David Figueroa-Martinez
Tapped In: A JiuJitsu Podcast
I am a dedicated practitioner and coach on a mission to help you navigate the complex, rewarding world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you are a White Belt trying to survive your first stripe or a seasoned grappler looking for a competitive edge, I created this show to be your technical and mental mat-side companion. In every episode of Tapped In, I break down the nuances of submission grappling. I dive deep into the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle, discussing how to overcome mat burnout, manage BJJ injuries, and develop the "black belt mindset" both on and off the mats. Why Listen to Me? Beyond my fiftee...
Author
David Figueroa-Martinez
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 9, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
E66 | The Aging Grappler: Training Smarter, Not Harder 23.10.2025 21:34
On this episode we tackle how the aging grappler can train smarter in order to avoid injuries while still training hard. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning. Use my link to explore their premium offerings and support the show: 👉 Join...
E65 | What It Really Takes to Earn That First Stripe 21.10.2025 17:51
In this episode I tackle what it takes to earn your first stripe. It's less about your technical knowhow and more about how you're adapting to the culture of Jiu-Jitsu. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning. Use my link to explore their premi...
E64 | Positional Playbook | Back Control 19.10.2025 17:54
This is part of the Positional Playbook series where I review the pros and cons of the Back Control. This is great for someone who's learning the position, how to make it your own, and when it may not be the best option for you. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers...
E63 | Bonus Ep | The Practitioner’s Journal Review 16.10.2025 9:44
In this episode, I dive into The Practitioner’s Journal, a powerful reflection tool for grapplers who want more than just reps. I cover what's between the covers and how I've decided to use the journal. Designed for the modern grappler: focused insight you can absorb in the time it takes to get to work. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep res...
E62 | Winning the Inner Round 14.10.2025 19:56
This episode focuses more on what and how you respond to what happens to you during rounds, no matter what the your opponent is doing. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning. Use my link to explore their premium offerings and support the show:...
E61 | Then vs Now: How Jiu-Jitsu Has Changed Since I Started 12.10.2025 14:40
How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has changed since I started and my views on those changes. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning. Use my link to explore their premium offerings and support the show: 👉 Join BJJ Mental Models+ (Code: FIGU...
E60 | Bonus Ep | Weaponized Loyalty 09.10.2025 20:11
In this episode I review how some instructors and gym owners weaponize loyalty against their students. It's one of the most insidious and underhanded approaches that you'll experience in this art of ours. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning...
E59 | How I Use Open Mats To Get Better 07.10.2025 17:18
Open Mats are one of my favorite types of training. You're free to do or not do whatever it is you want. Some people chat, some drill, and others train with and without goals in mind. I personally use the Open Mat as a lab where I can test theories and the application of techniques I'm developing. Lets dive in! BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a...
E58 | Five Concepts Every White Belt Should Know 05.10.2025 13:09
Jiu-Jitsu can be really difficult for new students. These are the five concepts that I think every Bjj White Belt should become familiar with. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning. Use my link to explore their premium offerings and support t...
E57 | Bonus Ep | The Hidden Victory of Competition Prep 03.10.2025 20:35
In this episode I cover the hidden benefits of competition preparation, even if you don't make it to the competition. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning. Use my link to explore their premium offerings and support the show: 👉 Join BJ...
E56 | Gentlemen's Agreements That Hold You Back 30.09.2025 13:49
In this episode I discuss the most common Jiu-Jitsu Gentlemen's Agreements that hold students back. We often times don't recognize that they are issues until we get a bit deeper into the game. Let's chat. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning...
E55 | Why Your Best Coach Might Be a Purple Belt 28.09.2025 14:16
In this episode I discuss that fact that your best coach will probably be a Purple Belt. My first Jiu-Jitsu mentor was a solid Purple Belt who I've emulated so much of my teaching approach from. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning. Use my l...
E54 | Bonus Ep | Don’t Fight Fire with Fire 26.09.2025 12:07
On this episode I discuss how I decide to roll with training partners who are more aggressive than I'd like. This is based on a question from a student who like me has to often make training decisions based on his age, size, and profession. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands...
E53 | The Designated Winner Concept 23.09.2025 13:58
In this episode I discuss the Designated Winner Concept. It's a way of keeping things competitive and challenging someone just enough during situational drilling or sparring, but ultimately allowing them to win. I review the benefits and misconceptions of the practice. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jit...
E52 | The Dark Arts: The Hidden Value of the Wrist Lock 21.09.2025 13:59
I'm a fan of techniques that are looked down upon. Wrist locks, Muffler, Smother Choke, that sort of thing. In my honest opinion, these are not rude techniques. Like any other techniques on the board, it's all in how you apply them. Lets explore. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thou...
E51 | Bonus Ep | If I Had To Restart Jiu-Jitsu 19.09.2025 28:17
I sometimes look back at my journey and debate if I would have done anything differently? If so, what would that have been and why. In this episode I cover what I would do differently and what I would do the same. Hope you enjoy. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grappler...
E50 | Fifty In: Why I Started, What I’ve Learned, & More 16.09.2025 16:11
In this episode we celebrate 50 episodes of the Tapped In: A Jiu-Jitsu Podcast. We're reviewing why I started this, what I've learned during the process, and my hopes for this passion Bjj project in the future. Thank you so much for everyone who has supported, shared, commented, and liked. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library...
E49 | Your Inner Bjj Coach 14.09.2025 18:04
In this episode I discuss the importance of having proper inner coach for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A calm voice that talks to you in a way that gets the best out of you. It's not always easy as we are our own biggest critics, but if developed just right.. Jiu-Jitsu gets a little easier. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conc...
E48 | Rolling with the New/Trial Students 09.09.2025 14:37
In this episode I discuss the proper ways to roll with the Trail Student in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This was not something that I was taught how to do, but rather something that I learned over the course of a few years. The challenge is, giving them just enough, without ruining their experience. Now, lets get into it. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Model...
E47 | What You Need To Start, It's Less Than You Think 07.09.2025 17:07
In this episode I discuss what you'll need and what you wont need when deciding to start Jiu-Jitsu. This episode will also be great for those that maybe just started and are trying to decide what to spend money on. It's actually far less than you think. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has help...
E46 | Bonus Episode | Beyond the Pit Of CJI 2025: What I Liked & Disliked 05.09.2025 17:10
In this episode, I'll be doing a quick review of my thoughts on CJI 2. The stuff I liked, loved, and the stuff that I wasn't a fan of. Overall, it was a fantastic event and I look forward to seeing how it grows over the new few years. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of gra...
E45 | No More Free Grips 02.09.2025 22:02
In this episode I discuss the importance of grips and hand fighting in nearly all positions. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning. Use my link to explore their premium offerings and support the show: 👉 Join BJJ Mental Models+ (...
E44 | You’re Not Failing, You’re Just Too Close 31.08.2025 14:47
In this episode, I discuss the pitfalls of judging your own progress. The difficulty is in the emotional ties and how close to the action you are. Now lets talk about how we can fix this. BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning. Use my link to...
E43 | Bonus Ep | Story Time: 3 Moments That Stuck With Me 29.08.2025 19:18
In this episode, we're doing story time. These are three unique stories that immediately come to mind when think about my time in Jiu-Jitsu BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning. Use my link to explore their premium offerings and support the...
E42 | Stop Collecting, Start Applying 26.08.2025 10:48
In this episode we cover how important it is to stop collecting technique, and instead applying the technique you do have with depth. **This was previously recording about seven weeks ago with an older mic set up.** BJJ Mental Models Support I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify th...
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