Ryan Ford

The BJJ Fanatics Podcast

Sports EN ↓ 535 episodes

Our mission with this podcast is to help YOU grow on the mats! We do this by presenting deep, insightful interviews every week with the best athletes, coaches and legends of BJJ and Grappling. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge about technique, BJJ culture or the history of the art, every episode is loaded with advice and lessons from the best in the game. The host Ryan Ford conducts each interview in a casual setting, which makes it easy to see the human side of the stars of our sport and get to know their story while also learning more for your own development. New episodes are...

Author

Ryan Ford

Category

Sports

Podcast website

grapplingcentral.libsyn.com

Latest episode

Jun 16, 2026

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Episodes

BJJ Fanatics 500: Jeff Glover 20.01.2022

Jeff Glover joins the show to talk about accidental triangles, how his instructor Franjinha changed the direction of his life, improving weak spots in his game and learning to stop worrying what other people think. He also talks about defense and escapes!

BJJ Fanatics 499: William Tackett 13.01.2022

William Tackett joins the show to talk about the value of competition, overcoming tournament anxiety, why the Coyote Half Guard was revolutionary for his game and his thoughts on crosstraining. He also goes deep on escaping bad positions!

BJJ Fanatics 498: Amanda Leve 06.01.2022

Amanda Leve joins the show to talk about her transition into MMA, why the purple belt was the hardest rank for her and having to close her school due to Covid lockdowns. She also talks about her big win over Gabi Garcia and the build up before the match!

BJJ Fanatics 497: Sean Applegate 30.12.2021

Sean Applegate joins the show to talk about starting BJJ in a small town, the meaning of belts and the importance of understanding weight distribution. He also gives deep insight on outside heel hooks and explains why teleportation is superior to flying!

BJJ Fanatics 496: Pedro Sauer 24.12.2021

Pedro Sauer joins the show to talk about longevity in Jiu-Jitsu, the importance of learning to set traps and how your physical limitations can become strengths. He also gives deep insight on escaping side control and also explains why he hates pickles!

BJJ Fanatics 495: Gui Mendes ft Bernardo Faria 16.12.2021

In this special episode, Bernardo Faria sits down with Gui Mendes during the 2021 Worlds in California for an interview! They discuss developing champions, competition, academy ownership and much more!

BJJ Fanatics 494: Matt Lindland 09.12.2021

Coach Matt Lindland joins the show to discuss why he chose Greco over Freestyle Wrestling, developing take downs, the importance of taking risk and the greatest lessons he learned from his Olympic experience!

BJJ Fanatics 493: Jeff Curran 02.12.2021

Jeff Curran joins the show to discuss how he found BJJ in the early 90's, the importance of holding rank to a high standard and dealing with feeling technically inadequate. He also gives great insight on attacking the back!

BJJ Fanatics 492: Ryan Aitken 25.11.2021

Combat Jiu-Jitsu Champion Ryan Aitken joins the show to share his story. He talks about the benefits he's gotten from exploring all branches of the BJJ tree, the importance of finding the right team, Yoga for BJJ and building comfort in competition!

BJJ Fanatics 491: Greg Jackson 18.11.2021

Legendary MMA coach Greg Jackson joins the show to talk about his origins growing up in a tough neighborhood, developing yourself as a martial artist, BJJ's impact on the martial arts world, coaching elite fighters, sports psychology and ground and pound!

BJJ Fanatics 490: James Clingerman 11.11.2021

James Clingerman joins the show to share his story! Topics include the early days of BJJ in the midwest, learning to teach others and recognizing "culty gyms." He also gives technical insight on his favorite variation of the guard!

BJJ Fanatics 489: Jake Shields 04.11.2021

Jake Shields joins the show for a conversation about the life of a professional combat athlete, his new focus on Pro Grappling, why he chose to be his own manager and his passion for coaching the next generation!

BJJ Fanatics 488: Jonathan Satava 28.10.2021

Jonathan Satava joins the show to talk about learning from Marcelo, designing your own game, teaching full time and the benefits of meditation. He also gives a detailed breakdown of the Butterfly Guard from a sweeping, submission and transitional standpoint.

BJJ Fanatics 487: Josh Barnett 21.10.2021

The Warmaster joins the show to talk about his diverse grappling background, the early days of MMA and the crazy ways he had to find training partners back in the day! He also talks about pain compliance and the detailed mechanics of the Kimura!

BJJ Fanatics 486: Malachy Friedman 14.10.2021

Malachy Friedman joins the show to talk about his start in BJJ in a more MMA driven era. He also talks about what pushed him to become a coach, why he feels the gi helps your BJJ overall and the power of the Flower Sweep for off-balancing and attacking!

BJJ Fanatics 485: Alec Baulding 07.10.2021

Alec Baulding joins the show to talk about starting Jiu-Jitsu in a more MMA focused school, adapting BJJ to your body type and the brown belt level. He also dives deep on guard retention concepts and gives advice for those struggling to use the guard well

BJJ Fanatics 484: Rafael Lovato Jr 30.09.2021

Rafael Lovato Jr joins the show for a candid and honest discussion about his transition from MMA back to BJJ competition. He talks about struggles he's overcome and what he sees for the future. He also talks about academy ownership and the Kimura!

BJJ Fanatics 483: Alex Ecklin 23.09.2021

Alex Ecklin joins the show to talk about the importance of being persistent when developing skills, his unique academy structure and tips for coping with awkwardness when you're new to Jiu-Jitsu. He also gives great technical insight to the G-Roll!

BJJ Fanatics 482: Edwin "Junny" Ocasio 16.09.2021

Edwin "Junny" Ocasio joins the show to share his powerful story of overcoming abuse to becoming one of Jiu-Jitsu's top athletes. He also explains why hobbyist practitioners and professional athletes need each other for success, and we talk leg locks!

BJJ Fanatics 481: Kristian Woodmansee 09.09.2021

Kristian Woodmansee discusses mindset, the danger of negative self-talk, overcoming plateaus and the importance of mobility on the ground. He also dives deep on Omoplatas and how to use them effectively!

BJJ Fanatics 480: Dean Lister 02.09.2021

Dean Lister joins the show to talk about developing a strong leg lock game, his MMA career and thoughts on teaching. He also candidly shares his experience treating CTE with psychedelics, which was featured on HBO Sports recently.

BJJ Fanatics 479: Lucas Lepri 26.08.2021

Lucas Lepri joins the show to talk about applying pressure and misdirection in guard passing, why competition is such a valuable tool, processing losses and his approach to student development!

BJJ Fanatics 478 - Pete The Greek 19.08.2021

Pete The Greek joins the show for an entertaining conversation! Topics include his recent battles against various forms of wildlife, training and teaching while globetrotting and old school Jiu-Jitsu. He also gives technical advice on passing the guard!

BJJ Fanatics 477: Drew Weatherhead 12.08.2021

Drew Weatherhead joins the show to talk about his new journey after closing his school due to Covid. He also talks about BJJ in modern MMA, the impact removing belts from the art could have and he gives deep technical insight to the crucifix position!

BJJ Fanatics 476: Davi Ramos 05.08.2021

Davi Ramos joins the show to talk about BJJ for MMA, take downs for BJJ and MMA, his love for leg locks and striking styles he feels compliment Jiu-Jitsu well. He also talks about his most difficult rank in Jiu-Jitsu.

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