We recap the BJJ Atlanta Open, report on a new Muay Thai gathering, and talk to Rob Austin from the Big Jiu-Jitsu Podcast about martial arts in Germany, the early days of TFTC Academy, and whether Captain America would beat Sasquatch in a grappling match.

Rob Austin: Feb. 7, 2016

It's the Valentine's Day show! Listeners call in with tremendous stories about when they fell in love with their martial arts, the legendary Michelle Nicolini (whose logo is a heart) talks about her BJJ journey, and Trevor offers tips about when to start traveling to train during our new "Ask Coach Trevor" segment., 

The Love Show: Feb. 14, 2016

The first three rounds of March Martial Arts Movie Madness are in the books! Hear the results, voicemails from the judges, and everyone hating on Jeff for the matchups. Matches are announced for the ConcussionCast Carnival May 1. And we hear from Ali Heydary (son of Mazi Heydary from Chapel Hill Gracie Jiujitsu) about a relief project he's involved with that's worth supporting. 

March 13: Movie Madness, Carnival Match Announcements

Ever wondered what the most popular ConcussionCasts are? Jeff breaks down the top 10 shows of all time, with excerpts. Plus, the Great Northeast BJJ Podcast interviews Jeff, who shamelessly steals audio excerpts like a thieving rapscallion. Check them out: http://redwingsuperior.com/great-northeast-bjj-podcast/

July 3: Top 10 Shows of All Time. OF ALL TIME!

The first 12 non-Brazilian black belts are known, collectively, as the dirty dozen. They have amazing stories from the early days of jiu-jitsu in America, but in many cases, too little is known about them. Marc Baquerizo is the first American student of the legendary jiujitsu practitioner and UFC fighter Joe Moreira.  Marc was the fifth American to get a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but his BJJ Heroes biography simply says: "Not much is known of Baquerizo."

When we found out he'd been living in Raleigh for four years, we knew we needed to fix that.  Here's Marc Baquerizo in his own words, explaining how he chose to train with Joe Moreira, even though Joe spoke no English and Marc spoke no Brazilian Portuguese; talking about the Gracie Challenges, and his experience with those; and telling stories about a brawl with Tank Abbott, about meeting Kimo Leopoldo, and how tough Marco Ruas and Allen Goes are. You'll also hear his strongest memory of the day he got his black belt. The answer might surprise you. 

Marc Baquerizo, the 5th American BJJ black belt

Jeff recaps the IBJJF's first trip to NC while stuffing his face with vegan brownies and macadamia nut milk lattes. Interviews with local competitors Betty Broadhust, Eric Hable and Andrew Bitner bookend Jeff talking about why PREPARING to win is more important than the will to win.

Charlotte Open: Oct. 9, 2016

Chrissy Linzy of US Grappling joins us to recap their Greensboro tournament, and we make an exclusive announcement: US Grappling is coming to Charlotte in March! Learn about the history of the tournament organization over the past 10 years, its most memorable matches, the critical people involved, and the kids who have grown up with the tournaments.

Chrissy Linzy of US Grappling: Oct. 30, 2016

We recap Toro Cup 5, raising funds for Gis for GIs: Jeff is in studio with guest host John Bagels Telford breaking down the matches: interviews with competitors and coaches Greg Walker, Gustavo Machado black belt, Brandon Garner and Chris Lewter from Gracie Raleigh, Gabriella McAuliffe from Rio Pro BJJ in Ohio, and Tyler Smith & Travis DePriest from Revolution BJJ in Richmond. Plus, we preview US Grappling Richmond on Dec. 10.

Toro Cup 5 Recap: Nov. 10, 2016

We're thrilled to bring you an interview with a true legend: Leka Vieira started jiujitsu in 1992, walking into a room with 60 or 70 men training when she was just a 16 year old girl. 

She went on to become the first woman to win the black belt world championship, the first woman to promote another woman to black belt, and -- after leaving Brazil with "a few hundred dollars, a few sets of clothes and a big dream," became instrumental to the growth of jiujitsu in the United States. She's a three-time world champion. 

In this show we talk about the loss that hurt her most, why some black belts in America told her "don't try to bring American women into BJJ, you're wasting your time," why the old school era was the best era, what her toughest day of training ever was, about coming back from two ACL surgeries, and her burning desire to win.
 
You'll also hear her explain why she says "the system wants to separate us, but jiujitsu brings us all together."

Leka Vieira, 1st woman to win black belt worlds

We recap Next Level Fight Club's best card yet by highlighting four incredible finishes. We talk with Chris Herd, whose 13-second knockout was one of the night's most memorable, interview Cody Maltais, who guillotined his opponent in his return to the cage after a two-year absence, and shout out a few other insane finishes (like Allen Crowder's crazy slam knockout and Anthony Wright's guillotining his opponent to sleep). It's also the return of Trevor Hayes, who cornered two fighters on this card. It was supposed to be three -- find out what happened.

Next Level Fight Club 6: Jan. 29, 2017

Gold medalist from this past weekend's UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation Pro event in Orlando, John "Bagels" Telford, joins us to talk about his wins, his upcoming competition schedule, and the matchmaking process for Toro Cup 6 on Feb. 11. We preview the 20+ matches and discuss why Bryce Lighthall's dog Spike is probably responsible for Bagels' win. Plus, find out how YOU can get on Toro Cup!

John "Bagels" Telford: Feb. 4

Dominyka Obelenyte has won double gold -- weight and absolute -- at the past two black belt world championships. She hasn't lost in more than two years. We brought her in for two days of outstanding seminars, and here we talk to her about her technique for stopping the adrenaline dump, her series of matches with Mackenzie Dern, who her toughest opponents have been, what it was like fighting Gabi Garcia, the #EqualPayForBJJ movement, and -- most importantly -- her favorite Studio Ghibli films and top webcomics. You also get to hear her awesome impression of the Mundial announcer.

Plus: CrossFit athlete Sarah Homer talks to us about how you can work out for a great cause, coming in April, and we preview some upcoming US Grappling events and news! Photo for this episode by CAM Photos & Design. Give them a like on Facebook!

Dominyka Obelenyte: Feb. 26

One of the best nogi competitors in the world, Garry Tonon, joins us to talk about what medals matter most to him, the main mistakes leg lockers make, about his match against CJ Murdock, about what he’d tell himself as a blue belt, and exactly how much power he gains from his facial hair. Lourdes interviewed Garry on the mats at Renzo Gracie Manhattan! 

We also recap US Grappling Charlotte, and Jeff does brief interviews with veteran competitors David Porter and Andrew Bitner, along with first-time competitor Dylan McGrath. And ... we might have a bonus show this week, so stay tuned. 

Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, Cageside Fight Co. and the Armbar Box! Register online at usgrappling.com to compete at US Grappling Greensboro on May 20, and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com! For the Armbar Box: go to www.armbarbox.com/dwb for a chance to win a free new gi. Arm Bar Box is a subscription Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle Box delivering full sized jiu jitsu products to your door every month.

Garry Tonon & US Grappling Charlotte

Packed show this week, featuring pre- and post-match interviews with Toro Cup competitors Adli Edwards, Summer Carpenter, Chelsea Kurtzman and CJ Murdock -- plus a long featured interview with two-time Toro Cup winner Sa'idah Durkee and her coach, Isaac July, Jr.! Also, we announce some details about upcoming events, including a special show and a seminar you shouldn't miss.

If you want access to bonus content, you can support us at patreon.com/dirtywhitebelt, as Mark Cukro, Cody Maltais, Karl Krebs, Chris Holmes and Betty Broadhurst did this month -- thanks, y'all! Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, and Cageside Fight Co.! Register online at usgrappling.com to compete at US Grappling Richmond on June 24, and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com!

Isaac July Jr., Sa'idah Durkee & more from Toro Cup 7

We've always believed in the power of jiujitsu to change lives for the better -- and to bring people together across the lines that often divide us. RefugeeJitsu, a program in Charlotte founded by Renzo Gracie brown belt and Bible teacher J.M. Smith, is proving it. Every week a group of kids from all around the world, from different cultures and faith traditions, meets to train -- and learning jiujitsu together is having a tangible impact on their lives and the lives of others in the community. It's a beautiful story of what's possible from jiujitsu. You can learn more and get involved here: http://jmsmith.org/about/refugee-jitsu/

Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, and Cageside Fight Co.! Register online at usgrappling.com to compete at US Grappling Submission-Only Raleigh on July 29, and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com! If you want access to bonus content, you can support us at patreon.com/dirtywhitebelt, as Mark Cukro, Cody Maltais, Karl Krebs, Chris Holmes and Betty Broadhurst did this month -- thanks, y'all!

#RefugeeJitsu in Charlotte: July 2, 2017

Richard Bresler was Rorion Gracie's first regular American student, which means he was really the first person in the United States to train Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. He started training in July of 1979, 14 years before the first UFC.  That means he has a litany of incredible stories, including some from when Chuck Norris invited Rorion to Las Vegas, and Richard was the only non-Gracie to make the trip.There are stories from early dojo challenge matches, including what happened when Judo Gene Lebell asked Richard to roll.

We wanted to talk to Richard because he doesn't get enough credit for what he's done to spread Gracie Jiu-Jitsu throughout the United States and the world. He helped to finance the first Gracie Academy and to make the first UFC happen -- you'll hear about that as well. For most of us training today, Richard played a significant role in making that happen.  Bear that in mind when you're hearing Richard Bresler talked about how living with Rorion saved his life, and when you listen to him talk about visits with Helio, Carlos, Rickson and Rolls Gracie. 

Today we go straight to the source for stories of Gracie Jiu Jitsu in America. We also announce two new sponsorships of local athletes who applied!

Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, and Cageside Fight Co.! Register online at usgrappling.com to compete, and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com! If you want access to bonus content, you can support us at patreon.com/dirtywhitebelt, as Cody Maltais, Karl Krebs, Chris Holmes and Betty Broadhurst did this month -- thanks, y'all!

Richard Bresler, the first regular American jiujitsu student

How are writing and fighting related? Jeff and Betsy talk with two romance novelists who have written a three-book series set in the world of MMA. We talk about how stereotyping fighters (and fans) is misleading, what Ultimate Fighter contestant inspired one of the protagonists (the answer will surprise you, striking vs. grappling and why neither writers nor fighters want to leave it up to the judges.

We also update you on the Dirty White Belt Awards, and all the amazing nominees that have come in. Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, and Cageside MMA! Register online at usgrappling.com to compete on  Oct. 28 in Greensboro North Carolina -- and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com! If you want access to bonus content, you can support us at patreon.com/dirtywhitebelt, as Cody Maltais, Karl Krebs, Chris Holmes and Betty Broadhurst did this month -- thanks, y'all!

Writing & Fighting: Why Romance Novels are Like MMA

Dominyka Obelenyte, four time black belt world champion, is back in Durham teaching a seminar at Elevate MMA! We talk to Dom about the shoulder injury that's kept her off the competition mats (and why art is more dangerous to her than jiujitsu at this point). We also make plans for a Dom-designed DWB rashguard, the grappling camp in Virginia she's teaching next weekend, about equal pay for women in the BJJ world and much more. Plus, learn about her favorite grapplers of the moment to watch and about Dom's own competition future -- will she shift to a superfight focus?

Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, and Cageside MMA! Register online at usgrappling.com to compete on Dec. 9 at Submission Only Richmond -- and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com! If you want access to bonus content, you can support us at patreon.com/dirtywhitebelt, as Cody Maltais, Karl Krebs, Chris Holmes and Betty Broadhurst did this month -- thanks, y'all!

Arts, Martial and Otherwise with Dominyka Obelenyte

In Gordon Ryan's first ADCC, he won gold in his weight class and silver in absolute. At just 22 years old, he's cemented his status among the best nogi grapplers in the world -- and now he's headed to the gi divisions. We talk with him about who the toughest person he's ever rolled with is; who the best non-Danaher leg lock guy is, in his opinion -- and how far ahead the DDS is of everyone else in playing that game; and the real reason he incorporated strength training into his routine. Plus, we get some intricate technical details on the finishes he used at ADCC.

Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, and Cageside MMA! Register online at usgrappling.com to compete on Dec. 9 at Submission Only Richmond -- and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com! If you want access to bonus content, you can support us at patreon.com/dirtywhitebelt, as Cody Maltais, Karl Krebs, Chris Holmes and Betty Broadhurst did this month -- thanks, y'all!

It's Gordon Ryan's Time

The great Cobrinha just won the Grand Slam, and took gold at his third ADCC in a row. He talked to us about what the honor he's proudest of is, the keys to longevity and success in jiujitsu, balancing family, teaching and training. Enjoy this special bonus show!

Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, and Cageside MMA! Register online at usgrappling.com to compete on Dec. 9 at Submission Only Richmond -- and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com! If you want access to bonus content, you can support us at patreon.com/dirtywhitebelt, as Cody Maltais, Karl Krebs, Chris Holmes and Betty Broadhurst did this month -- thanks, y'all!

If Cobrinha Can Do It ...

Five time world champion and double gold Mundial winner Bernardo Faria joins us in studio for a great, wide-ranging conversation. Bernardo tells us who he considers the best competitor of all time (the answer may surprise you), what he learned from Fabio Gurgel and Marcelo Garcia, why entrepreneurs are drawn to jiujitsu, the difference wrestling made in his game, his thoughts on self defense and sport jiujitsu, the most common mistake most people make when doing the omoplata, and whether he's officially retired from competition. Bernardo has a new instructional series about the omoplata out this week: check it out!

Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, and Cageside MMA! Register online at usgrappling.com to compete on Dec. 9 at Submission Only Richmond -- and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com! If you want access to bonus content, you can support us at patreon.com/dirtywhitebelt, as Cody Maltais, Karl Krebs, Chris Holmes and Betty Broadhurst did this month -- thanks, y'all!

Bernardo Faria's new challenge

Veteran fighter and accomplished grappler Miguel Torres talks with Lourdes about a multitude of topics (including some breaking news). Learn about his experience with Traditional Martial Arts growing up; his' parents support, and the harrowing story of the first fight his mom watched; his thoughts on the IBJFF; when we'll see him compete again; training with Ricardo De La Riva & Carlson Gracie Sr., & who his Mr. Miyagi was; why he bonded with Carlson Gracie Sr.; helping out lower-income people who want to train; growing up as a nerd with a fanny pack; his favorite way to make tacos; and the magic of airbrushed gi patches.

Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, and Cageside MMA! Register online at usgrappling.com to compete in the New Year -- and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com! If you want access to bonus content, you can support us at patreon.com/dirtywhitebelt, as Cody Maltais, Karl Krebs, Chris Holmes and Betty Broadhurst did this month -- thanks, y'all!

Miguel Torres and Mr. Miyagi

It's the moment we've been waiting for -- the first annual DWB Southeast Jiujitsu Awards! Lourdes and Jeff announce 10 awards, and read emails and voicemails of support for the candidates. Listen to this show to know who won Jiujiteiro & Jiujiteira of the Year, Match of the Year, Most Inspirational, Peoples' Choice, Tournament Coach of the Year and Self Defense Instructor of the Year.

Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, and Cageside MMA! Register online at usgrappling.com to compete in the New Year -- and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com! If you want access to bonus content, you can support us at patreon.com/dirtywhitebelt, as Cody Maltais, Karl Krebs, Chris Holmes and Betty Broadhurst did this month -- thanks, y'all!

The First Annual Dirty White Belt Awards: 2017

It's been an amazing week for Raquel Pa'aluhi Canuto & Renato Canuto: after a stellar performance at KASAI Pro, they both won black belt gold at Nogi Worlds! Lourdes talks with each of them -- and talks to Kasai silver medalist Celso Vinicius and bronze winner Gianni Grippo as well. Grippo talks about the Berimbolo haters, whether he'll do MMA, competing in front of his parents and his lucky socks. We also talk with Junny Ocasio, who reflects on a performance that shows he can compete with the elite of the elite, and Cameron Florczak, who won in impressive fashion on the KASAI undercard. 

Raquel Canuto speaks with us about balancing coaching and competing; on having her on superfight while her husband is competing in a tournament; her MMA career in Invicta; winning Nogi worlds as a purple belt and brown belt before black belt; and more. Renato Canuto talks about never giving up on your dreams, shaving, and being a jiujitsu nerd while competing against jiujitsu heroes.

Enjoy this BONUS SHOW! Cameron Florczak is at 2:35, Junny Ocasio at 4:20, Gianni Grippo at 11:15, Celso Vinicius at 25:15, Raqual Canuto at 33:00 and Renato Canuto at 38:20. Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, and Cageside MMA! Register online at usgrappling.com -- and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com! If you want access to bonus content, you can support us at patreon.com/dirtywhitebelt, as Cody Maltais, Karl Krebs, Chris Holmes and Betty Broadhurst did this month -- thanks, y'all!

Raquel & Renato Canuto, Gianni Grippo, Celso Vinicius & more on the KASAI recap show

Gracie Raleigh's Andrew Bitner is a successful competitive brown belt and one of the area's most rigorous students of competition footage. Listen to his methods for breaking down techniques in use by the top competitors today, hear about how he started his journey, about who the best teachers he's been around are, and how teaching is a change of pace.

Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, and Cageside MMA! Register online at usgrappling.com to compete in Raleigh on March 3 -- and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com! If you want access to bonus content, you can support us at patreon.com/dirtywhitebelt, as Cody Maltais, Karl Krebs, Chris Holmes and Betty Broadhurst did this month -- thanks, y'all!

Andrew Bitner breaks it all down for you

Dr. Jose Tufy Cairus, a historian and professor at Brazil's Federal Institute of Santa Catarina, is one of the few scholars studying Brazilian jiu-jitsu jistory. Cairus' father was involved with Brazilian judo for decades, and the author himself trained with Carlson Gracie -- something you'll hear all about in this interview!

You'll learn what he things the biggest misconceptions about BJJ history are; who the first Japanese person to teach Kodokan Judo in Brazil was; who the first woman to train was; what the differences were between Jigoro Kano's judo at the time and the jiu-jitsu taught by Mitsuyo Maeda (who wasn't the only one using the "Count Koma" name); the critical role of Donato Pires dos Reis and Jacinto Ferro; the importance of Brazil's Navy in promoting jiu-jitsu, and how Maeda taught to the Brazilian Navy in the Amazon, including Luis Soto; Geo Omori and Takeo Yano's contributions to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; how Brazil's history, including the transition from the monarchy to the Old Republic to the dictatorship to the authoritarian estado novo affected jiu-jitsu -- especially a harrowing story about when Robson and Carlson were arrested by the Brazilian military government, and how they got out with the help of Helio Gracie & Helio Vigio.

Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, and Cageside MMA! Register online at usgrappling.com to compete in Columbia, SC, June 30 or July 14 in Charlotte -- and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com! If you want access to bonus content, you can support us at patreon.com/dirtywhitebelt, as Cody Maltais, Karl Krebs, Chris Holmes and Betty Broadhurst did this month -- thanks, y'all!

Jiu-Jitsu Historian Tufy Cairus on How BJJ Went Global

You probably know Robert Drysdale because he’s one of the most accomplished grapplers of his generation, having won both the IBJJF world championship and the ADCC absolute championship. What you might not know is that he’s a trained historian. And his project Closed Guard: The Movie, is going to be the first comprehensive film that tackles Brazilian jiu-jitsu history from a scholarly perspective. At the world championships this year, we sat down outside the Walter Pyramid with him to talk about progress on the film (slated for release toward the end of 2018), what surprised him most when researching the documentary and about the feedback he’s received so far.

Robert Drysdale is also coming back to Elevate MMA on Sep. 2 for a seminar, so for those of you who are in the Durham, NC area, don’t miss it! Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, and Cageside MMA! Register online at usgrappling.com to compete in Columbia, SC, June 30 or July 14 in Charlotte -- and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com! If you want access to bonus content, you can support us at patreon.com/dirtywhitebelt, as Cody Maltais, Karl Krebs, Chris Holmes and Betty Broadhurst did this month -- thanks, y'all!

Robert Drysdale Makes Jiujitsu History -- Again

Solo moms. Mothers by choice. Parenthood changes everything -- eventually, even the world. This is our entry for KCRW's #RadioRace 2018.

Original music provided by the Better Made and Voluptuous Panic.

KCRW Radio Race 2018 -- The New Normal: Nation of two

It's the final show of 2018! At Toro Cup 12, Lourdes interviews four young women who represent the future of grappling -- and the present as well, since all four competed on the superfight card. That card raised funds for the family of Rudy Fischmann, a member of the jiu-jitsu community who is battling brain cancer. You can support the Fischmanns' Fight here: https://www.gofundme.com/the-fischmanns-fight

Huge thanks to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ and Cageside MMA! Register online for 2019 tournaments at usgrappling.com, and remember that black belts compete for free. If you need gear to compete, the best products, prices and customer service can be found at cageside.com and torobjj.com.

Also major good luck this weekend to all friends of the show competing at no-gi worlds, including sponsored athletes Junny Ocasio and CJ Murdock! New season drops in 2019.

Toro Cup 12: The Fischmanns' Fight & The Next Generation

Special show: It's the 2018 Dirty White Belt Awards! We tell you who our distinguished panel of 7 judges voted for, and we play your voicemails about some of the winners and honorable mentions. Plus, an interview with Show the Art Finishers winner Austin "DuckJitsu" Daffron, who has a busy 2019 planned. 

A longer post will follow on the blog detailing the winners. Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ and Cageside MMA!

The 2018 DWB Awards! Plus, Finishers Series Winner Austin Daffron

Cindy "Sleeper" Hales is one of the first ever women to earn a black belt in jiu-jitsu, and is opening her own school in Lynnwood, Washington, this spring. One of the famous "dirty dozen" first 12 women black belts, Cindy talked with Jeff & Lourdes about jiu-jitsu history, training philosophy and vegan straight edge punk rock, among other things. Plus, we got to talk about Bikini Kill. Check out Cindy on instagram at @sleeper96!

Huge thanks to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ and Cageside MMA! Register online for 2019 tournaments at usgrappling.com, and remember that black belts compete for free. If you need gear to compete, the best products, prices and customer service can be found at cageside.com and torobjj.com.

Cindy Hales of Sleeper Jiu-Jitsu: One of the Dirty Dozen

You first heard from adaptive athlete Jess Munter a year ago, on the "Adaptive X-Men" episode. A lot has changed in a year, and Jess just notched a landmark win. We talked to her right after. 

Huge thanks to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ and Cageside MMA! Register online for 2019 tournaments at usgrappling.com, and remember that black belts compete for free. If you need gear to compete, the best products, prices and customer service can be found at cageside.com and torobjj.com.

Jess Munter at the Revolution: Quick Hit Episode

One of our first guests, Andrew Smith, returns to discuss how project — an online learning site called BJJ Path. Listen for details on how you can get a deal on the site. We also discuss best practices for learning jiujitsu, including why drilling classes are great.

Andrew Smith on BJJ Path

Felicia Oh is a legend of jiu-jitsu, the sixth woman outside of Brazil to earn a black belt -- but her origin story in the art involves the Y2K scare, the LA Marathon and Rudy Fischmann. The masters world champion and ADCC silver medalist talks to us about what training with Jean-Jacques Machado and Eddie Bravo was like, and how 10th Planet came about; about starting at 33 years old and becoming an elite grappler, competing against all-time-greats like Leticia Ribeiro, Megumi Fujii and more; nearly having to walk away from jiu-jitsu and MMA due to chronic fatigue, and how she beat the illness and came back; and way, way more. Thanks to Felicia Oh for this interview!

US Grappling comes to Frederick, Maryland this weekend, June 29! Support the tournament that's by grapplers, for grapplers, and has the best competitor experience around. Remember, black belts compete for free -- and register early for the Richmond, Virginia event on Aug. 3! Tell them we sent you.

Felicia Oh at Bellingham BJJ: June 23, 2019

Oliver Taza is already one of the best no-gi grapplers in the world just 7 years after starting jiujitsu. He talks with us about how great instruction contributes to his success, about the mental and physical challenge of recovering from ACL surgery, about the similarities and differences between Firas Zahabi and John Danaher, and much more. We also talk about the new podcast he's launched with Pierre-Olivier LeClerc, the Off Balance podcast, which you can check out wherever you get your podcasts.

Thanks as always to our sponsors! US Grappling comes to Raleigh, North Carolina, on Jan. 4. Support the tournament that's by grapplers, for grapplers, and has the best competitor experience around. Remember, black belts compete for free -- and register early for the Richmond, Virginia event in April! Tell them we sent you. We're also sponsored by Intellitonic. Rooted right here in Bellingham, Washington, Intellitonic is a Bellingham SEO and digital marketing agency with national reach. If you’re interested in Search Engine Optimization or Pay Per Click marketing, Intellitonic is a great choice.

Oliver Taza on technique, instruction, and returning from injury: Dec. 21, 2019

Ever wanted window inside a black belt test? A few months ago, Jeff -- and two other brown belts from his school -- were told to be prepared for anything on Dec. 15. Betsy talked to each of them before, during and afterward. Check this show out for an inside look at one of the most important days in a jiu-jitsu journey.

Thanks as always to our sponsors! US Grappling comes to Atlantic City, NJ on April 4, Richmond VA on April 2, and Greensboro NC on May 2. Support the tournament that's by grapplers, for grapplers, and has the best competitor experience around. Remember, black belts compete for free -- and register early for the Richmond, Virginia event in April! Tell them we sent you. We're also sponsored by Intellitonic. Rooted right here in Bellingham, Washington, Intellitonic is a Bellingham SEO and digital marketing agency with national reach. If you’re interested in Search Engine Optimization or Pay Per Click marketing, Intellitonic is a great choice.

Inside a Black Belt Test

It's a time of upheaval and uncertainty in the jiujitsu community. We talked to four academy owners (five including Jeff) from both coasts and a wide range of experiences about how they're responding to the crisis -- by serving students in new ways and thinking about supporting the BJJ community at large. Our panel included James Foster (Foster Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, open 17+ years), Cody Maltais (Elevate MMA Academy, open 4 years), Hillary VanOrnum (Unicorn Jiujitsu, open 10 months) and Cindy Hales (Sleeper Jiujitsu, open 6 months). Check it out to hear us share ideas about how we can weather this storm together and come out stronger on the other side. 

Thanks as always to our sponsors! US Grappling is our favorite tournament organization for many reasons, and usgrappling.com is the place to find all the news about upcoming events. We're also sponsored by Intellitonic. Rooted right here in Bellingham, Washington, Intellitonic is a Bellingham SEO and digital marketing agency with national reach. If you’re interested in Search Engine Optimization or Pay Per Click marketing, Intellitonic is a great choice.

Academy owners respond to coronavirus

Dr. Wendy Rouse is a historian who has studied the origin of the women's self defense movement, as well as early jiu-jitsu in America -- including how President Theodore Roosevelt played a role in changing perceptions of this new-to-Americans art as an "unmanly" art. She's a professor of history at San Jose State University and the author of a book and many articles on these subjects. 

Check out some of the materials we reference in the conversation, including Dr. Rouse's article "Jiujitsuing Uncle Sam: The Unmanly Art of Jiujitsu." https://online.ucpress.edu/phr/article/84/4/448/81155/JiuJitsuing-Uncle-SamThe-Unmanly-Art-of-JiuJitsu

Dr. Rouse's book, "Her Own Hero: The Origins of the Women's Self Defense Movement." https://nyupress.org/9781479828531/her-own-hero/

Dr. Rouse's Presentation at the California State Historical Society. https://youtu.be/Nu0FjzlXPXg?t=2373

And this presentation by May Whitley, whose video we reference in the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLIE1GKfluk

Dr. Wendy Rouse: The History of Women's Self Defense Jiu-Jitsu

The Dirty White Belt Radio show focuses on jiu-jitsu life and culture. Listen every Sunday on iTunes, Stitcher & Soundcloud for interviews with prominent BJJ figures, experts on fitness & nutrition, outstanding MMA practitioners and much more. 

www.dirtywhitebelt.com
Twitter: @dwbbjj, @jeffshaw
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(We used to be the Cageside ConcussionCast)
Our guests include top-tier fighters, teachers and trainers. We’ll let these experts explain how North Carolina became a jiu-jitsu hotbed, what fights to watch and when, how to execute techniques and what walkout music you should pick for your fight. We also promise fun and vegan recipes with a minimum of blunt trauma, but a maximum of entertainment.

Dirty White Belt Radio

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