Pain, Performance, and Porrada

This episode highlights the critical issue of black belt coaches overstepping their expertise, particularly when it comes to rehabilitation and injury management. I share cautionary tales of athletes who suffered setbacks due to misguided advice from coaches lacking the proper knowledge in rehab practices. Takeaways: Martial arts coaches who are black belts are not necessarily experts in all field...

In this episode, we talk about why staying clean is super important for Jiu Jitsu. Keeping yourself and your gear fresh isn’t just about smelling good—it shows respect for your training partners and helps keep everyone healthy. I also talk about skin infections like ringworm and staph—what they are, why they spread, and how to avoid them. By following good hygiene habits before and after training,...

This episode serves as a heartfelt tribute to the indelible legacy of Kathy Kumagai, a mentor whose profound influence has shaped the trajectory of my career in physical therapy. Her passing, occurring four years ago, left an irreplaceable void not only in my life but in the lives of countless students and colleagues who were fortunate enough to know her. Kathy was an embodiment of warmth and enco...

In this episode, we talk about different ways to learn Jiu Jitsu. Some people practice by "Drillers Make Killers", while others learn by trying to figure things out as they go with various constraints led games (the ecological approach). We explain how both methods work and why they can be helpful, especially for getting better at Jiu Jitsu and staying strong after an injury. We also talk about wh...

Navigating the world of physical therapy for combat athletes can be overwhelming, particularly when it comes to understanding the differences between insurance-based and cash pay models. I dive into the limitations that insurance companies impose on treatment options, which can drastically affect recovery outcomes, especially for combat sports injuries. Takeaways: Cash pay physical therapy offers...

Takeaways: Traditional warmups should focus on skill acquisition for beginners, rather than just physical activity. Warming up should include joint-specific movements, followed by sport-specific drills at a controlled intensity. Progressively increasing intensity during warmups allows athletes to prepare their bodies for training effectively. Where to find me: https://www.instagram.com/smithforged...

Today marks a significant milestone as I celebrate one year at the Forge, a unique space dedicated to integrating strength and conditioning with Jiu Jitsu for kids. This episode reflects on the evolution of my journey from digital work to establishing an in-person community where young grapplers can thrive both athletically and personally. Through collaboration with Sean Roberts, the head coach, w...

Today, I share my untold story of how I started my journey in Jiu Jitsu, a path that transformed my life in ways I never expected. Watching Kaynan Duarte dominate his division inspired me to finally commit to training, leading me to where I am today—running a gym connected to a Jiu Jitsu school and thriving in this incredible community. Takeaways: My journey into Jiu Jitsu began with a fascination...

Today, I delve into the unique offerings of my business, Smith Forged Strength and Conditioning, and how it has evolved into a vital resource for grapplers and combat athletes. Initially starting as an Instagram page to share exercise tutorials, it has grown into a comprehensive platform that provides specialized coaching and rehabilitation services tailored to the needs of combat athletes. Takeaw...

Today, I share my (full) origin story as a coach and physical therapist, highlighting the unique journey that led me to specialize in working with grapplers and combat athletes. Takeaways: My journey into physical therapy began with my own sports injuries and recovery experiences. Transitioning from a traditional clinic to working with high-level athletes was life-changing. Coaching youth athletes...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Pain, Performance and Porrada podcast, where we dive deep into the world of rehabilitation and performance training for Jiu Jitsu and other combat athletes. Takeaways: The goal is to equip grapplers with tools to train safely and effectively for life. I will be sharing insights on managing injuries and training throughout a grappler's life. Future episodes w...