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 melting under pressure… this is the episode that changes that.
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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 overnight.
Nothing’s off limits. Nobody’s safe.
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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 mats and the toe bone that escaped, this episode is proof that Jiu-Jitsu isn’t for the faint of heart.🎙️ What You’ll Learn:The 10-year white belt legend (and why he haunts every gym)How superglue is better than health insuranceWhy weight cuts are scarier with brain damageThe true meaning of “Mat Enforcer”…and the fart heard around the jiu jitsu world
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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 definition of strategy in Jiu-Jitsu
How to manage limited resources (energy, grips, time)
Why stalling exists in every clock-based sport
How to practice and defend against stalling
Guard passing seminar: https://youtu.be/aDAwqBVoDP4
The Jiu Jitsu Games: https://youtu.be/88pNKjbzswM
Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck
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Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”: https://www.dsgear.com/
The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp
Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suck
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After 17 years I'm Quitting BJJ
If you want to know why, listen to the episode.
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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/isuck
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Master ANY Position in 6 Weeks: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/6 Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suck
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, Roger, and Gordon all built their games the same simple way.
We laugh, tell stories of Henry Abusing us, and dive deep into the micro-details that turn basic moves into black-belt weapons. If you’re ready to stop overcomplicating your jiu-jitsu and start winning with less, this episode is for you.
✅ What You’ll Learn:
Why mount > back (and why most people get it backwards)
The cross-collar choke secrets even black belts miss
Why Half Guard Doesn't Exist
Why “mastering less” is the real key to mastery
How breathing and body positioning change everything
Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck
sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”
Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”: https://www.dsgear.com/
Master ANY Position in 6 Weeks: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/6
Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suck
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 to pressure, and how to build calm strength on the mats.
What you’ll learn:
The simple “fill + brace” cue that makes you harder to crush.
When to exhale vs. inhale under top pressure (and why it matters).
A starter progression for pressure-proof breathing (safe, scalable).
Intercostal/rib mobility that helps longevity and defense.
Why relaxed players feel impossibly heavy
🎧 Listen to more ISAJJ: new episodes every Thursday
🎙 Guest: Glyn Podwitch | Breathwork coach & BJJ black belt
📚 Mentions: Rickson Gracie, Henry Akins, Dr. Belisa Vranich (Breathing for Warriors), Wim Hof, Stanislav Grof, Miles Lucas
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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 guide you need.
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0:00 – Intro
0:28 – Why balance is a lie
2:30 – The dark side of obsession
6:24 – Lie #1: Balance is a place
9:09 – Lie #2: Obsession is evil
14:30 – Lie #3: You can have it all
23:00 – How obsession shows up on the mats
30:16 – How it affects family & life
34:02 – 5 Hacks for balance
37:12 – Hack #1: Guardrails
41:18 – Hack #2: Drive in the right direction
46:13 – Hack #3: Choose the right passengers
53:28 – Hack #4: Pre-plan your stops
57:46 – Hack #5: Keep driving
59:52 – Why we struggle to enjoy success
1:02:00 – The 3 steps to suck less at balance
1:16:24 – Final thoughts
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.
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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’re a coach, competitor, or just a fan of the sport, this episode is packed with value you won’t want to miss.
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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 topics in modern day jiu jitsu.
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(00:00) Should you tap to pressure? (9:20) Cartwheel passes are Stupid.(17:00) No one teach Triangles Correctly(24:20) Competing is so so stupid (29:30) CJI WILL FAIL(39:10) Did Mikey Musumeci sell out?(47:20) UFC BJJ Will WIN?(55:25) Who will win CJI and Why is it Daisy Fresh?(1:07:25) Is Chasing Chicks at your gym kosher?(1:14:55) Can a female black belt gain respect from her male peers in Jiu Jitsu? / Should we Ban Women OR Men from Jiu Jitsu?(1:23:40) ISAJJ IS SEXIST??(1:26:20) BJJ is becoming Karate?(1:31:00) How Long Should you be a Brown Belt?(1:36:25) Danaher Sucks??
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.
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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, some ridiculous, and some that made me question if the mats are giving people brain damage. From “Do I really have to learn guard?” to “I faked being unconscious to escape a guillotine,” we’re breaking down the internet’s hottest takes, dumbest questions, and most overconfident white belt energy.It’s Black Belt vs. Reddit BJJ.There is only ONE RULE — No Facts or Logic Allowed.
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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 his team for CJI. No clickbait. No drills. Just real talk with a coach who’s changing the game.
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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, and brutally honest. Prepare thyself for wisdom, lightning bolts, and a burning gi in the desert.
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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 cheating), this is a masterclass for anyone who wants to build/be a champion—from blue belt to black belt.You are also guaranteed to laugh... or be offended.
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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-earned insights, and full-on Dawg Pound gospel.No belt is safe. No habit goes unchecked. If you train BJJ and haven’t heard this list… you’re training blind.
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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 weird, inclusive, and worth showing up for.
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Master ANY Position in 6 Weeks
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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 how you unplateau your Jiu Jitsu and become dangerously good… permanently.
Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models
Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”
Master ANY Position in 6 Weeks
Join ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)
Join the Gi Gazette
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Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel