The Prodigy Podcast

This episode is part of a mini series interviewing UK BJJ companies and sharing their story on how they got started. What motivated them to get started plus the trials and tribulations of running a brand. This episode I interview Roman and Anna behind the Brighton based brand One South. The environmentally friendly brand looking to be part of the growing movement of companies thinking about how to ethically produce BJJ apparel. We talk about their inspirations for design and how skateboarding culture has such an influence on design. 

For this episode I sat down with Rosa Walsh, after a number of standout performances a name that is becoming more and more well known. Rosa spoke to me all the way from Illinois whilst she is training with the Daisy Fresh team to discuss her moments that have helped shape her so far. 

Rosa's moments:

-Grapplefest/ AJP Birmingham

-Competing at Pans and then deciding to compete and train full time.

-Seeing and being along side Ffion for her redemption at worlds.

-Getting a puppy

-Costa Rica and a friend receiving their black belt

This episode I sat down with BJJ brown belt Stefano Sanna in the midst of preparing for his first appearance on Grapplefest. Stefano was first introduced to combat sports growing up in Sardinia but grew to focus on BJJ alone. He shares some of the trials and triumphs he has faced and gave me a good education on Sardinia's top delicacy.

Stefano's moments he picked:

- BJJ in Sardinia and how it compares to the UK

- A career as a nurse

- Leaving Italy to come to the UK

- Moving to London and Jiu Jitsu in London

- Appearing on Grapplefest

For this episode I sat down with MMA fighter and BJJ purple belt Melissa Dixon. Currently preparing for her first professional title fight I thought of no better moment to sit down and discuss her story and the moments that led to how she got here. For those who've seen Melissa fight I can assure you there is so much more to her than meets the eye. For those who haven't then this is a fantastic first introduction.

Melissa's moments she picked:

-Winning and it's importance 

-Going to Uni and lessons learned

-Father passing away and reflecting on my own life

- Marriage and the significance of having a partner

New episode comes with a whole new format. Each guest will pick out moments of their lives that have had shaped them as not just an athlete but as a person. As per usual this will probably lead to many tangents along the way.

This episode's guest is Tommy Yip, being awarded his black belt in 2020 he has gone on to take wins on shows such as Grapplefest. We digressed from his moments to delve into what makes a professional athlete in BJJ and why social media can be a toxic thing.

Tommy's Moments he picked:

-Taking up Jiu Jitsu full time (training and coaching)

-Reflections on losing a member of his family

Nia Blackman is the epitome of the phrase "they need no introduction" and there isn't enough room in this description to cover all her accomplishments to date. I had the pleasure of interviewing Nia discussing what does BJJ mean to her, her ability to take on challenges and most importantly how games of monopoly go down in the Blackman household.

Go follow Nia on Instagram @nia_bjj

Just before her upcoming fight on Polaris, I sit down with Ashley Bendle to talk about exploring her identity outside of being an athlete. The trials and tribulations competing at ADCC trials and why rice krispie squares are the best thing to eat post training.

Like, comment and subscribe.

Everyone knows Junior Fernandes the competitor on the mats but who is he off them. I chatted with the man himself to delve into his story and find out what makes him tick, his personal hopes and ambitions and plenty more. 

The first episode of 2022 and I sit down with BJJ Brown Belt Sam Quinn, training out of Escapology BJJ. Sam most recently has taken Gold in the British Open and Multiple AJP competitions. We discuss his preparations for Euros, how the Escapology team are pushing him in new ways and his introduction to BJJ. 

Sam may also have said the best quote to grace this podcast "I'll have a cup of tea in your closed guard". So get a brew on and give it a listen.

I sit down with new brown belt and fellow coffee nerd Kevin McAloon to talk about his captaincy of Team Scotland at SGI, his outlook on improvement and why we should change how we set goals. Personally I am extremely excited for the SGI teams event and can't wait to see the teams match up. Given that I now have interviewed three out of four team captains, I AM NOT PICKING SIDES!

Go given Kevin a follow on Instagram @kevmca91

You will have seen Jonas compete against some of the best, on shows such as Submission Series and Fightstar Championship. I was able to sit down with the "Octopus" himself two weeks before his fight for the championship belt in Crystal Palace. We discuss his journey from New Zealand to Croydon, why he won't go near snakes and his new love for wrestling.

Another episode, another awesome guest. Ollie Webb is a prospect from Elements BJJ who caught my eye when competing on the submission series show during lockdown. Now looking to his next big competitive outing on Raw Grappling and growing as an athlete there was no better moment to chat with him. We discuss the impact BJJ has had on his life and how he looks at becoming the best grappler he can be. 

Make sure you listen to the end for reasons why Ollie should be the next bond.

Another returning guest Tyreeze Cunliffe returns to the mic. We discuss his growth as a person and an athlete and how his perspective on competing has changed. Tyreeze opens up about the impact of his experiences as a younger athlete when moving to competing as an adult. He may or may not confirm his place on a competition as well but I'll leave that for you to hear.

Thomas Owen is a 4-0 fighter under the tutelage of Dan Hardy and Jimmy Wallhead. Thomas talks to me about returning to the cage after a two year period off, how he first started training and why we need to remember too have fun.  We decide that the Thomas Owen cooking show has to happen and why eggs are the best thing ever.

Note: The curse of audio issues has returned so apologies if moments are not so clear.

When Jiu Jitsu, coffee and anime combine! Today's episode we have Jay Herridge on, the nightmare of all competitors the kid who stuck with the sport. We talk origins story, Jay's change in focus over lockdown and why Michael B Jordan fighting zombies will be the movie on Jay's life.

Welcome back my caffienated grappling friends!

Coming off a big win on the Polaris Professional Undercard, Libby Genge chats with me about: fighting on a bigger stage, competing in Russia, Pan Ams and why being home schooled is becoming a norm for high level young athletes. It was a pleasure to sit down with Libby and I'm certain there will be even bigger things to come from her.

(Unfortunately I had to use the dreaded Skype for this interview so the audio is not the best at times)

My caffeinated grappling friends have I got a special episode for you. I chat with Darragh O’Conaill on his upcoming outing on Polaris Squads as captain of Team UK/Ireland. As well as that we chat about: why losses should be treated different in BJJ, the balance between entertainment and sport and why Monster energy drinks are only for emergency caffeine. 

Let us know what you think of the episode by leaving a review and check out Darragh on Polaris Squads this Saturday.

Today's episode I sit down with Team GB Wrestler Charlie Bowling. We talk about his learning experiences as a wrestler and what he learnt from his time in Canada. We also discuss his new facility Farmer Strong which was brought about by needing to continue his training during the pandemic. As well as that we touching on the rich history of UK wrestling and the quick fire round brings about some interesting answers! 

Coming off his win on Alpha Grappling Sam Gibbs sat down with me to have a coffee to discuss why talent is well and truly a myth. The art of purposeful practice and how training with Ash Williams has aided him on his journey. I believe that Sam is one of the most underrated dangerous competitors on the rise in the UK, so enjoy and follow his journey on Instagram @Samgibbsbjj

We are back my caffeinated grappling friends with an interview with Euros Gold Medallist, purple belt, Danielle Tighe. We discussed being nasty in Jiu Jitsu and it's place in the sport. Using visualisation to help with competition, lifting atlas stones and what her admission of her other hobby is, I'm not spoiling that!

Go check out Danielle on Instagram @danielle_tighe

Go check out Danielle's favourite BJJ brand @inner_chimp

I chat with a brown belt that most people are well aware of in the UK BJJ circuit and with good reason. Georgij Rogolev has a goal orientated mindset and having won the IBJJF Europeans in 2018, he now has even bigger goals in mind. We talk about what it's like training in Hastings, mindset for competition and the sacrifices people don't see. Plus the big one, the art of napping at competitions. 

Go check Georgij out on Instagram @g_in_action

Having competed in the commonwealth games at the age of 18, Ross Connelly has not lacked in experience as a wrestler and yet on today's episode one of the big topics is how much he has changed and matured as a competitor. We discuss what it would take to bring wrestling back to prominence in the UK, balancing athleticism and skill and most importantly.... Really getting into the netball at the games in Australia.

I chat with amateur MMA fighter Molly Lindsay, who has held the Battle Arena amateur title and since having her awesomely named son Odin has been breaking misconceptions on being a full time fighter and a mum. We touch on: taking the leap from studying at University to full time athlete, why being selfish can be a good thing, why prolapse can be more common in Athletes and much more. 

Check out Molly on Instagram @molly_lindsay

This episode is Sponsored by Nitman Performance's new programme "Submission Strength". Go check it out and save 50% with the code "SS50" making it only £7.50 a month. Have a look yourself at www.nitmanperformance.co.uk

I sit down with the man behind some of your favourite BJJ photos, we talk about how taking photos can be dangerous when Nicky Rod is on the mat, the future of European BJJ media and why Justin Gaethje doesn't get the No Fear reference for his tattoo. 

Go Follow @attacktheback

And check out https://theprodigypodcast.bigcartel.com/

Jack Brown has had a wild six month journey, taking a break from work as a police office in Scotland to travel and teach. Visiting Greece, Serbia and now Kenya, where he teamed up with the Lionheart Foundation to teach in Mombasa and is now in Nairobi. It's fair to say he has a few stories to tell. We discuss how each place has it's own reasons for grappling, ambitions to teach in Asia, why Jack is entering the kids division in Serbia and what makes the best Morrisons meal deal.

Go check out Jack on Instagram @jackbrownbjj

Remember to like, subscribe and DM us on Instagram on who you want to see on the podcast next.

The OG guest returns to the mic. Ben talks to me about what he has been up to since the last time we spoke and how his perspectives have changed since. We also discuss his time in Italy, falling in love with the gi again, why young females are more likely to sustain knee injuries and more. A fantastic listen once again. 

Oh and there is a spicy new intro and outro for you coffee lovers, let me know what you think!?

For those of you on the UK BJJ scene this lady needs no introduction, Kate Bacik has been game for any fight over the past few years but that's not quite how she started. We talk about how she came into the wild world of fighting, her thoughts on growth and more. We also talk about her upcoming fight on Clan Wars and what has been a 3 year hiatus from the cage. 

Todays episode is sponsored by One South, the UK BJJ Brand that brings you everything you want and it's made from recycled material! So you can help mother earth out and rock your BJJ best. Go check them out onhttps://www.onesouthuk.com/ and check out their Instagram here.

Stay up to date with Kate's training and fights on Instagram @purplesupernova7 and go watch her next fight on PPV on the 20th March on Clan Wars 39.

Have I got a treat for you my caffeinated friends, Ciaran Brohan is coming onto the podcast to talk all about his new projects Learn Jiu Jitsu and how he is looking at the ways we can change both learning and teaching Jiu Jitsu. A truly fascinating conversation that will make you look at how your own learning could be changed for the better.

Check out his page on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/learnjiujitsu_/ 

Topic Timings:

00:00:37 Why Learn Jiu Jitsu started

00:03:15 Kit Dale, teaching methods and a framework  to Jiu Jitsu

00:05:24 Alignment Theory

00:10:18 Working in concepts

00:15:14 The logic behind learning this way

00:15:55 The Score card System

00:21:43 Jiu Jitsu is a form of education, treating it that way

00:29:13 Inspiration from others on Jiu Jitsu Teaching Methods

00:36:45 Taking away the mystique of time served

00:44:22 Changing how you tackle learning Jiu Jitsu

00:50:18 Getting past "is the Technique is right"

00:52:23 How would you approach analysing BJJ footage

00:57:22 The issues with drilling techniques and mental switch off

01:02:17 Being mentally engaged

01:06:59 Creating a feedback loop

01:14:26 Enjoying the drilling part of jiu jitsu

01:15:30 Gamifying Jiu Jitsu Lessons

01:19:17 Balancing Hard Sparring

01:25:15 Teaching Jiu Jitsu hasn't evolved

01:27:42 Coaches taking time to plan out 6 months of lessons

01:33:01 What is mastery?

01:38:59 Having fixed parameters

01:40:10 The issues with systems not teaching how to get to the starting position

01:43:46 Practically starting applying learning jiu jitsu in this new way

01:45:45 Quick Fire Round

01:54:20 Outro & Aspirations for how we change teaching and learning Jiu Jitsu

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lloyd Cooper, Competitor, Coach and lover of short shorts. We touch on balancing life whilst competing at a professional level and learning to love the process. A truly fascinating interview and a recommended listen. Plus Lloyd sets himself a challenge.

Topic timings: 

00:00:47 Do we deserve anything/ Are we entitled to anything Mentality

00:10:58 Enjoying the process

00:16:09 Focusing on your interpretation of events

00:19:21        Putting yourself in difficult positions

00:21:02 Specific sparring VS General Sparring

00:29:04 Being eager to work with higher belts

00:32:15 Pushing yourself physically

00:34:26 Winning the Euros and taking gratification in the process

00:38:03 The pitfalls of professional athletes replacing competition in their lives

00:42:29 Have you reframed how you treat competing?

00:45:53 Gripper Jiu Jitsu challenge up a mountain

00:47:03 Skydiving

00:48:48 Challenge Accepted, Running a Marathon in 2021

00:50:46 The social side of BJJ

00:53:24 How have you balanced work/family/BJJ life

00:57:36 Focusing on using your time

01:02:11        Advice you wished you gave your younger self

01:05:35 Approaching improvement

01:07:56        Quick Fire Round

01:35:20 Sponsors

Don't forget to check out Lloyd's sponsors:

https://scramblestuff.com/

http://www.xsguardmouthguards.co.uk/

and his own Page and Teams page:

https://www.instagram.com/gripperjiujitsu/

https://www.instagram.com/yorkshiregripper/

The first interview of 2021 and we're back with UKBJJ Emergency Services Representative, Tom Wilson. Coming on to talk about UK’s first national Police BJJ association – Team Police BJJ. Tom is the chair of Team Police BJJ and been involved in both BJJ and policing for nearly 20 years. We had a great conversation, touching on mental health, community out reach and how his spine held up for so long (listen to find out why!)

For more information on Team Police BJJ check out their Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/teampolicebjj_uk/

Thank you again to Tom Wilson for coming on.

Hello my caffeinated friends, a different kind of episode from me today. I am reviewing Kam Atakuru's instructional produced by The Grapple Club. I have written a longer full review that you can check out below. 

Check out my full written review here: https://theprodigypodcast.medium.com/review-wrestling-for-bjj-e2ce31f0bd1a

If you like the sound of the instructional you can pick it up here:

https://thegrappleclub.com/pages/wresting-for-jiujitsu

Trailer for the The Prodigy Podcast

I sit down with George Stephens who after spending time living in the States has come back to the UK and is now training with the fantastic team Stealth BJJ and will be making a stamp on the competition scene in the UK next year!

00:00:44 Combining maturing your BJJ skills with your maturing as an adult

00:10:52 Finding BJJ through MMA Classes

00:13:44 Thoughts on competing in the UK

00:15:10 Fast Pace style

00:17:34 What he wants to work on

00:18:42 Love/Hate relationships with footlocks

00:19:37 Competing against Adults and First comp in the adult category

00:24:49 Is there pressure at the highest level of kids competition

00:26:01 Is putting on a show important

00:29:39 Training with Lucas Lepri

00:33:07 Working with Rob Nitman and importance of conditioning

00:38:59 Having a competition Family at the gym

00:41:41 Legalising footlocks in BJJ

00:43:30 Wrestling in the states

00:49:49 Who are the people you look up to

00:53:58 Quick Fire Round

Ash williams is someone who I find fascinating when it comes to mindset, it something he pushes in his own team as well as himself.  We alsotalk about approaching training in the right way, EBI and why not being competitive even on video games is impossible.

I virtually sit down with Rob Nitman about strength and conditioning for athletes. Why keeping it simple is always the answer and the big question! Will my cycling help me when I get back on the mat!

Well, well, well another episode is upon us. I'm delighted to have on friend, proffesional MMA fighter and all around nice guy Mehmosh Raza. We talk fighting on rooftops in Pakistan, conspirac theories and terrible weight cuts. 

I virtually sit down with Dominic Dillon to talk to him about his newly announced part in the UK Polaris team, catch wrestling and left field grappling techinques.  Oh and eating raw meat...... Listen now to find out why!

Purple Belt, Shark Lover, Teacher and much, much more. I had an amazing conversation with Violet Bennett about her BJJ story so far and her other aspirations. Get ready for stories of Travel, Shark Names and me appointing Violet as temporary education secretary.

Another Episode with one of the minds behind Scramble, Polaris and Black Belt himself Matt Benyon. Matt has been embedded in the UK BJJ community for years and managed to bring togethor his love for japanese culture to what has now become Scramble. We discuss the ups and downs of the unlucky 13th Polaris competition, this weekend seeing the fruition of the Polaris team's hard work. With the Grand Prix format Polaris 13 cannot bring anything but excitement.

Another cracking episode with three guests who are as amazing as individuals as they are as a group. Katie Toner sits down with Mentor/Mentee combo Leo Curtis and Arni Gudnason to talk about the Mini Beast movement and how she is supporting UK junior fighters (Better known as Mini BEASTS!). As well as that Arni and Leo talk about their own stories and challenges. 

You can't help but be inspired.

A short ramble from me about how mental health and BJJ link togethor and what ways we can can look after ourselves during a peroid in which we are unable to train. I also talk about using our time off to reflect on how much we value Martial Arts in our lives.

Tyreeze Cunliffe is a name most people in the UK BJJ community are beginning to know. He epitomises the word Prodigy, with a hunger to make his life all about BJJ he has now become full time athlete and has already beaten competitors with many more years under their belt.

Recorded on Skype