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
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!
Nov 20, 2020 • 2h 22min
Episode 441 - Roberto Godoi
Roberto Godoi joins the show to talk about training since the 80's and being part of one of Sao Paulo's most heated rivalries with his former partner. He also talks about the guard, self defense, grip fighting and the formation and growth of his team G13.
Nov 13, 2020 • 1h 56min
Episode 440 - Thomas Lisboa
Thomas Lisboa joins the show to talk about beginning BJJ back when it had a bad reputation in Brazil, why white belts shouldn't be focused on building a game yet and how offense can become defense. He also gives great insight on the crucifix position!
Nov 5, 2020 • 2h 22min
Episode 439 - Sean Daugherty
Sean Daugherty joins the show to talk about the early UFC days, training at the Lion's Den, the value of learning other styles and mental coaching. He also discusses the importance of pursuing passion, positive self-talk and advice for struggling students!
Oct 30, 2020 • 1h 46min
Episode 438 - Halloween 2020
Kurt is back for our 5th Halloween Special! Topics include cosplay, lame costumes, Ryan's embarrassing robbery story, best and worst treats, bad horror movies, sketchy food and radioactive areas. We also use an AI to make a movie plot based on Kurt's data!
Oct 22, 2020 • 1h 27min
Episode 437 - josh Ruiz
Sensei Josh Ruiz joins the show to talk about molding BJJ with Judo, making grips that matter and chaining techniques together. He also talks about the relation between throws and sweeps, customizing a curriculum and Judo for self defense!
Oct 14, 2020 • 1h 54min
Episode 436 - Joe Baize
Joe Baize joins the show to talk about unorthodox techniques, leg lock concepts and training dummies. He also opens up about battling depression through Jiu-Jitsu, building comfort with competition and learning to accept losses on the mats.
Oct 8, 2020 • 2h 44min
Episode 435 - Joel Bane
Coach Joel Bane joins the show and speaks candidly about his difficult youth and his military experience. He also shares technical mat advice from his diverse grappling background. Ryan and Joel also brainstorm ways to dominate the potato salad industry.
