesting, is a lifelong martial artist, BJJ black belt, career firefighter, and outdoorsman. Join us as he talks to fighters, adventurers, competitors, coaches, firefighters, trainers and other people living the strenuous life.
Stephan also runs Grapplearts.com, where he has published many hundreds of martial arts videos, articles and tutorials.
His free guide to learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, A Roadmap for BJJ, has been downloaded more than 10,000 times and has become a foundational text for the art.
Stephan also runs Grapplearts.com, where he has published many hundreds of martial arts videos, articles and tutorials.
His free guide to learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, A Roadmap for BJJ, has been downloaded more than 10,000 times and has become a foundational text for the art.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 18, 2021 • 1h 47min
348 - Nate 'The Rock' Quarry on MMA, the UFC, and Being Raised in a Cult
I was thrilled to have MMA fighter Nate 'The Rock' Quarry on the podcast where we talked about being raised in a cult, his comeback to the UFC after a serious back surgery, his biggest loss in MMA, the UFC monopoly, and staying in shape after retirement. Nate is active on Twitter where he can be found @NateRockQuarry; please let him know if you enjoyed our conversation! Also check out my BRAND NEW step-by-step guide to the most versatile submission in jiu-jitsu at https://www.grapplearts.com/omoplata. And if you felt compelled to jump on Twitter to tell me how great it is include me (@StephanKesting) and I'll be indebted to you! Cheers, Stephan Kesting

Dec 16, 2021 • 1h 21min
347 -Pressure Testing BJJ Against Knives, Guns and Sticks (with Burton Richardson from JKD Unlimited)
Burton Richardson is BJJ black belt and has an incredible lineage in the Filipino Martial Arts as well, having trained with many of the top instructors in the world. I was thrilled to have him on the podcast to talk about pressure tested self defense in the real world. Please check out my step-by-step guide to the Omoplata, the most versatile submission in jiu-jitsu at https://www.grapplearts.com/omoplata

Nov 29, 2021 • 1h 28min
346 - A Deep Dive into the Omoplata as Submission, a Sweep, and a Position
In this episode Steve Kwan from the BJJ Mental Models podcast grills me about the omoplata, the most versatile submission in all of jiu-jitsu. Check out my latest instructional, Omoplata 2.0, at https://www.grapplearts.com/omoplata Cheers, Stephan Kesting

Nov 27, 2021 • 1h 17min
345 - Out of Date Training Methods in Modern Martial Arts, with Richard Bejtlich
00:37: Richard Bejtlich's background in martial arts 08:39: Where does fascination with martial arts history comes from 18:08: What research on historical martial arts looks like 20:10: Preservation of antiquated methods in the present martial arts 26:15: The Ninja myth!!! 33:22: Cybersecurity 37:47: How hackers attack large corporations and the military 51:36: Craziest hacker attacks 57:52: Cyberwarfare 1:09:08: Answer to conspiration and desinformation fueling 1:13:38: How can people contact Richard?

Nov 17, 2021 • 1h 10min
344 - Reporting on the State of Jiu-Jitsu, with Averi Clements
Averi is a BJJ brown belt who has written extensively for the Jiu-Jitsu Times. Together we go deep into why jiu-jitsu is popular for women, coming back from injuries, some recent high profile sexual assault cases in the sport, and much more. Follow Averi on Instagram @bjjaveri, on Twitter @BJJaveri, and/or at the Jiu-Jitsu Times. And while you're here, have you downloaded my reference guide to the positions, techniques and strategies of jiu-jitsu yet? It's free at https://www.grapplearts.com/book Cheers, Stephan

Nov 14, 2021 • 14min
343 - Update: Four Weeks In After a Total Hip Replacement
I had a hip replacement to fix a joint worn out by 40 years of martial arts training, conditioning and fitness activities. This video details the first 4 weeks of my recovery, going from barely being able to stand up to climbing a mountain. As they say, this presentation contains powerful visuals, so if you're interested check out the video version of this podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhWiDe8agdU And while I've got your attention, go grab my free PDF checklist of BJJ positions and techniques at https://www.grapplearts.com/book No matter what your own injury is, don't give up hope and keep on fighting for a better tomorrow! Stephan

Nov 9, 2021 • 1h 5min
342 - Exploring the Remote Northern Wilderness with Adam Shoalts
Canadian explorer Adam Shoalts is back to talk about some of his recent expeditions, including a search for a mythical beast in the wilds of Northern Labrador. We also discussed balancing family and adventure, the early explorers, his approach to selecting gear, food and travelling companions, and much more! Find out more about Adam at https://adamshoalts.com/, follow him on Instagram at @adam_shoalts, and check out his latest book 'The Whisper on the Night Wind' anywhere books are sold! Check out previous podcast episodes at https://www.grapplearts.com/tag/podcasts/

Nov 3, 2021 • 1h 14min
341 - Why Conspiracy Theories Are So Damn Hard to Disprove, with Dr Hanan Bushkin
Dr Hanan Buskin is a clinical psychologist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In this episode we go deep into the benefits conspiracy theorist get from believing and sharing their crazy ideas and the long, difficult process required to gently wean them off conspiratorial thinking. Follow Dr Hanan on Instagram @drhananbushkin and check out his clinic at areallygoodtherapist.co.za

Oct 15, 2021 • 16min
340 - Why I'm Getting a Hip Replacement Tomorrow...
After 4 decades of training Jiu-jitsu, MMA, Judo, Kajukenbo, Muay Thai, Karate and Kickboxing my right hip is worn out. Here's how I became aware that it needed replacing, what the surgery is going to look like, and what I've done to prepare for it! I'll post updates about my post-surgical recovery on my podcast, my youtube channel and my Instagram. And while I've got your attention, go grab my free PDF checklist of BJJ positions and techniques at https://www.grapplearts.com/book See you on the other side! Stephan

Oct 1, 2021 • 1h 4min
339 - The Five Exercises All Grapplers Should Do Every Week
Steph Gaudreau is a strength coach, nutritionist, podcaster, author and BJJ practitioner. I was thrilled to have her on the podcast today to discuss the overlap between strength training and jiu-jitsu. I think you'll get a lot out of it! Check out https://www.stephgaudreau.com/ or follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/steph_gaudreau/ And while you're reading this... Check out The Grapplearts BJJ Master App for iOS and Android - there's a TON of great content on there that'll directly improve your game. https://www.grapplearts.com/masterapp Cheers! Stephan Kesting