Ep. 268: When to Optimize, feat. Edwin "Junny" Ocasio

In this episode, Brother Matt joins us to discuss his coaching experience with ecological dynamics and drilling. We also get into whether the discourse surrounding the ecological approach in Jiu-Jitsu is productive or toxic. Check out The Essential Jiu-Jitsu Podcast with Brother Matt: https://ejjp.show/ Subscribe to EJJP on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheEssentialJiuJitsuPodcast Check out the On Guard online academy: https://onguardbjj.com/ Zara Can Do Jiu-Jitsu: https://amzn.to/4...

2 Okt 20231h 11min

This week we're joined by Kristian Woodmansee! Kristian is a black belt under André Galvão, the founder of Logic BJJ Online, and the head instructor at Logic Philly. In this episode, Kristian explains his ladder system for guard passing: a simple concept that helps anyone better understand best practices for passing the guard. Follow Kristian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logicbjjonline/ Subscribe to Logic BJJ Online: https://logicbjjonline.com/ Train with Kristian at...

25 Sep 20231h 5min

This week we're joined by Riley Stearns! Riley is a BJJ black belt under Shawn Williams, and a film director best known for The Art of Self-Defense, starring Jesse Eisenberg. In this episode, Riley shares his advice on achieving work-life balance, and how to maximize your enjoyment of Jiu-Jitsu without letting it take over your life. Follow Riley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileystearns/ Check out Riley's Jiu-Jitsu project, Hobbyist: https://www.instagram.com/hobbyis...

18 Sep 20231h

"I truly believe I can create luck." That's something you'll hear if you listen to interviews with Wesley Seek. Wesley, better known by his handle LambySeries - or Lamby for short - is a world-class competitive card gamer, previously achieving Grandmaster status in Hearthstone and currently considered the best Marvel Snap player in the world. This episode serves two purposes. First, to feed Steve's crippling Marvel Snap addiction. And second, to give Lamby a platform to share his sport...

11 Sep 202359min

This week we're joined by Shawn Williams! Shawn is a black belt under Renzo Gracie, and is both a renowned competitor and teacher. In this episode, Shawn Williams explains his "closed loop" strategy for Jiu-Jitsu, wherein you're always advancing without compromising position. Follow Shawn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnwilliamsbjj/ Visit Shawn's website: https://shawnwilliamsbjj.tv/ Visit Shawn's digital academy: https://jiujitsuedu.com/ Buy Shawn's instructional...

4 Sep 202355min

This week we're joined by Anthony "El Toro" Birchak! Anthony is a UFC, Bellator, and Rizin MMA veteran, as well as a BJJ black belt under Casey Halstead. In this episode, Anthony draws on his wrestling background to explain the importance of wrestling, both mentally and technically, in Jiu-Jitsu. Follow Anthony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abirchakmma/ Follow Anthony on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyBirchak/ Train with Anthony at 10th Planet Tucson: https...

28 Aug 20231h 3min

This week we're joined by Alexander Darwin! Alexander is a black belt at Boston Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is best known as the author of the BJJ-inspired sci-fi/fantasy novel, The Combat Codes. In this episode, Alexander talks about the ethos of keeping it playful: a statement we've all heard before, but also a philosophy that significantly increases your enjoyment of — and performance in — Jiu-Jitsu over the long term. Follow Alexander and The Combat Codes on social: https://www.i...

21 Aug 20231h 2min

This week we're joined by Shama Ko! Shama is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Penny Thomas and is best known for her role as Program Director at Girls in Gis. In this episode, Shama shares advice on the obstacles we encounter in our Jiu-Jitsu journey, and the power of community in overcoming them. Follow Shama on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shamasko/ Visit the Girls in Gis website: https://www.girls-in-gis.com/ Follow Girls in Gis on social: https://www.instagram...

14 Aug 202358min