We put you, our Jiu-Jitsu community, in charge of questions for this episode. We answer an array of listener questions about jiu-jitsu, promotions, dealing with different body types (boobs included), competition, and even a break dance battle scenario. Whether you're curious about belt promotions, starting a women's BJJ class, or just want to feel like you’re hanging out with a couple of your Jiu-Jitsu friends after class, this episode has it all. (00:00) Ask Us Anything (01:54) Who can give Jiu-Jitsu belt promotions? (04:28) Training with different body types in Jiu-Jitsu (08:09) Competiti ..read more

Are you ready to step up and coach your teammate at a Jiu-Jitsu competition even when you're not officially a coach?  Regardless of your rank, there are a number of ways to support your teammates during competition season.  Learn practical tips on timing, point calling, and strategically supporting your teammates, not only in competitions but also during training sessions. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just starting your journey, this episode promises to transform how you perceive supporting your squad. True empowerment in Jiu-Jitsu is about lifting each other up! Chapters ..read more

Have you ever been told you need to be "more aggressive" on the mats, only to find yourself awkwardly trying to manufacture anger toward your competition or training partners? Or maybe you've been labeled "too aggressive" at work when being direct about your boundaries, expectations, or needs. The line between assertive and aggressive is often blurry for women in BJJ and beyond. It’s time for a mindset shift. Assertiveness isn’t aggression; it’s clarity, confidence, and control. Let’s reframe how we go after what we want, on and off the mats, without forcing anger or being unfairly labeled. &n ..read more

Have you ever had to fight one of your friends or a training partner in a competition? Has the thought of fighting your friend ever kept you from registering for a competition? In this episode, we're helping you navigate that situation with what to do before the match, day of, and after. We’re sharing our insight and experiences from competing against our own teammates and friends.   Chapters (00:00) How do you feel about competing against friends and teammates? (03:21) The dynamics of fighting your friends (08:12) Setting expectations prior to the competion (15:56) Coping mechanisms for ..read more

How often do you feel FOMO, the fear of missing out, when it comes to Jiu-Jitsu? It can come up when you're scrolling your phone and you see a new camp or seminar pop up that you can't go to, you might be recovering from an injury, but you're afraid you'll lose ground or get passed by if you have to take time off the mat, and sometimes life, work, and family need to be your top priority instead of Jiu-Jitsu.  Jiu-Jitsu is hard enough without FOMO sneaking in and sucking more fun out of it. We've been there. We don't have all the answers, but we can share what works for us, or doesn't work ..read more

BJJ promotions bring a lot of big feels with them. We're discussing the gamut of Jiu Jitsu feelings in this episode from imposter syndrome to feeling passed over.  Promotions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are more than just milestones; they are reflections of personal growth, dedication, and your unique journey. Embracing the process and finding value beyond the belts creates a happier Jiu-Jitsu experience.  The Highlight Reel (00:00) Intro and the feels that come along with BJJ belt promotions (01:02) BJJ belt promotions and imposter syndrome (04:48) Why are you doing Jiu Jitsu - is it for ..read more

Did you do what you set out to do in 2024? Have you taken the time to review and reflect on the goals you set for 2024? Did you do any resets during the year?   Who do you want to be in 2025? Do you have a gameplan to become the person you want to be a year from now?   Did unexpected setbacks keep you from achieving your Jiu-Jitsu goals this year? AJ’s reflects on how her battle with a shoulder injury impacted her ability to reach one of her big goals and how she adjusted.   Struggling with consistency or motivation? We’re diving deep into the power of showing up—even when it’s ..read more

Does your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey have an expiration date? How can we ensure a lifelong journey with Jiu-Jitsu?  We lay out the core elements of achieving longevity in Jiu Jitsu, from injury prevention to smart recovery strategies in this episode. AJ reflects on navigating injuries and the importance of listening to your body. Jen shares her perspective on starting Jiu Jitsu at 47 and the deliberate decisions she makes to sustain her practice.  We also discuss complementary practices like yoga, strength training, and mobility exercises. From Epsom salt baths to theragun therapy ..read more

How much time have you spent working on the mental side of your Jiu-Jitsu game? Do you have practices in place to strengthen your mind and keep your focus? "The Mental Edge: Maximize Your Sports Potential with the Mind-Body Connection" by Kenneth Baum and Richard Trubo is the book that has inspired this episode.  Coach Rachel Casias recommended this book, so of course, we’re reading it! In this episode and the next, we’ll share what we’ve learned and how we’re applying it to our Jiu-Jitsu and life off the mat.  The Chapter Highlight Reel (00:00) Why We Are Reading The Mental Game: Ma ..read more

How important is your Jiu-Jitsu community? On a bad day, it might be the one thing that gets you to come back. On a good day, your teammates are there to cheer you on and celebrate your victories. Community forms the backbone of our Jiu Jitsu journey, whether it's the encouragement from a favorite training partner or the magnetic pull of the friendships we've formed along the way. This episode is packed with actionable advice on building and sustaining community, whether it’s being intentional about welcoming newcomers, hosting out-of-gym activities, or encouraging people to reach out when the ..read more