Black and Blue Jiu Jitsu Podcast

Coach

A Jiu Jitsu podcast for those looking for a variety of insights including training, instructing, and living the jiu jitsu life style

  1. Oct 15

    Zen Mind, Beginners Mind

    Systems are not recipes, and if you train Jiu Jitsu like they are, you’re leaving a huge amount of growth on the mat. This episode breaks down the difference between memorizing moves and engineering reactions—and why the smartest grapplers stop asking, “What move should I do?” and start asking, “What response am I trying to create?”The conversation centers on one powerful idea: beginner’s mind does not mean abandoning expertise. It means learning how to move between exploration and compression, between trying new things and building the kind of systems that actually work under resistance. From there, the episode gets specific fast—closed guard to triangle chains, half guard as a positional system, knee shield variations, underhooks vs. overhooks, Kimura traps, and how to use dilemmas to force bad choices instead of chasing techniques in isolation.You’ll hear how Chris Matakas’ idea of “aim small for big results” applies directly to Jiu Jitsu training. Rather than saying you’re “working half guard,” the better question is what exact grip, reaction, transition, or failure point you’re refining right now. That shift is the difference between shallow novelty and deep skill. The episode also unpacks the three student archetypes—the conservative student, the experimenter, and the developing student—and why only one of them keeps improving without getting lost in either fear or shiny object syndrome.We also get into why systems matter so much when chaos enters the room. A system is a model of predictable opponent behavior. It reduces decision fatigue, narrows the problem, and helps you create reactions on purpose instead of merely responding to whatever’s in front of you. The same idea shows up in pressure passing, leg locks, competition, and even the way beginners panic when pressure lands for the first time.If you’re stuck, stagnant, or bouncing between techniques without depth, this one will hit hard. Perfect for grapplers who want sharper decision-making, better positional understanding, and a clearer path from white-belt confusion to real mastery.

  2. Sep 1

    Stop Climbing Someone Else’s Mountain

    Comparison is killing your progress, your confidence, and maybe even your love for jiu-jitsu. Black Belt Travis and the purple belt Emmett behind Black and Blue Podcast break down why your belt should measure you against your former self - not the training partner, teammate, or competitor who seems to be “ahead.”The episode starts from a simple but brutal truth: two people can wear the same belt and be on completely different paths. Travis unpacks why that happens, how competition changes the curve, and why older, newer, hobbyist, and full-time athletes can all be playing entirely different games even inside the same room. The result is a sharper, more honest way to think about progression, promotion, and what a belt actually means.You'll discover: why comparing your rank to someone else’s is usually a losing gamehow coaches evaluate students differently based on age, competition, training volume, and goalswhat “rolling with intent” really looks like when someone is actually improvinghow belt promotions can reward totally different kinds of growthwhy some students burn out not from failure, but from constantly measuring themselves against the wrong mountainThe conversation also digs into one of jiu-jitsu’s most dangerous habits: using physical age, body type, or training background as an excuse. Travis explains the “BOYD belt” idea from Art of Skill, the physical reality behind it, and why it can be a helpful lens without becoming a permission slip to stop improving.This is an episode about staying honest with yourself without beating yourself up. It matters because comparison doesn’t just steal confidence - it can steal momentum, joy, and even your reason for showing up in the first place. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re falling behind, whether your belt “means” what it should, or how to keep training when progress feels invisible, this one hits hard in the right way.Essential listening if you train jiu-jitsu, coach students, or need a reminder that the only mountain that matters is the one in front of you.

  3. Apr 28

    Bullshido: The Art of Fake Martial Arts

    Most martial arts are total b******t, so why do millions still fall for the illusions? In this eye-opening episode, the hosts dissect the wild world of "bullshido," exposing the fake techniques, no-touch knockouts, and mystical death touches that flood the martial arts scene. If you've ever wondered who’s fooling whom, and why so many buy into it, you’ll discover the true signs of genuine training versus cult-like hype.From the infamous "no belief, no effect" nonsense of George Dillman to the staged demonstrations of Systema, this episode uncovers how convinced practitioners are convinced by pure theatrics. We break down the psychology behind why people chase quick fixes, the allure of instant gratification, and the cult-like belief systems that keep these fakes thriving. You'll hear hilarious stories about the world's worst "martial arts" and how amateurs, and some black belts, alike get duped into thinking they’re martial arts masters—without ever touching resistance.We dive into the reality of effective combat sports versus the flashy choreographed moves that look cool on video but hold no real-world value. What makes a martial art "real"—training with resistance, sparring actively, or just performing perfect kata? Plus, we explore the bizarre brilliance of internet challenges, crazy "legendary" trainers, and how to spot legitimate skills in a sea of scams. Whether you're interested in self-defense, UFC, or just want to avoid getting scammed yourself, this episode is packed with lessons every fighter or curious bystander needs.If you’re tired of the endless stream of "magic" martial arts and want to understand what actually works—this is essential listening. Perfect for fighters, hobbyists, skeptics, and anyone craving truth in the martial arts world. Join us as we pull back the curtain on the fakest techniques, the biggest con artists, and what it really takes to learn something that can actually save your ass someday.Hosted by experienced martial artists with a sharp eye for deception, this episode reveals the wild truth behind the myths, legends, and scams of the combat world. Get ready to see through the b******t and arm yourself with real knowledge.

  4. Feb 5

    Building Resilience: How Jiu-Jitsu Boosts Kids' Confidence

    Most kids are disconnected from their bodies and emotions, but what if the key to building resilience, confidence, and emotional mastery lies in a simple, ancient art? In this eye-opening episode, we explore how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn't just about fighting; it's a transformative tool for raising grounded, resilient humans. Discover why kids who learn to grapple not only develop body coordination and creative problem-solving skills, but also learn vital lessons in emotional regulation, patience, and respect that last a lifetime. You'll hear how BJJ teaches children to handle real pressure, manage their emotions in the heat of competition, and build "quiet confidence" over performative toughness. We break down the concept of physical contact as a way to teach kids about boundaries and resilience, and reveal the profound ways martial arts programs can serve as a third space, a community outside of school and home where kids learn to lead, respect, and grow. Find out why early mastery, effort, and persistence far outweigh instant gratification, and how this mindset can shape smarter, calmer, and more confident adults. This episode is perfect for parents, coaches, and educators eager to equip the next generation with tools to navigate life's battles, on and off the mat. If you're passionate about raising strong, emotionally intelligent kids who know their limits and can assert boundaries without ego, you can’t miss this conversation. The insights shared could reshape how you support your children’s growth, confidence, and resilience for years to come. #BlackAndBlue #BJJforKids

    Building Resilience: How Jiu-Jitsu Boosts Kids' Confidence

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A Jiu Jitsu podcast for those looking for a variety of insights including training, instructing, and living the jiu jitsu life style

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