Recorded in the hotel lobby after day one of the IBJJF Dallas Open, Scott and Mike talk tournament rituals, pre- and post-competition meals, hotels, restaurants and the road life around jiu-jitsu events — including a deep dive on steakhouses.

We also cover our visit to CRUZ CMBT, the Patreon launch, and travel stories from Dallas to New Orleans and Japan.

On this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee we unpack sandbagging — when someone hides their true skill to enter lower divisions or downplay experience in the gym. The hosts share real stories, why people do it, and how it affects training partners and local competitions.

They also discuss how coaches and teammates should respond, contrast reverse sandbagging and humble elites, and end with clear advice: be honest, compete at your level, and protect the integrity of the mats.

We celebrate the one-year anniversary of Fighters Drinking Coffee with reflections on weekly consistency, improvements in editing and sound, favorite guest episodes (Big John, Tim Dawson, Raf), and the show’s stronger focus on jiu-jitsu.

Plus: listener topics like open-mat policies, the podcast’s international reach, endorsements for Nova Barbell Club, and plans for a Patreon—short updates and gratitude for a growing community.