Enter The Guard Podcast

Welcome to OPEN MAT. The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, gear, culture, lifestyle, and share their opinions. Got a question? Send us a DM on Instagram @entertheguardpod Todays Questions -  Is it ok to apply a submission without giving time to tap? Are instructionals worth the investment? Does being a black belt make you an expert in...

In this episode Dre takes issue with a recent post where the BJJ bro’s say the silent part out loud and it brings about a conversation about women training in BJJ, respect for everyone, and the need for the gym to be a safe space for all practitioners.  Episode Highlights Saying the silent part out loud Why Alex wont do Only Fans Leaving sex at the door when you train Training with females Making...

Welcome to OPEN MAT - The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, gear, culture, lifestyle and more share their opinions. Got a question? Send us a DM on Instagram @entertheguardpod Todays Questions -  Any mental tips for dealing with injuries? Is starting from the knees bad? How do you slow down a spazzy white belt Should you record your r...

In today's episode Dre and Alex go over their takeaways from last week's episode with Chris Martin on strokes in BJJ. With such a serious topic and one that they knew nothing about, they discuss the impact that this will have on their training and the key points they took from the conversation with Chris.  If you like the show, please rate and review the podcast!  Follow us on Instagram...

OPEN MAT - The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, mindset , protocols, gear and more. Got a question? Send us a DM on instagram @entertheguardpod  Episode Questions  - Is there a benefit to flow rolling? - Do seminars provide a good ROI? - Can/should a colored belt be teaching? - How fast should you tap when rolling? If you enjoy the s...

In today’s episode we sit down and chop it up with BJJ athlete and stroke survivor Chris Martin. Chris suffered an ischemic stroke that immediately left him paralyzed and unable to speak. The stroke was brought on while training Jiu Jitsu and it almost took his life. Chris eventually made a full recovery and continues to train BJJ but he was one of the lucky ones. He shares the story of his recove...

Welcome to another installment of OPEN MAT - In this episode Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, mindset, protocols, gear and more. Want a question to be featured - send us a DM on Instagram!  Episode Highlights -  Should I keep a BJJ journal? How often do you go to the gym and what does your workout look like? What is your favorite part of jiu jitsu...

In this episode Dre talks about an issue that he has faced on the mats for a long time and that has its way of sneaking into everyones training. HESITATION. It has a sneaky way of making its way into our training and light sparring and in the worst cases, competition where it can cost you everything. We discuss  why it happens, the mentality behind it and how to avoid it. Episode Highlights -  Usi...

This episode of ETG is the second installment of our OPEN MAT. In this episode Dre and Alex take your questions relating to BJJ training, competition, mindset training, protocols and more and give you their perspectives. Episode Questions - What is the earliest point in a white belts progress that you would recommend getting into a competition for the first time?  How to best handle nerves before...

Dre and Alex address the mental dilemma we all go through when it comes to getting better in jiu jitsu and getting promoted. We typically don’t like to talk about when we are getting promoted - There is no ego in BJJ right?? The truth is that we all want that next stripe or next belt, especially when we feel that we are improving, but its a taboo topic to address and can pose a mental block to you...

In this episode Dre and Alex take a stab at answering the ultimate question - What does OSS mean? We also dive into the gi vs. no-gi debate and which has more impact on the other.  Episode Highlights - - Origins of OSS - Traditional Japanese culture  - Does everyone say OSS? - Gi vs. No-Gi  - Does Gi training help no-gi or vice versa? - Where no-gi gets it wrong - Mental fatigue while rolling Foll...

In this episode Dre and Alex talk about supplementation and if it is necessary for BJJ athletes. Obviously, the pros have a strict supplement regime but does the average enthusiast need one? For the sake of longevity and performance we think so and we break down why and what we are currently taking and trying out.  Episode highlights -  Do BJJ athletes need to supplement?  Alex’s experience with a...

In this episode, Dre and Alex talk about the evolution and future of jiu-jitsu. It's unquestionable that the sport is growing every single year but where is it heading? Will it ever be in the ranks of the NFL, NBA, or MLB? Is it a real outlet for athletes to make an income? We discuss all this and more... Epsidoe Highlights -  - Phenoms of BJJ  - Public exposure to BJJ as a sport - Do you nee...

Dre and Alex give praise to the weekend warriors, the unsung heroes of the gym. The guys and gals that show up as often as they can and give it their all out of a pure love for the art and sport of Jiu-jitsu. They also talk about the ups and downs of being an irregular athlete including the physical and mental hurdles we all have to overcome.  To support the podcast please leave a review and rate...

In this episode, Dre and Alex sit down and talk jiu jitsu with one of the all-time greats and founder of Six Blades Jiu Jitsu, Alexandre “Xande” Ribeiro. Xande is one of the most winningest BJJ competitors ever, with multiple titles in every major organization. His guard game is the stuff of legends and he imposed his will on the BJJ world for over 30 years.  Highlights - Training mentality and se...

We are kicking off 2023 with a hot one!!  In this episode Dre and Alex talk about the big juicy elephant in the room - PED's in BJJ... Highlights - The elephant in the room - Gordon Ryan vs. Nicky Rod - PED vs. Greasing allegations - Dre's Low T levels  - Does taking PED's take away from your victories?  Help support the podcast by subscribing and rating the show!  Follow us on inst...

Merry Christmas! Can a little marijuana actually improve your BJJ? In this episode, Dre and Alex get into the intermingling of weed and BJJ culture and whether it is a good or a bad thing.... - Weed in BJJ - Pet peeves - Smoking before rolling - Has jiu-jitsu embraced weed? - Comparing weed to other substances and why it's banned by USADA. - Benefits of smoking marijuana?  Follow us on Instag...

In this episode Dre introduces Alex to the term "Creonte" and the unspoken rule against gym hopping in BJJ.  - What does Creonte mean? - History behind the word - Does lineage matter? - Benefits of cross-training at other academies  While you are here please rate the podcast and hit the subscribe button! Follow us on insta!!! @andresthegiantjj @amattero @entertheguardpod

First Installment of Open Mat - Dre and Alex scour the web for questions posed on BJJ forums and boards and discuss their thoughts on it. How hard should you roll with a visiting upper belt? Does size really matter? Should you train judo? What can I do to improve grip strength? idea! Gi open mat where everyone wears a white belt Follow us on Instagram @entertheguardpod @amattero @andresthegiantjj

Dre and Alex talk about the long journey that is BJJ.  Why do people quit BJJ? Losing your love for the sport Training for longevity in the sport Training for FUN vs. COMPETITION Benefits of becoming acquainted with conflict  JUST SHOW UP!!! Follow us on Instagram @entertheguardpod @amattero @andresthegiantjj

Dre and Alex talk about what Alex wishes he knew before going to his first class.  No two belts are the same  What do you wish you knew before your first class? Natural athleticism only gets you so far Why do blue belts quit?  Don’t train for the belt Beginner instincts Measure success in as many ways as possible It’s all worth it in the end Follow us on Instagram @entertheguardpod @amattero @andr...

Today we talk about the one thing that everyone gets humbled by in BJJ - CARDIO.  Alex realizes that wrestling cardio is different from BJJ cardio. Explosive vs. long-haul cardio The best way to build BJJ cardio Unreasonable expectations  The keys to surviving long rounds Tips for breathing and controlling mindset Follow us on Instagram! @andresthegiantjj @amattero

Welcome to the first episode of the ETG!!! In this episode, you get a quick intro to both Dre and Alex and then they dive into Alex's humbling experience so far in his BJJ journey.  Follow the guys on Instagram -  @andresthegiantjj @amattero