I Suck At Jiu Jitsu Show

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  #391 Do Master Worlds They Said. It'll be Fun They Said 10.09.2026 55мин

  I thought Master Worlds was going to be a quick, fun trip to Vegas.Instead, I watched a brutal jumping guard injury, got delayed 14 hours, paid way too much for water, and almost coached one of my best friends out of the Master World title he had been chasing for years.This episode is basically my honest review of Master Worlds from a coach’s perspective. The injuries, the chaos, the weirdness of Vegas, the heartbreak of losing, and the stuff that actually makes the whole experience worth it.Somewhere in the middle of all of it, I got reminded what jiu jitsu competition is really about.Check at our new Skool Jiu Jitsu Curriculum: https://www.skool.com/headnodFree Mental Models Course "Jiu Jitsu for imbeciles" : bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck Register for Grappler 4 Good: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mission-111/grapple-for-good0:00 Master Worlds Was Supposed to Be Fun2:14 The Jumping Guard Injury Problem10:21 Why I Even Went to Master Worlds13:06 My Perfect 38-Hour Vegas Trip Goes Wrong15:48 Spirit Airlines Delays Me 14 Hours19:11 Losing at Master Worlds Isn’t the End of the World23:37 The Real Reason I Went: Nick Sanders27:29 Nick’s Master World Title Run29:05 I Almost Cost My Friend a World Title30:39 “We Got Him”31:18 Maybe Jiu-Jitsu Competition DOES Matter34:14 My Honest Review of Las Vegas35:26 Vegas Is One Giant Airport Terminal37:01 $6.50 Water Is Criminal41:40 What Makes Master Worlds Awesome47:12 When Jiu-Jitsu Becomes Your Identity50:17 What Losing at Master Worlds Actually Means53:46 Master Worlds Actually Was Fun
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  #390 Former Mat Enforcer TELLS ALL 03.09.2026 1ч 5мин

  Do jiu-jitsu schools still need mat enforcers? I think they do.I’ve spent a lot of years around jiu-jitsu schools, and for a good chunk of that time I was the guy coaches called when somebody needed to be… corrected.In this episode, I tell some of my best mat enforcer stories, including dojo stormers, fake black belts, gym bullies, getting “green lit,” and the scariest enforcement I’ve ever seen.But the real point is bigger than beating somebody up. A good mat enforcer protects the culture of the gym. A bad one can ruin it.Rener's Full Video: https://youtu.be/dcOjQBp7jX0?si=iJi6mcljbJbm0dWVCheck at our new Skool Jiu Jitsu Curriculum: https://www.skool.com/headnodFree Mental Models Course "Jiu Jitsu for imbeciles" : bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck Register for Grappler 4 Good: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mission-111/grapple-for-good0:00 The Mats Don't Lie2:33 The Viral BJJ Callout That Started This5:50 Why Every Gym Needs a Mat Enforcer8:06 CONFESSION: I Was a Mat Enforcer10:17 I Got My First Assignment at 1510:52 Our Gym Got Dojo Stormed13:16 Coach Put Me Against the "Black Belt"14:20 What Getting "Green Lit" Means18:18 With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility23:21 The Guy Who Wouldn't Stop Hurting Students24:19 I Called in the Monster26:14 The Scariest Enforcement I've Ever Seen27:20 What Mat Enforcers Are REALLY For29:28 The Most Powerful Person Besides the Coach32:35 When My Coach Still Calls Me In34:04 The Viral Gracie University Beatdown36:07 What He Did After Losing Matters40:23 The Rule Every Mat Enforcer Should Follow45:16 Where Mat Enforcers Actually Came From46:40 Why I Was Enforcing at 15 Years Old49:56 The Dark Side of Being the Enforcer51:17 Finally Beating Your Old Mat Bully52:39 How Tough Guys Create Gym Culture57:06 The Original Old-School Mat Enforcer59:54 What a Modern Mat Enforcer Should Be1:01:59 What If YOUR Gym Has a Mat Bully?
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  #389 "How many Blue Belts Could I Beat in a Row?" | Ask Me Anything 27.08.2026 1ч 11мин

  I'm a black belt, ask me anything.You asked, I answered. No prep, no filter, just straight answers to the questions I usually dance around.If you train, you'll get something out of this. If you coach, you'll get more.In this one I get into why most of what you drill is wasting your time, how to tell if a concept is actually helping you or just confusing you, when gym loyalty turns into manipulation and how to spot it early, what to do with a talented student who has a bad attitude, why the gap between two black belts can be bigger than white belt to black belt, and my honest hot take on where jiu-jitsu is heading right now.Plus how many 150lb blue belts I could fight in a row before I lose?Come argue with me in the comments.Got a question or hot take? Call 951-HOT-TAKE and leave a voicemail. Anonymous unless you say otherwise.Want my curriculum? The one I use to run all three HeadNod schools. Go to skool.com/headnod, first 7 days free.Free from BJJ Mental Models: Rob Biernacki's Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles at bjjmentalmodels.com/isuckCome train at one of my 3 Southern IL Gyms: Headnodhq.com 0:00 - Could you beat 100 blue belts in a row?1:47 - Welcome to the Q&A episode2:13 - Do you still feel like you suck at jiu-jitsu?5:36 - What's something you'll never teach again?8:30 - When do concepts become too vague to help?13:45 - The Saturday class that humbles black belts15:54 - I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu School18:15 - Have you ever gotten in real trouble for the podcast?19:50 - My first podcast ever (nobody guessed it)20:33 - How close have you come to ending the show?21:08 - The episode I'm most proud of that flopped23:12 - Podcast Josh vs. real Josh25:46 - What does HeadNod do worse than other gyms?27:30 - Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles28:28 - What goes through your head when a student leaves?35:08 - How has jiu-jitsu affected your faith?38:02 - Handling a talented student with a bad attitude39:56 - When does gym loyalty become manipulation?42:13 - How do I keep HeadNod from becoming what I criticize?43:02 - Should coaches promote someone they don't like?45:06 - Feed the algorithm gods46:02 - Should coaches care if students cross train?46:56 - Toxic student vs. difficult student48:07 - My biggest hot take: morality as currency in BJJ53:55 - Do you miss competing?59:54 - Do you care if black belts respect your jiu-jitsu?1:01:13 - Why I got donkey guarded by Jeff Glover in khaki pants1:08:30 - Could you beat the 25-year-old version of yourself?1:10:44 - Wrap up
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  #388 What Jiu Jitsu is ACTUALLY About 20.08.2026 54мин

  What if...It’s not the black belt.It’s not winning Worlds.It’s not the perfect technique.It might not even be the journey.It’s all about the people you get to do jiu jitsu with.But there’s another side to community.The wrong gym, wrong coach, or wrong group of people can make you start to hate something you once loved. And once a community becomes valuable, there will always be people who want to exploit it.This episode is about finding your people, appreciating them while you have them, and protecting the community you’re lucky enough to be part of.👇 Who is someone Jiu-Jitsu brought into your life that you’d still be friends with even if neither of you trained anymore?Subscribe for more Jiu-Jitsu philosophy, competition stories, training advice, BJJ culture, and questionable opinions from the I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show.Check at our new Skool Jiu Jitsu Curriculum: https://www.skool.com/headnodFree Mental Models Course "Jiu Jitsu for imbeciles" : bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck00:00 What Jiu-Jitsu Is ACTUALLY About03:25 It Took Me 18 Years to Learn This06:49 The Friend Who Changed My Jiu-Jitsu10:52 The Best Years of Competition12:28 Is Catalina Island Actually Japan?18:43 Jiu-Jitsu’s Greatest Gift19:28 The Wrong Gym Can Make You Hate Jiu-Jitsu25:20 The Friend Who Bet on Me29:03 You Can’t Buy a 10-Year Friendship34:05 How to Know If You Found the Right Gym38:18 Ponzi Schemes, Influencers & Fake Community46:53 Protect Your Jiu-Jitsu Community50:20 Your Best Friends Might Be on the Mat53:16 Appreciate Your Training Partners54:18 Goal vs. Journey vs. Community
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  #387 Dorian Brownlee: BJJ's Greatest Photographer 13.08.2026 2ч 5мин

  Dorian Brownlee is one of the most recognizable photographers in Jiu-Jitsu. In this episode we talk BJJ photography, Daisy Fresh, content creation, the IBJJF circuit, Jiu-Jitsu culture, Jiu Jitsu drama, and what it really takes to build a life around Jiu-Jitsu full time.📸 Dorian: @bjjedits🥋 Josh: @thejoshmckinneyCheck at our new Skool Jiu Jitsu Curriculum: https://www.skool.com/headnodFree Mental Models Course "Jiu Jitsu for imbeciles" : bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck
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  #386 Could Jonah Hill Beat You Up? | Can Blue Belts Win Street Fights? 06.08.2026 55мин

  Can a BJJ blue belt actually win a street fight, and could you beat up Jonah Hill?Jonah Hill’s viral jiu-jitsu rant opens a much bigger question: how well does modern day BJJ really prepare you for violence outside the gym?Josh breaks down “blue belt energy,” shares a recent confrontation in downtown St. Louis, and explains the difference between fighting and real self-defense. Learn why live rolling matters, why top position is king, and the three rules every grappler should remember when a fight becomes unavoidable.Check at our new Skool Jiu Jitsu Curriculum: https://www.skool.com/headnodFree Mental Models Course "Jiu Jitsu for imbeciles" : bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck 0:00 Can Blue Belts Win Street Fights?1:35 Jonah Hill’s Viral Jiu-Jitsu Rant2:46 The “Blue Belt Energy” Problem5:29 Why Jiu-Jitsu Should Make You Avoid Fights7:53 99% of Fights Are Avoidable11:23 My Downtown St. Louis Near-Fight17:44 Bruce Lee’s “Fighting Without Fighting”22:29 Fight vs. Self-Defense24:25 Sport BJJ vs. Real Fighting26:18 Why Live Rolling Transfers29:10 Win the Fight, Lose Everything31:01 The Truth About Jonah Hill33:07 When Fighting Is Unavoidable34:51 Boundaries and Distance Management37:37 The “Never Throw the First Punch” Rule41:05 Avoiding the Sucker Punch43:54 Safest Positions in a Street Fight46:35 Three Rules for Winning a Fight48:25 Can the Average Blue Belt Win?50:31 Why Younger People Fight Less53:39 What Black Belts Understand
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  #385 Is Your Jiu-Jitsu School is a CULT? 30.07.2026 1ч 10мин

  Is Jiu-Jitsu Brain Washing You?Your BJJ coach may be great at jiu-jitsu, but that doesn’t make them: your spiritual leader, financial advisor, relationship counselor, or life coachIn this episode, Josh breaks down the warning signs of cult-like gym culture, how loyalty turns into control, why good coaches sometimes lose perspective, and how to tell whether your academy is a healthy tribe or a place you need to leave.Warning: Don't blame me if I shatter the glass and make you realize you've been paying $199 per month to be a member of a CULT.Check at our new Skool Jiu Jitsu Curriculum: https://www.skool.com/headnodFree Mental Models Course "Jiu Jitsu for imbeciles" : bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck 0:00 Meet Your New Jiu-Jitsu Cult Leader2:24 Could You Be in a Cult Without Knowing It?6:18 Your Coach Is Not a Spiritual Leader16:05 When a BJJ Gym Becomes a Tribe22:41 Coaches Who Control Where You Train27:04 A Coach Tells a Student to Reject College30:03 The Simplest Test for a Dangerous Coach45:24 Coaches Dating Their Students51:39 Is Your Gym a Tribe or a Cult?54:41 Kids, Steroids and Exploitation58:45 The Biggest Warning Signs1:06:29 How to Choose the Right Gym
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  #384 Henry Akins: How to have Jiu-Jitsu That Gets BETTER With Age 23.07.2026 1ч 40мин

  Henry Akins is 50 years old, and his jiu-jitsu is still getting better.In this episode, Henry explains how older grapplers can keep improving without relying on speed, strength, or brutal training sessions that eventually break the body down.We discuss why injuries are the biggest threat to long-term progress, how to remove unnecessary strength from your game, and why positional training and flow rolling may be the best ways to train after 40.Henry also explains how he exhausted and beat me down me after barely training for nine months, and why your jiu-jitsu should become more effective as you age.If you want to keep training, improving, and giving younger grapplers problems for decades, this episode is for you.Check at our new Skool Jiu Jitsu Curriculum: https://www.skool.com/headnodHalf off BJJ Mental Models with promo code "JOSH": https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/pricing00:00 Henry Akins beat me down02:24 The biggest mistake grapplers make after 4009:13 How to roll with less strength15:01 Physicality versus technique19:30 Start training like you are 8024:32 The truth about Rickson Gracie29:16 How Henry passed my guard41:30 You only need to master 5% of jiu-jitsu47:02 How to choose the right game for your body59:26 The best training method for grapplers over 401:08:06 Roger Gracie’s positional training strategy1:11:04 How to flow roll correctly1:21:49 Techniques older grapplers should avoid1:24:38 Recovery and training frequency after 401:25:00 Henry barely trained before beating me1:31:05 The real reason people should train jiu-jitsu1:32:16 Henry’s training schedule at 501:37:28 Where to learn more from Henry Akins
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  #383 Everyone at Jiu-Jitsu Hates You… Here’s Why 16.07.2026 1ч 5мин

  Every Jiu-Jitsu gym has that guy.The person everyone avoids when it’s time to roll. The person who treats Tuesday night training like the ADCC finals, refuses to tap, coaches you while losing, and somehow has an excuse ready before the round is even over.But here’s the uncomfortable part:That guy usually has no idea he’s that guy.After 18 years in Jiu-Jitsu and 11 years running schools, Josh has seen exactly where these habits lead. Some people become incredible training partners who make everyone around them better. Others slowly become unsafe, exhausting, uncoachable... and eventually avoided.In this episode, Josh breaks down what it actually means to be a great training partner, a good teammate, and a student who never stops improving.Train hard. Protect your partners. Stay out of drama. Stay coachable.And don’t be that guy.Check at our new Skool Jiu Jitsu Curriculum: https://www.skool.com/headnodHalf off BJJ Mental Models with promo code "JOSH": https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/pricing0:00 Why Everyone Hates You1:57 The Worst Training Partner10:57 Why Winning Practice Hurts You22:22 Why You Rolling Too Hard is dumb25:00 My Students nearly ended me for $20036:29 Why You Must Respect the Tap39:56 Why Vulturing Makes People Hate You42:06 The Most Annoying Training Partner Habit45:17 The Time I Was the Problem51:17 Why Gym Drama Ruins Teams55:25 Why Purple Belts Stop Improving1:02:15 A Final Story
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  #382 Was Rickson Gracie Actually THAT Good? 09.07.2026 1ч 5мин

  I tried to solve one of Jiu Jitsu's oldest debates and got beat up by a 50 year old man instead.Was Rickson Gracie actually that good… or did the legend get bigger than the man?Before we know whether or not Rickson was the goat we must answer a much bigger question: what does it actually mean to be good at jiu-jitsu? Not famous. Not decorated. Not good at one rule set. Actually good at grappling.This episode starts with the myth: the 450-0 record, the old-school stories, the Gracie aura, and the never-ending internet arguments. But it turns into something way more useful: a breakdown of efficiency, effectiveness, connection, weight distribution, and the kind of jiu-jitsu that still works when strength, speed, and youth start disappearing.And yes, I finally tell the story of getting beat up by a 50 year old and, one of Rickson’s most respected black belts, and why getting absolutely manhandled changed the way I think about skill forever.This is not really an episode about worshipping Rickson. It’s about figuring out whether there is a level of jiu-jitsu most people never learn how to see.Check at our new Skool Jiu Jitsu Curriculum: https://www.skool.com/headnodHalf off BJJ Mental Models with promo code "JOSH": https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/pricing0:00 Was Rickson Gracie actually that good?4:06 Did Rickson have secret jiu-jitsu knowledge?6:13 Learning from Henry Akins8:38 What does “good jiu-jitsu” actually mean?13:17 Learning to roll without strength21:50 Henry changed how I saw dominant positions26:25 Rickson vs modern jiu-jitsu rulesets31:50 Breaking the old-school training room code38:33 Rolling with Henry Akins44:28 The efficiency gap became obvious46:29 The best and worst moment of my jiu-jitsu life49:04 Why medals don’t tell the whole story54:36 Are modern black belts actually better?1:01:34 Why the Rickson debate is really about identity1:02:12 Was Rickson actually that good?1:03:56 The real lesson of the episode
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  #381 "Don't Open a Jiu Jitsu School Feat. Jared Weiner, Kyle Watson, Nick Sanders, Junior Silva, and Andrew Sabens 02.07.2026 1ч 30мин

  Six jiu-jitsu black belt coaches with over 100 years of combined teaching experience sit down for an honest roundtable about what it really means to lead a team, run a school, and try to help the next generation.Josh McKinney is joined by Jared Weiner, Kyle Watson, Nick Sanders, Junior Silva, and Andrew Sabens to talk about the hidden cost of coaching, students leaving, gym culture changing, the pressure of being a role model, and where the “old dogs” fit in as jiu-jitsu keeps growing.Is opening a jiu-jitsu school still the dream? Or is there a side of leadership most people never see until it’s too late?All that and more on The I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show.Check at our new Skool Jiu Jitsu Curriculum: https://www.skool.com/headnodHalf off BJJ Mental Models with promo code "JOSH": https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/pricing0:00 Intro1:03 What do we do with the next generation?3:05 Coaching changes when you have a family4:54 Impact them while you have them7:13 The responsibility of being a jiu-jitsu role model8:26 Why a good coach keeps people around13:53 Jiu-jitsu coaches are not counselors18:40 The emotional cost of students leaving21:03 Learning to let students go23:49 Jiu-jitsu culture is changing fast25:03 Where do the old dogs fit in now?26:58 Why structure still matters in a gym29:16 Building the culture from the top32:05 The truth about opening a jiu-jitsu school33:13 The business stress nobody sees38:24 When your job makes you choose between career and jiu-jitsu42:41 The C***D years and gym owner pressure46:12 Why jiu-jitsu still matters in a divided world48:09 The worst travel stories in jiu-jitsu58:42 Kyle Watson vs. Jared Weiner1:03:45 How competition creates lifelong friendships1:07:18 Why refereeing is the worst job in jiu-jitsu1:09:38 Are BJJ refs better now?1:11:19 Why coaches still need to know the rules1:13:05 Coaching chaos at tournaments1:21:19 The lore of the team1:23:31 Why good teams happen organically1:25:23 Your enemies at blue belt become your peers at black belt
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  #380 Most Black Belts Don't Know this BJJ Hack | Positional Pacing 25.06.2026 1ч 11мин

  This might be the best Jiu-Jitsu advice I’ve ever given.Because once you understand this Secret Concept, you’ll know who’s actually winning every position before the score ever changes.Today, I(@thejoshmckinney) will break down the idea of "Positional Pacing" and why it's important to base your game around the right positions. Most grapplers don’t lose because they don’t know enough techniques. They lose because they don’t know when they’re already in trouble. They think all guards are equal. They think close matches are close because the scoreboard says they are.They’re wrong.In this episode, I’m going to show you the hidden way good grapplers measure every position: who has real offense, who controls the pace, who is closer to scoring, and who is slowly getting dragged into hell.I call it Positional Pacing and using the ideas you’ll learn you will start to see Jiu Jitsu’s Secret scoreboard!And once you see it, guard, passing, pressure, pacing, and match strategy will never look the same again.Somebody is always winning.Most people just don’t know how to see it yet.Subscribe to the I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show for weekly AJJ advice, mindset, training stories, and questionable life choices that help you suck just a little bit less at Jiu Jitsu.Get my free ebook The Competitor’s Journey:simplifyingjiujitsu.comGet a free copy of jiu jitsu for imbeciles: bjjmentalmodels.com/isuckSponsored by Datsusara:Use code ISUCK at dsgear.comGet Champions Stay Present(mindset hacks for competition): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/csp0:00 Most Black Belts Don’t Know This BJJ Hack4:23 Welcome to I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu5:05 The Secret Scoreboard in Every Sport7:28 Why Some Positions Are Worth More Than Points8:24 Closed Guard Isn’t Neutral10:44 Smashed Half Guard Means You’re Losing14:16 The Chicago Open Story That Changed My Game23:51 He’s Tired… Go Now27:56 The Blitz: When to Attack and When to Wait47:34 The Black Belt Answer: “You Shouldn’t Have Been There”50:57 How to Beat the Annoying Blue Belt1:03:00 How to Use Positional Pacing in Your Rounds1:07:22 The Dormammu Strategy for Jiu-Jitsu1:09:18 The Positions You Should Build Your Game Around
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  #379 Josh Longood: This BJJ Black Belt Saved a Plane 18.06.2026 57мин

  BJJ Black Belt, Josh Longood, went viral for saving a Frontier Airlines Flight.Josh was on a flight home when another passenger allegedly started attacking workers and causing all sorts of chaos. The Bjj spidey sense in Josh’s head started to tingle and he handled the situation exactly how a black belt should. He was able to control the aggressive passenger, keep everyone calm, and go super viral while doing it!Today, I(@thejoshmckinney) get to sit down with Josh and ask him exactly how he was able to subdue the passenger so easily. We also find out what Frontier Airlines did to thank him for saving everyone in what could have been an absolute disaster.If you’ve ever wondered, “I wonder if my jiu jitsu could work in a real life situation?” This episode is for you!Watch this before your next flight!Subscribe to the I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show for weekly AJJ advice, mindset, training stories, and questionable life choices that help you suck just a little bit less at Jiu Jitsu.Get my free ebook The Competitor’s Journey:simplifyingjiujitsu.comGet a free copy of jiu jitsu for imbeciles: bjjmentalmodels.com/isuckSponsored by Datsusara:Use code ISUCK at dsgear.comGet Champions Stay Present(mindset hacks for competition): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/csp0:00 Intro1:33 The viral Frontier flight story3:35 Flying home from Puerto Rico5:04 When Josh knew something was wrong8:38 Going hands-on with the passenger10:29 “I only used 2%”11:47 Zip ties, seatbelts, and keeping everyone calm13:22 Passengers started yelling “choke him!”15:39 Police, FBI, and the emergency landing16:37 When Josh realized the story went viral19:30 Riding the wave after going viral23:48 Why this went bigger outside the BJJ world28:33 Every jiu-jitsu guy’s airplane fantasy30:13 Does jiu-jitsu actually work in real life?34:06 Josh’s wrestling, MMA, and competition background41:30 Coaching vs. teaching jiu-jitsu45:36 The IBJJF rule mistake that cost him gold55:21 The best jiu-jitsu advice Josh ever received57:04 Where to train with Josh
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  #378 10 Rules for Surviving White Belt 11.06.2026 1ч 15мин

  Every BJJ white belt needs this.When you start Jiu Jitsu, you don’t know the positions, you don’t know the rules, you don’t know the etiquette, and worst of all… you don’t know what you don’t know.So after 18 years of training and 13 years of teaching beginners, I made the White Belt Survival Guide I wish someone gave me on day one.These are the 10 white belt mistakes that keep people confused, injured, frustrated, annoying to train with, and worst of all… stuck at white belt forever.If you’re brand new to BJJ, trying to get to blue belt, constantly getting smashed, addicted to YouTube techniques, scared to ask your coach questions, rolling way too hard, or wondering why everyone else seems to be improving faster than you, this episode is for you.This is not just “beginner advice.”This is how to survive white belt, stop sucking faster, avoid quitting, and actually become dangerous on the mats.Watch this before your next Jiu Jitsu class!Subscribe to the I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show for weekly BJJ advice, mindset, training stories, and questionable life choices that help you suck just a little bit less at Jiu Jitsu.Get my free ebook The Competitor’s Journey:simplifyingjiujitsu.comGet a free copy of jiu jitsu for imbeciles: bjjmentalmodels.com/isuckSponsored by Datsusara:Use code ISUCK at dsgear.comGet Champions Stay Present(mindset hacks for competition): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/csp0:00 Every White Belt Starts Completely Lost2:02 There Is No Perfect Time to Start BJJ8:46 The Skill That Makes White Belts Improve Faster16:02 Jiu Jitsu Will Ruin Your Social Life21:53 The Truth About Consistency30:03 Why White Belts Need to Pay Attention35:06 Winning in the Gym Is Not the Goal44:27 Jiu Jitsu Does Not Automatically Make You Better56:28 Do YouTube BJJ Moves Actually Work?1:00:59 If It Hurts, Tap1:04:04 Recovery Rules White Belts Ignore1:10:22 Volume vs Intensity: How White Belts Stay on the Mat1:14:34 Final Advice for Every White Belt
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  #377 The 3 Reasons You Keep Losing BJJ Competitons 04.06.2026 57мин

  Have you ever walked into a Jiu Jitsu tournament feeling ready… and then got absolutely smashed in the first round?You trained hard. You thought you were prepared. You knew some techniques. Maybe you even had a plan.Then the match started and everything fell apart.In this episode, I’m breaking down 3 mindsets that might be the real reason you keep losing BJJ matches — not because you don’t know enough moves, not because the ref screwed you, and not because your opponent was just “stronger.”My name is Josh McKinney (@thejoshmckinney) and after 18 years of competing, coaching, winning, losing, and watching students go through the same patterns over and over again, I’ve noticed that most people don’t lose because of one big technical mistake.They lose because they don’t understand how to perform on command.They lose because they get trapped in the wrong story after a bad match.They lose because they walk into chaos with no real plan and hope their Jiu Jitsu magically shows up.If you’re a white belt, blue belt, purple belt, or anyone trying hard to compete but you can’t figure out why you keep falling short, this episode is for you.We’ll talk about competition mindset, game planning, pacing, exchanges, staying present, and how to actually compete in your own match instead of just “seeing what happens.”Get my free ebook The Competitor’s Journey:simplifyingjiujitsu.comGet a free copy of jiu jitsu for imbeciles: bjjmentalmodels.com/isuckSponsored by Datsusara:Use code ISUCK at dsgear.comGet Champions Stay Present(mindset hacks for competition): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/cspChapters:0:00 Why you keep losing BJJ matches2:34 Mistake #1: The learner’s mindset5:06 How to actually perform on competition day7:00 Finding your real competition A-game9:47 Performance mindset vs. learner mindset10:54 Free gift: The Competitor’s Journey12:24 Mistake #2: Victim mentality15:05 The brutal truth about losing in front of everyone16:13 The match I thought I won17:01 Understanding exchanges and pacing20:22 Why I should have turned it up sooner23:18 Free BJJ Mental Models course24:33 The wildest victim mentality story ever31:24 Take responsibility for your own doodoo33:09 Why excuses ruin your Jiu Jitsu37:21 Datsusara hemp gear38:49 Mistake #3: The chaos mindset40:43 The opposite of chaos is being present43:00 Why “just see what happens” loses matches44:32 How I stopped losing at adult black belt46:02 Why your game plan has to be simple49:04 The 3 mindsets that decide your matches50:02 Why my coach changed my finals game plan53:28 Being present in your training camp55:17 Know the rules, know your opponent56:44 Why losing is part of becoming dangerous57:39 Final thoughts
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  #376 Rose Miller: How to Learn Jiu Jitsu Faster! | Rosierollz 28.05.2026 1ч 18мин

  Rose Miller, aka @rosierollz, is everywhere on BJJ Instagram right now because she does something that sounds simple but is actually incredibly rare: she gives simple but helpful advice.In this episode of the I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show, Rose and I talk about how to actually learn Jiu Jitsu faster, why so many people waste years training without a real plan, and how a black belt thinks about improvement differently than a beginner.We get into her start in Jiu Jitsu, losing a lot early, competing, getting injured, learning how to learn, teaching white belts and blue belts, creating BJJ content, CLA/ecological training, drilling, women leading in Jiu Jitsu, and why starting every round from your knees is probably making your Jiu Jitsu worse.This is not just a “do these 3 moves” episode. This is a conversation about how to train smarter, how to think better, and how to keep getting better at Jiu Jitsu without making your entire life miserable.Follow Rose on Instagram: @rosierollzGet my free ebook The Competitor’s Journey:simplifyingjiujitsu.comGet a free copy of jiu jitsu for imbeciles: bjjmentalmodels.com/isuckSponsored by Datsusara:Use code ISUCK at dsgear.com00:00 Intro00:46 How Rose Miller got into Jiu Jitsu03:31 Why Jiu Jitsu gave Rose structure and direction05:28 Starting at Gracie South Bay with elite women08:45 Rose’s first Jiu Jitsu competition11:18 Losing a lot and learning how to learn13:02 Why Rose refused to quit Jiu Jitsu15:09 The original goal of becoming a black belt16:30 What changes when you finally get your black belt18:19 Injuries, COVID, concussions, and loving the process22:01 Becoming a “try-hard hobbyist”25:17 Why Rose makes beginner-friendly BJJ content29:13 Rose’s intention behind creating content34:10 Women leading in Jiu Jitsu40:42 Training in San Diego vs smaller Jiu Jitsu scenes43:56 Cross-training, loyalty, and gym culture47:23 Would Rose be different if she started at a hobbyist gym?49:57 Using competition as a learning tool53:06 Why Rose’s Jiu Jitsu content works57:31 Drilling, CLA, and live training1:04:33 Why CLA people can be so annoying1:07:10 Advice for beginners learning Jiu Jitsu today1:10:27 Stop starting rounds from the knees1:12:34 Why Jiu Jitsu standup is still evolving1:16:37 Is Jiu Jitsu Brazilian or American?1:17:50 Final thoughts
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  #375 Jena Bishop: Why BJJ Doesn't work in MMA 21.05.2026 1ч 15мин

  BJJ works… until it doesn’t.In this episode, I sit down with Jena Bishop, a BJJ World Champion, elite grappler, and now professional MMA fighter, to talk about the brutal truth of taking world-class Jiu-Jitsu into the cage.Jena has beaten some of the biggest names in grappling, including Mackenzie Dern, Angelica Galvão, Luiza Monteiro, and Gabi McComb. But after transitioning into MMA, she learned something most Jiu-Jitsu athletes don’t want to hear:Your sport Jiu-Jitsu game might not survive punches, wrestling, scrambles, and people who refuse to play guard.We talk about why guard pulling doesn’t translate, why being on top matters more than ever, why some elite grappling styles fail in MMA, how striking changes every position, and what BJJ athletes need to fix before stepping into a cage.Jena also opens up about burnout, fight week anxiety, weight cuts, PFL, the current state of women’s safety in Jiu-Jitsu, and why the culture of hero-worship in BJJ has created serious problems.This is one of the most honest conversations we’ve had on the show.Get my free competition training ebook, The Competitor’s Journey:simplifyingjiujitsu.com/compSponsored by Datsusara:Use code ISUCK at dsgear.comFree BJJ Mental Models course:bjjmentalmodels.com/isuckWhat You’ll LearnWhy elite BJJ doesn’t automatically work in MMAWhy pulling guard is usually a terrible idea in a fightHow punches change guard, back control, leg locks, and top pressureWhy Jena stopped training mostly in the giThe biggest mistake Jiu-Jitsu athletes make when transitioning to MMAHow fight camp, burnout, weight cutting, and mindset really workWhy Jena believes BJJ culture needs to stop protecting the wrong people0:00 Intro0:50 Jena’s biggest BJJ wins1:53 Why Jena switched to MMA4:36 Getting punched changes everything6:11 Finding her first MMA fight9:14 Training BJJ vs training MMA11:41 Why guard pulling fails in MMA14:35 Bad BJJ habits for fighting15:35 Why half guard works in MMA18:11 Why top position matters most18:49 MMA rounds vs BJJ matches21:00 Preparing for opponents24:10 Jena’s fighting style25:26 How Jena handles fight nerves29:44 Burnout and fight camp33:40 Weight cut karaoke37:35 Post-weigh-in ritual39:00 Cutting weight for MMA42:23 Fight week routine45:34 Jena’s MMA goals48:27 Should MMA fighters train gi?54:22 BJJ habits that don’t translate56:19 Why elite grapplers struggle in MMA58:04 Wrestling exposes BJJ athletes1:00:25 BJJ culture problems1:05:20 Protecting women and kids in BJJ1:09:57 Leaving toxic gyms1:13:03 Annoying BJJ gym characters1:14:43 Jena’s next PFL fight
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  #374 Beatrice Jin: Build Your Competition Game 14.05.2026 1ч 14мин

  Is your Jiu-Jitsu gameplan actually helping you win… or are you just collecting random techniques?In this episode, I sit down with Beatrice Jin( ⁨@berimbozo⁩ ), black belt competitor, coach, and one of the funniest creators in Jiu-Jitsu, to talk about how to build a real competition game instead of just “getting better at everything.”Beatrice breaks down why specificity matters, how she rebuilt her own game after tough losses, why most technique content misses the point, and how competitors should think about grips, guards, training rounds, and strategy if they actually want to improve.We also talk about guard pulling, drilling, women’s open mats, funny Jiu-Jitsu content, competing at black belt, and why your gameplan might suck.What you’ll learn:- Why “training everything” can hold you back- How to build a specific A-game for competition- Why your grips matter more than your moves- How Beatrice structures competition training- Why guard pulling might be the smartest strategy- When drilling helps — and when it’s a waste of time- How to stop training randomly and start training with intentTry this in training:Pick one primary guard, one secondary guard, and one grip sequence you want to force. Start rounds from there. Your goal is not to “do Jiu-Jitsu.” Your goal is to get to your spot, score first, submit first, or learn exactly where your game breaks.Get Josh’s free competition prep ebook, The Competitor’s Journey, at simplifyingjiujitsu.com/compGet Rob Biernacki’s free Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles course from BJJ Mental Models at bjjmentalmodels.com/suckCheck out Datsusara hemp gear and use promo code ISUCK at dsgear.com for 10% off.New episodes of the I Suck At Jiu-Jitsu Show every Thursday.Subscribe so you can suck less at Jiu-Jitsu.0:00 Beatrice Jin Joins The Show1:50 Why The Whiteboard Videos Went Viral7:03 Being A Serious Competitor AND A Meme10:49 Why Most BJJ Technique Videos Suck18:35 Why Black Belt Competition Feels Different23:45 There Are No Mindset Tricks26:36 How Beatrice Trains Between Competitions28:33 Should Competitors Actually Drill?31:01 Why She Added K Guard32:15 How To Build Your Competition Game35:47 Beatrice’s Genius Competition Class48:18 Should Women Train With Men?52:41 Guard Pulling Is Mathematically Correct54:04 If Your Guard Gets Passed, You Deserve To Lose1:09:06 How To Suck Less At Jiu-Jitsu
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  #373 "Let's Roll Light" is a LIE! | 951-HOT-TAKE #3 07.05.2026 1ч 29мин

  I asked the internet for their hottest BJJ takes… and honestly, this was a mistake.In this episode of The I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show, Josh, Bryce, and Brian react to listener-submitted BJJ hot takes that range from painfully true to completely unhinged. We talk about injured training partners who still roll like it’s ADCC finals, why “let’s roll light” basically means nothing, whether you should wash your belt, why middle-aged blue belts might have the biggest target in the gym, and whether submission-only rulesets are actually ruining grappling.If you’ve ever had a teammate say “I’m injured, let’s go light” and then immediately try to kill you… this episode is for you.Call the Hot Takes HotlineGot a BJJ hot take?Call 951-HOT-TAKE and leave us your worst, funniest, or most controversial jiu-jitsu opinion.We may roast you.We may agree with you.We may accidentally start a gym war.Get Josh’s free competition prep ebook, The Competitor’s Journey, at simplifyingjiujitsu.comGet Rob Biernacki’s free Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles course from BJJ Mental Models at bjjmentalmodels.com/suckCheck out Datsusara hemp gear and use promo code ISUCK at dsgear.com for 10% off.
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  #372 Should YOU Compete in Jiu Jitsu? 30.04.2026 1ч 6мин

  Should You Compete or Waste Money?If you’ve ever sat on the fence about competing in Jiu-Jitsu… this episode is for you.We break down the real reasons people compete (and the lies they tell themselves), whether tournaments are actually worth the money, and how competition can completely change your Jiu-Jitsu, and your mindset.This isn’t just ADCC vs IBJJF. It’s about who competition is for, who it’s NOT for, and how to actually get value out of it.If you’re a competitor (or thinking about becoming one), this episode will help you decide: 👉 Should you compete at all? 👉 Which tournaments actually make sense for you? 👉 And how to stop overthinking it and just go.Why most people compete (and why they’re wrong)The real benefit of competition (it’s not medals)How competition forces faster improvementADCC vs IBJJF: pros, cons, and who they’re forWhy local tournaments might be the smartest moveThe biggest mistake beginners make with competingHow to know if competing is right for YOUAdd 1 “performance day” per week (competition-style rounds only)Stop talking about competing, be about competingTreat each tournament like a rep, not a resultCompete more locally before chasing “big” events🔥 What You’ll Learn🥋 Try This in Training (Mini Playbook)Add 1 “performance day” per week (competition-style rounds only)Stop talking about competing, be about competingTreat each tournament like a rep, not a resultCompete more locally before chasing “big” eventsISAJJ Rash Guards: https://imposedwill.com/collections/i-suck-at-jiu-jitsu-showJiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuckDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”: https://www.dsgear.com/ The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp00:00 – Should You Even Compete?01:00 – Why People Say They Compete02:00 – The Truth: Competing Is Selfish05:00 – The Real Value of Competition07:00 – Competition vs “Who’s Better”08:30 – Why Competition Forces Growth10:30 – Stop Talking, Start Competing12:00 – The “Performance Day” Hack15:00 – Why Competition Changes You18:00 – Regret & Missed Opportunities21:00 – Fear of Competing Explained23:00 – Just Sign Up (Big Mistake People Make)24:30 – Which Tournaments Matter?26:00 – ADCC vs IBJJF Overview27:30 – IBJJF Pros33:30 – IBJJF Cons (Cost, Politics)38:00 – ADCC Pros (Clout, Culture)43:00 – ADCC Cons (Organization Issues)48:00 – Local Tournaments Explained49:30 – Why You Should Compete More Often53:30 – The Real Answer: Just Compete55:00 – What To Do After You Lose59:00 – Why Competition Changes You Forever1:02:00 – Final Advice for Competitors