The Fighters Drinking Coffee Podcast

In this episode we ask whether jiu-jitsu takes itself too seriously, exploring the two cultural camps: the hyper-serious, macho side, and the silly, meme-driven side; and how figureheads like Gordon Ryan and Craig Jones fuel that divide. We discuss the idea that promoters may be manufacturing controversy (WWE-style), or that the split has been masterminded by a hooded evil figurehead looking to co...

In this episode we explore creativity and self-expression in jiu‑jitsu — using the "jazz" analogy and discuss utilizing the constraints led approach to bridge the space between techniques. We discuss how drills, repetition, and playful constraints help practitioners discover timing, leverage, and their own style on the mat. The hosts cover coaching strategies, balancing competitive rigidity with f...

New Year’s episode where the hosts share concise jiu-jitsu resolutions: pursue greater professionalism as coaches and competitors, add new techniques and finishing mechanics, and build a training/competition calendar to peak for major tournaments. They also outline podcast goals — grow the audience, engage listeners via Discord and possible Patreon, revive archival episodes, and commit to consiste...

On this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee we walk through a practical year-in-review for the 2025 competition season: tracking matches, wins and losses, submission patterns, weight cuts, training timelines, and key turning points. We show how to turn those data points into actionable changes — adjusting training, mitigating injury and burnout, planning weight classes, and building targeted drill...

Hosts recap their trip to the 2025 IBJJF World No-Gi Championships in Las Vegas, sharing match breakdowns, surprising referee calls, upsets, and standout performances from friends and teammates. They discuss preparation, travel and weight-cut tips, lessons about avoiding leaving results to the referee, and takeaways for future competitions. Please remember to follow, rate and review! or Support th...

Raf Esparza of the Grappling Hour joins Fighters Drinking Coffee to talk training, pro-wrestling influence, and how spectacle and fan experience can grow jiu-jitsu. He shares stories from Subversive and Survivor Series, media and performance coaching for athletes, and ideas for building entertaining grappling events. They also discuss creative segments like Roast Raf and tape study, the importance...

This episode covers what to do after a jiu-jitsu injury: how to tell a tweak from a serious injury, when to seek medical help, and when to rest. The hosts share practical tips for training while hurt—modify your game plan, train around the injured side, use controlled drilling, stay present at the gym, and study footage or tutorials. They emphasize self-assessment, injury prevention (pace and tapp...

On this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee, Fury welterweight champion Sam Kilmer breaks down his wrestling and jiu-jitsu roots, training at Kaizen and Crazy 88, and his preparations for the December 14 title defense against Mancher Khera. Sam discusses strength and conditioning with coach Asim, sparring strategy, weight-class decisions, and his goal of earning a UFC call and high-profile matchup...

This episode explores the “blue belt blues”: the sudden drop in confidence and performance many feel after a promotion. Hosts discuss causes — targets on your back, merit-based expectations, comparison, and ego — and how coaches shape that experience. They offer practical advice: humble yourself, keep showing up, use competition constructively, focus on skill acquisition over status, and embrace t...

This episode explores the white belt experience in jiu-jitsu — from signing the waiver and wearing a rental gi to learning to tap and leaving your ego at the door. Hosts share practical advice for new students on safety, mindset, and managing expectations. They cover concrete tips like using micro-goals, slowing down drilling, finding mentors, embracing losses as practice, and staying flexible whe...

This episode features Kari Summers and Mendi Carlson of Genesis Jiu-Jitsu, co-founders of the Unbreakable Women’s Grappling Camp in Fort Worth, Texas. They discuss how their program grew from moms watching their kids train into a supportive women-only community that builds confidence, retention, and competition readiness. The episode covers their women’s classes and outreach, camp format (gi day a...

Hosts sit down with BJ and Alex from Capital MMA to discuss their journeys in jiu-jitsu, strength and conditioning, and even Highland Games, plus their coaching and teaching philosophies developed through years of competition and pandemic training adaptations. They also preview the Movember Super Fights — a team-based and individual tournament on November 22 at Capital MMA in Lorton — fundraising...

Scott and Michael recap their recent competitions — PANS in New York (coaching, medals and tough losses), a quick turnaround to the London Open with redemption and a win, and what’s coming next: VGI, Euros in Rome, Worlds, local events and training plans. They share travel stories, match breakdowns, injuries, and a look at the busy fall competition schedule. Please remember to follow, rate and rev...

In this episode, the hosts discuss how smaller fighters can handle size discrepancies in training and competition. They cover tactical adjustments (leverage, timing, space management), target selection (neck and ankles), and practical training strategies like rolling with bigger partners to prepare for different opponents. The conversation also explores the mental side: confidence, resilience afte...

Welcome back to Fighters Drinking Coffee — special edition with whiskey and guest Will Bullock. They dig into supplements, diet debates (including the "vegetables" argument and carnivore trends), weight cuts and recovery, and personal stories like swimmer's ear and cauliflower ear. The conversation also veers into food spots, tech and AI in entertainment, and hints at predictive programming and ro...

Will Bullock joins Fighters Drinking Coffee to debate gas-station coffee and food (Wawa vs. 7-Eleven vs. Buc-ee’s), share his early-morning training routine and strength gains, and discuss his prep with coach Asim. They cover competition culture, VGI and the NGA pit format, women’s jiu-jitsu intensity, learning from losses, and where to find Will’s Dreams Not Fame podcast and social profiles: Inst...

Mike recaps his two recent pit super fights at 145 lbs, sharing match highlights—back takes, submission attempts, a near armbar, and a guillotine—as well as weigh-ins, what he would do differently, and match-day preparation. He breaks down how the pit’s landscape changed the wrestling and ground strategy, why forward pressure and terrain awareness matter, and why the pit format could shape the fut...

In this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee we break down BJJ pedagogy and curriculum design — how coaches plan month-to-month themes, teach fundamentals for each belt, and align multiple instructors around a clear roadmap. We cover class structure for mixed-level rooms, assessment and feedback cycles, workshop/private options, CLA/ECO-style problem-solving, and the role of wrestling, scrambles, a...

AndyGames joins Fighters Drinking Coffee to share his unexpected boxing journey — starting as a white‑collar novice, climbing into semi‑pro ranks, and leaving undefeated as a heavyweight champion.  He breaks down training, key fights, the impact of COVID on his career, and how those experiences led him into streaming and podcasting.   Find Andy: Tiktok: behindthecamerapodcastag Instagram: behindth...

Hosts break down the first night of CJI, debating UFC BJJ exclusivity deals, reactions from Mikey & Craig’s Mighty Cast appearance, and the risks and rewards for competitors. They recap Quintet-style matchups, controversial stoppages/tap rulings, and standout teams — including Australasia as a dark horse — plus previews for the finals and key storylines to watch. Please remember to follow, rat...

On this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee, host interview Dimitri Chrisos about his journey as an academy owner and third-degree black belt, and the creation and growth of Copa Virginia. They discuss tournament logistics, Smoothcomp adoption, clean venues, weight and rule standards, the popular advanced no‑gi cash division, and an apprenticeship program for new tournament organizers. Listen for...

Two hosts break down Scott's no-gi win at the IBJJF Chicago Open — describing the match, the finishing inverted armbar, and the medal moment. As well as the post tournament meals.  They also discuss a nearby medical emergency at the event, discuss safety, AEDs and CPR, and reflect on risks in high-intensity training and tournaments. The conversation shifts to jiu-jitsu industry headlines: The Crai...

Join hosts Mike and Scott on this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee as they delve into the delicate balancing act between life and jujitsu. Inspired by a listener's question, they explore their unique dynamics off the mats, revealing how personal and professional lives intersect with their passion for martial arts. Mike shares his journey of managing a family with work, competition, and coaching...

Welcome back to Fighters Drinking Coffee! In this exciting episode, we sit down with Caleb Knepley, a passionate coach and athlete from High Noon Jiu-Jitsu, who is soon to open Lariat Jiu-Jitsu in Pentagon City, Arlington, Virginia. Join us as we explore Caleb's journey into martial arts, his experiences coaching kids and adults, and the challenges and dreams of running his own gym. Discover the v...

In this thrilling episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee, join us as we dive into the exhilarating world of jiu-jitsu competitions and triumphs. Broadcasting from the NoVa Barbell Club, hear firsthand how Mike achieved double gold in his latest tournament. Discover the strategies that made his easiest weight cut in over a decade, and how strength and cardio training played pivotal roles in his succes...