I Suck At Jiu Jitsu Show
Jiu-Jitsu is hard. Join host Josh McKinney on his forever quest to suck less at jiu-jitsu. Learn from high level black belts, in depth conversations, and off the wall rants by the host himself. It is guaranteed that each episode will help you suck just a little less at jiu-jitsu, or your money back.
Episodes
#388 What Jiu Jitsu is ACTUALLY About
What if...It’s not the black belt.It’s not winning Worlds.It’s not the perfect technique.It might not even be the journey.It’s all about the people you get to do jiu jitsu with.But there’s another side to community.The wrong gym, wrong coach, or wrong group of people can make you start to hate something you once loved. And once a community becomes valuable, there will always be people who want to
#387 Dorian Brownlee: BJJ's Greatest Photographer
Dorian Brownlee is one of the most recognizable photographers in Jiu-Jitsu. In this episode we talk BJJ photography, Daisy Fresh, content creation, the IBJJF circuit, Jiu-Jitsu culture, Jiu Jitsu drama, and what it really takes to build a life around Jiu-Jitsu full time.📸 Dorian: @bjjedits🥋 Josh: @thejoshmckinneyCheck at our new Skool Jiu Jitsu Curriculum: https://www.skool.com/headnodFree Mental
#386 Could Jonah Hill Beat You Up? | Can Blue Belts Win Street Fights?
Can a BJJ blue belt actually win a street fight, and could you beat up Jonah Hill?Jonah Hill’s viral jiu-jitsu rant opens a much bigger question: how well does modern day BJJ really prepare you for violence outside the gym?Josh breaks down “blue belt energy,” shares a recent confrontation in downtown St. Louis, and explains the difference between fighting and real self-defense. Learn why live roll
#385 Is Your Jiu-Jitsu School is a CULT?
Is Jiu-Jitsu Brain Washing You?Your BJJ coach may be great at jiu-jitsu, but that doesn’t make them: your spiritual leader, financial advisor, relationship counselor, or life coachIn this episode, Josh breaks down the warning signs of cult-like gym culture, how loyalty turns into control, why good coaches sometimes lose perspective, and how to tell whether your academy is a healthy tribe or a plac
#384 Henry Akins: How to have Jiu-Jitsu That Gets BETTER With Age
Henry Akins is 50 years old, and his jiu-jitsu is still getting better.In this episode, Henry explains how older grapplers can keep improving without relying on speed, strength, or brutal training sessions that eventually break the body down.We discuss why injuries are the biggest threat to long-term progress, how to remove unnecessary strength from your game, and why positional training and flow
#383 Everyone at Jiu-Jitsu Hates You… Here’s Why
Every Jiu-Jitsu gym has that guy.The person everyone avoids when it’s time to roll. The person who treats Tuesday night training like the ADCC finals, refuses to tap, coaches you while losing, and somehow has an excuse ready before the round is even over.But here’s the uncomfortable part:That guy usually has no idea he’s that guy.After 18 years in Jiu-Jitsu and 11 years running schools, Josh has s
#382 Was Rickson Gracie Actually THAT Good?
I tried to solve one of Jiu Jitsu's oldest debates and got beat up by a 50 year old man instead.Was Rickson Gracie actually that good… or did the legend get bigger than the man?Before we know whether or not Rickson was the goat we must answer a much bigger question: what does it actually mean to be good at jiu-jitsu? Not famous. Not decorated. Not good at one rule set. Actually good at grappli
#381 "Don't Open a Jiu Jitsu School Feat. Jared Weiner, Kyle Watson, Nick Sanders, Junior Silva, and Andrew Sabens
Six jiu-jitsu black belt coaches with over 100 years of combined teaching experience sit down for an honest roundtable about what it really means to lead a team, run a school, and try to help the next generation.Josh McKinney is joined by Jared Weiner, Kyle Watson, Nick Sanders, Junior Silva, and Andrew Sabens to talk about the hidden cost of coaching, students leaving, gym culture changing, the p
#380 Most Black Belts Don't Know this BJJ Hack | Positional Pacing
This might be the best Jiu-Jitsu advice I’ve ever given.Because once you understand this Secret Concept, you’ll know who’s actually winning every position before the score ever changes.Today, I(@thejoshmckinney) will break down the idea of "Positional Pacing" and why it's important to base your game around the right positions. Most grapplers don’t lose because they don’t know enough
#379 Josh Longood: This BJJ Black Belt Saved a Plane
BJJ Black Belt, Josh Longood, went viral for saving a Frontier Airlines Flight.Josh was on a flight home when another passenger allegedly started attacking workers and causing all sorts of chaos. The Bjj spidey sense in Josh’s head started to tingle and he handled the situation exactly how a black belt should. He was able to control the aggressive passenger, keep everyone calm, and go super viral
#378 10 Rules for Surviving White Belt
Every BJJ white belt needs this.When you start Jiu Jitsu, you don’t know the positions, you don’t know the rules, you don’t know the etiquette, and worst of all… you don’t know what you don’t know.So after 18 years of training and 13 years of teaching beginners, I made the White Belt Survival Guide I wish someone gave me on day one.These are the 10 white belt mistakes that keep people confused, in
#377 The 3 Reasons You Keep Losing BJJ Competitons
Have you ever walked into a Jiu Jitsu tournament feeling ready… and then got absolutely smashed in the first round?You trained hard. You thought you were prepared. You knew some techniques. Maybe you even had a plan.Then the match started and everything fell apart.In this episode, I’m breaking down 3 mindsets that might be the real reason you keep losing BJJ matches — not because you don’t know en
#376 Rose Miller: How to Learn Jiu Jitsu Faster! | Rosierollz
Rose Miller, aka @rosierollz, is everywhere on BJJ Instagram right now because she does something that sounds simple but is actually incredibly rare: she gives simple but helpful advice.In this episode of the I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show, Rose and I talk about how to actually learn Jiu Jitsu faster, why so many people waste years training without a real plan, and how a black belt thinks about improvem
#375 Jena Bishop: Why BJJ Doesn't work in MMA
BJJ works… until it doesn’t.In this episode, I sit down with Jena Bishop, a BJJ World Champion, elite grappler, and now professional MMA fighter, to talk about the brutal truth of taking world-class Jiu-Jitsu into the cage.Jena has beaten some of the biggest names in grappling, including Mackenzie Dern, Angelica Galvão, Luiza Monteiro, and Gabi McComb. But after transitioning into MMA, she learned
#374 Beatrice Jin: Build Your Competition Game
Is your Jiu-Jitsu gameplan actually helping you win… or are you just collecting random techniques?In this episode, I sit down with Beatrice Jin( @berimbozo ), black belt competitor, coach, and one of the funniest creators in Jiu-Jitsu, to talk about how to build a real competition game instead of just “getting better at everything.”Beatrice breaks down why specificity matters, how she rebuilt he
#373 "Let's Roll Light" is a LIE! | 951-HOT-TAKE #3
I asked the internet for their hottest BJJ takes… and honestly, this was a mistake.In this episode of The I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show, Josh, Bryce, and Brian react to listener-submitted BJJ hot takes that range from painfully true to completely unhinged. We talk about injured training partners who still roll like it’s ADCC finals, why “let’s roll light” basically means nothing, whether you should was
#372 Should YOU Compete in Jiu Jitsu?
Should You Compete or Waste Money?If you’ve ever sat on the fence about competing in Jiu-Jitsu… this episode is for you.We break down the real reasons people compete (and the lies they tell themselves), whether tournaments are actually worth the money, and how competition can completely change your Jiu-Jitsu, and your mindset.This isn’t just ADCC vs IBJJF. It’s about who competition is for, who it
#371 The Greatest BJJ Matches of All Time!
The greatest BJJ matches of all time… who made the top 10?This isn’t just a list of exciting fights. These are the matches that actually changed jiu jitsu. The ones that shifted the meta, shocked people, or proved something nobody saw coming.I ranked them off four things. How important they were to the sport, the story going into the match, how fun they are to watch, and whether the result flipped
#370 "Sitting Guard is SOFT" | 951-Hot-Take #2
Guard pulling is SOFT… or is it just smarter?In this Hot Takes Hotline episode of the I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show, we dive straight into one of the most heated debates in jiu jitsu. Is sitting guard weak, or are people just mad they can’t pass it? The episode kicks off with an all-time caller who works a brutal blue collar job and makes a case that might completely flip how you see guard pulling. If
#369 Learn BJJ 10x Faster | 3-Step System
This episode is the exact system I used to help students go from white belt to blue belt in months, not years.After 18+ years of training and coaching, I realized something:👉 Most people are training wrong.👉 And it’s why they get better WAY slower than they should.So in this episode, I break down the 3-step formula to learn Jiu-Jitsu 10x faster. This is a system I’ve refined over years of coaching
#368 You Learned BJJ All Wrong!
What if everything you’ve been told about “fundamentals” in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is wrong?For years you’ve heard it. Focus on the basics. Master the fundamentals. Drill the same moves over and over. But what if that advice is actually the reason you feel stuck on the mats?In this episode, Josh breaks down the biggest lie in BJJ and explains why there are no fundamental techniques. Jiu Jitsu is not
#367 "Belt's Don't Matter" | 951-HOT-TAKE #1
Finally, your voice can be heard!In episode #1 of "951-HOT-TAKE" I(@thejoshmckinney) listen to some of your most frustrated and hottest takes.If you've ever been annoyed about someone who doesn't deserve their next belt getting promoted before you, then you NEED to listen to this episode. BJJ Belt promotions are one of the most vague and frustrating parts of jiu jitsu. How can we
#366 Guard Passing Tier List | I Ranked EVERY GUARD PASS
I ranked every major guard pass in jiu jitsu from useless to essential based on what actually works when you’re trying to pass against good people.In this episode of the I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show, I break down the best guard passes in grappling using three criteria: risk, finishability, and versatility. If you’ve ever felt stuck inside someone’s guard, constantly getting swept, submitted, or forced
#365 The Submission Tier List | Top 66 Submissions RANKED
I ranked 66 submissions in Jiu-Jitsu from F Tier to SS Tier (completely useless to absolutely unstoppable)Some of these finishes are guaranteed taps at the highest levels of grappling. Others… shouldn’t even be taught.In this video I break down the most effective submissions in jiu jitsu, the most overrated techniques in grappling, and the finishes that still dominate modern gi, no-gi, and mma.⚠️
#364 The Guard Tier List | 28 Different Guards RANKED
I ranked 28 different guards in Jiu-Jitsu from F Tier to SS Tier based on real effectiveness at the highest levels of grappling.Which guards are actually worth learning… and which ones are a complete waste of time?In this video I break down the best guards in Jiu Jitsu, the most overrated guards, and the positions that still dominate modern gi and no-gi competition.⚠️ Some of these rankings may ma
#363 I Asked for HOT TAKES at Open Mat...
I brought a mic to open mat at ISAJJx (The I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show Experience) and asked one simple question:“What’s your hottest jiu-jitsu take?”That’s it. That was the mistake.What started as a chill open mat at Headnod HQ turned into a full-blown mat-side debate about everything we pretend not to care about in jiu-jitsu… but absolutely care about. From disgusting mouthpiece etiquette to gym ow
#362 STOP GUESSING: Train THIS in 2026 | Feat. The Allen Bros
You’re training a lot. You know the names of the positions. You’ve watched the instructionals. You’ve saved the Instagram clips.And somehow… you still feel like you kind of suck at everything.That usually doesn’t mean you’re bad at jiu-jitsu. It means you’re training randomly.In this episode of The I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show, I’m joined by Bryce and Bryan Allen (the Allen Bros), and we break down ho
#361 Kyle Watson & Andy Sabens: Returning From Injuries | Arresting WILD People
SHOCK WARNING - There are stories describing injuries and other content some listeners may find disturbing. Don't be fainting while driving and then blaming the I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show. You've been warned. The episode is actually really good though. Coming back from injury isn’t just physical... it’s ego, identity, and expectations colliding at once. In this episode, we talk about what it actuall
#360 I Interviewed Coaches After a BJJ Tournament...
A Few weeks ago at the Fuji Expo in KC, I (@thejoshmckinney) grabbed a mic at the end of a long tournament day and did what every exhausted coach should do: talk trash, tell stories, and give hot takes while the adrenaline wears off.You’ll hear from the Arias Bros (including a wild match story that ends in a heel hook attempt in the gi), plus more coaches breaking down what they saw on the mats, w
#359 I Searched for HOT TAKES at a BJJ Tournament | Hot Takes Wanted Ep. 1
Everyone Has a Hot Take about BJJ… So We Gave Them all a MicrophoneThis is the FIRST EVER episode of Hot Takes Wanted—and we didn’t hold back.I(@thejoshmckinney) grabbed as many people as possible and let them unload their most unfiltered jiu-jitsu opinions. No scripts. No safety nets. Just raw takes from the mats.Guard pulling?Gi vs No-Gi?Wrestling elitism?American Jiu-Jitsu?Barefoot tournament s
#358 Victor Hugo: Big Man Flow | The Secret to Being Unbreakable
What does it actually take to become unbreakable in jiu-jitsu — mentally, physically, and over an entire career?I(@thejoshmckinney) recorded this conversation live at the Fuji BJJ Expo with Victor Hugo (victorhugojj), right in the middle of a tournament atmosphere, with matches happening, crowds moving, and pressure everywhere. No studio. No edits. Just a real, unfiltered conversation with one of
#357 Give me 59 Minutes, I'll Fix Your Jiu Jitsu in 2026
Most people won’t waste 2026 on purpose—but they will by accident.In this short, no-fluff episode of The I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show, Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) breaks down the simple mistakes that keep white belts stuck and black belts stale—and how small tweaks can completely change your progress next year.This isn’t about new techniques, secret systems, or training harder. It’s about fixing t
#356 The 15 Best Moments of ISAJJ in 2025 | 7 Hours of Jiu jitsu Learning
What happens when you take the wildest, deepest, most ridiculous Jiu-Jitsu conversations of the year… and put them in one episode?This is it.⚠️ 7 straight hours of black belt wisdom, hot takes, mindset shifts, technical gold, and straight-up Jiu Jitsu madness — all pulled from the best moments of The I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show in 2025.Whether you're a white belt looking for breakthroughs…A coach
#355 Josh Answers 40 Questions | How to Suck Less
This special is a rapid-fire AMA where I answer your questions on jiu-jitsu, coaching, competing, gym ownership, family life, burnout, bad ideas, good albums, worse warm-ups, and everything in between. From how to suck less as a white belt, to training 2–3x a week, to biggest failures, future goals, and what actually matters after the medals fade.Some answers are tactical. Some are honest. A few a
#354 Bionic Rob Handshy and the CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: AJJ, TRT, and What's in my Gym Bag?
Christmas is here Again!So that means it's time for a visit with everyone's favorite Jiu-Jitsu Uncle, "Bionic" Rob Handshy(@bionic_bjj)!Today on Rob's agenda:AJJ propagandaTRTAnnoying things about JoshEnjoy this wide ranging Christmas Special with everyone's favorite Jiu Jitsu Uncle.ISAJJ Experience Sign Up: https://kick.site/rxi0b3voJiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.
#352 TRT Hot Takes
Trt is one of the hottest topics in Jiu Jitsu.Today I (@thejoshckinney) take a deep dive into listener opinions on TRT. Some people call it cheating, some people call it necessary, and other's call it gender affirming care. Join me as I get cancelled by a bunch of high testosterone mad men.ISAJJ ExperienceJiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Dat
#351: Jake Luigi: Creativity, Content Creation, and Burn Out | Less Impressed More Involved
In this raw and hilarious conversation, Josh sits down with Less Impressed More Involved (Jake Luigi) to talk about the real world of BJJ content creation — the burnout, the loneliness, the tech, the business, the passion, and why creators keep doing it anyway. From the Outlier Database to the creative grind, this is one of the most honest Jiu-Jitsu conversations you’ll hear all year.Jiu-Jitsu for
#350 Thanksgiving Special: "Thanks for Kneeing me in the Nuts"
This Thanksgiving, I’m giving thanks to the real heroes of jiu-jitsu: the ball-kneeing white belt, the conspiracy blue belt, the ref-blaming victim, and that mysterious hair in my mouth. If you’ve ever trained Jiu Jitsu and thought, “Am I the only one suffering?”—this episode is your emotional support roll. Plus, finger tape, gi drawstrings, and that one dude who’s definitely high.AJJ ShirtHeadnod
#349 ONE HACK for Getting Good at Jiu Jitsu (FAST) | Performance Days
What if one rule could change your Jiu-Jitsu forever?In this episode, Josh breaks down Performance Days — the once-a-week training hack that forces you to focus, show up sharp, and actually test your skills under pressure. No extra conditioning, no complicated drills… just one intentional day designed to make you suck less fast.If you’ve been feeling stuck, plateaued, or inconsistent, this rule wi
#348 Why You Keep Losing Competitions
Want to actually win your next tournament? This episode gives you the exact blueprint.I’m breaking down the 10 most reliable ways to compete better, feel calmer, and show up like the best version of yourself on competition day. No fluff. No clichés. Just the training systems, mindset shifts, and strategy upgrades that make the biggest difference fast.If you’re tired of losing close matches or melt
#347 Women's BJJ Hot Takes...
This is the episode nobody else had the guts to make.Have you ever wondered, "what are the HOTTEST women's BJJ Hot takes?" You'll never need to wonder again...We’re talking about everything people whisper about on the mats but never say out loud: 🥋 Women’s-only classes, creepy DMs, mean-girl rolls, male egos, smelly gis, and the teenage boys who somehow turn into killers overnigh
#346: 13 Jiu Jitsu Horror Stories!
Every Jiu-Jitsu gym has its own ghost stories—broken toes, cursed Darce chokes, phantom white belts that vanish for years, and students who never came back. In this Halloween special, I(@thejoshmckinney) and Bryce(@bryceallen_) share 13 real mat horror stories that’ll make you laugh, cringe, and appreciate how crazy our sport really is.From "Ralphing" and broken bones to haunted open mat
#345 The Sacred Art of Stalling
Everyone hates stalling—until they realize it’s actually strategy. In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) breaks down why the best competitors know when to slow the game down, how to use the clock as a weapon, and why “winning is winning” (shoutout Dom Toretto). Learn how to control pace, protect your energy, and make less Jiu-Jitsu happen when it matters most.🎙️ What You’ll Learn:The real definitio
#344 I'm Quitting BJJ, Here's Why...
After 17 years I'm Quitting BJJIf you want to know why, listen to the episode.HeadnodHQ Home of American Jiu-JitsuJiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”The Competitor’s JourneyJoin ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Follow the show on InstagramCheck out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel
#343 Black Belt's Guide to Getting Promoted
What is required of a black belt? What is required of a blue?Today Josh(@thejoshmckinney) defines every belt and exactly what you should be focused on at every belt.This episode is literally made for everyone white to black belt!Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isucksportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”:
#342 Henry Akins and Micheal Zenga: Stop Overcomplicating Your Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-Jitsu isn’t supposed to be complicated — so why do most people make it harder than it has to be? In this episode of The I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show, I(thejoshmckinney) sit down with Henry Akins(@henryakinsbjj) and Michael Zenga(@michaelzenga) to break down the most powerful “old school” concepts.We talk: mount vs. back, the forgotten power of the cross-collar choke, and how legends like Rickson,
#341 Glyn Powditch: Breathe like THIS for Better Jiu Jitsu
If you still “gas” when the pressure hits, you’re breathing wrong. Today, I (@thejoshmckinney) sit down with Glyn Podwitch (@glynpowditch). Glyn breaks down practical breathwork for BJJ—how to brace in crushing positions (scarf hold, neon belly), inflate to survive triangles, and use exhale timing to escape without panicking. We also get into Rickson-inspired rib mobility, why many yogis still tap
#340 Don't Let Jiu-Jitsu Ruin Your Life
Jiu-Jitsu obsession is powerful—it can make you great, but it can also wreck your health, family, and future if you don’t control it. In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) break down why “balance” is a lie, the dark side of obsession, and the 5 hacks that keep you training hard without destroying everything else. If you’ve ever felt like Jiu-Jitsu is taking over your life, this is the survival guid
#339 Old Bastard and Matt Linsemier: Using Magic to get Better at BJJ?
Ever wonder if there’s a little magic behind getting better at Jiu-Jitsu? In this episode, I sit down with Old Bastard BJJ Mike Mahaffey and his coach Matt Linsemier to talk training smarter, rolling longer, and mastering the game—no matter your age. From staying injury-free to using experience as a weapon, we dive into stories, strategies, and mindset shifts that every grappler can learn from.Jiu
#338 Micheal Zenga: How a Website Changed BJJ Forever | Owner of BJJ Fanatics
In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) sit down with Michael Zenga(@michaelzenga), the co-founder of BJJ Fanatics, for an in-depth conversation on building one of the most influential brands in jiu-jitsu. We talk about what makes BJJ Fanatics different, their vision for the future, Michael’s personal insights on running a successful BJJ business, and even how to be a better competitor. Whether you’r
#337 Hot Takes: CJI Will Fail? Mikey Sold Out? Danaher Sucks?? | Bryce Allen Joins The Conversation
The Fans WORST BJJ hot takes of the year: don’t tap to pressure, cartwheel passes are trash, competing is “stupid,” and yes—we argue whether or not CJI will fail. Plus: did Mikey Musumeci sell out, will UFC BJJ take over, and is Danaher actually overrated?In this special episode Josh (@thejoshmckinney) is joined by executive producer Bryce Allen (@bryceallen_) as they tackle some of the hottest to
#336 Robert and Erik Arias: The BJJ Twins You'll Never Forget | "Jiu Jitsu Saved Our Lives"
Two brothers. Two paths. One life-changing journey.Robert Arias started training Jiu-Jitsu with me(@thejoshmckinney) about 10 years ago . Six years ago, Erik finally stepped onto the mats — and it changed everything. Today, both brothers are competitors, coaches, and soon-to-be gym owners of Arias Bros BJJ.In this episode, we talk redemption, brotherhood, and how Jiu-Jitsu can truly save lives.Jiu
#335 Black Belt vs Reddit BJJ
r/BJJ is basically the Mean Girls of Jiu-Jitsu. It’s petty. It’s chaotic. It’s ruled by digital “mean girls” with four stripes and zero rolls. But today, I(@thejoshmckinney) am Lindsay Lohan — and I’m infiltrating the plastics. Let’s see what happens when a friendly black belt infiltrates Jiu-Jitsu's Meanest Community.In this episode, I go toe-to-toe with posts from r/BJJ — some thoughtful, so
#334 Greg Souders: Is Greg Souders a Nice Guy?
You’ve heard him talk about the ecological approach. You’ve seen the debates. But who is Greg Souders, really? In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) sit down with one of the most polarizing minds in Jiu-Jitsu for a conversation that skips the buzzwords and gets into the why.We dive into Greg’s origin story, why he started preaching the CLA gospel, where his mindset came from, and how he’s preparing
#333 THE 10 COMMANDMENTS of SUCKING LESS at JIU JITSU
In this sacred scroll of suck-reduction, Josh McKinney reveals The 10 Commandments to Suck Less at Jiu-Jitsu—a divine list of timeless ISAJJ truths spoken how the real scripture was originally written in King James-style scripture. From "Thou Shalt Embrace the Designated Winner" to "Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Teammate’s Game," this episode is equal parts hilarious, insightful, an
#332 Kyle Watson & Mark Vives: How Great BJJ Coaches Build Champions
Want to win more as a competitor—or build a room full of killers as a coach? This episode delivers the strategies, mindset shifts, and real stories that shaped three BJJ competitors-turned-coaches: Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) Kyle Watson(@watson_martial_arts) and Mark Vives(@mvivesbjj). From cornering tactics to creating game plans to trash talking other coaches(and many other forms of cheatin
#331 Hot Takes: Should have to compete to get promoted?
What SHOULD BE Jiu-Jitsu's Belt Criteria?In this solo scorcher, Josh McKinney unloads his 25 spiciest Jiu-Jitsu hot takes — the kind that make you question your training, your teammates… and maybe even your whole gym. From why your cardio sucks (hint: it’s not your lungs, it’s your brain), to why you should have to compete to get promoted, this is a firestorm of uncomfortable hot takes, hard-e
The Jiu Jitsu Community is Falling Apart. Here's what we can do.
Is Jiu-Jitsu really a community—or just a bunch of cliques in gis pretending to be one? In this episode, Josh rants on the myth of unity in BJJ, calls out the gatekeepers, and makes a case for a more creative, open, and fun future for the art we all love. You’ll hear why the idea of “real Jiu-Jitsu” is holding us back, how the culture is becoming more rigid, and what we can do to keep Jiu-Jitsu we
#329 UNPLATEU Your Jiu Jitsu
Feel like your Jiu Jitsu hit a wall? Burn the wall down. In this episode, Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) gives you the no-nonsense, actually-useful strategies to keep leveling up—forever. No more spinning your wheels, no more "maybe I just suck" spirals. Just simple, smart ways to make sure your game keeps evolving, whether you're a clueless white belt or a bored black belt. This is
#328 Mastering Jiu-Jitsu’s TIME STONE (Seriously)
Ever roll with someone who seems impossibly fast or like they know what you're going to do before you do it? That’s not magic — it’s timing. In this episode of the I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show, Josh(@thejoshmckinney) breaks down how to master timing in your rolls, your training, and even your mindset. Learn how to slow things down, make better decisions, and feel like you're freezing time on t
#327 The 25 Most HATED People in Every BJJ Gym
Welcome to the most brutally honest episode of ISAJJ yet. I(@thejoshmckinney) asked my listeners: What do you hate most about Jiu Jitsu? The answers were unhinged. From the tape mummies and smelly gi warriors to the spazzy white belts and the legend of the "let's roll light liar"—this is a full-on roast of the most annoying people in every BJJ gym. If you don’t laugh… you’re probably
#326 Devin Pirata: Here's A List of BJJ Tradition's that I HATE
In this episode of I Suck at Jiu Jitsu, Josh(@thejoshmckinney) is joined by Devin Pirata(@devinpirata) to rant about the weirdest, cringiest, and most outdated BJJ traditions—like bowing to the mats, saying “oss,” and calling your coach “professor.” It’s honest, hilarious, and guaranteed to offend at least one person in your gym(probably your coach). Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Mode
#325 Competition HACKS for BJJ Coaches | How to Coach a Live Match
You can drill berimbolos ’til your hips explode, but if your corner can’t guide a match you’ll still walk home with participation pics. In this episode of The I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show, I(@thejoshmckinney) flip the camera to the coach’s side: how to build a battle-ready team, run chaos-free tournament days, and yell the right words when everything’s on the line.Inside you’ll get:Pre-tourney prep: r
#324 James Driskill: Rickson's Uke | Finding Balance On and Off the Mats
Today, I sit down with James Driskill, a third-degree black belt under the legendary Rickson Gracie. James is not only Rickson’s trusted uke and teaching assistant but also a lifelong martial artist dedicated to preserving and sharing Rickson’s philosophy. We dive deep into James’s unique journey from training under Rickson in Los Angeles to becoming his full-time assistant in Florida.James shares
#323 The Ultimate Guide to BJJ Tape Study
Stop doom-scrolling and start skill-scrolling. In this episode—the Ultimate Guide to Visual BJJ Learning—Josh(@thejoshmckinney) finally delivers on his promise to break down exactly how to watch tape, instructionals, class demos, and even TikTok clips so they translate into real-world taps. You’ll learn the “one-detail rule” that fixes a thousand mistakes, why 30 focused minutes beats a three-hour
#322 Jack Taufer: Be Black Belt Level at White Belt moves
Today, I (@thejoshmckinney) sit down with Rickson Gracie black belt Jack Taufer (@jacktaufer) to explore the mindset and methods behind becoming a true master of the fundamentals. Jack shares his unique approach to training, emphasizing how to be black belt level at white belt moves.We dive deep into the learning process, discussing how to improve your jiu-jitsu skills and become a better student,
#321 How many Gorillas would it take to kill a blue belt?
In this Q and A episode Josh answers some of your wildest questions ranging from gorillas fighting blue belts all the way to how to teach a Jiu Jitsu move.There is something for everyone in this episode.ISAJJ GEAR Presale ends May 14thJiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”Master ANY Position in 6 WeeksJoin ISAJJ PRO (A
#320 Chris Burns: Using Old School Methods to Perfect Your Jiu-Jitsu
Chris Burns has recently taken Jiu-Jitsu Teaching by storm. Not with new and flashy moves but with simple refined ideas that he has learned from his Professor, Rickson Gracie.Chris ( @the.BJJproject ) has used "Old School" Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Methods to protect his body, perfect his jiu-jitsu, and get back to the roots of the art and today he will help you do the same.Today I(@thejoshmckinn
#319 Hot Takes: Wrist-Locks, Wisdom, and Weirdos
Today we’re diving headfirst into another round of spicy hot takes—where flow rolls turn violent, blue belts turn into prophets, and your coach is probably just winging it five minutes before class. From the culty undercurrents of mixing martial arts and religion to the shame of explaining why a teenager tapped you, this one pulls no punches and definitely won’t get us invited back to your gym.Whe
#318 Justin Kichler and Justin Huff: From Training in a Garage to Teaching at an Academy
Today I (@thejoshmckinney) sit down with my friends Justin Kichler and Justin Huff to talk about the Jiu-Jitsu Journey.Huff, Kich, and I have been training together for over 15 years. Starting as students, evolving into purple belts training in my garage in the ghetto, til now where we all all coaches at the famous HeadnodHQ.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day Tr
#317 16 Reasons You STILL SUCK at Jiu-Jitsu
Ever wonder why your Jiu-Jitsu progress feels stuck? In this video, we’re exposing 16 painfully honest reasons you might still suck. Whether you’re training like you’re in the UFC but tapping like you’re auditioning for Riverdance, relying on binge-watching Cobra Kai instead of real tape study, or mysteriously appearing and disappearing from the mats so often your gym started a betting pool on you
#316 Matt Kwan: What BJJ Learned from WWE | Wild Conspiracy Theories
"Take us to your Leader"Today I am joined by podcaster Matt Kwan( @TheEverydayJiuJitsuPodcast ) to discuss what WWE is doing that BJJ could be doing too. Then the conversation takes a wild turn when we start talking conspiracy theories. From Greased UFC Legends, to the DDS Split, to a fake moon-landing, and even how aliens and religion go together like peanut butter and jelly. There is
#315 Sock-Wearing Guard-Pullers and the Fall of BJJ
This episode is a disaster—and that’s why you’ll love it. Josh answers YOUR most unfiltered, unhinged, and uncomfortable questions he’s ever gotten: Do stripes matter? Should socks be illegal on the mat? Would he rather delete every episode of the podcast or give up all his medals? From nut cups to purple belt philosophy, nothing is safe. Chaos, hot takes, and wristlocks—welcome to your new favori
#314 HOT TAKES: Is my bjj gym a cult?
JOIN US....For another episode of ISAJJ where host Josh McKinney goes through YOUR Hot Takes about jiu-jitsu. In today's episode we will be talking butt-scooters, bj penn, and cult like jiu-jitsu behavior! As we dig deeper into the episode we will all come to the conclusion that Josh is probably a cult leader himself.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialD
#313 Never Lose to Competition Anxiety Again
🚨 Struggling with competition anxiety in BJJ? 🚨In this episode, I break down exactly how to overcome imposter syndrome, stay calm under pressure, and perform at your absolute best—no matter who’s standing across from you.I just competed at the IBJJF Indianapolis Open and took gold 🥇, and I’m sharing every mindset shift, warm-up trick, and pre-fight routine I used to dominate on the mats. Whether y
#312 Stephan Kesting: One Man, One Kidney, and a 1000-Mile Arctic Adventure
Join Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) as he sits down with Stephan Kesting ( @StephanKesting )—jiu-jitsu black belt, kidney transplant survivor, and wilderness adventurer—who completed a grueling 1,000-mile canoe journey across the Canadian subarctic. In this conversation, Stephan reveals how he overcame brutal storms, near hypothermia, and countless rapids, all while balancing the demands of a tra
#311 Marc Ste-Marie: Grappling since before you were born!
Today I am joined by OG Grappler Marc Ste-Marie. Marc has been on the mats for his whole life and has so many nuggets of wisdom to share!Marc is also father to one of the best female grapplers of today, Brianna Ste-Marie.
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#310 Do Belts Actually Matter in BJJ?
Join host Josh Mckinney as he goes through his Jiu-Jitsu journey to break down what every belt should be focused on.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day TrialDatsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”JoinISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)Join the Gi GazetteAsk Questions/Suggest Topics for the showFollow the show on InstagramCheck out the ISAJJ You
#309 Chris Paines: BAN ALL SUBMISSIONS!? (Crazy Idea that Actually Makes Sense)
Chris Paines (@chrisvillainbjj) got tired of "how to defend everything" and recently decided to BAN Everything instead. Today I(@thejoshmckinney) get to talk to my favorite Englishman about a new training methodology that he is experimenting with that can prevent injuries, produce better grapplers, and even eliminate inner-gym conflict.Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models FRE
#308 Is Your Jiu Jitsu Complete?
In todays episode I (@thejoshmckinney) present you with 3 simple methods to "Complete" your jiu jitsu game.
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