

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

Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 9min
#350 Thanksgiving Special: "Thanks for Kneeing me in the Nuts"
This Thanksgiving-themed discussion humorously thanks the quirky characters in jiu-jitsu training. From knee strikes to lost hair on mats, it highlights the oddities of practice. Hygiene myths are tackled with a nod to mat cleanliness, while timer tricks reveal competitive tactics. The episode explores accountability in matches versus blaming refs. Other amusing moments feature a conspiracy theorist and a casual dig at stoned training partners. Plus, practical tips on managing gear issues and enjoying simple, analog tools are shared.

Nov 20, 2025 • 59min
#349 ONE HACK for Getting Good at Jiu Jitsu (FAST) | Performance Days
Discover a game-changing hack that could revolutionize your jiu-jitsu practice. The concept of a 'performance day' is introduced, where you focus on competing weekly to enhance your skills. Learn how to simulate real match pressure by selecting challenging partners and keeping score. Understand the importance of balancing performance and learning mindsets to tackle anxiety and competition habits. Implement this approach to identify training priorities and experience significant improvements in your performance!

Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 9min
#348 Why You Keep Losing Competitions
This discussion offers a blueprint to transform your competition performance. It reveals why focused training outshines random sparring and how to effectively prepare with mock-competition days. Josh emphasizes the importance of rituals and staying present on match day. Learn to watch tape strategically to refine your game plan and avoid reinventing your techniques under pressure. Discover how volume training boosts skill through repetition and why overtraining can hinder success. Get ready to unlock your best performance!

Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 5min
#347 Women's BJJ Hot Takes...
This podcast dives into the unfiltered opinions on women's BJJ, tackling topics like whether women's-only classes boost or hinder growth. Discussions shift to the stereotype of women tapping due to strength versus skill, and the debate over female competitors gaining followers for their looks versus their abilities. It addresses the challenges of smelly training partners and the phenomenon of young boys dominating older teammates. With humor, it also explores creepy DMs and the need for inclusive, supportive environments in the sport.

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


