The Jiu Jitsu Crucible Podcast

When the Mats Go Silent explores what happens when allegations, power, and silence collide inside the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. In a sport built on trust, discipline, and hierarchy, who is responsible when boundaries are crossed? This episode examines accountability, culture, and whether BJJ can truly govern itself — or if the code of the mats sometimes protects the wrong people.

In this episode of The Jiu Jitsu Crucible Podcast , Pat Cooligan sits down with Rob Logan  from the Rec Success Team to break down what’s working right now in martial arts marketing. From ad strategies to student acquisition tips, learn how to leverage social media to grow your academy and dominate your local market.

Episode 8 – Larissa Diaz: From Underdog to Two-Time Black Belt World Champion 🥇🇧🇷 In this inspiring episode of The Jiu Jitsu Crucible , we sit down with Larissa Diaz , a two-time IBJJF Black Belt World Champion , to explore the mindset, work ethic, and journey behind her meteoric rise in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Larissa opens up about: Her beginnings in Brazil and early struggles on the...

Description: In Episode 7 of The Jiu Jitsu Crucible , we sit down with the legendary Rolles Gracie , a direct descendant of the iconic Gracie family, to discuss what it was really like growing up Gracie . From stories of early training in Brazil to the pressures of carrying the Gracie name, Rolles opens up about life, legacy, and the ever-evolving world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu . We explore:  ✅ The...

🎙️ Episode 6: Inside the Matchmaking Mind with Riccardo Ammendolia The Jiu Jitsu Crucible Podcast In this episode, we’re joined by WNO Matchmaker Riccardo Ammendolia for an in-depth conversation covering many aspects of professional Jiu-Jitsu. From the inner workings of event production to athlete development and the growth of the sport, Riccardo offers valuable insights drawn from decades in the...

Passion to Professional with Cameron LePage In this episode of The Jiu Jitsu Crucible , we sit down with Cameron LePage to talk about his path from passionate student to full-time Jiu-Jitsu professional. Cameron opens up about the mindset, challenges, and decisions that helped him build a career on the mats. This episode is packed with practical advice for students, competitors, and coaches alike...

🎙️ Episode 4 – Elijah “Big Breakfast” Dorsey In this episode, we sit down with rising black belt star Elijah “Big Breakfast” Dorsey to talk about his training mindset, competition strategy, and what it takes to break through on the world stage. From early days on the mat to major wins in the black belt ranks, Elijah shares real insight into the grind, the discipline, and the fuel (yes, breakfast)...

🎙️ Jiu Jitsu Crucible Podcast – Episode with Dave Kovar Hosted by Pat Cooligan | All Things Jiu Jitsu If you own a martial arts school — or dream of opening one — this episode is essential listening. In this powerful conversation, Pat Cooligan sits down with Dave Kovar , one of the most respected martial arts instructors and business leaders in the world. With decades of experience running success...

In this episode of the Jujitsu Crucible podcast, hosts Pat and Andre Porfirio recap the highlights of the 2025 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships. They discuss standout performances from various divisions, including the dominance of Mia in the light feather category, the rise of the Funegra sisters, and Larissa Diaz's inspiring journey to her second world title. The conversation also explores the...

In the premiere episode of The Jiu Jitsu Crucible , hosts Pat Cooligan and André Porfirio provide an in-depth analysis of the 2025 IBJJF World Championships. Pat Cooligan, a 4th-degree black belt under Renzo Gracie and the first Canadian to receive this honor, brings decades of experience to the discussion—having attended every World Championship since 2004, starting with the iconic Roger Gracie v...