Chokeholds and Chill Podcast

In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, we sit down with Maria Ruffatto, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Gustavo Bessa and Ighor Horta. Maria has taken the BJJ world by storm, securing multiple IBJJF titles and dominating the South American ADCC Trials in 2024. We’ll delve into her journey from Brazil to the United States, her rapid ascent through the ranks, and her experiences training...

In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory sit down with Dr. Meagan Jimenez—orthopedic surgeon, U.S. Army Major, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt. Known as “Doctor Jiu Jitsu,” Dr. Jimenez brings a unique blend of medical expertise and martial arts mastery to the conversation.   From her early days balancing orthopedic surgery residency with Jiu Jitsu training, to her first deplo...

In this episode, Mal sat down with Michael Karam, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and owner of MK Martial Arts in Marcy, NY. Michael shares his journey through martial arts — from doing in TKD as a kid, to wrestling in high school, to finding jiu-jitsu in his twenties and earning his black belt ten years later. We talk about what it takes to build a gym, the influence of his Lebanese immigrant fath...

In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory sit down with Blu—purple belt competitor and the voice behind Neurodivergent Grappler—for a deep and refreshingly honest conversation about what it’s really like to train, compete, and thrive in Jiu Jitsu as a neurodivergent athlete.   The three of us will unpack the realities and misconceptions of neurodivergence in the gym. Spoiler: no,...

In this episode, we sit down with Rafael, a dedicated purple belt, world competitor, and striking coach based in Atlanta. Rafa takes us through his Jiu-Jitsu journey, his love for traveling, and how training around the world has shaped his game. We also dive into his latest venture, The Rafa Effect—a passion project designed to elevate athletes in and out of the gym. Tune in for insight, inspirati...

Rest in love, Queen <3 In this powerful and deeply human episode, Mallory and Jenn sit down with Shirley—a white belt from San Diego with a black belt in resilience. We learned of her passing just months after recording.    Shirley’s story isn’t just about Jiu Jitsu. It’s about surviving cancer, overcoming a brain tumor, navigating neurodivergence, and choosing sobriety every single day for ove...

Maddy Jones has lived a life of movement—both on the mats and across state lines. From growing up with a passion for dance to discovering Jiu-Jitsu, managing a gym, and navigating major life shifts, she’s always found a way to adapt and evolve.   In this episode, we sit down with Maddy to talk about her journey from blue belt party days to brown belt discipline, the highs and lows of training in E...

Maddy Jones has lived a life of movement—both on the mats and across state lines. From growing up with a passion for dance to discovering Jiu-Jitsu, managing a gym, and navigating major life shifts, she’s always found a way to adapt and evolve.   In this episode, we sit down with Maddy to talk about her journey from blue belt party days to brown belt discipline, the highs and lows of training in E...

Meet Branch—a guy who’s done it all: born in Ukraine, raised in Germany, Coast Guard rescue swimmer, soccer player, and now full-blown jiu-jitsu enthusiast. In this episode, we get into his globe-spanning story, what it takes to survive one of the toughest military trainings out there, and how meeting his birth mom at 19 impacted him. We also talk about what it’s like being a Black man training ji...

In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, we sit down with Kenny—a career in law enforcement , world traveler, and the poster child for free spirit with a recently shaved mustache that had us doing a double take. Despite the uniform, don’t be fooled—this guy’s a tough roll and a quiet storm on the mats. We’re diving into Kenny’s early life, his path into Jiu Jitsu, and all the wild, unexpected tu...

From standing on the podium at IBJJF No-Gi Worlds to facing life’s toughest battles, Bet has proven that resilience isn’t just for competition—it’s for life. In this episode, we sit down with Bet, a fierce purple belt and competitor, to talk about her journey through jiu-jitsu, competition, and personal loss.   After losing both her mother and sister in recent years, Bet stepped away from the mats...

This week on Chokeholds & Chill, we’re catching up with Aaron—Jenn’s #1 training partner, best bud, and all-around legend who decided to ditch Jiu-Jitsu for rock climbing. Once the guy who dominated the mats with us, he packed up, left the Coast Guard, and went home to chase adulting and free mom’s cooking. Now he’s scaling cliffs while we’re left reminiscing about the glory days.   Get ready...

Season One of Chokeholds & Chill was anything but chill—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.   In this recap, Jenn and Mallory take a victory lap through the chaos, camaraderie, and catharsis that made Season One unforgettable.   We did our first edition of Mat Chats with lots of training partners when we went to hero academys camp in costa Rica. We fell in love with Jiu Jitsu Grandma, whose...

Genevieve’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and finding purpose through heartbreak. From a rough childhood to serving in the U.S. Air Force, from losing her adopted father and jiu-jitsu coach to receiving her purple belt in the mail after his passing, Genevieve has faced more than her share of challenges.   In this episode, we sit down with her to discuss how jiu-jitsu shaped her life,...

In this powerful episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory sit down with Shawn—a recovering addict, mental health professional, and dedicated white belt who has been training for about a year. Shawn opens up about his journey through addiction and recovery, how Jiu Jitsu has become a key part of his mental health and healing process, and why he believes it can be a life-changing tool for...

In this episode of Chokeholds and Chill, Mallory and Jenn get to talk with Elaine, known as "Jiu Jitsu Grandma" on Instagram and throughout the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community. At a spry 76 years old, Elaine is a 4 stripe purple belt competing her way to black belt and a global inspiration.  Elaine is a grandmother with a love of horses who is married to her high school sweetheart. Sit back, relax,...

In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory sit down with Christian—an incredible hip-hop dancer, instructor, and new competitor in the world of Jiu Jitsu. Born and raised in Coos Bay, Christian shares how movement has always been a part of his life, from mastering rhythm on the dance floor to finding flow on the mats. We dive into his experience as a young dad, what it was like st...

What happens when you walk into a tattoo shop for a consultation but end up recruiting your artist to jiu-jitsu instead? In this episode, we sit down with Wade—aka Sewer Rat—to talk about his journey from ink to the mats. We dive into his first rolls, how training has changed his perspective as a dad, and whether tattooing and jiu-jitsu require the same level of patience and precision. And of cour...

Some people seem fine—until you find out they’re not.   In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory confront one of the hardest realities about training in combat sports: You don’t always know who you’re rolling with. We’re talking about trust, about violence, and about the terrifying fact that we trained, sparred, and laughed with someone who would later be arrested for attacking...

In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory sit down with BJ—Mallory’s husband, a dedicated physical therapist, and the ultimate supportive partner. Though he doesn’t train Jiu Jitsu himself, BJ has become a vital part of Mallory’s competition journey, traveling to tournaments, being the unofficial gym PT, and Mal's biggest fan. We dive into what it’s like to be a non-training part...

In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory sit down with Elise—a dedicated mother, white belt, and and an integral part of our kids program. An all-around badass who’s been training for about a year alongside her young daughter. Elise opens up about her journey into Jiu Jitsu, how training has impacted her life as a mom, and the challenges of balancing it all. She also shares her...

In this special episode of Chokeholds and Chill, Jenn and Mallory take you to the sun-soaked shores of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, where they join the Pura Vida BJJ and Surf retreat at Hero Academy. Amidst the tropical backdrop, they engage in insightful "Mat Chats" with fellow camp participants, their partners, and esteemed instructors. The episode features in-depth conversations with renowned Brazili...

In this weeks episode of Chokeholds and Chill, Mallory takes the lead to interview the one and only Jessy Holmberg - Jenn's husband, a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a commercial airline pilot, and according to Jenn, the most patient man alive.  They dive into Jessy's journey through Jiu Jitsu, what it's like balancing a high-pressure career with training and the secrets to training with your...

Episode 2 of Chokeholds and Chill is here, and it's all about keeping it real - on and off the mats! Jenn and Mallory kick things off with Roll Call, sharing their hot takes and how things are different now vs when they started Jiu Jistu, and the little things that keep them coming back for more.  Then, it's a round of besties trivia, where we see how well they know each other's game.  Grab your g...

Jenn and Mallory talk grappling with a drunk audience, tackling the mat, and goals for 2025 in their premiere episode of - Chokeholds and Chill.  So get to your favorite chill zone, grab your gallon water jug, and tie your belt!  Whether you train jiu jitsu, have considered it, or just want to know what living with somebody who does - these two purple belts will have you laughing, learning, and ma...