Bjjbrick Podcast- Bjj, Jiu-jitsu, Mma, Martial Arts, No-gi And Good Times!

This week we are very lucky to have a interview with the very inspirational Brian Freeman.Brian is a disabled vet with a T4 spinal cord injury with Brown-Sequard syndrome. He is from Rockingham, North Carolina. Brian enjoys training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, his 8 year old daughter convenced him to get on the mat. He started by taking private lessons first then transitiond into the regular BJJ class.Brian shares with us how BJJ has changed his life. BJJ has caused Brian to be more active then he was and also helped him with his lack of appatite. Jiu-jitsu has also given him more confidence.we also talk about Brian's:-First UFC experence-Favorite techniques-Unique challanges-Goals-Rwards that BJJ givesWe thought it would be ineresting to talk to Brian's coach BJJ Black Belt Roy Marsh (Team R.O.C.). Roy is co-owner of the Martial Arts Academy of Southern pines and he is the head instrctor of the BJJ program. Roy was kind enough to talk to us about training with Brian. Roy is a firm beliver that BJJ is for everyone.

This week we talk to Shawn about the business side of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  We get some great advice from Shawn about how to start your own gym or help make it more profitable.  We also get some advice for professional athletes, and how they can save some money.  He give some advice on where to go to get help making a business plan for the new gym owner. Shawn also gives tips about using social media to promote your business. Quote of the week: "If you work hard and smart, you will be successful in life" Renato Tavares Links Article of the week: Bjjee.com 20 warning signs of a BJJ McDojo SCKEDD.org this website is for Kansas but there are economic development sights like this for every state. SBA.gov  this website can help you get your business off and running, for free. If you need to contact Shawn email him here shawnr@cuofamerica.com

This week we bring you an interview with BJJ 5th degree black belt, Renato Tavares.  Renato has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 1974, thats 40 years!! Renato talks to us about: -Importance of having strong fundamentals -Comparing BJJ to life- He breaks down the different belt colors to different stages in life -A story about when he moved gyms and ended up loosing $40,000 and training in his garage.  Now today he has his successful gym with many students and 17 schools in his association. -Advice on competing for the first time.  He recommends doing a few smaller tournaments before doing larger ones.  Renato actually does some "in school" tournaments to give his students practice at competing. -The belt promotion requirements that have been set by the IBJJF.  This has become a big topic in BJJ, Renato helps clear up some confusion about the belt system. -Setting goals, he gives several tips on how to set goals and meet them. -He takes us through his warm up routine. -He shares some of his most happy m

In this weeks podcast Gary sits down for an interview with Dallas Niles.  we are found in, iTunes, and Stitcher radio, and our website BjjBrick.com Dallas Niles is a 29 year old purple belt.  He recently did a seminar at Wichita Jiu-Jitsu Club.  Gary took the opportunity to get a great interview. Has been training BJJ for about 6 years under Rafael Lovato Jr.  Dallas closed out the 2012 pan ams with Jarrod Dopp.  He has placed at the Europeans, no-gi worlds, and won american nationals. Dallas will be competing in the Europeans at the end of January.  After that he will be competing in a long string of tournaments for the next 6 months. Dallas shares with us lots of information about; training, motivation, goals, competing, coaching, dealing with losses, competing with wrestlers, go vs no-gi training, his favorite submission,hobbies out side of BJJ, and much more. Contact info: Of Dallas Niles His Facebook page here or Lavato’s Facebook page here Quote of the week – “If you think, you’re late. If you’re lat

Today we are going to be talking about the different types of white belts in BJJ.  You might be a white belt or you might be coaching one, this episode should be a benefit to anyone who trains Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Types of White belts Totally new:  You may appear to be a blank slate, but you are going to bring something different to the table.  Good for you for getting in there and trying it out.  In the long run this grappler should be a smooth rolling partner. Coaching tip- Make it fun. Wrestler:  We welcome this talented grappler to the BJJ mat.  Your years of hard work on the mat will pay off.  Find ways to adapt your game to dealing with the different positions and submissions.  Your mat strength and ability to scramble well are priceless.  We recommend Justin Rader's new DVD for any wrestler looking to transition into BJJ (we put a link at the Bottom of the page).  We talk about the big cultural difference between BJJ and wrestling.  Wrestlers get a big advantage in getting to compete a lot in a shor

We talk about the David and Goliath and other underdogs that found a way win.  What do these underdogs have in common?  If you are an underdog how can you turn it to your advantage? We talk about a book by Malcom Gladwell: David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants.  This book sheds a new light of the David and Goliath story. We compare David to Royce Gracie, in the early UFC. We also talk about Nick Newell, the one armed MMA fighter that continues to win fights.  And Anthony Robles the champion wrestler who is missing a leg. Quote of the week: both of these are from Rickson Gracie “Where there is discomfort there is fear.” “You have to find comfort in uncomfortable situations.” Links Article of the week: Zombiebjjpa.com “3 Tips for Beginners in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu”.  If you are new to bjj even if you have some experience this article makes some great points. Here is the video Gary sent to Craig.  Enjoy! Then send it an unsuspecting friend. Malcom Gladwell’s books: Outliers, Blink,

Short Bonus episode: What happened to Anderson Silva's leg? Today I am wondering like many of you, what happened to Anderson Silva?  Why did his leg break from his kick?  Can this type of injury happen to me?  How can I prevent this from happening. I call up my favorite medical professional, Paramedic Craig.  We don't know for sure what caused his leg to break but he says that a stress fracture is a likely cause.  We talk about what a stress fracture and what are the causes of them.  Craig also talks about the signs and symptoms of a stress fracture (tenderness, swelling, pain even after rest).  Stress fractures will go away on their own with proper rest and nutrition. Recovery for a broken tibia and fibula, is about 3 to 6 months. We briefly talk about what to do for a injured classmate and how to splint this kind of injury. We wish Anderson Silva the best of luck with a full and speedy recovery. Link to Episode 9 an interview with a paramedic, what to do when someone gets hurt in class. Link to the podcast

This podcast is available in iTunes and on Stitcher radio. Just about everyone will need to deal with an injury from time to time, this is a contact sport.  Today we talk about healing quicker, training with the injury and when to take some time off.  It is important to listen to your body, if it hurts it may be trying to tell you something. Craig talks about having problems healing due to cholesterol medicine.  Here is an article talking about the side effects of some cholesterol medicine. Gary and Byron both share stores of dealing with rib injuries.  Gary recommends keep working out with something, even if it is not BJJ.  He takes salmon oil from supplement u.  Gary will use a foam roller to help get rid of neck, back, and muscle pain. With some injuries like ribs or back, it will be painful to move so it will be too difficult to roll. If you can’t train, you can study a select move or two intensely.  When you return to the mat, you will have some new stuff to work on. We talk briefly about the need to ha

Today we have a good friend Craig on the show.  Craig has been in the emergency medical field for over 32 years, he is a paramedic.  Craig has been training Jiu-Jitsu for approximately 8 years.  He shares some of his knowledge about dealing with injuries that might happen during class.  We cover a lot of stuff in this episode! You could find yourself needing to know this information on or off the mat.  This episode should help you make the right decisions after an injury happens.  Craig helps us learn about these topics: How to determine if it is a serious injury and if you need to call for help What happens to your body if certain bones are broken? Tips on splinting an injured extremity, and when you are not going to be able to splint something When you should not splint an injury What to expect when an ambulance is called Internal bleeding What is an open fracture, and why you need to call an ambulance Tips on minimizing pain after an injury Tips on what should you do before the ambulance arrives What you c

We have a good mix of people talking about gi vs nogi training. Byron likes both, Gary is a nogi guy, and Matt likes the gi more but the nogi rules. The gi game can be described like a game of 5 vs 5.  More technical and slower pace. ·         More difficult to escape ·         Grips make a huge difference ·         More techniques The no gi game is like a 2 vs 2 basketball game.  Fast pace and lot more hustle. ·         Underhooks and overhooks are the “grips “ of no-gi ·         Leg locks become a big factor ·         More scrambles We talk about starting out your grappling career with the gi or without it. You should be rolling any chance you can.  With our without the gi. If you are interested in belt promotions you need to be training with the gi. Some of the best grapplers in your gym may be training with the gi.  Put a gi on and join them.     Quote of the week: Keep your friends close and your elbows closer. Article of the week: this week it is a video! Cobrinha break down from adcc 2013. From O

We break down and discuss the 12 commandments.  We don't always agree with the commands but they have a great overall message.  1. Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. 2. Speak to every one of happiness, health, and prosperity. 3. Give all your friends the feeling that they are valuable. 4. Look at things from a positive point of view and turn positivity into a reality of life. 5 Think only about the best, work only or the best, and always expect the best. 6. Be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are of your own. 7. Forget about past mistakes and concentrate your energy on the victories of tomorrow. 8. Always make those around you happy and keep a pleasant attitude to all those who address you. 9. Apply the largest amount of your time on self-improvement and no time in criticizing others. 10. Be too big to feel unrest, too noble to feel anger, too strong to feel fear, and too happy to tumble in adversity. 11. Hold a positive opinion of yourself and tell it to the wor

Jake is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Andre Tim Monteiro.  He opened up his own academy in Wichita Kansas about a year and a half ago.   Jake has done MMA, Muay Thai, and Jiu-Jitsu. We start off this interview about Andre telling us a little about Jake. Jake talks with us about: -Opening up his own school -His journey from white belt to black belt -His training philosophies -Training at different skill levels -Dealing with injuries -Overcoming Obstacles   Quote of the week "we are not here to knit" Jake Fox Article of the week The Bleacherroport.com "BJJ Has Lost it's Effectiveness as an MMA Base" Links: Fox fitness Fox fitness Facebook page Fox raw bars Facebook page The Bleacherroport.com "BJJ Has Lost it's Effectiveness as an MMA Base" Blackout fighting championships

Today we talk to Jason Bircher. He is a black belt under Renato Tavares, he has a BJJ club in Kansas City. Jason talks about his history in BJJ. He gives us several tips for competing. He will give you some great advice with developing your game. Throughout the interview you can tell Jason has a deep passion for BJJ. This interview is available in iTunes and Stitcher radio. Quote “The man is the size of his dreams” from Andre Tim Monteiro Article of the week- From Innerbjj.com “The Bjj Contrarian” LinksKCbjj.com If you are in Kansas City check out Jason’s gym. He is a great instructor and leads a fun class.Innerbjj.com “The Bjj Contrarian”Facebook page

We talk to Andre about His nick name “Tim” How BJJ has helped him reach his dreams He has 2 different types of BJJ games (in the gym, competition) Overcoming his first big loss as a kid His training schedule (he trains every day!) Andre gives great advice to students who are going to compete for the first time Get a game plan Train your game plan at the gym Stick to your game plan at the tournament Please listen to your coach on the side of the mat What he the does before an important match The slow progress in your own BJJ, and how to look at it differently The current rules in BJJ Should or could BJJ be in the Olympics Quote of the week: “Don’t practice until you get it right.  Practice until you can’t get it wrong.” Unknown Links Andre’s Facebook page Andre’s website Andre’s sponsors: Koral Fight co. Fightertech

Today we talk to John Castillo about BJJ and self defense. John Castillo: ·         BJJ Black Belt under Renato Tavares , he has been training BJJ since 1996.  ·         Midwest representative of Kapap under Avi Nardia ·         Trained with Moni Aizik in commando Krav Maga ·         Trained with Mordi Glam in Israel, doing Israeli Krav Maga There are three main aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 1.       Vale Tudo (MMA) 2.       Tournament Jiu-Jitsu 3.       Self defense (mostly viewed as a 1 vs 1 conflict without any weapons) Going to the ground in a self defense situation can be very dangerous. ·         You could get attacked by other people (human soccer ball) ·         Many people have knifes on them, it could be more difficult to get away from a weapon Some advantages of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a self defense situation. ·         It is a contact sport and you are more accustom to the stresses and discomfort ·         You could be able to hold someone down and not need to h

Tips for bringing a friend to your BJJ class Your main goals should be to keep your friend safe and to have fun.                 Keep them safe by helping them to roll with experienced grapplers that will not injure them.                 They will have fun if they are able to relax, BJJ is naturally fun. You are an ambassador for BJJ.                  To anyone that you know that doesn’t train, you are most like the best BJJ practitioner they know.  You may have only been going a month to BJJ class, but in their eyes you are the only person they know that trains.  You are their “Jiu-Jitsu guy” or “Jiu-Jitsu gal”.  Tell your friend what to expect for their first BJJ class.  They will be less nervous if they know what to expect. What is the format of the class? Warm up, technique, rolling…. Tell them about mat etiquette.  They don’t want to break these rules, but if they don’t know the rules they might be breaking them. Tell your friend what to bring. What should they wear?  Do they need

·         Practice leg locks- The more you understand and train leg locks the safer you will be. ·         Don’t force the leg lock- Submissions should not take all your strength to work.  Don’t strain too hard, be smooth. ·         Control your partner- Before you start applying the pressure have good control of your training partner.  ·         Work leg locks with more skilled people- Avoid putting leg locks on new practitioners; they will be more likely to get injured. ·         Tap when you get caught- It’s no big deal, if you get caught just tap. ·         Be aware of your own feet- You are often in danger when you are attacking someone’s leg.  ·         Tips for when to tap to- Heel hooks, Achilles lock, and Toe hold.   Quote of the week- “Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own.”  Bruce Lee Article- “It’s All in the Hips: Hip Care 101 for BJJ Practitioners” By Samuel Spiegelman Legal Leg Locks for BJJ by Roli Delgado- The App Gary talked abo