The BJJ Fanatics Podcast

Chris Brennan joins the show to tell his powerful story of overcoming addiction and street life to become an American pioneer in MMA. He talks about the very early days of MMA in the US and fighting in Brazil and Japan. He also gives insight on the Kimura

Kody Steele joins the show to talk about transitioning from Wrestling to BJJ, developing a take down game and diet and conditioning. He also talks about overcoming shyness, his future ambitions in MMA and he also reveals his abilities as a cat whisperer!

Andre Terencio returns to talk about school ownership, building a strong curriculum, his BJJ for law enforcement program, heel hooks in the IBJJF and social projects in Brazil. He also gives advice for anyone struggling with weight management.

Shawn joins the show for the 3rd time to talk about moving from LA, opening a new academy on the east coast, maintaining skills, patience while rolling and running an apparel brand. He also gives technical insight to the Williams guard and leg pummeling!

Coach Kody is the dedicated wrestling coach of Demian Maia and Shogun Rua. A lifelong wrestler and former NCAA D1 team captain, Kody shares his thoughts on Wrestling for BJJ, mindset and the value of failures. He also talks about his time spent in Brazil!

The first American to train BJJ, Richard Bresler joins the show to talk about finding the art in the 70's and how it helped him overcome addiction. He also talks about the Gracie Garage, challenge matches, self defense and the birth of the UFC.

Professor Omar Lira was one of Ryan's first instructors in Jiu-Jitsu. He joins the show to talk about starting BJJ in the 90's, how Jiu-Jitsu pulled him away from an unhealthy lifestyle and the decision to become an instructor.

Jon Blank joins the show to talk about starting Jiu-Jitsu with a Wrestling background, quitting his job for Jiu-Jitsu, opening an academy and and why he doesn't use contracts for students. He also gives advice for competitors and why he loves Sub-Only

Silverfox is back! We catch up with him and what he's been up to since the pandemic and discuss gym culture, academy expansion, selecting enforcers, managing egos and overcoming plateaus. He also gives technical insight to armbars and guillotines!

Roberto Godoi joins the show to talk about training since the 80's and being part of one of Sao Paulo's most heated rivalries with his former partner. He also talks about the guard, self defense, grip fighting and the formation and growth of his team G13.

Thomas Lisboa joins the show to talk about beginning BJJ back when it had a bad reputation in Brazil, why white belts shouldn't be focused on building a game yet and how offense can become defense. He also gives great insight on the crucifix position!

Sean Daugherty joins the show to talk about the early UFC days, training at the Lion's Den, the value of learning other styles and mental coaching. He also discusses the importance of pursuing passion, positive self-talk and advice for struggling students!

Kurt is back for our 5th Halloween Special! Topics include cosplay, lame costumes, Ryan's embarrassing robbery story, best and worst treats, bad horror movies, sketchy food and radioactive areas. We also use an AI to make a movie plot based on Kurt's data!

Sensei Josh Ruiz joins the show to talk about molding BJJ with Judo, making grips that matter and chaining techniques together. He also talks about the relation between throws and sweeps, customizing a curriculum and Judo for self defense!

Joe Baize joins the show to talk about unorthodox techniques, leg lock concepts and training dummies. He also opens up about battling depression through Jiu-Jitsu, building comfort with competition and learning to accept losses on the mats.

Coach Joel Bane joins the show and speaks candidly about his difficult youth and his military experience. He also shares technical mat advice from his diverse grappling background. Ryan and Joel also brainstorm ways to dominate the potato salad industry.

Kurt is back! Still sheltered in place, Kurt vents about wildfires, paintball vs airsoft, mummies, eating paste as a kid, fugitive war criminals and his obsession with tupperware. He also talks video games and takes questions from the listeners!

Anthony Ashnault joins the show to talk about how culture can influence success, overcoming injury and the development of important grappling skills like grip strength, hand fighting and take downs. He also gives insight on conditioning and mindset!

Cole Miller returns to talk about life as an academy owner, building a culture of respect, training responsibly and online instruction. He also talks about self defense concepts, BJJ for law enforcement and developing a dangerous guard!

Gilbert Burns joins the show to tell his inspiring life story and gives insight on building a take down game, chaining passes together and toe holds. He also talks about the importance of persistence and why being nervous for a match is a good thing.

Renato Canuto joins the show to talk about his start in the sport, the importance of being unpredictable and balancing guard work with passing. He also dives deep on his passing game, competition mentality and the benefits of rolling with lower ranks.

The Associate Head Wrestling Coach for Oklahoma State University, an NCAA D1 Champ and 3x All-American, Zack reflects on his career and offers advice for grapplers to incorporate Wrestling into their game. He also offers valuable insight for coaching!

Greco legend Steve Fraser joins the show to talk about his path to becoming the first American to win Greco Olympic gold. He also discusses how to make hard work fun, coaching and he reflects on coaching an iconic American sports moment.

Murilo Bustamante returns to talk about running his school during Covid, training with herniated disks, skill development and the importance of training when exhausted. He also talks about take downs, steroids and applying pressure for smaller people.

American BJJ pioneer Bob Bass joins the show to talk about training with the Gracies and Machados in the early days in California, his Wrestling base and how it helped him in BJJ, winning the first Pan Ams and his decision to become a teacher.