Welcome to Season 2 Episode 9 of the Mat Martial Arts Podcast.

Today, Richard and I are speaking with Eddie Kone, of Eddie Kone Academy of Jiu Jitsu out of London, England. Eddie is also the host of the  EKBJJ Podcast.

Today, we talked about the importance of knowing our BJJ roots, and staying true to the "self-defense first" mentality while training.

We really enjoyed the interview and hope you do too. Please don't forget to like, follow and share!

Please check out links to Eddie's Academy and his socials.

Eddie Kone Academy of Jiu Jitsu
Eddie Kone on Instagram
Eddie's BJJ Podcast

.. and don't forget to check out Worth Defending - How Jiu Jitsu saved my life by my co-host Richard Bresler

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 8 of the Mat Martial Arts Podcast.

This week, we are talking with Tony White from Shoshin Jiu Jitsu. Here is what we are covering;

• The importance of practical self-defense while training jiu-jitsu.
• Situational awareness on and off the mats.
• The power of a good network in the jiu-jitsu community.
• .. and lots more.

Please check out Tony on Social Media
Instagram
Facebook
On the Web

Also, check out Richard Bresler's book Worth Defending.  If you have read it, please leave a review!

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 7!

Today’s discussion is with Gracie Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Randy Mc Elwee – owner / operator of Martial Arts Success Institute & Going Commando Success Coaching.

In this episode, we talk about;

-          Randy’s background in the US Army’s Special Forces.

-          His approach to setting his students up for success

-          The need to understand the difference between Sport & Self-Defense Jiu Jitsu

-          Key takeaways and life lessons he got from reading my co-host Richard Bresler’s game changing book Worth Defending.

-          Importance of our Gracie Jiu Jitsu legacy

Please check out what Randy is working on!

Martial Arts Success Institute @ https://www.martialartssuccessinstitute.com

Going Commando Success Coaching @ https://www.commandosuccess.com

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Athens Owner page  https://www.randymcelwee.com

 Richard and Jason discuss the challenges of sport jujitsu and its benefits, such as the physical toll on the body and competition. They emphasize the importance of honoring one's body and listening to it when training hard to prevent injuries. They also emphasize the need to have the right partners for longevity and listen to the body when training. Richard shares his experience with a former sparring partner and a woman who helped him stay relaxed during training. Jason suggests finding a school where one can learn how to honor their body by listening to their body when they are tired or not feeling 100%. They agree that having the correct partners is crucial for longevity. Richard emphasizes basic common sense hygiene and relaxation in his classes. 

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 5 of The Mat Martial Arts Podcast. My co-host Richard Bresler and I had the pleasure of speaking with 6th Degree Gracie Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Phil Migliarese. Here is what we covered;

• Phil's origin story. This is a cool one, dating all the way back to print ads in Black Belt Magazine..
• What he has seen over the years, and some of the legends he has shared the mats with.
• Academy culture. What drives it, and how Phil and his brother preserve it in their schools.
• Please check out the website for ⁠Phil's schools⁠ (and definitely watch the YouTube video)

It was a great episode that I really enjoyed making.  Please like, share and follow.

Also, check out Richard Bresler's amazing book
 ⁠Worth Defending - How Gracie Jiu Jitsu Saved My Life⁠

and our socials
⁠The Mat Martial Arts Podcast on YouTube
⁠⁠The Mat Martial Arts Podcast on Instagram
⁠⁠The Podcast Website⁠

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 4 of The Mat Martial Arts Podcast. My co-host Richard Bresler and I had the pleasure of speaking with BJJ Black Belt Shawn Sherman. Here is what we covered;

• Shawn's early life and origin story
• His experiences in training in various academies and instructors
• The beauty of the basics

It was a great episode that I really enjoyed making.  Please like, share and follow.

Also, check out Richard Bresler's amazing book

Worth Defending - How Gracie Jiu Jitsu Saved My Life

and our socials

The Mat Martial Arts Podcast on YouTube
The Mat Martial Arts Podcast on Instagram
The Podcast Website

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 3 of the Mat Martial Arts Podcast

Earlier today, my co-host Richard Bresler and I had the privilege of speaking with Jon Wagner, of Wagner Jiu Jitsu. It was a great conversation that covered a wide range of topics;

• Jon's origin story - how and where he got started.
• His competition history and how the sport has evolved over the years.
• The emotional and physical benefits of jiu jitsu, and how to improve longevity in training.
• The social impact of competition based combat sports.

Today's episode ran a bit longer than usual, but had to cut it off for the sake of time. Richard and I are planning to have Jon back on again, as we were just starting scratch the surface on some other interesting and impactful topics.

Please check out Jon's academy

https://www.wagneracademy.com/

https://www.instagram.com/wagnerjjacademy/?hl=en

Also, check out Richard's Book "Worth Defending".. as it was also referenced multiple times in the episode.

https://www.amazon.com/Worth-Defending-Gracie-Jiu-Jitsu-Saved/dp/B0974G8D2H

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 2 of the Mat Martial Arts Podcast. This week Richard (Bresler) and I talked through some topics that I have always been interested in. We discussed;

1.) What was the martial arts landscape like before Gracie Jiu Jitsu came into the national consciousness here in America?

2.) The differences in mindset for training sport vs. practical self-defense jiu-jitsu.

3.) The value of fundamentals. If you could only learn a few techniques, which would they be?

Along the way, I pepper Richard with some questions about his book- "Worth Defending" .. I would call this a must read for anybody, not just martial artists.

As always, if you like the show, please save, share and interact. You can contact me at jjh@thematmapodcast.com and you can find Richard on his various socials.

Let's jump into it. Hope you enjoy!

JH & RB