Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu

Joe Motes
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 Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu: Fuel for Your Roll, On and Off the Mats Whether you're fresh into your white belt journey or deep into black belt life, Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu is brewed for you. This podcast explores the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through the lens of curiosity, community, and a strong cup of coffee. We dive into the topics that matter training plateaus, competition prep, injury recovery, gym culture, mental toughness, belt progression, and yes, even that first awkward day on the mats. Each episode is crafted to help new practitioners find their footing and give long-time grapplers something fresh to think about. You’ll hear: Real conversations with teammates, coaches, and special guests from all belt levelsHonest takes on the highs, lows, and lessons of BJJFuel and flavor because what’s training without good coffee? Join us for episodes that blend technical insights, off-the-mat stories, and community shoutouts. It’s a podcast that respects the grind, celebrates the journey, and keeps your mind as sharp as your game. Roll with us. Sip with us. Welcome to Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu. Let's Connectcaffeinatedjiujitsu@gmail.com Join the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Community!!@caffeinated_jiujitsu

  1. 5D AGO

    Episode #38 - The General, Master Fabio Gurgel: Building Champions, Teams, and The Future of Jiu Jitsu

    Send us a text Sitting down with Master Fabio Gurgel, we go straight to the roots and then build forward: why the art’s foundations haven’t changed, how techniques evolve without abandoning first principles, and what it really takes to keep people training for decades. Master Gurgel shares a candid origin story from Rio karate detour, street confidence, and the first class that changed everything then breaks down the growth curve from small brackets where everyone knew each other to a global scene where masters divisions fill stadiums. He makes a clear, data-informed case for gi training as the most accessible and sustainable path for the majority of adults while still respecting no-gi’s athletic demands and innovations. The takeaway isn’t “this vs that,” it’s “one art, many expressions,” and a call for instructors to stop defending blind spots by attacking styles they don’t teach. We dive into competition as a mirror: a place to impose a plan, hide weaknesses, and practice emotional control when nothing feels normal. Master Gurgel offers a useful distinction for first-timers survive vs impose and explains how to move from endurance to execution. From there, we trace the birth of Alliance: unifying teammates under one banner, then building a scalable methodology so beginners learn safely, fundamentals travel well, and schools feel like home whether you’re a hobbyist or a world-class competitor. Leadership, in his view, is sharing the dream creating opportunities, promoting others, and refusing complacency. The future looks young and bright. Kids’ programs are booming when grouped by developmental stage, and real training beats screen dopamine every time. Social media becomes a study tool when used with intent think Marcelo Garcia’s butterfly guard, not endless scrolling. The real challenge ahead is retention: clear communication, consistent structure, and a culture that makes people better on and off the mats. If fewer than 5 percent compete, what are we doing for the other 95? That’s where the art either grows up or fades. If this conversation sharpened your thinking, hit follow, share it with a teammate, and leave a review so more practitioners can find it. What mindset are you bringing to your next round: survive or impose? Grab a Copy of Unshakeable: http://bit.ly/4pTtxdP Connect with Master Gurgel on Instagram: @fabiogurgel Learn More about Alliance Jiu Jitsu Team: https://www.allianceofficial.com/en/ https://youtu.be/9rL4L4GNJf0 Support the show Join the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Community on IG @caffeinated_jiujitsu Got Questions? Want to be a guest? Let's connect caffeinatedjiujitsu@gmail.com

    1h 12m

  2. JAN 19

    Episode # 37 - Fortitude On The Mats: A Window Into Self-Defense, Confidence, and Jiu Jitsu

    Send us a text Holli LaMarque of Fortitude Defense shares a clear path for people who don’t see themselves as fighters to become hard targets: stand tall, make eye contact, use your voice, and have a plan if kindness fails. We unpack her Embolden–Equip–Empower framework and why each stage matters. Embolden builds courage and presence so you stop advertising vulnerability. Equip layers in high-percentage techniques that hold up under pressure wrist releases, wall escapes, palm and knee strikes, positional control. Empower teaches you to take charge when escape isn’t possible: mount, side control, back takes, and chokes that work for smaller bodies. We compare sport jiu-jitsu to street realities, highlighting what transfers (timing, breathing, composure, leverage) and what to simplify (no fancy flying arm bars in a gas station). Holli tackles tough myths head-on: you do not need to “get fit first,” and a single workshop won’t make you safe. She redesigned Fortitude around a Lifer model one investment for Levels 1–3 with unlimited refreshers so skills and mindset get real reps. We talk kids’ self-defense, spotting grooming and domestic violence red flags, and why trauma-aware coaching matters. You’ll hear practical drills to raise your presence eye contact, confident greetings, posture and why ground skills are a must for women and smaller folks. Holli also shares her own game (mount pressure, guillotines, Ezekiel Chokes, triangles) and how competing and cross-training sharpen her teaching. If you care about personal safety, confidence under pressure, and the blend of mindset plus mechanics, this conversation gives you a roadmap. Follow Fortitude Defense on Instagram, check classes at fortitudedefense.com, and connect with us on the Caffeinated Jiu-Jitsu Instagram. If this helped, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a confident plan. Visit https://fortitudedefense.com/ Connect on Instagram @fortitude_defense Support the show Join the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Community on IG @caffeinated_jiujitsu Got Questions? Want to be a guest? Let's connect caffeinatedjiujitsu@gmail.com

    1h 6m

  3. JAN 15

    Episode #36 - Returning With Intention: Letting Go Of The Need To Be Good At Jiu-Jitsu

    Send us a text A late night drive after class can turn into a spiral: replayed rounds, imagined judgments, and the quiet pressure to be great at jiu-jitsu. We decided to confront that pressure head on and rebuild a healthier way to train one that trades validation for longevity and brings back the simple joy of learning. With a renewed plan for 2026 and a mix of solo reflections and real conversations across the community, we’re focusing on depth, consistency, and the kind of honesty that keeps people on the mat. We unpack where pressure hides: comparisons that happen even when you try to avoid them, highlight reels on social that sell the illusion of straight-line progress, and unspoken academy expectations that make you feel like you should win certain rounds or never ask basic questions. We look at how identity can twist a rough night into a referendum on who you are, and how that fear narrows your game until play disappears. The antidote isn’t to stop caring; it’s to redefine what “good” means. Think awareness over dominance, sustainability over spikes, and honest reps over curated outcomes. You’ll hear practical ways to train lighter and improve faster: set a single intention per session, protect curiosity, and zoom out beyond a bad day or week. We talk leg locks, inversion experiments, and why giving yourself permission to be “bad” for a while is often the fastest path to real skill. We also touch on culture why humility wins, how positive leadership makes progress feel possible at any age, and why patience is baked into the belt system for a reason. If you’re competing this year, you’ll get a balanced mindset for pursuing medals without letting pressure steal your sleep. Subscribe, share this with a teammate who needs it, and leave a review with the single intention you’ll try next class.  Support the show Join the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Community on IG @caffeinated_jiujitsu Got Questions? Want to be a guest? Let's connect caffeinatedjiujitsu@gmail.com

    42 min

  4. 10/21/2025

    Episode #35 - Caleb Holland and The Iron Wolf Tale

    Send us a text A lot of schools say, “iron sharpens iron.” Few build an entire culture around it. We sat down with Professor Caleb Holland, owner and head coach of Iron Wolf Academy in Braselton, GA, to unpack how a humble school without a sign on the door grew to a packed mat by focusing on faith-driven values, clear standards, and relentless community. Caleb shares the origin of the Iron Wolf name, why the vibe is designed not accidental and the three rules that guide everything: take care of your partner, do your best, and have fun. Caleb’s path to black belt winds through tang so do and judo, into Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a humbling early tournament, and a knee injury right after earning black belt. The turning point? Returning at the Charleston Open, losing on points, and still realizing he belonged at black belt. He credits influence from judo coach Max Andrews and Atos black belt Kristian Woodmansee, plus years of cross-training that shaped his lens on modern leg locks, takedowns, and the balance between Gi and no-Gi. We go deep on coaching: moving from technique lists to concept-first teaching, why short specific rounds sharpen competitive scrambles, and how early exposure to heel hooks actually makes rooms safer. Caleb explains why stand-up matters judo and wrestling included and how a women-led program created space for safer learning and real confidence. We also talk culture at scale: hygiene and standards, clean music and language, the role of faith, and why referrals beat ads when your room delivers consistent results and care. If you’re a practitioner, you’ll get practical insights on building a game that fits your body and goals. If you’re a coach or owner, you’ll hear hard-won lessons on structure, growth, and guarding the vibe. Hit play, then tell us: what’s the one standard your gym should never compromise? Enjoyed this one? Follow, share with a teammate, and leave a quick review to help more grapplers find the show. Support the show Join the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Community on IG @caffeinated_jiujitsu Got Questions? Want to be a guest? Let's connect caffeinatedjiujitsu@gmail.com

    1h 52m

  5. 10/16/2025

    Episode #34 - Why We Keep Showing Up

    Send us a text Coffee in hand, gi on the chair, and a question that won’t let go: why do we keep showing up to jiu-jitsu long after the first aches fade? I’m back after travel, training in Manila and Vegas, and a much needed reset to unpack the hidden reasons BJJ becomes more than a hobby and why it quietly reshapes who we are. We start with the gateway motives fitness, self-defense, a friend who wouldn’t stop asking and drill down to what keeps us obsessed: earned control in a chaotic world. When life’s loud, the mat simplifies everything to breath, frames, timing, and honest feedback. No judgment, just taps and tries. That clarity draws in high-stress pros, parents, and service members who need a place where effort lands and focus returns. Then there’s connection without words. Rolling builds trust across language, politics, and background. The academy becomes a rare kind of community where names are remembered and absence is noticed. We talk about how those bonds feel tribal and how shared struggle builds respect that lasts longer than any stripe. We also face the hard part: healing through hardship. BJJ doesn’t flatter or pity; it meets you where you are and asks you to breathe, adjust, and try again. For many, that rhythm helps process grief, depression, and anxiety. The mat becomes moving therapy steady, honest, and grounding. From there, identity and belonging take root. Not a purchased persona, but an earned one based on integrity, humility, and consistency. It’s a place to be seen for how you show up, not what you own. By the end, the throughline is clear: we stay because jiu-jitsu helps us become the person, we want to be more patient, disciplined, confident, and alive. If that resonates, hit play, reflect on your own “why,” and share this with someone who might need a nudge onto the mat.  Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what’s your hidden reason to train? Support the show Join the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Community on IG @caffeinated_jiujitsu Got Questions? Want to be a guest? Let's connect caffeinatedjiujitsu@gmail.com

    31 min

  6. 07/13/2025

    Episode #33 - Maximizing Your Mat Time Through Strategic Note-Taking

    Send us a text Ever walked out of BJJ class feeling like you've just learned the perfect technique, only to completely forget it by the next day? You're not alone. This episode dives into the game-changing practice of strategic note-taking for jiu-jitsu practitioners at every level. The martial journey becomes exponentially more rewarding when you pair physical training with deliberate mental processing. Using the "3S Method" (Situation, Steps, Success/Struggle), you'll learn how to capture essential details from each class in a way that actually sticks. Whether you're struggling to remember basic positions as a white belt or refining complex sequences as a colored belt, this framework transforms scattered impressions into organized knowledge. Timing matters enormously when documenting your training. Those who take notes immediately after class retain significantly more than practitioners who wait until later. We explore practical approaches to make this habit sustainable, from bench-side jotting to voice memos that can be expanded later. The format whether traditional notebook or specialized BJJ app should match your personal style and routine. The true power of BJJ journaling lies in pattern recognition. By consistently documenting your training, you'll start noticing which techniques naturally work for your body type and movement style. These insights help you develop a personalized game rather than simply collecting random techniques. Plus, having a training history to revisit when you're stuck in a technical rut provides immediate solutions from your past successes. Ready to accelerate your progress on the mats? Join our growing Instagram community @caffeinatedjujitsu and share your own note-taking methods. We'd love to see snapshots of your BJJ journals and hear how documentation has transformed your training. Subscribe, leave a review, and remember—drilling plus reflection is where the magic really happens. Support the show Join the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Community on IG @caffeinated_jiujitsu Got Questions? Want to be a guest? Let's connect caffeinatedjiujitsu@gmail.com

    39 min

  7. 07/05/2025

    Episode #32- The Other Side of the Mat & The Betrayal: The Return of Bad Jackie

    Send us a text What does it truly mean to be a woman in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Multiple-time IBJJF champion and brown belt Jacqueline "Bad Jackie" Young returns to Caffeinated Jiu-Jitsu to explore this question with raw honesty and hard-won wisdom. From the mat to the competition arena, Jackie shares how being consistently underestimated has become a source of empowerment rather than frustration. "My favorite part about jiu-jitsu is that I'm a woman," she reveals, explaining how the surprise on opponents' faces when technique trumps strength has fueled her competitive fire across 17 IBJJF Open Championships, back to back IBJJF World Championships, and recently her NFT Title win.  The conversation takes a powerful turn when Jackie courageously recounts her recent personal story  who manipulated her for two years, leading to heartbreak just days before her planned wedding. This devastating experience highlights the darker side of gym culture that women must navigate. Yet even more revealing is how the broader jiu-jitsu community rallied around her with unwavering support, demonstrating the true spirit of martial arts at its best. For women considering BJJ, Jackie offers practical guidance on selecting the right gym environment: research thoroughly, look for female representation, and understand the instructor's background. Her advice extends beyond technical aspects to the psychological journey: "Don't pressure yourself to be good immediately—comparison is the thief of joy." Whether you're a woman curious about starting BJJ, a male practitioner seeking to better understand your training partners, or someone who simply loves powerful stories of resilience, this episode offers invaluable perspective from someone who's experienced both the shadows and brilliance of life on the mats. Support the show Join the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Community on IG @caffeinated_jiujitsu Got Questions? Want to be a guest? Let's connect caffeinatedjiujitsu@gmail.com

    1h 5m

  8. 06/16/2025

    Episode #31 - Is Jiu Jitsu for Me? I'm Glad You Asked!

    Send us a text Considering stepping onto the jiu-jitsu mats for the first time but feeling hesitant? This episode is your complete roadmap to beginning your BJJ journey with confidence and clarity. After returning from a brief hiatus, I'm diving into everything the curious newcomer needs to know about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – from what it actually is (think chess meets wrestling) to who it's truly for (spoiler: everyone). Drawing from my own experience as someone who once nervously walked into a gym feeling completely out of my element, I break down the myths that might be holding you back. "I need to get in shape first" and "I'm too old to start" are just two of the misconceptions I dismantle, sharing stories of practitioners who began in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. We explore what your first class will really feel like, what to wear, and the unwritten etiquette that will help you feel at home from day one. I also offer crucial guidance on finding the right academy with clean mats, supportive instructors, and a welcoming community. Beyond the physical benefits, we delve into how jiu-jitsu transforms mental health, teaching you to remain calm under pressure and fully present in a world of constant distraction. The most valuable lesson? Consistency trumps natural talent every time. The person who shows up regularly, even when progress feels slow, is the one who ultimately succeeds on this journey. Ready to fold clothes with people still in them? Shoot me an email at caffeinatedjiu-jitsu@gmail.com or connect on Instagram to share your beginnings. The hardest part is walking through that door – everything after that is just showing up. Support the show Join the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Community on IG @caffeinated_jiujitsu Got Questions? Want to be a guest? Let's connect caffeinatedjiujitsu@gmail.com

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

 Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu: Fuel for Your Roll, On and Off the Mats Whether you're fresh into your white belt journey or deep into black belt life, Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu is brewed for you. This podcast explores the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through the lens of curiosity, community, and a strong cup of coffee. We dive into the topics that matter training plateaus, competition prep, injury recovery, gym culture, mental toughness, belt progression, and yes, even that first awkward day on the mats. Each episode is crafted to help new practitioners find their footing and give long-time grapplers something fresh to think about. You’ll hear: Real conversations with teammates, coaches, and special guests from all belt levelsHonest takes on the highs, lows, and lessons of BJJFuel and flavor because what’s training without good coffee? Join us for episodes that blend technical insights, off-the-mat stories, and community shoutouts. It’s a podcast that respects the grind, celebrates the journey, and keeps your mind as sharp as your game. Roll with us. Sip with us. Welcome to Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu. Let's Connectcaffeinatedjiujitsu@gmail.com Join the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Community!!@caffeinated_jiujitsu

Information

  • Creator
    Joe Motes
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu
  • Show Website
    Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu