40 & FIGHTING

40andfighting
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40 & Fighting is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu podcast about training, competing, recovery and life as an older BJJ practitioner. Join our two hosts, John and Anthony, as they dive headfirst into the world of jiu-jitsu and beyond, while embracing all the entertaining aspects that life has to offer. In this exciting challenge, we'll explore the exhilarating world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as two men approaching the big 4-0, determined to stay active, fit, and mentally sharp. But that's just the beginning! Our channel is more than just BJJ – it's a vibrant mix of passion, humor, and everything that ignites our spirits. Get ready for thrilling discussions on the latest UFC fights, intriguing boxing matches, and the world of sports that captivates our attention. We'll dive into the ring, dissect the techniques, and share our thoughts on the fighters who inspire us. But it doesn't stop there! Life is meant to be celebrated, and we'll be raising a glass or two as we explore our favorite brews, dive into captivating discussions about the ups and downs of life, and exchange hilarious stories that'll leave you in stitches. Whether you're a fellow BJJ enthusiast, sports fanatic, beer aficionado, or simply someone looking for entertainment and inspiration, this challenge is for you. Join us as we navigate the highs and lows of staying active, pursuing our passions, and finding joy in the journey. Subscribe to our channel and hit that notification bell to be a part of the 40 & Fighting community, where laughter, camaraderie, and personal growth are at the heart of it all. Get ready to challenge yourself, unleash your inner warrior, and embark on this thrilling adventure with John, Anthony, and the entire 40 & Fighting family. The 40 & Fighting Channel Challenge starts now! Are you ready to join the fight? Let's go!

  1. Oct 19

    The Hidden Network Inside Every BJJ Gym | 40 & Fighting #151

    A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym is more than a place to train — it can become one of the strongest communities you’ll ever be part of. In Episode 151 of the 40 & Fighting Podcast, we dive into one of the most underrated parts of BJJ: the people you meet on the mats. Walk into almost any Jiu-Jitsu academy and you’ll find people from completely different backgrounds training side by side. Electricians, lawyers, doctors, mechanics, business owners, teachers, first responders, tech workers, tradespeople, parents, students — all sharing the same mat, the same rounds, and usually the same exhaustion. That creates a type of connection that is hard to find anywhere else. We talk about how those relationships often extend far beyond the gym. Need help with electrical work? Someone at the academy probably knows a guy. Need legal advice, a contractor, a mechanic, career guidance, or just someone to talk to? The people you sweat and struggle with every week can become one of the most valuable networks in your life. But what really makes the BJJ community different is that everybody suffers together. Rank, job title, income, age, and status matter a lot less when you’re exhausted, stuck underneath someone, fighting through a hard round, or helping a teammate prepare for competition. That shared struggle has a way of breaking down walls and creating friendships that might never have happened anywhere else. In Episode 151, we discuss: Why BJJ gyms create such strong communitiesMeeting people from completely different walks of lifeThe unexpected professional network inside a Jiu-Jitsu academyHow teammates help each other outside the gymWhy shared struggle creates deeper friendshipsTraining partners becoming close friends and familyWhy status disappears once you step onto the matsThe value of having a community as you get olderHow Jiu-Jitsu connects people who otherwise may never have metWhy the relationships can become as important as the trainingFor a lot of us, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu starts as a hobby and turns into a community. You may walk through the door looking to learn how to grapple, get in shape, or challenge yourself — and end up finding friendships, connections, and people who are there for you when life gets difficult. 👇 Let us know in the comments:What is the most unexpected friendship or connection you’ve made through Jiu-Jitsu? 👍 Like the video, subscribe to 40 & Fighting, and turn on notifications for more conversations about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, BJJ culture, training after 40, competition, friendships, family, and life on and off the mats. #BJJ #BrazilianJiuJitsu #JiuJitsu #BJJCommunity #BJJFamily #BJJLifestyle #JiuJitsuLife #BJJPodcast #MartialArts #Grappling #40AndFighting

    The Hidden Network Inside Every BJJ Gym | 40 & Fighting #151

  2. Oct 13

    The Masters Division Menace: Hector Beltran’s Path to Black Belt | Path to Black #9

    The Path to Black returns with Episode 9, and this one features one of the most exciting names making noise in the Masters division — Professor Hector Beltran. Hector has built a reputation for bringing technical, aggressive, beautiful Jiu-Jitsu to the competition scene, and in this episode we sit down to learn the story behind the performances. We talk about his journey to black belt, the people and experiences that shaped his Jiu-Jitsu, and what kept him pushing through the years it takes to reach the highest level. We also get into the other side of the journey: life as a gym owner. Hector opens up about the responsibility of running an academy, building a culture, teaching students, balancing business with training, and still finding the motivation to compete at a high level. Then we dive into his run through the Masters divisions, where he continues to break through barriers, test himself against elite competition, and show that high-level Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t have to be boring or conservative. In The Path to Black #9: • Hector Beltran’s journey to BJJ black belt • The people and moments that shaped his Jiu-Jitsu • Life as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym owner • Balancing coaching, business, family, and competition • His passion for the sport • Competing in the Masters divisions • The mindset behind his recent competition run • Breaking through barriers as a Masters athlete • Why technical, beautiful Jiu-Jitsu still matters • What keeps him hungry after earning the black belt • Advice for practitioners still on their own path The Path to Black is about more than the belt. It’s about the years of sacrifice, injuries, setbacks, mentors, victories, losses, and life experiences that shape the person wearing it. If you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, compete in the Masters division, run a gym, or are working toward your own black belt, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 👇 Let us know in the comments: What part of the black belt journey do you think changes a person the most? 👍 Like the video, subscribe to 40 & Fighting, and turn on notifications for more episodes of The Path to Black, competition talk, BJJ interviews, techniques, and stories from the Jiu-Jitsu community. 👇 Join the Discord and be part of the team https://discord.gg/MUgrpSc2nt Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting #HectorBeltran #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJ #BJJBlackBelt #MastersBJJ #BJJCompetition #JiuJitsu #BJJGymOwner #ThePathToBlack #Grappling #MartialArts #40AndFighting

    The Masters Division Menace: Hector Beltran’s Path to Black Belt | Path to Black #9

  3. Oct 5

    Judo Tournament Recap + JJWL Team Dominates | 40 & Fighting Ep. 150

    This week, we break down a recent Judo tournament and talk about how the team performed at JJWL, including the matches, the atmosphere, the lessons learned, and why competition is such an important part of growth in martial arts. We get into what makes Judo competition different, how the rules and pace change the way you approach a match, and what carries over into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We also recap a strong showing from the team at Jiu-Jitsu World League, where everyone put in work, tested themselves, and came away with valuable experience. In Episode 150: - Recent Judo tournament recap - What went well and what we learned - Differences between Judo and BJJ competition - JJWL tournament highlights - How the team performed - Competition mindset and preparation - Coaching, pressure, and staying composed - Why competing can accelerate your growth - Supporting teammates and building team culture - What’s next for the team Whether you compete regularly or are thinking about signing up for your first tournament, this episode is a reminder that competition is about more than medals—it’s about testing your training, finding weaknesses, and coming back better. 👇 Let us know in the comments: Do you prefer competing under Judo rules or BJJ rules, and what do you think is the biggest lesson you learn from competition? 👍 Like the video, subscribe to 40 & Fighting, and turn on notifications for more Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, competition recaps, training talk, and life on and off the mats. 👇 Join the Discord and be part of the team https://discord.gg/MUgrpSc2nt Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting #BJJ #BrazilianJiuJitsu #Judo #JJWL #JiuJitsuWorldLeague #BJJCompetition #JudoTournament #Grappling #MartialArts #BJJPodcast #40AndFighting

    Judo Tournament Recap + JJWL Team Dominates | 40 & Fighting Ep. 150

  4. Sep 21

    Time Off Might Be the Best Thing for Your BJJ + ADCC Matches Worth Watching | Ep. 149

    Sometimes the best thing you can do for your Jiu-Jitsu is… stop training for a minute. We’re back from vacation for Episode 149 of the 40 & Fighting Podcast, and after taking some time away from the mats, we get into something a lot of BJJ practitioners struggle with: allowing your body to actually recover. Those little nagging injuries—the sore shoulder, bad knee, stiff back, aching fingers—have a way of becoming normal when you train consistently. A little time off gave us a reminder that recovery isn’t necessarily lost training time. Sometimes it’s exactly what you need to come back feeling better, moving better, and actually wanting to train again. Especially as an older BJJ hobbyist, figuring out when to push and when to back off can be the difference between training for another few weeks and training for another few decades. We also jump into some of the ADCC action and talk about a few matches that stood out to us and were absolutely worth watching. From high-level technique and strategy to the moments that make elite submission grappling so entertaining, there was plenty to talk about. In Episode 149: Coming back to BJJ after vacation Why taking time off can actually improve your training Recovering from nagging Jiu-Jitsu injuries Training longevity after 40 Rest vs. pushing through soreness Returning to the mats without immediately overdoing it ADCC matches that caught our attention High-level submission grappling and BJJ strategy Staying motivated for the long haul The usual 40 & Fighting banter If you’re the type of person who feels guilty every time you miss a training session, this one might change the way you look at recovery. 👇 Let us know in the comments: Has taking a week or two away from Jiu-Jitsu ever made you come back feeling better than before? And which ADCC match was your must-watch? 👍 Like the video, subscribe to 40 & Fighting, and turn on notifications for more conversations about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, ADCC, BJJ competition, recovery, longevity, training after 40, and life on and off the mats. 👇 Join the Discord and be part of the team https://discord.gg/MUgrpSc2nt Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting #BJJ #BrazilianJiuJitsu #ADCC #JiuJitsu #BJJOver40 #BJJRecovery #BJJLongevity #SubmissionGrappling #Grappling #BJJPodcast #40AndFighting

    Time Off Might Be the Best Thing for Your BJJ + ADCC Matches Worth Watching | Ep. 149

  5. Sep 14

    BJJ After 40: Why Work Stress Can Make You Better at Jiu-Jitsu | Ep. 148

    What if the stress from your job could actually make you better at Jiu-Jitsu? In Episode 148 of the 40 & Fighting Podcast, we dig into the reality of balancing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a demanding career, family, recovery, and training after 40. For older practitioners, the challenge isn't simply finding time to train—it's figuring out how to keep progressing without destroying your body, burning yourself out, or letting the pressures of everyday life follow you onto the mats. But there's another side to it. The patience, decision-making, emotional control, and ability to perform under pressure that you develop in your professional life can become a serious advantage in BJJ. And the lessons learned while trapped underneath a training partner can carry right back into stressful meetings, deadlines, and difficult situations at work. This episode is about learning to roll smarter, recover better, protect your longevity, and turn pressure into an advantage. In Episode 148: • Why training BJJ after 40 requires a different approach • Balancing Jiu-Jitsu with a demanding career and family • Choosing training partners with longevity in mind • Dealing with younger, aggressive training partners • Setting boundaries without letting ego take over • Training for technical improvement instead of winning every round • Managing fatigue before you step onto the mats • Using wearables and recovery data to understand your body • Hydration, mobility, posture, and recovery during the workday • Tactical breathing and staying calm under pressure • How Jiu-Jitsu can improve your mindset at work • Turning professional stress into better decision-making on the mats • Building a realistic weekly training schedule • Avoiding burnout while still training hard • Creating a sustainable BJJ lifestyle for the long haul One of the biggest lessons of Jiu-Jitsu is learning that working harder isn't always the answer. Sometimes the person who manages their energy, stays calm, makes better decisions, and understands when to push—and when not to—is the person who lasts the longest. If you're balancing BJJ, work, family, fitness, and life after 40, this conversation is for you. Let us know in the comments: Has Jiu-Jitsu helped you handle stress differently outside the academy? Like the video, subscribe to 40 & Fighting, and turn on notifications for more conversations about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, BJJ longevity, competition, recovery, training after 40, mental performance, and life on and off the mats. Join the Discord and be part of the team https://discord.gg/MUgrpSc2nt Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting #BJJOver40 #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJ #JiuJitsu #BJJLongevity #BJJTraining #MentalToughness #BJJRecovery #Over40Fitness #Grappling #WorkLifeBalance #40AndFighting

    BJJ After 40: Why Work Stress Can Make You Better at Jiu-Jitsu | Ep. 148

  6. Sep 7

    Competing at IBJJF World Masters After 40: What Nobody Tells You | 40 & Fighting #147

    Episode 147 of the 40 & Fighting Podcast comes to you from a brand-new location — The Hive, the new home base for Sneakreaper. This week, we settle into The Hive and catch up after another busy stretch of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, competition, travel, and community events. A big part of the episode is Anthony's experience competing at IBJJF World Master, one of the biggest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments for Masters athletes. We talk about preparing for the event, stepping onto the competition mats, the level of competition at World Masters, and what you learn from testing yourself against experienced grapplers from around the world. We also give you a look at The Hive, talk about what Sneakreaper is building with its new home base, and discuss some of the events and projects coming up. In Episode 147: • Anthony competes at BJJ World Masters • What it's like competing in the Masters divisions • Preparing mentally and physically for a major BJJ tournament • Lessons learned from competition • Winning, losing, and continuing to improve • Our first podcast from The Hive • Sneakreaper's new home base • Building a stronger Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts community • Upcoming seminars and events • What's next for 40 & Fighting • Plenty of the usual BJJ talk and banter For those of us training and competing later in life, events like World Masters are a reminder that the goal isn't just winning medals. It's continuing to challenge yourself, stay healthy, improve your Jiu-Jitsu, and keep showing up. Let us know in the comments: Have you competed at World Masters, or is it a tournament you want to do someday? Like the video, subscribe to 40 & Fighting, and turn on notifications for more Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu podcasts, competition recaps, interviews, technique videos, and conversations about life on and off the mats. Join the Discord and be part of the team https://discord.gg/MUgrpSc2nt Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting #BJJ #BrazilianJiuJitsu #WorldMasters #IBJJF #BJJCompetition #BJJMasters #JiuJitsu #Grappling #BJJPodcast #MartialArts #40AndFighting

    Competing at IBJJF World Masters After 40: What Nobody Tells You | 40 & Fighting #147

  7. Sep 1

    3 Black Belts, 1 Journey: James O’Slattery on Judo, BJJ & Karate | The Path to Black #8

    What does a lifetime in martial arts actually look like? In The Path to Black Episode 8, 40 & Fighting sits down with Sensei James O'Slattery, a Judo Yondan (4th Dan), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, and Shodokan Karate Black Belt, to explore the story behind decades of training, teaching, and evolving as a martial artist. We go back to the beginning and learn how James first found martial arts, what drew him to Judo, how his journey eventually led him into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the experiences that shaped his approach to training along the way. This episode is about more than earning black belts. We talk about the different philosophies and lessons James has taken from Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and Karate, how the arts complement one another, and what keeps someone committed to martial arts over a lifetime. In this episode: • James O'Slattery's martial arts origin story • Becoming a Judo Yondan / 4th Dan • How he discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu • His journey to BJJ black belt • Training and earning a black belt in Shodokan Karate • The similarities and differences between Judo and Jiu-Jitsu • How traditional martial arts influenced his development • Lessons learned through decades on the mats • The evolution of martial arts and grappling • What it means to dedicate your life to training • Advice and perspective for the next generation of martial artists The Path to Black is about the stories behind the belt—the years of training, injuries, sacrifices, mentors, victories, setbacks, and life experiences that shape a martial artist long before they reach black belt. Whether you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Karate, wrestling, or another martial art, James' story offers a unique look at what a lifelong martial arts journey can become. Let us know in the comments: What martial art started your journey, and which one would you like to learn next? Like the video, subscribe to 40 & Fighting, and turn on notifications for more episodes of The Path to Black and conversations about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, martial arts, grappling, competition, and life on and off the mats. Join the Discord and be part of the team https://discord.gg/MUgrpSc2nt Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting #Judo #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJ #MartialArts #JiuJitsu #Karate #JudoBlackBelt #BJJBlackBelt #ThePathToBlack #JudoLife #Grappling #40AndFighting

  8. Aug 24

    40 & Fighting Podcast Episode 146 — How Jiu-Jitsu Changes Your Life

    Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has a way of becoming much more than just something you do a few nights a week. Episode 146 of the 40 & Fighting Podcast comes after a busy week for us. We talk about the Hive grand opening, some smaller seminars we helped run, and what it is like being part of a growing Jiu-Jitsu community. That leads us into a much bigger conversation about how Jiu-Jitsu can change your life. For many people, BJJ starts as a way to get in shape, learn self-defense, or try something new. Over time, it can become a source of confidence, discipline, physical health, mental strength, and some of the closest friendships you will ever have. We discuss how the people you meet on the mats can go from training partners to friends who become family, and why the Jiu-Jitsu community can become such an important support system when life gets difficult. We also talk about how lessons learned through BJJ—showing up when things are hard, staying calm under pressure, accepting failure, solving problems, and continuing forward—can carry over into everything outside the gym. In Episode 146: • The Hive grand opening • Helping with Jiu-Jitsu seminars • Growing the local BJJ community • How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu changes your life • The physical benefits of consistent BJJ training • Building confidence and mental resilience • Dealing with setbacks and difficult times • Why struggling on the mats can make you stronger off the mats • Training partners who become lifelong friends • How a BJJ academy can become a second family • Discipline, perseverance, and personal growth through Jiu-Jitsu • Why so many people say BJJ becomes a lifestyle Whether you are brand new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or have spent years on the mats, chances are BJJ has changed something about the way you approach life. Let us know in the comments: How has Jiu-Jitsu changed your life? Like the video, subscribe to 40 & Fighting, and turn on notifications for more conversations about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training, competition, health, family, friendships, and life on and off the mats. Website: https://40andfighting.com Join the Discord and be part of the team https://discord.gg/MUgrpSc2nt Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJ #JiuJitsu #BJJLifestyle #JiuJitsuLife #BJJCommunity #BJJPodcast #MentalStrength #MartialArts #Grappling #40AndFighting

    40 & Fighting Podcast Episode 146 — How Jiu-Jitsu Changes Your Life
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

40 & Fighting is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu podcast about training, competing, recovery and life as an older BJJ practitioner. Join our two hosts, John and Anthony, as they dive headfirst into the world of jiu-jitsu and beyond, while embracing all the entertaining aspects that life has to offer. In this exciting challenge, we'll explore the exhilarating world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as two men approaching the big 4-0, determined to stay active, fit, and mentally sharp. But that's just the beginning! Our channel is more than just BJJ – it's a vibrant mix of passion, humor, and everything that ignites our spirits. Get ready for thrilling discussions on the latest UFC fights, intriguing boxing matches, and the world of sports that captivates our attention. We'll dive into the ring, dissect the techniques, and share our thoughts on the fighters who inspire us. But it doesn't stop there! Life is meant to be celebrated, and we'll be raising a glass or two as we explore our favorite brews, dive into captivating discussions about the ups and downs of life, and exchange hilarious stories that'll leave you in stitches. Whether you're a fellow BJJ enthusiast, sports fanatic, beer aficionado, or simply someone looking for entertainment and inspiration, this challenge is for you. Join us as we navigate the highs and lows of staying active, pursuing our passions, and finding joy in the journey. Subscribe to our channel and hit that notification bell to be a part of the 40 & Fighting community, where laughter, camaraderie, and personal growth are at the heart of it all. Get ready to challenge yourself, unleash your inner warrior, and embark on this thrilling adventure with John, Anthony, and the entire 40 & Fighting family. The 40 & Fighting Channel Challenge starts now! Are you ready to join the fight? Let's go!

Information

  • Creator
    40andfighting
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    159
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 by 40andfighting
  • Show Website
    40 & FIGHTING

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