The Fighters Drinking Coffee Podcast

Scott and Mike
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Fitness

Scott and Mike share their journey through Jiu-Jitsu with the listeners. With nearly 40 years of grappling experience between them, they look to save others time and streamline your training through their experiences, discoveries, and personal struggles. They cover such topics as training, gym culture, competition, Jiu-Jitsu concepts, and more!  Their combined decades of experience in the Jiu-jitsu space, along with expert guests, leads to strong debates and conversations with the goal of assisting the listener in their jiu-jitsu journey. Enjoy the show and streamline your training!

  1. 5d ago

    From Prestige to Paychecks: How Pro Grappling Is Changing Fast (Episode 83)

    In this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee we dig into the shifting landscape of no‑gi jiu‑jitsu events: from ADCC’s surprising lack of hype to the disruptive rise of UFC BJJ, PGF and CJI. Hosts discuss athlete invites, dropouts and exclusivity, streaming and paywalls, and how marketing choices (time zones, regional pushes, and platform partnerships) shape who actually watches. We examine the money side: purses versus long‑term monetization through seminars, academies and tutorials, plus what athletes must do to turn competition prestige into a sustainable career. Guests and examples discussed include Gordon, Vagner, Craig, Wojcik and other top competitors and teams, and we compare event formats (the pit/open scored rounds) and organizational strategies. Topics covered: event promotion failures, the influx of new pro leagues, athlete contracts and exclusivity, how competitions function as marketing for coaches and academies, and the practical business advice for grapplers who want to monetize their careers. Expect candid takes, real examples, and the hosts’ usual humor and combat confessions. Please remember to follow, rate and review! or Support the show on our Patreon Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee: Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXks Get some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSY

  2. Sep 29

    Constructing a Curriculum Pt 2: Designing Jiu-Jitsu Training Blocks (Episode 82)

    Hosts Scott Dance and Michael Sutherland unpack how they design jiu-jitsu training blocks and single competition practices, using a takedowns block as the main example. They discuss how curricula map from grand yearly goals down to weekly and individual plans, and how coaches balance planned progression with in-the-moment triage. The episode covers differences between competitor-focused and general classes, how to adapt drills for beginners, the 50/50 split of planned versus flexible content, weekly structure, private lessons/office hours for individualization, and business and culture considerations for gym owners and coaches. They close with a lighthearted "combat confession": an Instagram post from a white belt claiming lots of taps and the community reactions that followed—showing how gym culture and humility play into training environments. Please remember to follow, rate and review! or Support the show on our Patreon Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee: Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXks Get some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSY

  3. Sep 22

    Constructing a Curriculum Pt 1: How Coaches Build Winning Jiu-Jitsu Drills (Episode 81)

    Hosts Scott Dance and Michael Sutherland break down a 90-minute competition-oriented jiu-jitsu class, explaining the curriculum design and coaching intent behind each segment: a cascading warm-up, skill-based games, guard work, pin-to-submit progressions and a final "king of the hill" endurance/competitive block. The episode covers specific drills (takedown grit, scramble-to-top rules, standing-guard exchanges, knee‑pass pocket work, side-control finishing), teaching principles (simplified win conditions, offense-first mindset, situational practice, stress inoculation) and how to make the most of limited mat time with large groups. Listeners also get coaching tips for competitors, guidance for students adapting unfamiliar drills to their style, and a closing "Combat Confession" news story for a lighter wrap-up. This is Part 1 of a deeper look into class construction and training strategy. Please remember to follow, rate and review! or Support the show on our Patreon Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee: Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXks Get some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSY

  4. Sep 15

    ADCC Brawl: A Discussion on Sportsmanship and Grappling (Episode 80)

    Our Hosts replay and break down shocking ADCC footage, focusing on the heated match between Dorian Olivarez (with Gordon and his coaching group) and Kapushov of Team Kazakhstan. They review the on-mat incidents (eye poke, headbutt, intentional bite, slap), the decision to pause and resume the match, and the chaotic brawl that ensued involving corner teams and audience members. The episode covers key moments caught on multiple Flow Grappling angles, the referees’ calls and later reversals, the resulting double DQ and suspensions (including a ban for a coach who shoved officials), and the broader implications for athlete safety, event governance, and fan/corner behavior. Takeaways: a discussion on sportsmanship and escalation such as don’t bite, don’t headbutt or slap, coaches should not attack officials or spectators, and promoters must choose between embracing chaos or enforcing consistent professionalism. The hosts also touch on how controversial moments affect viewership, competition integrity, and future ADCC trials. Please remember to follow, rate and review! or Support the show on our Patreon Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee: Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXks Get some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSY

  5. Sep 8

    When the Jiu-Jitsu Galaxy Turns Dark: Scandals, Steroids & Sith Lords (Episode 79)

    Join hosts Scott Dance and Michael Sutherland on Fighters Drinking Coffee as they revisit their Star Wars-themed map of the grappling world and try to make sense of recent twists: team splits, resurfacing allegations, and shifting alliances that have muddied their original castings. Topics include allegations of steroid distribution (including to minors) tied to the Mendez circle, accusations and conduct questions within prominent teams (Craig, Donaher, Gordon, J‑Rod and others), the fallout inside B‑Team/Simple Man, and how all of this plays into the upcoming ADCC brackets and competitor narratives. Key takeaways: the hosts re-evaluate who’s a villain or hero, discuss the cultural problems in modern jiu‑jitsu, and urge listeners to keep training, be decent humans, and submit their own theories at fdcpodcast.com. Please remember to follow, rate and review! or Support the show on our Patreon Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee: Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXks Get some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSY

  6. Sep 1

    Menagerie on the Mats pt 2: Steroid Guys, Substitute Teachers & Gym Characters (episode 78)

    Join hosts Scott Dance and Michael Sutherland on Part 2 of "Menagerie on the Mats," a humorous, experience-driven dive into the archetypes you meet at every jiu-jitsu gym. With 40 years of combined grappling experience, they break down personalities, coaching dynamics, and what makes training communities tick. Topics include the "steroid guy" (TRT vs. full-cycle PED use), substitute teachers who interrupt class, the student-of-the-game nerd, teacher's pets, "let-you-work" partners, child phenoms, mat parents, and how these roles impact etiquette, safety, and improvement on the mats. The episode also features listener confessions (including a DM-at-the-Virginia-Open story), candid takes on community culture, and practical coaching advice—equal parts useful and entertaining for anyone who trains BJJ. Please remember to follow, rate and review! or Support the show on our Patreon Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee: Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXks Get some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSY

  7. Aug 25

    Bringing the Blue Belt Energy: Jonah Hill, Ego, and Jiu-Jitsu Culture (episode 77)

    Hosts Scott Dance and Michael Sutherland (with 40 years of combined grappling experience) discuss Jonah Hill's recent Booth brothers interview and use it as a springboard to explore "blue belt energy" — the thin line between confidence and arrogance in jiu-jitsu. They talk about celebrity training dynamics, the widening popularity of BJJ and how status hierarchies create online posturing, plus advice on how to respond: train more, compete, or simply be chill. The episode also includes personal anecdotes, reflections on gym culture and rankings, a heartwarming "combat confession" about a Reddit Tinder photo that led to marriage, and practical takeaways for staying humble and improving on the mat. Please remember to follow, rate and review! or Support the show on our Patreon Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee: Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXks Get some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSY

  8. Aug 18

    The Menagerie on the Mats: The Wild Characters of Jiu-Jitsu in Every Gym Pt 1 (Episode 76)

    Welcome back to Fighters Drinking Coffee with Scott Dance and Michael Sutherland. In this episode they launch a playful multi-part series profiling the "menagerie of the mats". The first installment of the many archetypes you’ll find in any jiu-jitsu gym. The hosts riff on dozens of characters, including the "Open Carry" (spats-only guy), "The Chosen One" (naturally gifted newcomer), the "Matt Bully," the "0 to 100" throttle, the "Smelly Guy," "Stoners," cops, straight-edge and subculture athletes, rednecks/hicks, the "Junkyard Dog," the mysterious "Top-Secret" worker, and the "Vulture" who picks tired partners. Expect humorous anecdotes, coaching insights on handling each type, and ideas for future episodes and listener submissions. Scott and Michael also invite listeners to visit www.fdcpodcast.com for show notes, blog posts, and to submit combat confessions or voicemails to be featured on future episodes. Please remember to follow, rate and review! or Support the show on our Patreon Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee: Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXks Get some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSY

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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Scott and Mike share their journey through Jiu-Jitsu with the listeners. With nearly 40 years of grappling experience between them, they look to save others time and streamline your training through their experiences, discoveries, and personal struggles. They cover such topics as training, gym culture, competition, Jiu-Jitsu concepts, and more!  Their combined decades of experience in the Jiu-jitsu space, along with expert guests, leads to strong debates and conversations with the goal of assisting the listener in their jiu-jitsu journey. Enjoy the show and streamline your training!

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