#214 – Jeff Curran: MMA Pioneer & Jiu-jitsu Flag Bearer

Jeff Curran is a 5th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and a pioneer in elevating the lighter weight classes in MMA. Through an extensive MMA career, Jeff is a veteran of over 100 fights and was a flag bearer for representing Jiu-jitsu in UFC, WEC, PRIDE, Strikeforce, and Bellator.

Jeff remains deeply involved in the jiujitsu community, hosting the Big Frog BJJ Retreat, and now promoting the Jeff Curran Invitational (JCI) grappling events, and teaching seminars.

0.00: Intro

3.00: Jeff finding Jiu-jitsu at 14 years old & early days of Jiujitsu in the Midwest

11.00: Childhood appeal of martial arts for young men

15.00: Planting seeds of jiu-jitsu as a backup for his sons without any pressure

21.00: Motivating out kids without giving them pressure

26.00: Being a flag bearer for the Gracie family in MMA

31.00: Finding a mentor in Pedro Sauer

37.00: Early days in WEC and fighting on UFC 41

44.00: Career advice for aspiring pros (fight less and improve in the gym more)

52.00: Jiu-jitsu in MMA

58.00: Philosophy of training the individual arts separately and then putting together for MMA

1.04.00: Juggling teaching, training and fighting

1.07.00: Longevity and Joint injuries

1.11.00: Retiring from MMA and the end of Jeff's career

1.23.00: Secrets of a long marriage (both having your own mission)

1.28.00: The Jeff Curran Invitational (JCI)

Jeff Curran Jiujitsu: https://teamcurran.com/

Jeff Curran Invitational: https://jcinvitational.com/

Follow Jeff on IG: @bigfrogbjj

Until next time, love and good vibes.

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