Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast

Master Pedro Sauer was in Sydney for a couple days and we were fortunate enough to record a podcast. I had a bunch of questions prepared, and got to none of them! Instead, it was a fantastic conversation centered around the philosophy and lifestyle of self defence. Self defence isn't just a bunch of moves on the wall. It is a philosophy to live by. I did my best to delve deep into this unique...

I sit down with Phil post during the recent July24' Sydney tour. We discuss how to learn, how to train, and progress in the art of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. We explore the difference between Games based learning and more traditional approaches to learning. We question the importance of tradition in jiu jitsu. It's a pleasure to train, learn, and chat with Big Phil. Phil will be around again in Dec...

And we're back! And what a guest to have on our first episode back than Big Phil Grapsas! In this episode we discuss ... Why do we strap up the belt and jump on the mats daily? Why do we persist with jiu jitsu amongst the injuries and busy lifestyles and every other trial and tribulation we encounter with jiu jitsu? Sure this is a sport, but more importantly it's a martial art that we pursue for s...

Coach John updates you on the progress of the HJJ Podcast! After at least a couple years creating podcasts, let's say Season 1 is done! A big thanks to Bradley Hamo at Art of Surrender, and co-host Matty Voger Mason, and all the students for helping to create these episodes so far. It's been lots of fun :) And to you, dear listeners, thanks for checking in and being a part of it! Please note this...

In this episode Coach John chats with Morning class regular, HJJKids parent, and the man who keeps the Morning Moves class alive, Mr Gray Negrine.  Gray was introduced to the martial arts early, starting with different styles before finding jiu jitsu. It's been a couple years at Higher with no end in sight. We've seen Gray progress to multiple stripes on the white, and on the doorstep to the...

Coach John is joined for another Stories show with none other than recently ordained Purple belt and all round nice guy Danny Willmott! In the four years that Danny has been training, he's experienced a transformation of sorts, in many areas of his life. He attributes lots of this to his jiu jitsu practice.  In this chat, we speak about how he is coping with this current NSW lockdown, the joys of...

Coach John is joined with HJJ purple belt Luke Whiffen.  Luke is a dad, husband, lawyer, and devout student of jiu jitsu. He is in his second stint of jiu jitsu, and has been training at Higher Jiu Jitsu for over three years.  Throughout his journey in the art, he has been faced with numerous challenges, and has appreciated the ups and downs for making him stronger off the mats too.  It was an ins...

HJJ's very own Pat Osbourne has done the rounds of the martial arts. And he has applied his knowledge in the most stressful situations. We sat down to discuss his martial arts journey so far, as well as where he sees it all going in the future.  It was a fun chat, and we thank Ozzy for jumping on! PS. In the name of simplicity, we will now be moving all future HJJ Stories Shows onto this HJJPodcas...

Coaches John and Matty come together to discuss life with no jiu jitsu.  We discuss love hate relationships with the couch versus staying in the game and continuing the journey along the path.  What is the path? The jiu jitsu path is the one to quality of life, or as Aristotle described it as 'Eudaimonia'. And it is this way to the Telos, our purpose in life. So when there is an obstacle along the...

Sure you do jiu jitsu because you love it. You also want to improve. So how do you measure this? To base your performance against these foes is unfair to yourself and your own progress. That's why the practice of jiu jitsu isn't best measured in terms of wins or loses or amount of submissions inflicted or eaten per class. Sure you tap but there are also many other ways of determining progress...

This is a discussion based on the legendary Higher crew's thoughts about what they wish they knew before starting jiu jitsu.  It touches on many angles of the jiu jitsu experience, and you'd benefit from the listen no matter what level you're at.  We love feedback too! So send over at least some of your thoughts.  And if you're keen on giving jits a crack, no matter where you're at, get in contact...

Matty and I get together to discuss the complete beginner's process to getting started with JiuJjitsu.  We talk about how to find different schools in your area. We discuss what to do to schedule in a trial, as well as what to expect.  We then go into what happens on the day, when you show up, during class, and after class.  There are so many aspects to getting into it, and we hope this chat gives...

Around 7 years ago Higher Jiu Jitsu began as the Jiu Jitsu Commune. We were there to train, and learn together, and enjoy the fruits of jiu jitsu. There was no plan, or syllabus, but definitely lots of enthusiasm, and a vision of how I wanted things to be.  Numerous years on, and it sure is a different place than how it started. Now we have curriculums, and more classes, and so many new faces. But...

Matty and John come together and discuss how best to help a friend in a competition.  "When one of us go to war, we all go to war" - Conor McGregor As a teammate, you help eachother day in and out in the training room. Now it's your buddy's turn to jump in the mix and test their skills. There are things you can do that can help, and or hinder. So be sure to be on the right side of this. ...

Aand we're back! It was an extended layoff, due to numerous reasons. From technical difficulties, to problems with the recording locations. Alas, we're here, and we have an exciting year of podcasting planned! This time around we chat about how to be a good 'Uke'. An uke when I wrote the article was the student the instructor would show technique on during the demonstration part of the class. Upon...

Coach John and Brad Hampson of Art of Surrender Podcast did this podcast at the beginning of the HJJPodcast days. There was a technical glitch which meant we took it back off but now we've repaired it, and it's a great chat. We talk about how to train with effectiveness and respect for yourself and others. How do we stay safe on the mats while maintaining the integrity of our art?  The risk of inj...

Join coaches John and Matty as we discuss a contentious topic in the world of jiu jitsu.  The Cart Goes Before the Horse It’s important to learn the ABCs before you move to your essay writing. That is, you need to learn the What of jiu jitsu before you learn about the How etc. Techniques are the basis of understanding what jiu jitsu is and how to apply it. Of course you need more than techniq...

Join John and Matty as we discuss how to get better sleep post jiu jitsu! Jiu Jitsu and Sleep In hard training and you’re fighting, or flying. It may not be either, but it’s how your body perceives the stress of someone trying to choke you, or catch your limbs, whether you’re playing or not. In this type of training you’re using your sympathetic nervous system , which is responsible for these high...

They say pressure makes diamonds.  So then are the joys of jiu jitsu locked in competition, now and forever? Or can we enjoy jiu jitsu and learn and flourish on the mats and off, without the rigours of competition? Join Matty and I as we discuss the pros and cons of competition, as well as how to do it safely and effectively, for long term benefits.  The Need to Win vs Learn. Sure pressu...

Join John and Matty as we discuss a question sent in by an avid listener! So you were training jiu jitsu and you accidentally got choked out... You also know that tapping is a much more favourable option. You know that you should have tapped out earlier, and for this reason you may be a little upset, worried, or embarassed at what happened. As a devout learner, and a good student you will take thi...

Higher Jiu Jitsu has been in the making for many years. The journey has been filled with ups and downs. There is so much more to be, and do. And yet every day, and in every way, we’re going higher and higher. Join John and Matty as we discuss the early days of Higher and how it all came about.  Hope you all enjoy!  Original article found here .

In this special episode I'm joined by HJJ legend Sam Alderton Johnson. We introduce the exciting, new HJJ initiative known as the Spark Program.  The Spark program is here to offer the opportunity of Gracie Jiu Jitsu to less privileged kids from around the Woolloomooloo area. We've created a sponsorship program with an application process to find the right students to provide mat skills, and...

Does the trap go after the mouse or the mouse go after the trap? Join coaches Matty & John as we discuss a very important idea of jiu jitsu - strategy.  Technique is ubiquitous, but there is an underlying strategy that is crucial if your jiu jitsu is to be effective.  That strategy is exactly what we dicuss here! Be Aware of Yourself Use your own 4 limbs and your entire self to conne...

Coaches John and Matty discuss what it's like to be injured and how to do jiu jitsu better, meaning ... don't get injured!! You live and breathe jiu jitsu. You wake up doing technical stand ups out of bed. Co-workers say hi and your instinct is to respond with ‘oss’. Your Chrome is filled with jiu jitsu articles to read, and most waking moments of your life are dedicated to the gentle art. So when...

Matty and John have a conversation around BJJ and Gracie Jiu Jitsu and the idea of training for self defence.  Why do we regularly discuss jiu jitsu from a standpoint of violence? It’s known as the gentle art for a reason, and you like it because you don’t need to get hurt while doing it. Learning the sweeps, and escapes, and submissions of grappling is also so much fun, and plenty of work in...