Weslee Weighs In

In this episode, we sit down with the founder of Standard Jiu Jitsu and ecological approach advocate Greg Souders for a deep dive into the constraints-led approach to training and skill acquisition. Greg breaks down why so many coaches struggle to let go of step-by-step instruction, how to design training that actually creates learning, and why the athlete’s responsibility matters just as much as...

This week we're joined by Alysa Couce from the Jits & Giggles Podcast for a fun crossover episode full of stories from behind the microphone and on the mats. Alysa shares how she got started in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, how the Jits & Giggles podcast was born, and some of her favorite and most memorable interviews. We dive into what it was like talking with legends and rising stars such as...

Bailey is back from Master International with GOLD, so we're recapping the tournament, Adult Worlds, and what it was like reffing a recent local tournament (spoiler: we have thoughts). Then we get into the main topic: pre-competition routines. What actually makes a good one, what doesn't, and why trying to copy someone else's routine may not be the move. We talk through how our own rou...

Ever wondered if your BJJ gym is building champions…or just building drama? 👀🥋 In this episode of Weslee Weighs In , we break down the biggest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym red flags , from ego-driven coaches and toxic gym culture to unsafe training habits, dirty mats, and promotions that feel more like attendance awards than earned milestones. We talk about: 🔥 Coaching and leadership red flags 🔥 Cu...

This week on Weslee Weighs In , we sit down with Yan "Pica Pau" Lucas and rising talent Dillon Turner for a deep dive into the journey behind the success. Yan shares his origin story about growing up in Brazil, making the move to the United States, and how his game as evolved across multiple weight classes over the years. We also get into his life off the mats including his wife, Jessica, his fami...

In this episode, we sit down with sisters Lennox and Maddox Parker to get a real look into life as twins training and competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We talk about what it's like to share the mats with your built-in best friend and training partner, how their relationship has evolved as their paths have started to look different, and what changed when Maddox began homeschooling to further her pu...

2026 Pans Recap 🎙️We both took losses, Weslee picked up a win, and we both came home with bronze! 🥉In this episode, we get vulnerable about the mental roller coaster that comes with competing. From feeling on top of the world to questioning everything...yeah, it's all part of it. We talk through the discouragement that can hit in a moment and how, if you stick with it long enough, those same...

This episode gets spicy. We start with some controversial BJJ hot takes , including a heated (and hilarious) debate over whether a BJJ match is actually a fight. We also discuss some other hot takes like: Most people training BJJ would lose a real fight The gym scoreboard isn’t real And blue belts are the most dangerous people in the gym Then we debut a new segment: Points, Penalty, or DQ. We judg...

In this week's episode, we attempt to de-mystify the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions. We talk about what makes tournaments different, including size, rule sets, and prestige; what to look for in your first BJJ tournament; and where to sign up. We also do a deep dive into the world of IBJJF, explaining the seeding and ranking system and why they matter. Then we explore ADCC, another p...

In this episode, we talk about the reasons for out recent hiatus, including moving homes, gyms, and going through renovations. We give a recap of our trip to Portugal for the 2026 IBJJF European Championships where Bailey brought home gold and Weslee brought home silver. Then we talk about the pros and cons of the constraint-led approach (CLA) to training brazilian jiu jitsu as well as what makes...

In this special episode, we recap our experience at Jiu Jitsu Con 2025 in Las Vegas and competing at Master Worlds. We break down the energy, structure, and unique vibe of the event while exploring what sets master athletes apart from the adult divisions. Featuring exclusive interviews with legends Joao Miyao, Gui Mendez, Andre Galvao, Pablo Lavaselli, and the owners of Riot Sports, this episode d...

We’re back! After a short break, Weslee and Bailey catch you up on life outside the mats before diving straight into all things combat sports. This week, we recap taking our girls to Kid Pans and talk about the grind of prepping for IBJJF Master Worlds 2025 . We also highlight the incredible Funegra sisters , including Mia Funegra’s record-breaking win that made her the youngest athlete to ever wi...

In this episode of Weslee Weighs In, we welcome the dynamic Vasquez brothers, Jorge and Diego, the masterminds behind Vasquez Brothers Jiu Jitsu in Grand Prairie, Texas. From humble beginnings to a thriving gym, the Vasquez brothers share how they turned their passion for jiu jitsu into a flourishing business. We dive into their unique journey, exploring how they went from some puzzle piece mats i...

In this episode of Weslee Weighs In, Weslee and Bailey dive into a whirlwind of topics from the mat to the ring and beyond. Bailey shares some humbling moments since she's started helping with kids' classes at their gym, complete with unfiltered feedback from the little warriors. We also get real about Bailey's weight loss journey and how cutting weight for fights looks for both of them. Then, Wes...

This week on Weslee Weighs In, we're hanging out with the legendary Roberto Kaelin, a man who went from bribing his chauffeur to let him skip karate class in Peru (true story) to running a thriving martial arts gym in Texas. Roberto spills on his childhood in Peru and how his martial arts journey led him across continents to train under Master Carlos Machado. We also get a glimpse into the opening...

This week on Weslee Weighs In, we're joined by a true BJJ OG--and by OG, we mean she's been training since camo belts were a thing and dinosaurs still roamed the earth (allegedly). We talk about how she got her start in jiu jitsu, what the scene was like nearly two decades ago when she helped start Keller Elite Martial Arts, and how much the sport has changed since then. Expect laughs, stories, an...

In the first episode of Weslee Weighs In, husband and wife duo Weslee and Bailey Parker sit down to share their story. Hear about their athletic backgrounds (or lack thereof in Bailey's case), how they found their way to jiu jitsu, and what it's like raising kids who train on the mats. They dive into their vision for the podcast--where they're starting, where they're headed, and what they hope to...