BJJ Balance

Jaksot

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  Episode 154 - "I'd Rather Snap My Foot Than Tap" — Shawn Melanson's Wildest Injury Stories 15.09.2026 1t 13min

  Shawn Melanson joins the BJJ Balance Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on everything going on in grappling right now. He gives his honest take on the viral ADCC biting incident and the chaos of a stalled-out match with zero action, breaks down why he thinks jiu jitsu will never turn into serious money no matter how viral moments like knockouts and slams get, and predicts the next generation of teenage prodigies is about to change the sport in the next decade.From there Shawn goes deep on his side of the PGF Phenoms fallout — becoming a team leader, the disrespect he says happened behind closed doors, the ask for better pay and recovery support that got turned down, and why he still thinks he's worth picking up as a free agent this season. He talks openly about wanting to coach and build a fly-fishing-guide future, running his Precision Jiu Jitsu gym in New Hampshire, his upcoming match against Owen, his brutal reverse omoplata story from a 15-year-old at a seminar, his reptile collection, and how he's grown his social media brand past half a million followers through pure daily consistency.This episode is brought to you by Optiva Wellness. Head to OptivaWellness.com and use code BJJBALANCE10 to save 10% on your entire order.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 153 - World Masters Worlds Vegas Recap: Legends, Injuries, and Growth 08.09.2026 1t 7min

  On episode 153 of the BJJ Balance Podcast, Mat and Kenny open up about the wild growth of this show — three and a half years of grinding, doubters turning into supporters, and finally meeting longtime listeners face to face at World Masters Worlds in Las Vegas. They break down the shoutout-worthy moments from the trip: legends like Marcelo Garcia, Xande Ribeiro, and Robert Drysdale in the building, a brutal arm injury on the mats, and Kenny's very on-brand souvenir choice (squishy toys for the kids over a night of gambling). From there the conversation turns real: Mat challenges Kenny on how much he's evolved over the last three years — as a competitor, a father, a husband, and a man of faith — and they dig into why staying stagnant is the real enemy, how seasons of friendship (and relationships) naturally end, and why "going blind" toward a goal nobody else can see yet is the whole game. It's not all heavy, though — they get into practical jiu jitsu talk on go-to submissions and the importance of building a favorite move set, debate the best way to get your boss addicted to jiu jitsu for the ultimate long-term flex, and close out with an all-time riff on which billionaire or celebrity they'd fight for the right price. If you're into BJJ podcast content, competition recaps, jiu jitsu mindset and mental health talk, and grappling community stories, this episode has it all.This episode is brought to you by Optiva Wellness. Head to OptivaWellness.com and use code BJJBALANCE10 to save 10% on your entire order.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @KennyDoesBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 152 - Mega Gyms, Affiliate Drama, and Why Splitting From Your Team Is Never Easy 01.09.2026 1t 10min

  On episode 152 of the BJJ Balance Podcast, Mat shows up to the soccer field mohawk and all, and the guys open up about the side-eye he gets from suburban dads, his wife's reaction to the new look, and why 42 felt like the last chance to try it. From there they get serious fast, breaking down a viral video of a grappler getting stacked in a triangle and reportedly left paralyzed, and Mat lays out his hard rule for staying safe when your legs go over your head. That leads into a genuine, respectful tangent on why older jiu jitsu athletes — the "jiu jitsu dads" sacrificing family time and health to keep training — deserve more credit than they get, and how context gets stripped out of viral clips to manufacture outrage. Mat and Kenny dig into the messy business side of the sport too: whether mega gyms and 30-40 school empires like Eddie Bravo's or Tom DeBlass's are smart business when an affiliate's scandal can blow back on the whole brand, the ongoing "poke the bear" beef around online jiu jitsu credibility, and Mat's own personal story of splitting from one team to follow his black belt lineage to a different professor. They talk ADCC's uncertain future and why Saudi money could bring it roaring back, ADCC-style, the culture clash between mega gyms and boutique schools, and ongoing "exposing" callouts in the jiu jitsu community that require better vetting before piling on. Later, Mat shares his most embarrassing white belt story — losing his cool and slamming the mat rolling with an ADCC champion who was barely trying — plus real talk on why competing (not just rolling in the gym) is the fastest way to get better, why there's no timeline on skill, and a rapid-fire top five clowns list to close it out. If you're into BJJ podcast content, jiu jitsu safety talk, gym business and culture debates, and grappling community stories, this episode has it all.This episode is brought to you by Optiva Wellness. Head to OptivaWellness.com and use code BJJBALANCE10 to save 10% on your entire order.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @KennyDoesBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 151 - Craig Jones Was Officially Asked To Fill The ADCC Spot 25.08.2026 1t 14min

  On episode 151 of the BJJ Balance Podcast, Mat and Kenny open up sore, tired, and fully unfiltered after a rough training week, riffing on recovery supplements, cardio jokes, and one very cursed tangent about blue chews before pulling it together for real BJJ and MMA talk. They break down the big ADCC news: Jayrod's exit from the 88kg bracket, and the confirmation that Craig Jones was officially asked by ADCC to fill that open slot. They dig into Craig's recent rolling footage, whether he's ramping up training for a possible run, and what it would mean for his legacy alongside his no-gi and gi accolades. From there it's a full UFC BJJ breakdown: the Mikey Musumeci vs. Bryce Mitchell matchup, why crossover MMA talent could be the promotion's biggest advantage, the case for letting athletes wear their own sponsor kits instead of locked-in Hayabusa gear, commentary team gripes, and hopes for Matt Serra behind the desk. They also get into a serious, heartfelt tangent on parenting, postpartum depression, and why they're holding back on discussing a certain ongoing court case out of respect for the people involved. Mat shares his social media growth playbook — trial reels, carousel posts, and the tricks for getting old content to go viral again — before the guys dive into a big fan Q&A covering purple belt pimp energy, dick moves in jiu jitsu, black belts who avoid rolling with bigger opponents, why the meta in jiu jitsu keeps shifting (buggy chokes, leg locks, body locks, octopus guard), gi versus no-gi debates, and why clock-in systems at big gyms matter for accountability, not skill. Plus: a Two Truths-style celebrity guessing game, conspiracy theory talk, and the usual chaos. If you're into BJJ podcast content, ADCC and UFC BJJ news, jiu jitsu culture, and grappling community talk, this episode has it all.This episode is brought to you by Optiva Wellness. Head to OptivaWellness.com and use code BJJBALANCE10 to save 10% on your entire order.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 150 - Attendance-Based Belts, Fake Black Belts, and BJJ's Dirty Secret 18.08.2026 1t 20min

  On episode 150 of the BJJ Balance Podcast, Mat and Kenny go deep on the algorithm rabbit holes we don't tell our friends about before breaking down why women's MMA has struggled to build the same rivalries and star power as the men's division, using Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, and Amanda Nunes as the exception, not the rule. From there it's a full GOAT-style MMA debate: Mat makes the case that a prime GSP would give Islam Makhachev fits, breaks down why title fights produce fewer finishes, and explains why Khabib's Dagestani camp (allegedly 102 wins, 2 losses) might be the greatest MMA camp in history compared to AKA, Jackson's, American Top Team, Team Quest, and Extreme Couture. They talk BJJ and MMA camp loyalty, GSP's unique path training everywhere from Tristar to Greg Jackson's, and UFC roster depth. Then it's tattoo talk: neck tattoos, back pieces, tramp stamps, Craig Jones' leg piece, Prince Albert piercings, and the "no-gi guy" tattoo stereotypes. Mat also tells a legendary UPS route story about blown-out socks, a busted shin, and Lieutenant Dan wisdom about keeping your feet dry. They get into a real breakdown of technique versus power in grappling, why smaller technical guys need longer rounds to win, and Mat's advice to stop being "too nice" when you roll. The episode closes with a hard look at attendance-based belt promotions at big-name BJJ gyms, why some professors care more about commas in their bank account than real practitioners, and Mat's own belt journey from starting jiu jitsu at 21 to getting his black belt at 32. Plus: Gordon Ryan's "Moneybagg" versus Craig Jones' Jonah Hill debate, tongue ring stories, and the usual chaos. If you're into BJJ podcast content, MMA GOAT debates, jiu jitsu culture, and grappling community talk, this episode has it all.This episode is brought to you by Optiva Wellness. Head to OptivaWellness.com and use code BJJBALANCE10 to save 10% on your entire order.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 149 - Why Cross-Training At Other BJJ Gyms Is Making The Sport Better 11.08.2026 1t 9min

  On episode 149 of the BJJ Balance Podcast, Mat and Kenny cover a little bit of everything: coaching a student to a second place finish, why "no-gi guys" get labeled emotional, and an honest, no-filter conversation about past steroid use, bodybuilding culture, and knowing when to walk away from it. They dive into the male period, showing vulnerability as a man, and why having a group of like-minded guys to talk to matters. From there it's straight into the GOAT debates: Michael Jordan's case as the greatest basketball player ever, and why GSP and Jon Jones are the two names that matter most in MMA history. They also talk BJJ gym culture and cross-training, how the internet changed jiu jitsu instruction forever, respect for old-school professors who had no resources to learn from, and shoutouts to Pantcho, B-Mac, and Craig Jones for their influence on the BJJ Balance brand. Plus: casting a BJJ Balance biopic, celebrity look-alikes, white boy stereotypes, conspiracy theory rabbit holes, and a wild story that gets saved for the After The Roll bonus segment. If you're into BJJ podcast content, jiu jitsu culture, MMA GOAT debates, and grappling community talk, this episode has it all.This episode is brought to you by Optiva Wellness. Head to OptivaWellness.com and use code BJJBALANCE10 to save 10% on your entire order.In this episode, Kenny & Mat dive intoPlease Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 148 - Should White Belts Learn Leg Locks? BJJ's Most Controversial Debate 04.08.2026 1t 19min

  On this episode of the BJJ Balance Podcast, we dive deep into one of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's most debated topics: leg locks. Should white belts and blue belts be taught leg locks, ankle locks, kneebars, toe holds, and heel hooks early, or does it stunt growth in guard passing, takedowns, and overall jiu jitsu fundamentals? We break down the 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu leg lock system versus traditional gi jiu jitsu, why heel hooks are illegal in the gi but allowed in no gi grappling, and how leg entanglements like ashi garami, saddle, and inside heel hook fit into a well rounded BJJ game. We talk IBJJF rules, belt progression from white belt to black belt, the fear that comes with leveling up in jiu jitsu, gi versus no gi training, and the character issues facing the jiu jitsu community right now. Plus, UFC talk, ADCC references, leg lockers like Craig Jones, Gordon Ryan, and Lachlan Giles, funny childhood stories, gym life, and much more. If you're a BJJ practitioner, grappler, MMA fan, or jiu jitsu lifestyle fan looking for real talk on BJJ training, belt ranks, self defense, and the grappling community, this episode is for you.This episode is brought to you by Optiva Wellness. Head to OptivaWellness.com and use code BJJBALANCE10 to save 10% on your entire order.Subscribe for more BJJ podcast episodes, jiu jitsu talk, grappling breakdowns, and MMA discussion every week.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 147 - Men Who Won’t Grow Up: Money, Marriage & Modern Masculinity 28.07.2026 1t 17min

  This episode starts with heatwaves and trashy beaches in Southern California and somehow ends with a full‑on intervention for modern men. We clown on hiking with bears, talk real jiu jitsu life, and then dive deep into one of the biggest issues we see: husbands who refuse to grow up and hand all the responsibility to their wives.We break down what happens when men act like permanent teenagers—letting their partner run every dollar, asking for “allowance” from their own paycheck, and wondering why there’s zero respect in the relationship. We talk shared accounts, leadership, paying bills, and why both people in a marriage need to be adults with their money.Along the way there are stories from the UPS days, wild doctor visits, building a 4 a.m. BJJ class at Checkmat Menifee, and a heartfelt tribute to the uncle who paid for that first year of jiu jitsu and sparked everything. It’s raw, funny, uncomfortable, and exactly the kind of conversation that usually only happens after training on the mats.Topics: Brazilian jiu jitsu, modern masculinity, marriage and money, shared bank accounts, men’s self‑improvement, gym culture, community, mentorship.If you tell me which of the five titles you’re leaning toward, I can tweak the first 2–3 lines of the YouTube description to match that hook perfectly.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @KennyDoesBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 146 - Why Brown Belts Should Be the Most Dangerous People in the Gym 21.07.2026 1t 8min

  Fresh off our massive episode with Craig Jones, BJJ Balance is back to business—and Episode 146 goes exactly where you'd expect: completely off the rails before somehow finding its way back to jiu-jitsu.Matt and Kenny kick things off recapping the Craig Jones episode before breaking down what they believe was a massive missed opportunity in the UFC. From there, we discover that Kenny apparently doesn't believe in wearing socks, Matt is forced to address the ongoing accusations about his appreciation for feet, and the conversation somehow gets even worse from there.Eventually, we actually talk Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.Matt reveals that his rib injury is officially a broken rib, putting him out of training for several weeks and potentially jeopardizing his plans to compete at Worlds. The guys also discuss Kenny getting back into training, possible future superfights, competition intensity, and why you need to stop lowering your level when you roll with your teammates.Then we get into the big debate of the episode:Is the BJJ brown belt the ultimate villain belt?Matt explains why he believes a brown belt's job is to become an absolute problem in the gym, smash the lower belts, push toward black belt at all costs, and stop worrying about being everyone's favorite training partner. But does that philosophy change when you're the highest-ranked student at a smaller academy?The guys also talk about Matt's own brown belt experience, his regrets from that stage of his jiu-jitsu journey, how to build a successful kids BJJ program, opening your own jiu-jitsu academy, loyalty to your team and coaches, gym drama, washing your jiu-jitsu belt, and why controlling someone in MMA is completely different from controlling someone in a normal BJJ round.And because this is BJJ Balance, there's also Yankees vs. Dodgers talk, Raiders fans, Taco Bell, being broke, growing up on the wild west internet, and several conversations that probably should have never been recorded.Welcome to Episode 146.🥋 Subscribe to BJJ Balance for weekly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu news, BJJ culture, grappling discussions, comedy, and completely unfiltered conversations from Matt and Kenny.Let us know in the comments: Is brown belt really the villain belt—and should brown belts be trying to smash everyone in the gym?Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @KennyDoesBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjjBJJ Balance, BJJ podcast, jiu jitsu podcast, Brazilian jiu jitsu podcast, BJJ, jiu jitsu, Brazilian jiu jitsu, jiujitsu, grappling, BJJ news, jiu jitsu news, brown belt BJJ, BJJ brown belt, brown belt jiu jitsu, BJJ black belt, road to black belt, BJJ belt rankings, jiu jitsu belts, BJJ training, jiu jitsu training, BJJ competition, jiu jitsu competition, BJJ Worlds, IBJJF Worlds, BJJ injuries, broken rib BJJ, rolling in jiu jitsu, BJJ training partners, BJJ gym culture, jiu jitsu gym, opening a BJJ gym, kids jiu jitsu, kids BJJ, MMA jiu jitsu, MMA grappling, cage wrestling, wall wrestling, Craig Jones, UFC, Paddy Pimblett, Max Holloway, BJJ comedy, martial arts podcast
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  Episode 145 - Craig Jones Unfiltered: CJI 3, Gordon Ryan, B-Team & Cartel Stories 14.07.2026 1t 33min

  Craig Jones joins BJJ Balance from Mexico for the biggest and wildest episode we have ever recorded.Craig tells the unbelievable story of filming with cartel members in Mexico before opening up about CJI 3, what went wrong at CJI 2 and how he plans to bring the original Craig Jones Invitational “fever dream” energy back. He discusses athlete contracts, promotional politics, the future of professional grappling and why some of the sport’s biggest competitors do not understand the leverage they possess.We also talk about the return of B-Team, his ongoing rivalry with Gordon Ryan, the genius of John Danaher, Gabi Garcia’s transformation into a CJI star and the Leandro Lo upset that completely changed Craig’s career.Craig explains how heel hooks allowed him to defeat more technically complete grapplers, what really happened during his match with Chael Sonnen, his plans for the Gable Steveson matchup and why controlling his own content became one of the smartest decisions of his career.Plus, Craig discusses sponsorships, Moneyberg, social-media censorship, rich friends, Masters Worlds, B-Team Mexico, the Zamaya training resort and several stories that probably should never have been told publicly.This is Craig Jones completely unfiltered.Explicit language and adult humor throughout.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 144 - Craig Jones’ Jiu-Jitsu Resort, Health Scares & Big Guys Avoiding Hard Rounds 07.07.2026 1t 18min

  Episode 144 of BJJ Balance starts with Fourth of July chaos, AI photo edits, old-school road trip memories, Game Gear nostalgia, e-bikes, childhood stories, and the kind of random tangents only this podcast can produce.Then the boys get into Craig Jones potentially building a jiu-jitsu destination in Mexico, whether it could become a BJJ retreat-style hub, what that might mean for CJI, and why now might be the perfect time to finally get Craig Jones on the podcast.The episode also gets serious for a bit as Kenny talks about a recent health scare, what it felt like for the people around him, the reminder to appreciate family and the life you already have, and the nerves that can come with returning to jiu-jitsu after something scary happens.From there, the listener questions take over: big guys avoiding other big guys, why smaller grapplers may have a harder road to black belt, calling out tough rounds, Gordon Ryan vs Kron Gracie in MMA, why the teepee choke and gogoplata comments are getting out of control, flow rolling, purple belts giving stripes, knee on belly escapes, traditional jiu-jitsu warmups, and more.This one has everything: comedy, jiu-jitsu debates, life perspective, Craig Jones talk, Gordon Ryan talk, listener questions, and classic BJJ Balance chaos.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 143 - Fake Glory in Jiu-Jitsu 30.06.2026 1t 5min

  In Episode 143 of BJJ Balance, Kenny and Matt open with one of the most important questions in modern jiu-jitsu:How long are you allowed to wear your medal after winning a tournament?From there, the conversation goes exactly where you’d expect — gi vs no-gi, why Matt is officially “gi till I die,” Kick livestream plans, Craig Jones being back around the B-Team, ADCC/CJI rumors, internet criticism, Dana White on the mats with shoes, Sean Strickland being Sean Strickland, gym drama, relationships inside jiu-jitsu schools, fake glory from empty brackets, and why the respect of your training room matters more than social media followers.This one gets wild, honest, uncomfortable, and very BJJ Balance.Follow us on all socials and subscribe for more jiu-jitsu talk, podcast chaos, and weekly episodes.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 142 - What the World Cup and Jiu-Jitsu Have in Common 23.06.2026 1t 8min

  This week on BJJ Balance, Matt and Kenny start with the World Cup and somehow turn it into one of the most honest conversations about culture, America, jiu-jitsu, and why people are not as divided as the internet wants us to believe.The guys talk about how the World Cup brings countries together, how jiu-jitsu does the same thing inside the gym, and why shared struggle can break down walls between people from completely different backgrounds.Then the episode goes exactly where you’d expect: action movie legends, old video stores, N64 GoldenEye, magician riz, Father’s Day strategy, marriage, listener questions, wives training jiu-jitsu, beginner classes, live sparring, cutting weight, competing as a master, what it really means to be a world champion, and the emotion of watching someone receive their black belt.This one has jokes, real talk, BJJ advice, and a lot of chaos.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 141 - Purple Belt Pop Quiz: Pressure, Promotions & Surviving Giants 16.06.2026 1t 2min

  Episode 141 is a full BJJ Balance chaos session. Kenny and Matt talk purple belt promotions, what separates purple belts from brown belts, how to slow your game down, surviving huge training partners, tournament horror stories, pressure passing, half guard, and why jiu-jitsu always makes you feel better even on a bad day. Plus NBA referee rants, podcast growth talk, sponsor jokes, and Matt explaining why some sports are sports and some are just skills.Sponsored by Optiva WellnessUse code BJJBalance10 at checkout.Follow BJJ Balance everywhere: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, and Discord.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @KennyDoesdBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 140 - Ready to Bet on Myself 09.06.2026 1t 13min

  This week on BJJ Balance, we dive into something bigger than jiu-jitsu.Mat opens up about hitting a point in life where being comfortable isn't enough anymore. With a great family, a successful career, and a growing podcast, why does the desire for more keep getting louder?We talk about taking calculated risks, building something meaningful, finding the right people to grow with, and why chasing your potential becomes harder to ignore as you get older.We also answer listener questions on:When to move on from techniques that aren't workingLetting your blue belts "eat"Why wrestlers often progress faster than hobbyistsCommon mistakes that stall jiu-jitsu growthInjuries at purple beltTRT, recovery, and supplementsSocial media drama in the BJJ worldWhy giving your training partners credit mattersPlus, Kenny gets roasted once again.If you've ever felt like you're capable of more, this episode is for you.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @KennyDoesBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 139 - Why Competing Changed Everything Again 02.06.2026 1t 19min

  This week the boys break down a wild IBJJF competition experience, lessons learned from taking an L, why the pressure of competing is addictive, belt promotions, gym culture, patches on gis, building leaders through jiu-jitsu, and the future of the sport.They also dive into Craig Jones speculation, CJI talk, UFC BJJ, promotion standards, and why blue belt is just the beginning. Plus: steroid jokes, giant ultra-heavies, rash guards, music playlists, and the usual chaos.
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  Episode 138 - The UFC BJJ Era Has Officially Begun 26.05.2026 1t 13min

  This episode of After The Roll goes completely off the rails.The boys break down the rise of UFC BJJ, whether the promotion is actually good for jiu-jitsu, and why fighters are chasing the UFC name. They also dive deep into Mikey Musumeci’s role as the face of UFC BJJ, why some fans love him, and why others think the “cringe” factor is hurting the sport.Then things spiral into:A2 gi slandertournament prepBloodsport appreciationbelt tying etiquettebathroom horror storiesTaco Bell debatesjiu-jitsu gym cultureand some of the wildest analogies ever said on this podcastClassic BJJ Balance: equal parts jiu-jitsu discussion, comedy, chaos, and absolute nonsense.Topics include:UFC BJJ & the future of grapplingMikey Musumeci controversyPGF vs UFC BJJBloodsport & martial arts moviesTournament mindsetA2 gi jokesBelt promotion etiquetteGrapple App discussionJiu-jitsu cultureBathroom & Taco Bell stories#BJJBalance #UFCBJJ #MikeyMusumeci #JiuJitsu #BJJPodcast #AfterTheRoll #PGF #CraigJones #Grappling #BloodsportPlease Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 137 - The Anti-Hero of Jiu-Jitsu? Shawn Melanson Gets REAL About PGF, Sponsors & Competition 19.05.2026 1t 29min

  Shawn Melanson joins the podcast for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had about modern jiu-jitsu. We dive deep into the PGF season, the Phenom team controversy, social media strategy in BJJ, building a personal brand, BJJ Fanatics instructionals, competition culture, gym ownership, training philosophies, and why Sean believes most athletes are leaving money and opportunities on the table.Shawn talks about being underestimated during the PGF draft, using controversy to build storylines, the realities of sponsorships in jiu-jitsu, why social media matters more than titles for most athletes, and how he built a loyal following by being authentic online.We also get into old-school pressure passing, knee slice passing, route drags, competition training, hobbyist gyms vs competition gyms, coaching women in jiu-jitsu, seminars, building a gym culture, and the future of the PGF.If you’re into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, no-gi grappling, BJJ culture, PGF, CJI, ADCC, gym ownership, instructionals, or social media growth for athletes — this episode is packed.#BJJ #JiuJitsu #NoGi #PGF #shawnmelanson #BJJFanatics #Grappling #BrazilianJiuJitsu #ADCC #CJI #BJJPodcast #JiuJitsuLife #BJJTraining #MMA #SubmissionGrapplingPlease Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 136 - Fake Belts, Gauntlets & BJJ Culture Wars 12.05.2026 1t 2min

  This episode of BJJ Balance After The Roll gets HEATED.Matt returns from Vegas with stories about Morgan Wallen, gambling losses, and expensive concerts before the conversation completely shifts into one of the most passionate jiu-jitsu debates we’ve had yet.The guys dive deep into:Are jiu-jitsu belts getting watered down?Should “gym belts” be held to the same standard as competitors?Attendance-based promotions in BJJOld-school gauntlets & shark tanksFake belts and gym politicsWhy difficult training creates stronger teamsSean Strickland vs Khamzat predictionsOpen mats, competition mentality & proving yourselfThis episode is funny, chaotic, brutally honest, and packed with strong opinions about the current state of jiu-jitsu culture. If you love raw BJJ conversations and uncensored gym talk, this one is for you.Subscribe for weekly episodes covering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, UFC, grappling culture, competition mindset, gym stories, and listener questions.#BJJ #JiuJitsu #BrazilianJiuJitsu #MMA #UFC #SeanStrickland #KhamzatChimaev #BJJPodcast #NoGi #Grappling #IBJJF #BJJBalancePlease Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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  Episode 135 - The Truth About BJJ Belts, Progress & Reality 05.05.2026 1t 18min

  In this solo episode of the BJJ Balance Podcast, Kenny goes off-script and lets the audience run the show.From belt progression and imposter syndrome to dealing with wrestlers, shark tanks, and the realities of training—this episode is raw, honest, and unfiltered.This is one of the most real conversations about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—covering the struggles, mindset, and lessons that every grappler goes through.Whether you're a white belt, blue belt, or beyond… this one will hit.🔥 Topics Covered:Kenny’s journey into jiu-jitsuThe truth about the BJJ belt systemImposter syndrome at blue beltHow to deal with wrestlers in classGuard development & weaknessesShark tank & belt testing cultureMusic, lifestyle & training mindsetPlease Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj