In this episode of BJJ Balance, we kick off our Blue Belt Survival Guide series by tackling one of the toughest phases in jiu jitsu: the infamous Blue Belt Blues. Mat (second-degree black belt) and Kenny (blue belt with four stripes) dive deep into the mindset, struggles, and breakthroughs that define this belt rank.From handling competition nerves, ego battles, and rolling etiquette to developing your own game plan and identity, we share insights that every blue belt (and beyond) will relate to. Whether you’re struggling to stay motivated, building your style, or looking for encouragement to push forward, this episode will help you navigate the journey.💪 Topics include:The challenges and mental traps at blue beltDeveloping your game and finding your styleCompetition nerves, pressure, and growth mindsetRolling etiquette, friendships, and reinvention on the matsWhy takedowns and stand-up should matter in jiu jitsu trainingHonest listener Q&A on legacy, etiquette, and kids starting jiu jitsuThis is the real talk every blue belt needs to hear. If you’ve ever thought about quitting or questioned your progress, you’re not alone.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

In this episode of the BJJ Balance Podcast, Kenny and Mat dive into a mix of laughs, stories, and jiu-jitsu insights. From the latest Moneyberg controversy in the BJJ community to raw conversations about coaching philosophy, training updates, and competition prep, we cover it all.We also get into merchandise preorders, podcast growth, and social media criticism—plus some hilarious tangents about gaming, Halloween costumes, and childhood memories. This one’s packed with both jujitsu wisdom and off-the-mat banter you don’t want to miss.🔥 Topics in this episode:Fitness updates, tattoos, and rolling storiesJiu-jitsu coaching advice when time is limitedTrust, communication, and learning on the matsWrestling & hip-hop Hall of Fame picksParenting concerns and growing up storiesBehind-the-scenes podcasting and audience interaction👉 Whether you’re here for the jiu-jitsu talk or just love the authentic banter, this episode delivers.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

After a conversation with Craig Jones, we couldn’t help but imagine what the craziest version of CJI 3 (Craig Jones Invitational 3) might look like. While nothing official has been announced, this episode is all about dreaming big, speculating boldly, and building the wildest grappling event possible.From regional team rivalries and Olympic-style formats to super fights, charity matches, and over-the-top showmanship, we lay out our vision for how CJI 3 could change jiu-jitsu forever.🔥 Episode Highlights:After speaking with Craig Jones: our speculation on CJI 3 (16:33)Big ideas and improvements for the next event (19:42)Country-based teams & Olympic-style grappling (25:15)Super fights, charity matches & fan-driven matchups (27:19)Innovations that could flip jiu-jitsu on its head (31:13)👉 What’s YOUR dream version of CJI 3? Drop your craziest ideas in the comments!Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

Do you really deserve your blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? 🤔 In the final part of our White Belt Survival Guide, we dig into the mindset, skills, and consistency every white belt needs before leveling up.From promotion readiness and pressure passing, to overcoming impostor syndrome and dealing with disappointment, this episode covers what it takes to truly earn that next belt. Mat (2nd-degree black belt) shares what he looks for when promoting students, while Kenny gives his reflections on the journey from white belt to blue.We also mix in laughs, stories, and listener questions—covering everything from cauliflower ear and scary movies to lasso sweeps and training with injuries.👉 Whether you’re grinding as a BJJ white belt, questioning if you’re ready for blue, or looking for motivation to stay consistent, this one’s for you.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments for our listener Q&A segment!Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

🔥 The Craig Jones Invitational 2 (CJI 2) went down this weekend, and the jiu-jitsu world is buzzing with controversy. From shocking calls to heated debates, this event has everyone talking. In this episode of the BJJ Balance Podcast, we break down all the drama, the matches that stole the show, and why this competition might change the future of professional grappling.We cover:The biggest CJI 2 controversies and what really happened behind the scenesHow Craig Jones continues to shake up the jiu-jitsu worldThe matches that got fans fired up all weekendWhat CJI 2 means for the future of BJJ events and athlete pay⚡ Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love watching chaos unfold in the grappling scene, this is one breakdown you don’t want to miss.👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Did Craig Jones get it right with CJI 2, or did the controversies ruin the show?Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

🔥 Episode 100 of the BJJ Balance Podcast is here! 🔥To celebrate 100 episodes, we took on the Hot Ones Hot Sauce Wing Challenge while answering your listener-submitted Jiu Jitsu questions. From Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques and belt progression to life on the mats, fatherhood, and everything in between — we cover it all while our mouths are on fire. 🌶️🍗This episode is packed with laughs, pain, and real talk about training, rolling, and living the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle. Whether you’re a white belt learning to survive, a blue belt grinding through plateaus, or a black belt chasing mastery, you’ll relate to this special milestone.👊 What we cover in this episode:Hot Ones inspired hot sauce wing challenge 🌶️100th episode listener Q&A 💬Brazilian Jiu Jitsu belt journey insightsLife lessons on and off the mats 🥋🎧 Subscribe to BJJ Balance for more weekly episodes on Jiu Jitsu, grappling, and martial arts culture.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

In this episode of the BJJ Balance Podcast, we dive into the white belt journey—covering mindset, training strategies, and the struggles every beginner faces on the mats. From the unique atmosphere of big man class to learning how to adapt jiu-jitsu for size and strength, Kenny shares personal experiences while Mat offers black belt-level insight on what really matters at this stage.We also discuss the importance of lineage, respect, and community in BJJ, why so many people quit before earning their black belt, and how to balance ego, injury awareness, and mental warfare in training. Plus: UFC debates, cancel culture, gi vs no-gi mindset, and what it really means to embrace losses and grow your game.Whether you’re a new white belt or a higher rank reflecting on the journey, this episode delivers valuable lessons to help you improve on and off the mats.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

This episode is packed with controversy, laughs, and pure jiu-jitsu chaos. We break down the CJI 2 team format drama — should the winning squad get an asterisk thanks to the wildcard athlete rule? We debate the legitimacy of the victory, the impact on team strategy, and how the format could evolve.Then we dive into the PGF match between Rafael Fiera and Nick Soff that’s got the internet buzzing — was it nonstop action or just “bad jiu-jitsu”? We analyze the scrambles, energy dumps, and technical moments that split the community.Of course, no episode is complete without wild listener questions — from constipation mindset theory to scented candles and training after crushing food.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj