Introduction

> Finding humor even in the chaos of competition is key. I mean, who wouldn’t chuckle when thinking about kangaroos choking each other out? And honestly, that time I had Gordon in an armbar—'tap bro,' he wouldn't give in, and I just let him out.

> On a deeper note, grappling has taught me resilience. The surgeon gave me two options for my knee—surgery or rehab—but I just opted to do nothing instead. It’s a wild ride, pushing limits every day, facing off with the best, and still being able to have a laugh about it all in the end.

B-Team

> First, the journey to success in jiu-jitsu is a marathon, not a sprint. As Nicky Rod shared, achieving two ADCC silver medals has been huge, but it’s clear that reaching the top requires consistency, resilience, and an understanding that mastery in this sport is a prolonged process. It's about embracing the peaks and valleys, staying committed to improvement every single day.

> Second, the significance of belts and rankings goes beyond mere competition. For us, it's about recognizing and respecting the depth of knowledge and ability to teach and understand jiu-jitsu. While competition prowess is vital, being a black belt isn’t just about winning matches; it signifies a comprehensive mastery of the art. Balancing the journey of competition and education is crucial, and it's something we take very seriously in our growth and development in the sport.

Winning and losing

> I don't mind losing if it pays the bills; winning brings relief more than excitement for me. Winning is closest to a high like heroin, lasting days after a big tournament. It's crucial to separate emotions in competition and visualize leading up to matches. I push competition out of my mind till the last second, avoiding warm-ups and approaching it like any other day. Winning or losing, the right joke can make money off the event that just happened.

Danaher Death Squad (DDS)

> Reflecting on my journey, I realized how crucial it was to leave Australia for the Danaher Death Squad in New York. “Training with so many elite partners provided the challenge I craved and grounded me in my growth.” It was a humbling experience that forced me to step up my game.

> The split from DDS wasn’t easy, and while I miss some aspects of that tight-knit environment, I appreciate the freedom I've gained. I found joy in the “behind-the-scenes banter” with John Danaher—it’s those moments that really connected us and shaped my time there.

> I’ve learned that “nothing's all bad, and nothing's all good.” The friendships and camaraderie built through the tough grind at DDS were invaluable, but as I've moved on, I also gained access to a broader network of training partners. There’s a beautiful variety to learn from.

> Ultimately, the split was justified; it was necessary for personal and team growth. The relationships and memories are cherished, but I know that moving on was essential for us to thrive. It’s a reminder that “you can make money doing what you love,” and that’s a path I’ll always advocate.

Nicky Rod vs Gordon Ryan

> The social media drama with Gordon Ryan is both entertaining and frustrating. Gordon once posted on Instagram, joking about sending Nicky Rod flowers, but they never arrived. It's all part of the playful, yet intense rivalry between us.

> In our recent EBI match, it was a highly tactical and evenly matched fight, leading to an overtime where I narrowly missed a chance to secure a win. Reflecting on it, I realized the need to improve my leg lock game to truly dominate.

> The EBI rule set is controversial; while it makes for exciting viewing and definitive outcomes for spectators, it can sometimes reward fighters who are less skilled but adept at stalling. It's a mixed bag depending on your perspective.

> The mental game is crucial in jiu-jitsu. Gordon and I might trade barbs, but it’s all part of a strategy. If I ever beat him, the psychological victory would be as sweet as the physical one—I'd never let him forget it.

Steroids

> - There's a complex view on steroids in the grappling world, with a mix of skepticism and understanding about their prevalence and impact: "It's hard to tell...But at the same time, it does seem that a lot of athletes will do whatever it takes to be successful."

> - The B-Team Jiu Jitsu gym emphasizes a professional but lighthearted atmosphere, focusing on high-level training with a modern approach: "We lean heavily towards the professional athlete side of things...We try to highlight the other side of things, keep it pretty lighthearted."

> - The dynamic of competition, drama, and camaraderie among top grapplers is likened to a "shitty Western" with a mix of tension and entertainment: "It's like a shitty Western, but like an epic Western...I love it. I'm here just eating popcorn."

White belts

> Opening up to white belts has been a big transition for us, and I've realized that "given it's such a high-level gym, it'd be tough for a beginner to enter the more advanced classes." So, we’ve created separate classes to ensure they aren’t overwhelmed while still aiming to "create more well-rounded athletes from day one" by mixing in wrestling and different techniques.

> For beginners, the key to getting good is simplicity and consistency. It's critical to focus on "showing the technique in training rather than just fighting to the death." There’s a lot of power in utilizing a "constraint-based learning" approach—like presenting them with a problem first—so they can make those important discoveries themselves rather than just memorizing techniques.

> The different postures in jiu-jitsu can be confusing, especially in relation to wrestling. I believe a "bent over posture's still good for jiu-jitsu," but it’s a balancing act. Wrestlers might adopt a lower stance due to their different game, while jiu-jitsu integrates elements of judo and wrestling, creating a unique posture that allows for more adaptability in various scenarios.

Alexander Volkanovski vs Islam Makhachev

> Reflecting on the Volkanovski vs. Makhachev fight, it struck me how perception can be skewed by context and emotions. I felt Volkanovski needed a finish as we entered the fifth round, but the closeness of the fight and crowd bias had me second-guessing. The intricacies of MMA judging, particularly round two, leave me hoping for a rematch, despite the complexities it might introduce.

> Preparing Volkanovski for Makhachev was intense and fraught with pressure. My strategy focused heavily on leveraging Volk’s cage work and impeccable willpower. We trained extensively on submission defense and getting back up using techniques from wrestling, knowing that Islam’s game heavily relies on control and submissions, especially against non-grapplers.

> Coaching Volkanovski carried a weight of responsibility unlike anything in jiu-jitsu. In jiu-jitsu, a tap means avoiding severe injury, but MMA adds layers of risk. The trust placed in me by Volkanovski and his family made it crucial to not only prepare him to win but to keep him safe, enhancing the gravity of every decision made during his training camp.

> My experiences with high-level MMA highlighted why pure jiu-jitsu doesn't always mesh perfectly with MMA training. Traditional jiu-jitsu can fall short in an MMA context, where holding positions, escaping, and blending striking with grappling are key. The ability to adapt techniques from wrestling and jiu-jitsu for the unique demands of MMA is what sets effective training apart.

Greatest MMA fighter of all time

> Volkanovski stands out technically, "technically, he's the best". Surviving and thriving in tough situations shows true martial arts spirit. Wish they had one more round after that fight.

> John Jones impresses with his ability to mix striking and grappling at a high level. A natural athlete, especially for a heavyweight fighter.

> Khabib is considered a G.O.A.T for his undefeated record and high finishing rate, "dominated almost every single opponent".

Dagestani fighters

> The Dagestani fighters have an unparalleled advantage in MMA due to their "freestyle wrestling champions" who set a standard that’s hard to beat. Their relentless training and "effective pin controls" transform their grappling into a formidable force.

> Moreover, the cultural aspect can't be overlooked; it’s that "hard training" mentality that permeates their upbringing, enabling them to maintain "pressure throughout the entire fight." The unique blend of skills and resilience seems to break opponents down, tapping into something deeper than just technique.

Conor McGregor

> When reflecting on Conor McGregor, I really admired his early days because he had that perfect balance of humor and confidence that made him stand out. "I found him absolutely hilarious," especially how he captured audiences. His banter was top-tier, something that we Aussies, British, Irish, and Kiwis excel at. It’s almost too easy to poke fun at Americans who take things seriously. Early Conor had this "innocent banter" that never really crossed the line, although later in his career, he took it to another level.

> Talking about crossing lines, I believe it’s part of what makes certain athletes, like Conor, memorable. "He's probably by far the most popular combat athlete of all time” because of that edge he brought to the sport. Even if people think he went too far at times, I always felt there was a layer of respect for his opponents beneath it all. It’s similar to how people don't take my shit-talking too seriously because they know I'm just having fun with it. The perception of respect and humor in our sport is often misunderstood by those outside our close-knit community.

Strength training and injuries

> First off, for Jiu Jitsu, a strong back is crucial, followed by core strength and then biceps. Muscle acts as the body's armor, offering protection and aiding in recovery. Weightlifting is beneficial when combined with proper nutrition and rest.

> Injuries are a reality in Jiu Jitsu, and proper warm-up is key to avoiding them. Warming up effectively before training or competition helps prepare the body for intense physical activity and minimizes the risk of injury.

> Rehab and prehab are essential for both hobbyists and professional athletes to prevent and recover from injuries. Taking care of the body, whether through rehabilitation exercises or injury prevention strategies, is crucial for longevity and performance in Jiu Jitsu.

Pre-match ritual

> I've really been reflecting on how crucial pre-match rituals are for success. It's all about the preparation: "I break it down... how early you should get to the event, when you should be visualizing." Visualizing not just my own performance, but the environment helps me acclimate, so when the big moment comes, it feels familiar.

> Then there's that beautiful chaos in jiu-jitsu that lets us breathe a little easier. "I just don't take jiu-jitsu that seriously," and that mindset has helped me thrive amidst the pressure. It’s about striking the right balance, training hard but also enjoying the journey without overthinking it.

Toughest match

> Facing ADCC Challenges: The toughest mental and physical match was undoubtedly the last ADCC. Coming off a big injury that messed up my camp and weight cutting, it was a brutal experience. I pushed through it all, even ending up thinking I had a collapsed lung after the match. Pop a blood vessel in my eye, that's how hard I was going.

> Building Mental Fortitude in Training: The real grind comes from the training room, especially when I was starting out. Training with some of the best grapplers in the world at DDS, every session was a battle. No breaks, just constant drilling and live rounds, which really built my mental callouses. Those sessions were tougher than any competition, shaping my resilience and skills.

Positional training

> Positional training, like in mount and turtle, builds character and toughness, forcing you to constantly adapt and stay calm in frustrating situations. It's about facing the highs and lows emotionally on the mat.

> Regularly doing positional sparring is crucial for confidence in competition and exposes you to various challenging scenarios, preventing you from being caught off guard in tournaments. It's about being comfortable in the worst possible situations and knowing how to navigate through them effectively.

Perfect training week

> A perfect training week blends intensity with strategic planning. It's all about striking that balance—training twice on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday while keeping other days manageable. I mix rigorous positional and live training sessions, pushing my limits on the mat as my cardio routine; "cardio's all mat stuff" for me.

> Experimentation is key to growth. Every session, I arrive with a fresh idea, trying to "pick the right people" to explore techniques, whether from top or bottom positions. Engaging with training partners who allow for experimentation is essential, making the grind of training both productive and innovative.

Overtraining

> Balancing Training and Recovery: I used to think there was no such thing as overtraining, but then I got injured. I was lifting like a bodybuilder—seven days a week, with a lot of arm work. That definitely contributed to my injury. Now, I believe controlling how hard you train and making sure you’re well-rested and properly fueled is essential. Avoid pushing yourself to the absolute limit all the time to prevent injuries and burnout.

> Mental and Physical Sharpness: Overtraining isn’t just physical; it’s about mental sharpness too. Sometimes stepping away or shifting focus in your training can make you sharper overall. Training seven days a week will have ups and downs, so it’s crucial to set peak days. For me, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are usually the best—understanding this helps manage intensity and maintain consistent performance without getting stale.

Advice for beginners

> Consistency is key to improvement in jiu-jitsu, it takes time to reach your goals. Filming and reviewing rounds helps pinpoint and address specific problems for focused improvement. Not every training round needs to be a fight to the death to prevent burnout and injuries, learning is key.

Takedowns and submissions

> Foot sweeps and arm drags are undeniably gaining traction in the No-Gi jiu-jitsu scene. “I think those foot sweeps are like catching fire nowadays,” and they serve as a versatile approach, whether to score or to set up further attacks.

> When it comes to submissions, the rear naked choke reigns supreme for me as “the one that's hit the most” at high levels of competition. However, I’m also diving into the Yoko Sankaku, admiring its versatility with options like the triangle, Kimura, or transitioning to the back. It's all about progress and exploring the beautiful depths of our sport.

Ego

> Ego in Jiu Jitsu: Ego can be both a blessing and a curse in martial arts. It’s essential to have an ego during competition to drive you to be the best, but in training, it's crucial to suppress it to allow for genuine learning and skill development. Nicky Rod mentioned, "if you're able to shut the ego off and learn, then that'll have huge progression when it's time to put the ego on into use during competition."

> Unrecognized Talent: There are grapplers out there whose skill levels are extraordinarily high yet remain under the radar because they don't compete. Both Craig and Nicky Ryan shared admiration for such individuals, with Craig mentioning Gilbert Burns' impressive submission grappling and Nicky Ryan pointing out Jason Rau, considering him "legitimately one of the best in the world."

Lion vs bear

> I find bears scarier than lions because a bear would just hold you down and eat you, while a shark would be quick. Australia has a bunch of dangerous creatures, but bears seem more intimidating to me.

> When it comes to fighting a bear or a lion, I think I'd try to scare off the lion with props or go for the back control. But with a bear, I'd try to deter it with loud noises and maybe go for vital organs. Playing dead might be an option, but there's no pride in that.

Street fights

> Winning a street fight often boils down to determination and willingness to go all out; “whoever's willing to take it the furthest, the fastest” has the advantage. It’s not just about technique but having a mindset that embraces the chaos, like those who “want it more” and won’t hold back.

> When it comes to one-on-one versus multiple attackers, my go-to is wrestling for a solo fight, but in a group scenario, staying on your feet with Muay Thai is crucial. You’ve got to think about not just winning but surviving the encounter without ending up in prison—keeping it real, right?

Money and friendship

> Balancing friendships and business is tough. Transparency is key, but it's challenging when people misinterpret intentions or feel entitled. "Sometimes people don't appreciate some of the ways you help them," which complicates managing relationships in a business.

> There’s a lot of drama in jiu-jitsu due to money, egos, and the inherent hierarchy of ranks. This dynamic can strain close friendships and cause conflicts. It’s a "weird dynamic in which to operate," mixing violence with business complexities.

> Innovating in jiu-jitsu instructionals is essential for the sport’s evolution. Titles like "Just Stand Up" and "Power Bottom" aim to offer fresh perspectives and influence how people approach training. Upcoming projects include a fundamentals course to make learning more engaging and efficient.