Grace under Pressure

In this episode of Grace Under Pressure, we explore the vital role of flexibility and mobility in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Host Sarah Willis shares her personal experience, including recovery from two knee surgeries, and explains how incorporating mobility exercises and flexibility training into your routine can improve your BJJ performance. Discover how enhanced range of motion helps you execut...

In this episode of Grace Under Pressure , we dive deep into the power of strength training for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and how it can transform your performance on the mats. Host Sarah Willis, a seasoned BJJ competitor and certified nutrition coach, breaks down the essential phases of a comprehensive strength and conditioning program designed to boost your endurance, prevent injuries, and enhanc...

Summary: In this solo episode, Sarah Willis kicks off Season 2 of Grace Under Pressure with a deep dive into the balance between traditional fundamental Jiu-Jitsu and the modern, flashier techniques seen in today’s competitions like ADCC and CJI. She reflects on her personal BJJ journey and addresses the trend of gyms emphasizing newer techniques such as leg locks, inversion, and lapel guards too...

This episode features a conversation with Sarah Swiatek, a purple belt training out of Flow State Jiu Jitsu in Falcon, Colorado. We discuss competing and the benefits of the right mentality in approaching matches.

Today's episode features a conversation with Amy Campo. Amy is a blackbelt under Eduardo Mori, with an impressive competitive career. With multiple IBJJF wins at Pans and Worlds, Amy has also won at ADCC. During this conversation, we discuss her training philosophy and her mentality in approaching the art of jiujitsu.

In today's episode, Katy Petty gives us insight into the world of photography. As both a jiu-jitsu practitioner and a jiu-jitsu photographer, she has a unique perspective on the art. We dive into the techniques that go into photographing an event to get that "perfect" shot. No matter the event, Katy explains how the art of jiu-jitsu is captivating and does her best to capture that moment in time....

This episode features a conversation with Becca Burkhart. Becca is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist who specializes in Jiu-Jitsu strength and conditioning. In this episode, we talk about the applicability of strength training and nutrition to quality performance on the mats. From barbells to meal prep, we cover it all in this episode! To follow Becca and learn more abo...

Today’s episode features a conversation with Anna Pirkl. She is a highly skilled and compassionate therapist (Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Registered Art Therapist) dedicated to helping individuals achieve emotional well-being and personal growth. Along with Jamie Marich, she wrote Transforming Trauma with Jiu-Jitsu. This book seeks to provide insigh...

This episode features a conversation with a younger Jiu-jitsu female, Dakota Billiu. As a teenager, Dakota delves into how and why she started Jiu-jitsu. She explains how she conquered her initial nerves and how she gained confidence. Listen in for a wonderful conversation on how Jiu-jitsu can propel anyone to gain confidence and stretch themselves in new exciting ways!

In this episode, we look at Geoff Colvin’s bestselling book Talent is Overrated . The book focuses on the concept of deliberate practice in a number of fields ranging from sports to business. Colvin highlights that top performers in their respective fields can attribute their success not to innate talent but rather to dedicating time to honing their skills to transform their minds and bodies. In o...

In this episode, I’m joined by Sophia McDermott. Sophia is the first Australian female to receive a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She is a multi-time world champion (4 x Australian National Champion, 4 x Pan Pacific Champion, 4 x Pan American Champion, 2 x World No Gi Champion, and a World Champion), personal trainer, lifestyle coach, and nutritionist. Sophia focuses on teaching Jiu-Jitsu thr...

In this episode, I am joined by Jackie Shaeffer. She is a purple belt out of Elevate Jiu Jitsu in Midlothian, Texas. As avid competitors on the local and IBJJF scenes, Jackie and I break down the experience of competition and our 9-5 work. Specifically, we dive into our work as teachers and how it crosses over into Jiu Jitsu. Join in on a fun, lively conversation!

This episode features a conversation with Kendall Vernon. She is the founder and owner of Gaidama, a female Jiu-Jitsu company. She is also a co-owner with her husband of Primate Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Tusla OK. In this episode, we discuss how and why Kendall founded Gaidama, a company that primarily focuses on women’s nogi gear. From discussing quality control to size inclusivity, Kendall shares k...

This episode features a conversation with Shama Ko. She is black belt under Paulo Brandao on the Gracie Humaitá team. On this episode we discuss Shama’s experience within the Jiu-jitsu community over the years, competition, and involvement in the Girls in Gis organization. Shama is the operations manager of the nonprofit Girls in Gis organization. This organization, Girls in Gis (GIG), is dedicate...

In this episode, we are joined again by Stephanie Williamson. Much has happened since her last appearance on the podcast, specifically receiving her black belt. We discuss what that experience was like – the emotions, the excitement, and the new chapter this opens in her jiujitsu life. Join in on the conversation!

This week is a little different! We are starting a book club! The first book we will cover is Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin. Here is a little excerpt from the about section: One of the most popular Fortune articles in many years was a cover story called What It Takes to Be Great. Geoff Colvin offered new evidence that top performers in any field--from Tiger Woods and Winston Churchill to War...

This episode features a conversation with Prof. Erik Medlin from Pursuit Jiu-Jitsu. In this episode, we discuss creating a healthy gym culture that is welcoming for ladies and men alike which centers around mutual respect. Erik is a black belt under Prof. Nathan Lott of Excelsior in Zachery, LA. When he moved to Brookhaven, MS, Erik founded Pursuit Jiu-Jitsu in 2017. His school looks to promote a...

Lisa Shackelford This episode features a conversation with Lisa Shackelford. Lisa is the owner and coach of Gulf Coast Jiu Jitsu in Biloxi, MS. She has been a student training under world-class Professor Erick Raposo since May 2016. She is currently a purple belt and has years of experience with competition as well as teaching children and adults from all backgrounds. On this episode, we discuss w...

Join in a conversation with husband and wife Ben and Sarah Willis. On this episode, we discuss how jiu-jitsu played a major role in bringing us together and how it remains a major part of our lives. We also break down how men and women can train together in a healthy, respectful manner that benefits both men and women. Ben Willis is a brown belt under Nathan Lott and Erik Medlin. He was born and r...

This episode features Valéry Brosseau. She is a BJJ purple belt and trains in Toronto, ON. In addition to her training, Valéry works in the mental health field as a speaker, writer, and mental health advocate. She combines her lived experience with mental illness with over 10 years of volunteering and working in the mental health field. Additionally, she helps companies by offering “mental health...

This episode features an engaging conversation on mental health and jiujitsu with Erin Herle and Kristina Barlaan. Erin Herle is an American born, Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Rubens Charles (Cobrinha) having also worked extensively with other legendary instructors such as Rômulo Barral and Marcelo Garcia. A member of the Alliance team, Herle conquered many important titles in this sport/m...

Join in a conversation with Alayna Lott, brown belt out of Excelsior Jiujitsu in Zachery, LA. She is a multi-gold medalist at IBJJF competitions, and we talk about family, competition, and the love of BJJ.

This episode features Jessica Buckner, a black belt from Flowood, MS. She has been practicing jiujitsu for over 12 years, competed at IBJJF Worlds, and fought on several super fight cards such as F2W, Submission Hunter Pro, and Summit Grappling. After attending several women’s camps, such as Women’s Grappling Camp in San Antonio, TX, and Australian Girls in Gi camp in 2017, Jessica is now an avid...

This week’s episode features Heather DeSalvo and Alexandra Mitchell. Join us as we discuss competing and doing jiu jitsu in the Master’s age divisions.

Join in a conversation about competition, life, and motherhood with Brown Belt Stephanie Williamson. She is a multi gold medalist in IBJJF events such as Worlds, Pans, and Nationals.