

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 30, 2025 • 1h 13min
#346: 13 Jiu Jitsu Horror Stories!
In this spooky Halloween special, Bryce Allen, a frequent contributor and training partner, shares wild jiu-jitsu horror stories that will make you both cringe and laugh. From using super glue for a broken toe to the tale of the 10-year haunting white belt legend, the duo dives into epic tales of near-misses and crazy competition moments. Highlights include an accidental fart that scared off a newbie, Bryce's extreme weight cut mishap, and a questionable gi-check scandal—proving that the mats are as unpredictable as they are thrilling!

Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 16min
#345 The Sacred Art of Stalling
Everyone hates stalling—until they realize it’s actually strategy. In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) breaks down why the best competitors know when to slow the game down, how to use the clock as a weapon, and why “winning is winning” (shoutout Dom Toretto). Learn how to control pace, protect your energy, and make less Jiu-Jitsu happen when it matters most.🎙️ What You’ll Learn:The real definition of strategy in Jiu-JitsuHow to manage limited resources (energy, grips, time)Why stalling exists in every clock-based sportHow to practice and defend against stallingThe mindset shift that separates winners from “moral victors”Guard passing seminar: https://youtu.be/aDAwqBVoDP4The Jiu Jitsu Games: https://youtu.be/88pNKjbzswMJiu-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/ The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suckFollow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney

Oct 16, 2025 • 56min
#344 I'm Quitting BJJ, Here's Why...
After 17 years I'm Quitting BJJIf you want to know why, listen to the episode.HeadnodHQ Home of American Jiu-JitsuJiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”The Competitor’s JourneyJoin ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Follow the show on InstagramCheck out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel

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
Henry Akins, a seasoned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach known for his fundamental simplification, and Micheal Zenga, an accomplished competitor and coach, delve into the art of making Jiu-Jitsu less complex. They discuss the underestimated cross-collar choke and its mechanics, why mastery of fewer techniques leads to true skill, and the debate over mount versus back control. With anecdotes and insights on breathwork and teaching methods, they highlight how to refine your game by focusing on the basics and adapting strategies for various opponents.

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??


