Have you ever wondered if you might be the one slowing down your Jiu-Jitsu progress? Yeah, we’ve been there too.

In this episode, we explore the ways we unintentionally sabotage our own progress in jiu-jitsu and how we can start to shift out of those patterns. From skipping warm-ups and rolling half-heartedly to full-on downward spirals and “oops, I ate waffles before weigh-ins,” we’re calling ourselves out (with a bit of laughter) in hopes it helps you, too.

We talk about the mind games we play with ourselves, why we sometimes avoid promotions or competition prep, and how stress off the mat can totally throw us off on it. We also share a few practical things that have helped us interrupt the downward spiral and stay present, even when we’re stuck under mount—or under pressure.

If you’ve ever beat yourself up mid-roll or felt like you were spiraling into “I suck at jiu-jitsu and maybe also life,” this one’s for you. We've been there. If this episode hits home, share it with a teammate who needs to hear it, and let us know how you’ve been known to self-sabotage. We’re all in this together.

Chapters

(00:00) What are some things we do that self-sabotage or Jiu-Jitsu?

(03:53) What do you do when the “downward spiral” starts mid-roll?

(06:30) What do you do when you feel “stuck” under mount or metaphorically?

(09:12) Navigating health challenges that can sabotage your training

(11:23) Self-sabotage and Jiu-Jitsu competition prep

(14:35) Self-sabotage and Jiu-Jitsu belt promotions

If you love the Podcast, share it with a friend! You can also leave us a 5 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp

https://rollmodelswanted.com/

New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906439f https://beautyandthegi.libsyn.com/category/Start+Here

Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App

https://episodes.fm/1458389465 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EBCzi7znNuvxKlpLvue-w

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

Beauty and the Gi on Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Beauty-and-the-Gi-Podcast/B08JJMFS1D?

Connect with Jen and AJ

Beauty and the Gi Podcast on Instagram

@beautyandthegipodcast

Jen on Instagram @brassybroadjen

Jen on TikTok @brassybroadjen

AJ on Instagram @ajclingerman

AJ on TikTok @roll_model rollmodelhq

on Instagram @BeautyAndTheGi

Recording, Theme Music, Editing, and Production of this podcast by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

Disclaimer: The Beauty and the Gi podcast and content posted by Beauty and the Gi is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Have you ever reached a goal, only to skip the celebration and immediately focus on what's next? We are challenging you to slow down and revel in even your small Jiu-Jitsu accomplishments.

Jiu-Jitsu is hard. There are days when just getting on the mat is a victory. We’re using AJ's recent experience at Pans as an example of what to celebrate and why.

It’s about more than just getting your hand raised; it's about acknowledging personal growth and improved performance. Whether you've executed a flying armbar or just showed up on a day you didn't feel like it, celebrating those victories can reshape your mindset entirely.

Learn which rule violations AJ saw most at the recent IBJJF Pans tournament.

Chapters

(00:00) Finding a win to celebrate

(01:00) AJ’s experience at Pans

(04:14) Submission preferences

(05:23) Celebrating small Jiu-Jitsu wins

(15:38) Celebrating Roll Model Week

(17:09) IBJJF Federation Rules - making weight and gi size

Links and Resources

If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend! You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp

https://rollmodelswanted.com/

New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906439f https://beautyandthegi.libsyn.com/category/Start+Here

Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App

https://episodes.fm/1458389465 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EBCzi7znNuvxKlpLvue-w

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

Beauty and the Gi on Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Beauty-and-the-Gi-Podcast/B08JJMFS1D?

Connect with Jen and AJ

Beauty and the Gi Podcast on Instagram

@beautyandthegipodcast

Jen on Instagram @brassybroadjen

Jen on TikTok @brassybroadjen

AJ on Instagram @ajclingerman

AJ on TikTok @roll_model rollmodelhq

on Instagram @BeautyAndTheGi

Recording, Theme Music, Editing, and Production of this podcast by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

Disclaimer: The Beauty and the Gi podcast and content posted by Beauty and the Gi is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Feeling like you're trapped under a mountain of pressure both on and off the mats? Ever wondered what to do when you're wrestling with exhaustion, frustration, and a whirlwind of self-doubt?

We’re here to help you navigate those rollercoaster days when Jiu-Jitsu imitates life just a little too well.

Imagine walking into a class, already battling the heavyweight pressures of life, only to face the physical might of super heavyweights on the mats. Do you tap out, or do you find a way to roll through it?

How do you leave the baggage at the door and make Jiu-Jitsu your enchanting two-hour vacation from life? We've got practical tools for reframing mindsets, energizing playlists to build you up, and maybe even some tips for crying it out mid-roll.

This episode has something for everyone grappling with the ups and downs of Jiu-Jitsu.

Chapters

(00:00) Do You Ever Feel This Way During Class?

(01:24) Taking Breaks and Knowing Your Limits

(03:16) How to shift your cranky mindset BEFORE Jiu-Jitsu class

(10:57) Coping strategies when you’re having a rough round

(13:48) Conserving energy and flow rolling

(16:26) How to reframe negative thoughts

If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend! You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp

https://rollmodelswanted.com/

New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906439f https://beautyandthegi.libsyn.com/category/Start+Here

Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App

https://episodes.fm/1458389465 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EBCzi7znNuvxKlpLvue-w

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

Beauty and the Gi on Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Beauty-and-the-Gi-Podcast/B08JJMFS1D?

Connect with Jen and AJ

Beauty and the Gi Podcast on Instagram

@beautyandthegipodcast

Jen on Instagram @brassybroadjen

Jen on TikTok @brassybroadjen

AJ on Instagram @ajclingerman

AJ on TikTok @roll_model rollmodelhq

on Instagram @BeautyAndTheGi

Links and Resources

Recording, Theme Music, Editing, and Production of this podcast by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

Disclaimer: The Beauty and the Gi podcast and content posted by Beauty and the Gi is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

We put you, our Jiu-Jitsu community, in charge of questions for this episode.

We answer an array of listener questions about jiu-jitsu, promotions, dealing with different body types (boobs included), competition, and even a break dance battle scenario.

Whether you're curious about belt promotions, starting a women's BJJ class, or just want to feel like you’re hanging out with a couple of your Jiu-Jitsu friends after class, this episode has it all.

(00:00) Ask Us Anything (01:54) Who can give Jiu-Jitsu belt promotions? (04:28) Training with different body types in Jiu-Jitsu (08:09) Competition Fears and Preparation (10:58) How do you best train for competition when your training partners might not have the same skills or body type as you? (17:54) When should I start a women only Jiu-Jitsu class? 19:46 Tips for learning to become a better Jiu-Jitsu instructor 24:16 Coaching Etiquette at Tournaments (27:52) What songs do we belt out at Karaoke? (29:26) The Breakdance Battle Question (31:23) IBJJF Rule

If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend!

You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp

https://rollmodelswanted.com/

New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906439f

https://beautyandthegi.libsyn.com/category/Start+Here

Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App

https://episodes.fm/1458389465

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EBCzi7znNuvxKlpLvue-w

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

Beauty and the Gi on Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Beauty-and-the-Gi-Podcast/B08JJMFS1D?

Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp

https://rollmodelswanted.com/

Connect with Jen and AJ

Beauty and the Gi Podcast on Instagram @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen on Instagram @brassybroadjen

Jen on TikTok @brassybroadjen

AJ on Instagram @ajclingerman

AJ on TikTok @roll_model

Are you ready to step up and coach your teammate at a Jiu-Jitsu competition even when you're not officially a coach?

Regardless of your rank, there are a number of ways to support your teammates during competition season.

Learn practical tips on timing, point calling, and strategically supporting your teammates, not only in competitions but also during training sessions. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just starting your journey, this episode promises to transform how you perceive supporting your squad. True empowerment in Jiu-Jitsu is about lifting each other up!

Chapters

(00:00) Tournament scenarios where practitioners step up as impromptu coaches (03:00) Why you should be recording matches (06:09) The power of hearing your coach or teammate’s voice (09:18) Can you coach someone not on your team without stepping on toes? (13:07) The art of encouragement (20:29) IBJJF Rule of the week

If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend!

You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp

https://rollmodelswanted.com/

New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906439f

https://beautyandthegi.libsyn.com/category/Start+Here

Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App

https://episodes.fm/1458389465

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EBCzi7znNuvxKlpLvue-w

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

Beauty and the Gi on Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Beauty-and-the-Gi-Podcast/B08JJMFS1D?

Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp

https://rollmodelswanted.com/

Connect with Jen and AJ

Beauty and the Gi Podcast on Instagram @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen on Instagram @brassybroadjen

Jen on TikTok @brassybroadjen

AJ on Instagram @ajclingerman

AJ on TikTok @roll_model

rollmodelhq on Instagram

Links and Resources

Have you ever been told you need to be "more aggressive" on the mats, only to find yourself awkwardly trying to manufacture anger toward your competition or training partners?

Or maybe you've been labeled "too aggressive" at work when being direct about your boundaries, expectations, or needs.

The line between assertive and aggressive is often blurry for women in BJJ and beyond.

It’s time for a mindset shift. Assertiveness isn’t aggression; it’s clarity, confidence, and control. Let’s reframe how we go after what we want, on and off the mats, without forcing anger or being unfairly labeled.

Chapters

Certainly! Here is the sequence of topics covered in the transcript, now with timestamps:

(00:00) Calling out hate speech

(05:19) Why your BJJ gym needs to feel safe and supportive

(07:11) Mindset shift to reframe aggressiveness as assertiveness

(09:16) When your coach tells you to be more aggressive

(11:01) Being full of NO

(14:18) The role of aggressiveness in Martial Arts

(16:45) Learning to be proactive instead of reactive

(17:45) Assertiveness vs. Aggression off the mat

If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend!

You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp

https://rollmodelswanted.com/

New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906439f

https://beautyandthegi.libsyn.com/category/Start+Here

Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App

https://episodes.fm/1458389465

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EBCzi7znNuvxKlpLvue-w

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

Beauty and the Gi on Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Beauty-and-the-Gi-Podcast/B08JJMFS1D?

Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp

https://rollmodelswanted.com/

Connect with Jen and AJ

Beauty and the Gi Podcast on Instagram @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen on Instagram @brassybroadjen

Have you ever had to fight one of your friends or a training partner in a competition? Has the thought of fighting your friend ever kept you from registering for a competition?

In this episode, we're helping you navigate that situation with what to do before the match, day of, and after. We’re sharing our insight and experiences from competing against our own teammates and friends.

Chapters

(00:00) How do you feel about competing against friends and teammates?

(03:21) The dynamics of fighting your friends

(08:12) Setting expectations prior to the competion

(15:56) Coping mechanisms for competition day nerves and stress

(17:14) IBJJF Uniform Rules

(21:21) Off the Mat Tip

If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend!

You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp

https://rollmodelswanted.com/

New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906439f

https://beautyandthegi.libsyn.com/category/Start+Here

Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App

https://episodes.fm/1458389465

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EBCzi7znNuvxKlpLvue-w

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

Beauty and the Gi on Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Beauty-and-the-Gi-Podcast/B08JJMFS1D?

Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp

https://rollmodelswanted.com/

Connect with Jen and AJ

Beauty and the Gi Podcast on Instagram @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen on Instagram @brassybroadjen

Jen on TikTok @brassybroadjen

AJ on Instagram @ajclingerman

AJ on TikTok @roll_model

rollmodelhq on Instagram

Links and Resources

How often do you feel FOMO, the fear of missing out, when it comes to Jiu-Jitsu? It can come up when you're scrolling your phone and you see a new camp or seminar pop up that you can't go to, you might be recovering from an injury, but you're afraid you'll lose ground or get passed by if you have to take time off the mat, and sometimes life, work, and family need to be your top priority instead of Jiu-Jitsu.

Jiu-Jitsu is hard enough without FOMO sneaking in and sucking more fun out of it. We've been there. We don't have all the answers, but we can share what works for us, or doesn't work for us.

Chapters

(00:00) Jiu-Jitsu FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Triggers (03:06) Balancing Family Responsibilities and Events with Jiu-Jitsu (07:31) Financial and Logistical Strategies to Attend Events (10:00) Managing the Desire to Train When You're Injured (14:41) Prioritizing Person Joy (19:46) New Segment on IBJJF Rules

If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend!

You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp

https://rollmodelswanted.com/

New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906439f

https://beautyandthegi.libsyn.com/category/Start+Here

Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App

https://episodes.fm/1458389465

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EBCzi7znNuvxKlpLvue-w

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

Beauty and the Gi on Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Beauty-and-the-Gi-Podcast/B08JJMFS1D?

Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp

https://rollmodelswanted.com/

Connect with Jen and AJ

Beauty and the Gi Podcast on Instagram @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen on Instagram @brassybroadjen

Jen on TikTok @brassybroadjen

AJ on Instagram @ajclingerman

AJ on TikTok @roll_model

rollmodelhq on Instagram

Links and Resources