The Doctor Jiu Jitsu Show

Doctor Jiu Jitsu

The Doctor Jujitsu Show is a monthly podcast for anyone who lives the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle—whether you’re a seasoned competitor, a weekend warrior, or someone fitting training into a full-time schedule. Hosted by Dr. Megan Jimenez, an active-duty Army orthopedic sports surgeon and black belt, each episode brings honest, insightful conversations with the people who’ve influenced her path as a physician, martial artist, and lifelong student of performance. From fellow Jiu Jitsu athletes and surgeons to farmers and nutrition experts, Dr. Jimenez explores how training, recovery, mindset, and daily habits intersect to keep you sharp on and off the mat. New episodes drop the first Friday of each month.

  1. Oct 2

    Gi vs No-Gi, CJI vs ADCC, and the Future of Jiu-Jitsu

    Women in jiu-jitsu, CJI vs ADCC, BJJ injuries, no-gi vs gi, and grappling culture are all on the table in this new episode of The Doctor Jiu Jitsu Show with Alysa Couce, host of Jits and Giggles. I flew into Philly to sit down with Alysa in person and turn the tables on someone who is usually the one asking the questions. Alysa has interviewed athletes, coaches, gym owners, and some of the biggest personalities in jiu-jitsu. We talk about what she has learned from more than 100 podcast episodes, including the conversations that changed how she thinks about women in the sport and where professional grappling is headed. We also get into CJI and ADCC, athlete pay, opportunities for women, and what could help jiu-jitsu continue growing as a mainstream sport. Then we move into something I love talking about: injuries, recovery, and how to keep training for the long haul. Alysa opens up about her shoulder and knee issues, physical therapy, dry needling, and blood flow restriction training. We also talk about why an MRI finding does not always tell the whole story and why the goal should be treating the person, not just the image. And of course, we finish with some jiu-jitsu hot takes: gi vs no-gi, braces, warmups, and whether we are spending enough of class actually doing jiu-jitsu. This was a fun one. If you train, coach, compete, or simply love the culture around jiu-jitsu, I think you’ll enjoy this conversation. To learn more about Dr. Megan Jimenez, check out her website: doctorjiujitsu.com

  2. Sep 4

    Nick "Chewy" Albin Breaks Down Jiu Jitsu Longevity

    In this new episode of the Doctor Jiu Jitsu Podcast, I sit down with Nick “Chewy” Albin to talk about what it really takes to train Jiu-Jitsu for decades without destroying your body. Nick has spent more than two decades on the mats, going from wrestling and early Jiu-Jitsu training to earning his black belt, building Chewjitsu, coaching athletes, running tournaments, and becoming one of the recognizable voices in the Jiu-Jitsu community. We talk about what changes as you get older, why Nick says his “check engine light” came on around 35, and why his mindset shifted from trying to train as hard as possible to “stimulate, not annihilate.” We also get into strength training, nutrition, recovery, and what it means to keep training into your 60s and beyond. Nick also opens up about competition anxiety, mental toughness, and why being nervous before a match isn't necessarily a bad thing. We break down how to use those nerves instead of letting them control your performance. And because this is Doctor Jiu Jitsu, we go deep on injuries. Nick shares the story behind his two meniscus tears, what he did differently during his second recovery, and why rushing back to the mats can actually keep you away from Jiu-Jitsu longer. His second return was dramatically better because he followed a structured plan and gave his body time to recover. We also get into choosing the right training partners, avoiding unnecessary gym wars, Gi vs. No-Gi, what white belts should focus on first, and how to build a Jiu-Jitsu practice that you can actually sustain for the long term. If you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, compete, coach, deal with recurring injuries, or simply want to stay on the mats for decades, this conversation is for you. To learn more about Dr. Megan Jimenez, check out her website: doctorjiujitsu.com

  3. Aug 7

    Jiu-Jitsu, Army Combatives, and the Truth About Staying Tough

    In this new episode of the Doctor Jiu Jitsu Podcast, I sit down with Marques Daniels, a 22-year Army veteran, former Ranger, combatives master trainer, jiu-jitsu black belt, MMA competitor, and gym owner in Banks, Oregon. This conversation goes far beyond technique. We talk about what drew Marques into the Army, how Army combatives shaped his approach to leadership, and how jiu-jitsu became more than a sport after his military career. For many veterans, leaving the military can feel like losing an identity. Marques shares how jiu-jitsu helped create a new tribe, a new structure, and a new sense of purpose. We also get into the reality of combat sports injuries, including the MCL and meniscus injury Marques sustained just three days before a fight. As an orthopedic sports surgeon and jiu-jitsu black belt, I break down why some knee injuries can be treated without surgery, but why that never means skipping physical therapy or rushing back too soon. We talk about opening a gym, building culture, training safely as a master’s athlete, choosing the right training partners, leaving ego at the door, and why staying on the mats requires more than toughness. If you train jiu-jitsu, coach athletes, serve in the military, are transitioning out of service, or want to understand how combat sports can build resilience, community, and long-term health, this episode is for you. New episodes of the Doctor Jiu Jitsu Podcast drop the first Friday of every month. To learn more about Dr. Megan Jimenez, check out her website: doctorjiujitsu.com

  4. Jul 3

    From Finger Injuries to Neck Pain: The Jiu Jitsue Recovery Conversation Every Grappler Needs

    Jiu-jitsu injuries, BJJ rehab, finger injuries, neck pain, leg locks, physical therapy, and longevity are all part of the reality of staying on the mats long term. In this episode of the Doctor Jiu Jitsu Podcast, I sit down with Eugene Tsozik, physical therapist, jiu-jitsu black belt, founder of The Jiu Jitsu Therapist, and co-host of the Chewjitsu Podcast. This conversation is all about what grapplers need to understand if they want to train hard without constantly breaking down. We talk about the injuries that show up most often in jiu-jitsu, including finger injuries, mallet finger, neck pain, cervical radiculopathy, knee injuries, leg locks, bursitis, and the long road back after being cleared from traditional physical therapy. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that “cleared” does not always mean ready for jiu-jitsu. Grappling is different. You are not just returning to running, lifting, or controlled movement. You are returning to a live opponent who can stack you, twist you, pull you, and put your body under pressure from unpredictable angles. That is why rehab has to respect the sport. We also get into longevity, strength training, mobility, grip management, load management, and why what you do off the mats matters just as much as what you do during training. If you train jiu-jitsu, coach grapplers, treat combat athletes, or want to stay healthy enough to keep training for years, this episode will give you a smarter way to think about recovery, injury prevention, and performance. New episodes of the Doctor Jiu Jitsu Podcast drop the first Friday of every month. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the Doctor Jiu Jitsu Podcast 00:55 – How Eugene Started Jiu-Jitsu During PT School 04:22 – Training Through Medical School and Injury Fear 09:23 – The Most Common Injuries in Jiu-Jitsu 10:17 – Finger Injuries, Grip Fighting, and Hand Health 17:37 – Neck Pain, Numbness, and Cervical Radiculopathy 23:57 – Why “Cleared” Does Not Mean Ready for Jiu-Jitsu 32:02 – Dangerous Positions, Stacking, and Leg Lock Awareness 40:13 – Strength Training, Mobility, and Longevity for Grapplers 52:07 – How to Keep Training as You Get Older 58:05 – Knee Bursitis and When It Becomes a Problem To learn more about Dr. Megan Jimenez, check out her website: doctorjiujitsu.com

  5. May 1

    Combat Sports Injuries Explained: Surgeon's Guide to Prevention and Recovery

    Jiu jitsu injuries, MMA injuries, ACL tears, elbow injuries, pec tears, and recovery mistakes are more common than you think. As an orthopedic surgeon and BJJ black belt, I see where athletes go wrong. In this episode of the Dr. Jiu Jitsu Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Steven Mora, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who has spent over a decade treating combat athletes. We break down the real patterns behind injuries in jiu jitsu and MMA, including what “cauliflower elbow” actually is, why pec tears are often missed or underestimated, and how small decisions like not tapping early can lead to long-term damage. We also talk about the biggest mistakes athletes make in recovery, why timelines like “3 months” don’t always apply, and how to approach rehab like you would prepare for competition. If you train, coach, or treat athletes, this is a conversation you need to hear. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why Combat Athletes Get Injured Differently 02:00 – The Insurance and Access Problem for Athletes 02:48 – What Is “Cauliflower Elbow”? 03:49 – Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore 05:39 – The Real Cost of Not Tapping Early 07:24 – Why “Partial” Pec Tears Are a Big Problem 09:00 – When It’s Too Late… and What Can Still Be Done 14:29 – Surgery, Recovery, and the Athlete Mindset 18:01 – Why Recovery Timelines Are Often Wrong To learn more about Dr. Megan Jimenez, check out her website: doctorjiujitsu.com

  6. Apr 3

    Farm To Performance: Avery Claire Wrigglesworth of Lily Hill Farm

    Regenerative farming, nutrition, grass-fed beef, combat athlete performance, inflammation, and recovery all start with what you eat. As an orthopedic surgeon and jiu-jitsu athlete, I wanted to understand why food quality matters more than we think. In this episode of the Dr. Jiu Jitsu Podcast, I visit Lily Hill Farm and sit down with Avery Claire Wrigglesworth to break down how regenerative farming works, why pasture-raised meat is different, and how sourcing your food directly impacts your health, inflammation, and performance. We talk about the realities of modern food systems, the stress animals experience in traditional supply chains, and why reconnecting with your food source can change how you feel, train, and recover. If you're serious about performance, longevity, and reducing inflammation, this conversation will change how you think about food. Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Why Combat Athletes Should Care About Nutrition 01:42 – Why Farm-Raised Meat Tastes Different 02:41 – Stress, Transport, and Animal Health 03:41 – What These Cattle Actually Eat 04:46 – Why People Don’t Source Food This Way Anymore 05:48 – What Regenerative Farming Really Means 08:23 – Is Buying From Farms Too Expensive? 09:21 – The Reality of Farming Most People Don’t See 10:32 – How Nutrition Impacts Pain, Inflammation, and Performance To learn more about Dr. Megan Jimenez, check out her website: doctorjiujitsu.com

  7. Mar 6

    Return to Jiu Jitsu After Injury: A Surgeon and PT Black Belt Talk Rehab and Reality

    In this episode of The Doctor Jiu Jitsu Podcast, I sit down with my friend Mike Piekarski, PT, DPT, BJJ black belt (Dr. Kickass), to talk about why jiu jitsu rehab is different. We cover the biggest mistake grapplers make after an injury, how to modify training without losing your mind, when rehab becomes sport specific (especially after ACL surgery), and how to build longevity through smarter load management, graded exposure, and better gym culture. Episode Highlights: 00:56 – Why Jiu-Jitsu Rehab Is Different From Other Sports 02:04 – The Movement Demands of Jiu-Jitsu Athletes 03:25 – When Athletes Should Return to Sport After ACL Surgery 04:18 – Rebuilding Confidence After Leg Lock Injuries 07:29 – Mike’s Journey From Fighter to Physical Therapist 11:50 – The Biggest Mistake Injured Jiu-Jitsu Athletes Make 19:53 – Recovery, Overtraining, and Using HRV Data 24:57 – Dangerous Positions That Cause BJJ Injuries 33:22 – Warmups That Actually Prevent Injuries 42:21 – The One Rule Every Grappler Should Follow for Longevity  Find Mike on Instagram: @doctor_kickass Subscribe for more episodes on combat sports injuries, recovery, and performance. New episodes drop the first Friday of every month at doctorjiujitsu.com/podcast. If this episode hit home, share it with your training partners, drop a five-star review, and be sure to follow so you don’t miss the next one.  To learn more about Dr. Megan Jimenez, check out her website: doctorjiujitsu.com

  8. Feb 6

    ACL Tears: Perspective From a Surgeon Who's Been There

    In this episode of Doctor Jiu Jitsu, we tackle some of the most common concerns in combat sports: real-world injury management, practical orthopedic care, and how to actually use physical therapy to stay on the mats long term. Most combat athletes hear “ACL tear” and assume their season or career is over. It’s not. As an orthopedic sports surgeon for the U.S. Army, jiu-jitsu brown belt, and someone who has torn an ACL on the mats, I break down ACL injuries the way athletes actually need to hear them. We dive into how ACL tears really happen in combat sports, when surgery is truly necessary, what your graft options mean, and what rehab feels like from the inside. We also touch on other common issues like persistent shoulder injury, and how smart injury management and physical therapy can keep you performing instead of sidelined. My goal is simple: help you stay healthy, avoid re-injury, and get back to training with confidence. If you’ve torn your ACL, think you might have, or just want to protect your knees and shoulders while you keep training hard, this episode gives you the playbook I wish every combat athlete had. Episode Highlights: 00:44 - What Dr. Jiu-Jitsu is and why ACL injuries matter 02:20 - How ACL tears actually happen in combat sports 03:47 - High-risk positions: takedowns, leg locks, lockdown, 50/50 06:51 - How ACL tears present differently in combat athletes 10:33 - How surgeons diagnose ACL tears: Lachman, drawer, pivot shift 11:50 - Surgery vs no surgery: what athletes need to know 18:08 - Graft options, repairs, and what’s best for combat sports 23:01 - Rehab, return-to-sport timeline, and long-term knee health New episodes drop the first Friday of every month at doctorjiujitsu.com/podcast. If this episode hit home, share it with your training partners, drop a five-star review, and be sure to follow so you don’t miss the next one. Oss! To learn more about Dr. Megan Jimenez, check out her website: doctorjiujitsu.com

About

The Doctor Jujitsu Show is a monthly podcast for anyone who lives the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle—whether you’re a seasoned competitor, a weekend warrior, or someone fitting training into a full-time schedule. Hosted by Dr. Megan Jimenez, an active-duty Army orthopedic sports surgeon and black belt, each episode brings honest, insightful conversations with the people who’ve influenced her path as a physician, martial artist, and lifelong student of performance. From fellow Jiu Jitsu athletes and surgeons to farmers and nutrition experts, Dr. Jimenez explores how training, recovery, mindset, and daily habits intersect to keep you sharp on and off the mat. New episodes drop the first Friday of each month.

You Might Also Like