

I Suck At Jiu Jitsu Show
Josh McKinney
Jiu-Jitsu is hard. Join host Josh McKinney on his forever quest to "suck less at jiu-jitsu." Learn from high level black belts, in depth conversations, and off the wall rants by the host himself.
It is guaranteed that each episode will help you suck just a little less at jiu-jitsu, or your money back.
Josh McKinney is an accomplished adult black belt competitor with a "suck-less" mindset that can help anyone progress
It is guaranteed that each episode will help you suck just a little less at jiu-jitsu, or your money back.
Josh McKinney is an accomplished adult black belt competitor with a "suck-less" mindset that can help anyone progress
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 2min
#343 Black Belt's Guide to Getting Promoted
What is required of a black belt? What is required of a blue?Today Josh(@thejoshmckinney) defines every belt and exactly what you should be focused on at every belt.This episode is literally made for everyone white to black belt!Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isucksportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”: https://www.dsgear.com/ Master ANY Position in 6 Weeks: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/6 Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suck

Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 15min
#342 Henry Akins and Micheal Zenga: Stop Overcomplicating Your Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-Jitsu isn’t supposed to be complicated — so why do most people make it harder than it has to be? In this episode of The I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show, I(thejoshmckinney) sit down with Henry Akins(@henryakinsbjj) and Michael Zenga(@michaelzenga) to break down the most powerful “old school” concepts.We talk: mount vs. back, the forgotten power of the cross-collar choke, and how legends like Rickson, Roger, and Gordon all built their games the same simple way. We laugh, tell stories of Henry Abusing us, and dive deep into the micro-details that turn basic moves into black-belt weapons. If you’re ready to stop overcomplicating your jiu-jitsu and start winning with less, this episode is for you.✅ What You’ll Learn:Why mount > back (and why most people get it backwards)The cross-collar choke secrets even black belts missWhy Half Guard Doesn't ExistWhy “mastering less” is the real key to masteryHow breathing and body positioning change everythingHenrys Cross Collar CourseHenry's Takedown CourseHenry's Fanatics CoursesJiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isucksportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”: https://www.dsgear.com/ Master ANY Position in 6 Weeks: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/6 Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suck

Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 3min
#341 Glyn Powditch: Breathe like THIS for Better Jiu Jitsu
If you still “gas” when the pressure hits, you’re breathing wrong. Today, I (@thejoshmckinney) sit down with Glyn Podwitch (@glynpowditch). Glyn breaks down practical breathwork for BJJ—how to brace in crushing positions (scarf hold, neon belly), inflate to survive triangles, and use exhale timing to escape without panicking. We also get into Rickson-inspired rib mobility, why many yogis still tap to pressure, and how to build calm strength on the mats.What you’ll learn:The simple “fill + brace” cue that makes you harder to crush.When to exhale vs. inhale under top pressure (and why it matters).A starter progression for pressure-proof breathing (safe, scalable).Intercostal/rib mobility that helps longevity and defense.Why relaxed players feel impossibly heavy🎧 Listen to more ISAJJ: new episodes every Thursday🎙 Guest: Glyn Podwitch | Breathwork coach & BJJ black belt📚 Mentions: Rickson Gracie, Henry Akins, Dr. Belisa Vranich (Breathing for Warriors), Wim Hof, Stanislav Grof, Miles LucasGlyn's course on FanaticsGlyn's Ai CompanyJiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on InstagramCheck out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel

Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 17min
#340 Don't Let Jiu-Jitsu Ruin Your Life
Jiu-Jitsu obsession is powerful—it can make you great, but it can also wreck your health, family, and future if you don’t control it. In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) break down why “balance” is a lie, the dark side of obsession, and the 5 hacks that keep you training hard without destroying everything else. If you’ve ever felt like Jiu-Jitsu is taking over your life, this is the survival guide you need.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on InstagramCheck out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel0:00 – Intro0:28 – Why balance is a lie2:30 – The dark side of obsession6:24 – Lie #1: Balance is a place9:09 – Lie #2: Obsession is evil14:30 – Lie #3: You can have it all23:00 – How obsession shows up on the mats30:16 – How it affects family & life34:02 – 5 Hacks for balance37:12 – Hack #1: Guardrails41:18 – Hack #2: Drive in the right direction46:13 – Hack #3: Choose the right passengers53:28 – Hack #4: Pre-plan your stops57:46 – Hack #5: Keep driving59:52 – Why we struggle to enjoy success1:02:00 – The 3 steps to suck less at balance1:16:24 – Final thoughts

Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 24min
#339 Old Bastard and Matt Linsemier: Using Magic to get Better at BJJ?
Ever wonder if there’s a little magic behind getting better at Jiu-Jitsu? In this episode, I sit down with Old Bastard BJJ Mike Mahaffey and his coach Matt Linsemier to talk training smarter, rolling longer, and mastering the game—no matter your age. From staying injury-free to using experience as a weapon, we dive into stories, strategies, and mindset shifts that every grappler can learn from.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on InstagramCheck out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel

Sep 4, 2025 • 49min
#338 Micheal Zenga: How a Website Changed BJJ Forever | Owner of BJJ Fanatics
In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) sit down with Michael Zenga(@michaelzenga), the co-founder of BJJ Fanatics, for an in-depth conversation on building one of the most influential brands in jiu-jitsu. We talk about what makes BJJ Fanatics different, their vision for the future, Michael’s personal insights on running a successful BJJ business, and even how to be a better competitor. Whether you’re a coach, competitor, or just a fan of the sport, this episode is packed with value you won’t want to miss.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on InstagramCheck out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel

Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 43min
#337 Hot Takes: CJI Will Fail? Mikey Sold Out? Danaher Sucks?? | Bryce Allen Joins The Conversation
The Fans WORST BJJ hot takes of the year: don’t tap to pressure, cartwheel passes are trash, competing is “stupid,” and yes—we argue whether or not CJI will fail. Plus: did Mikey Musumeci sell out, will UFC BJJ take over, and is Danaher actually overrated?In this special episode Josh (@thejoshmckinney) is joined by executive producer Bryce Allen (@bryceallen_) as they tackle some of the hottest topics in modern day jiu jitsu.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on InstagramCheck out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel(00:00) Should you tap to pressure? (9:20) Cartwheel passes are Stupid.(17:00) No one teach Triangles Correctly(24:20) Competing is so so stupid (29:30) CJI WILL FAIL(39:10) Did Mikey Musumeci sell out?(47:20) UFC BJJ Will WIN?(55:25) Who will win CJI and Why is it Daisy Fresh?(1:07:25) Is Chasing Chicks at your gym kosher?(1:14:55) Can a female black belt gain respect from her male peers in Jiu Jitsu? / Should we Ban Women OR Men from Jiu Jitsu?(1:23:40) ISAJJ IS SEXIST??(1:26:20) BJJ is becoming Karate?(1:31:00) How Long Should you be a Brown Belt?(1:36:25) Danaher Sucks??

Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 52min
#336 Robert and Erik Arias: The BJJ Twins You'll Never Forget | "Jiu Jitsu Saved Our Lives"
Two brothers. Two paths. One life-changing journey.Robert Arias started training Jiu-Jitsu with me(@thejoshmckinney) about 10 years ago . Six years ago, Erik finally stepped onto the mats — and it changed everything. Today, both brothers are competitors, coaches, and soon-to-be gym owners of Arias Bros BJJ.In this episode, we talk redemption, brotherhood, and how Jiu-Jitsu can truly save lives.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on InstagramCheck out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel

Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 6min
#335 Black Belt vs Reddit BJJ
r/BJJ is basically the Mean Girls of Jiu-Jitsu. It’s petty. It’s chaotic. It’s ruled by digital “mean girls” with four stripes and zero rolls. But today, I(@thejoshmckinney) am Lindsay Lohan — and I’m infiltrating the plastics. Let’s see what happens when a friendly black belt infiltrates Jiu-Jitsu's Meanest Community.In this episode, I go toe-to-toe with posts from r/BJJ — some thoughtful, some ridiculous, and some that made me question if the mats are giving people brain damage. From “Do I really have to learn guard?” to “I faked being unconscious to escape a guillotine,” we’re breaking down the internet’s hottest takes, dumbest questions, and most overconfident white belt energy.It’s Black Belt vs. Reddit BJJ.There is only ONE RULE — No Facts or Logic Allowed.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteFollow the show on InstagramCheck out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel

24 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 33min
#334 Greg Souders: Is Greg Souders a Nice Guy?
Greg Souders, a Jiu-Jitsu coach renowned for his ecological approach and the Constraint-Led Approach, shares his journey and insights. He delves into the challenges of introducing new teaching methods and the significance of trust in the coach-student dynamic. Greg emphasizes the importance of understanding foundational principles over mere technique execution. The discussion also highlights the value of mentorship, the drive behind content creation, and the intricacies of obsessive behavior in mastering the art. Tune in for thought-provoking perspectives on evolving Jiu-Jitsu training!