EP56: Knight Jiu-Jitsu / Eli Knight

Knight Jiu Jitsu with Eli Knight – A Deep Dive into Martial Arts, Mindset & Modern BJJ | Wash Your Gi Podcast

In this powerful episode of Wash Your Gi, we sit down with none other than Eli Knight, the founder and face of Knight Jiu Jitsu, to explore the journey, philosophy, and future of one of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu’s most respected figures.

If you’re a practitioner, instructor, or fan of Knight Jiu Jitsu, this conversation is a must-listen.

Who Is Eli Knight?

Eli Knight is the driving force behind Knight Jiu Jitsu, a system rooted in the traditions of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and known for its emphasis on self-defense, practical application, and contextual training. With over a decade of consistent content creation and instruction, Eli’s Knight Jiu Jitsu YouTube channel has become a go-to source for martial artists worldwide.

Eli got his start in martial arts in a small town in Kentucky, eventually earning his black belt under Royce Gracie and developing Knight Jiu Jitsu into a recognizable brand that bridges old-school fundamentals with modern combat realities.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The Origins of Knight Jiu Jitsu

  Eli shares how Knight Jiu Jitsu started, what inspired the name, and how he shaped his approach to teaching over decades on the mats.

• Building Knight Jiu Jitsu Online

  Eli reflects on launching his YouTube channel back in 2006—long before martial arts content was mainstream—and how he stayed relevant as the platform evolved.

• From Traditional to Tactical

  Discover how Knight Jiu Jitsu balances traditional BJJ concepts with modern-day application, including Eli’s insights into self-defense-focused training, law enforcement integration, and realistic scenario drills.

• Mindset, Resilience, and Personal Development

  Eli discusses the mental side of Jiu-Jitsu—how training builds emotional intelligence, humility, and grit, and how Jiu-Jitsu became a form of therapy and identity for him.

• Teaching the Next Generation

  We explore Eli’s views on coaching, online instruction, and the responsibility of passing on knowledge to students both in-person and digitally through the Knight Jiu Jitsu network.

Why Knight Jiu Jitsu Stands Out

Unlike many sport-focused schools, Knight Jiu Jitsu remains committed to practicality, safety, and the personal transformation that comes from years of consistent training. Eli’s teaching resonates with hobbyists, professionals, law enforcement, and everyday people looking to grow stronger—physically and mentally—through Jiu-Jitsu.

This episode is an in-depth, honest, and insightful look at what it means to train, teach, and evolve as a martial artist in the 21st century.

🎧 Ready to learn from Eli Knight himself?

Hit play and explore the mindset and mission behind Knight Jiu Jitsu. Whether you’re a new white belt or a seasoned black belt, this episode is full of insights to take with you on your journey.

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