The BJJ Fanatics Podcast
Ryan Ford
Our mission with this podcast is to help YOU grow on the mats! We do this by presenting deep, insightful interviews every week with the best athletes, coaches and legends of BJJ and Grappling. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge about technique, BJJ culture or the history of the art, every episode is loaded with advice and lessons from the best in the game. The host Ryan Ford conducts each interview in a casual setting, which makes it easy to see the human side of the stars of our sport and get to know their story while also learning more for your own development. New episodes are available every week, and we have over 500 episodes for you to enjoy as well, which is over 800 hours of entertainment and knowledge! We hope you enjoy it!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 27, 2021 • 1h 36min
Episode 451 - Rayron Gracie
Rayron Gracie joins the show to talk about the unique experience of growing up in the Gracie family, his acquired taste for Jiu-Jitsu and the importance of persistence. He also speaks candidly about his father Ryan Gracie and the upcoming film about him.
Jan 22, 2021 • 2h 15min
Episode 450 - Chris Brennan
Chris Brennan joins the show to tell his powerful story of overcoming addiction and street life to become an American pioneer in MMA. He talks about the very early days of MMA in the US and fighting in Brazil and Japan. He also gives insight on the Kimura
Jan 14, 2021 • 1h 41min
Episode 449 - Kody Steele
Kody Steele joins the show to talk about transitioning from Wrestling to BJJ, developing a take down game and diet and conditioning. He also talks about overcoming shyness, his future ambitions in MMA and he also reveals his abilities as a cat whisperer!
Jan 6, 2021 • 1h 57min
Episode 448 - Andre Terencio returns
Andre Terencio returns to talk about school ownership, building a strong curriculum, his BJJ for law enforcement program, heel hooks in the IBJJF and social projects in Brazil. He also gives advice for anyone struggling with weight management.
Dec 31, 2020 • 2h 23min
Shawn Williams returns
Shawn joins the show for the 3rd time to talk about moving from LA, opening a new academy on the east coast, maintaining skills, patience while rolling and running an apparel brand. He also gives technical insight to the Williams guard and leg pummeling!
Dec 23, 2020 • 2h 41min
Episode 446 - Kody Hamrah
Coach Kody is the dedicated wrestling coach of Demian Maia and Shogun Rua. A lifelong wrestler and former NCAA D1 team captain, Kody shares his thoughts on Wrestling for BJJ, mindset and the value of failures. He also talks about his time spent in Brazil!
Dec 16, 2020 • 2h 29min
Episode 445 - Richard Bresler
The first American to train BJJ, Richard Bresler joins the show to talk about finding the art in the 70's and how it helped him overcome addiction. He also talks about the Gracie Garage, challenge matches, self defense and the birth of the UFC.
Dec 9, 2020 • 1h 39min
Episode 444 - Omar Lira
Professor Omar Lira was one of Ryan's first instructors in Jiu-Jitsu. He joins the show to talk about starting BJJ in the 90's, how Jiu-Jitsu pulled him away from an unhealthy lifestyle and the decision to become an instructor.
Dec 4, 2020 • 1h 25min
Episode 443 - Jon Blank
Jon Blank joins the show to talk about starting Jiu-Jitsu with a Wrestling background, quitting his job for Jiu-Jitsu, opening an academy and and why he doesn't use contracts for students. He also gives advice for competitors and why he loves Sub-Only
Nov 27, 2020 • 1h 39min
Episode 442 - Karel "Silverfox" Pravec returns
Silverfox is back! We catch up with him and what he's been up to since the pandemic and discuss gym culture, academy expansion, selecting enforcers, managing egos and overcoming plateaus. He also gives technical insight to armbars and guillotines!
