I Suck At Jiu Jitsu Show

Josh McKinney
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Jan 29, 2026 • 1h 5min

#359 I Searched for HOT TAKES at a BJJ Tournament | Hot Takes Wanted Ep. 1

Everyone Has a Hot Take about BJJ… So We Gave Them all a MicrophoneThis is the FIRST EVER episode of Hot Takes Wanted—and we didn’t hold back.I(@thejoshmckinney) grabbed as many people as possible and let them unload their most unfiltered jiu-jitsu opinions. No scripts. No safety nets. Just raw takes from the mats.Guard pulling?Gi vs No-Gi?Wrestling elitism?American Jiu-Jitsu?Barefoot tournament savages??Yeah… it all came up.Some people think you can’t complain about guard pulling if you can’t pass a guard.Others say you shouldn’t guard pull if you can’t wrestle.Some swear No-Gi isn’t even Jiu-Jitsu—it’s just submission wrestling.Others say if you don’t train in the gi, you’re missing the point entirely.Then things got weird (in the best way).We got takes on:-Boxers vs Jiu-Jitsu in real fights-Why belt promotions are broken (or perfect)-Why American Jiu-Jitsu is its own thing-Why your toes should get stomped on if you walk barefoot at tournaments-And even why the infamous “r*pe choke” should be renamed Some takes are smart.Some are spicy.Some will absolutely make you mad.And that’s the point.👇 Jump in the comments:Which take was the WORST?Which one was 100% correct?And what hot take should we put on blast in the next episode?This is jiu-jitsu culture—unfiltered.I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Experience: https://kick.site/rxi0b3vo ($100 OFF with Promo Code "Fuji Expo")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/ The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp
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Jan 22, 2026 • 1h 14min

#358 Victor Hugo: Big Man Flow | The Secret to Being Unbreakable

What does it actually take to become unbreakable in jiu-jitsu — mentally, physically, and over an entire career?I(@thejoshmckinney) recorded this conversation live at the Fuji BJJ Expo with Victor Hugo (victorhugojj), right in the middle of a tournament atmosphere, with matches happening, crowds moving, and pressure everywhere. No studio. No edits. Just a real, unfiltered conversation with one of the most dominant and respected competitors of this generation.Victor Hugo doesn’t talk about techniques here.He talks about how he lives his life and how it applies to jiu-jitsu.In this live interview, Victor breaks down:- Why flow matters more than force at the highest level- How he trains without burning out or getting stuck- What actually goes through his head before world championship finals- How early losses shaped him instead of breaking him- Why adaptability beats having “one best move” - How he stays calm when everything is on the line- And what most athletes get wrong about longevity, pressure, and winningThis was filmed tableside at Fuji BJJ Expo, during a live tournament weekend — the noise, the distractions, the energy — and Victor stayed exactly who he is: calm, thoughtful, and intentional.If you’ve ever:- Felt stuck in your training- Burned out chasing results- Struggled with pressure in competition- Or wondered how elite athletes stay composed while everyone else panicsThis conversation will change how you think about jiu-jitsu.This isn’t hype.This is Big Man Flow — explained by the man who lives it.I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Experience: https://kick.site/rxi0b3vo ($100 OFF with Promo Code "Fuji Expo")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/ he Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/compChampion’s Stay Present: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/cspJoin 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
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Jan 15, 2026 • 59min

#357 Give me 59 Minutes, I'll Fix Your Jiu Jitsu in 2026

Most people won’t waste 2026 on purpose—but they will by accident.In this short, no-fluff episode of The I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show, Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) breaks down the simple mistakes that keep white belts stuck and black belts stale—and how small tweaks can completely change your progress next year.This isn’t about new techniques, secret systems, or training harder. It’s about fixing the boring fundamentals of how you train, so your time on the mat actually turns into skill.If you want 2026 to be the year your jiu-jitsu finally clicks, this episode is your reset.Why most people “train a lot” but don’t get betterHow to stop drifting and start improving with intentionThe biggest mindset traps holding back every belt levelHow to structure training so progress compounds over timeGive me 59 minutes—and don’t waste 2026.Master Any Position in 6 Weeks: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/6 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/ The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp Champion’s Stay Present: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/csp 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 What you’ll learn:
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Jan 8, 2026 • 6h 50min

#356 The 15 Best Moments of ISAJJ in 2025 | 7 Hours of Jiu jitsu Learning

What happens when you take the wildest, deepest, most ridiculous Jiu-Jitsu conversations of the year… and put them in one episode?This is it.⚠️ 7 straight hours of black belt wisdom, hot takes, mindset shifts, technical gold, and straight-up Jiu Jitsu madness — all pulled from the best moments of The I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show in 2025.Whether you're a white belt looking for breakthroughs…A coach searching for clarity…Or a die-hard fan of the chaos — this episode is your end-of-year deep dive.⏱️ What’s Inside:🤯 Unfiltered rants, raves, and revelations🧠 Practical advice that actually moves your game forward🔥 Conversations that shook the Jiu-Jitsu community🥋 Clips that made you laugh, rethink, and rewind🗣 Featuring guests like:Henry Akins, Greg Souders., Glen Powditch, Steve McKinney, and other top-tier minds from the mats.If you’re serious about Jiu-Jitsu, this is the 7-hour reset your brain needs before 2026.👇 Comment your favorite moment below — I might pin it.ISAJJ Experience Tickets: https://kick.site/rxi0b3voJiu-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 00:00 - Jack Taufer explains connection and belt rank22:13 - Why the Jiu Jitsu Community is falling apart45:00 - What makes Greg Souders tick?1:07:54 - Henry Akins and Micheal Zenga Breakdown what makes the best Jiu Jitsu1:35:04 - What is American Jiu Jitsu? | The AJJ Declaration of Independence2:07:44 - How to get your Black Belt in 7 Years2:27:36 - Worst Hot Takes of 20252:58:10 - Identifying every hateable person at your jiu jitsu school3:26:18 - Glyn Powditch teaches Breathwork for jiu jitsu and survivial3:58:10 - Warning: Jiu Jitsu is Ruining Your Life4:22:23 - How to use a Performance day4:38:22 - CJI is going to suck?5:16:56 - Josh loses in front of everyone but still has a better day than Ralph5:51:41 - Thank You Notes of 20256:09:19 - Steve McKinney | Life Hacks to live ForeverJack Taufer explains connection and belt rank - https://youtu.be/bDFFiauY3lcWhy the Jiu Jitsu Community is falling apart - https://youtu.be/hlCWCv327UcWhat makes Greg Souders tick? - https://youtu.be/R5XI3CfLV9gHenry Akins and Micheal Zenga Breakdown what makes the best Jiu Jitsu - https://youtu.be/tN-eIL7euSoWhat is American Jiu Jitsu? | The AJJ Declaration of Independence - https://youtu.be/KVSyAde-yrQHow to get your Black Belt in 7 Years - https://youtu.be/9RsayPzb-7EWorst Hot Takes of 2025 - https://youtu.be/UDmUl4cYvcsIdentifying every hateable person at your jiu jitsu school - https://youtu.be/mnCMwvx0erIGlyn Powditch teaches Breathwork for jiu jitsu and survival - https://youtu.be/7akgVE7vy0cWarning: Jiu Jitsu is Ruining Your Life - https://youtu.be/tgsV_8dsUJwHow to use a Performance day - https://youtu.be/8fMjTOiBAhYCJI is going to suck? - https://youtu.be/eNP9a4o12i4Josh loses in front of everyone but still has a better day than Ralph - https://youtu.be/Z7Tz-rEMy_4Thank You Notes of 2025 - https://youtu.be/VHah0cikGHgSteve McKinney | Life Hacks to live Forever - https://youtu.be/pDBVTmCKcsc
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Jan 1, 2026 • 2h 30min

#355 Josh Answers 40 Questions | How to Suck Less

This special is a rapid-fire AMA where I answer your questions on jiu-jitsu, coaching, competing, gym ownership, family life, burnout, bad ideas, good albums, worse warm-ups, and everything in between. From how to suck less as a white belt, to training 2–3x a week, to biggest failures, future goals, and what actually matters after the medals fade.Some answers are tactical. Some are honest. A few are probably controversial.All of them are real.Hit play, start the year smarter, and take one idea into training this week.Sign up for ISAJJxJiu-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 Champion’s Stay Present: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/csp 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
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Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 46min

#354 Bionic Rob Handshy and the CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: AJJ, TRT, and What's in my Gym Bag?

Bionic Rob Handshy, a longtime jiu-jitsu coach known for his candid insights, joins the conversation to explore the culture and philosophy of American Jiu-Jitsu (AJJ). He shares his views on community-building over strict affiliations and emphasizes innovative training methods. Rob reveals must-have items from his gym bag, shares gear advice, and discusses maintaining mat hygiene. The duo wraps up with some lighthearted holiday banter and reflections on the importance of inclusivity in the jiu-jitsu community.
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11 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 59min

#352 TRT Hot Takes

Dive into the hot topic of TRT in Jiu Jitsu, where opinions collide over cheating accusations and necessary performance enhancement. Enjoy humorous takes on TRT as gender-affirming care and personal stories of transforming training dynamics. The debate extends to lifestyle impacts on testosterone levels and the controversial idea of a steroid division. Josh explores the risks of TRT, from sales tactics at clinics to the long-term effects on health. Tune in for laughter and thought-provoking insights on navigating the world of performance enhancement.
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11 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 4min

#351: Jake Luigi: Creativity, Content Creation, and Burn Out | Less Impressed More Involved

Jake Luigi, a jiu-jitsu content creator and founder of the Outlier Database, dives deep into the realities of content creation in the BJJ world. He shares his experiences with burnout and the isolation that often accompanies such a creative journey. The discussion covers the balance between jiu-jitsu and business, the importance of keeping training enjoyable, and how the Outlier Database helps optimize learning. Jake also reveals his innovative plans for the future of the database, emphasizing a shift from financial motivations to creating genuinely useful tools for jiu-jitsu practitioners.
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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.
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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!

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