In this episode of Mat Matters, we sit down with Maria Rios to dive into the highs and lows of Jiu-Jitsu competition. From the thrill of tag team events to the mental game that defines success on the mats, Maria opens up about her journey from fierce competitor to insightful coach.

She shares how perspective shapes performance, why celebrating progress matters, and what it takes to handle pressure when the stakes are high. Beyond the mats, Maria draws powerful parallels between coaching and parenting, revealing how understanding emotions can transform both roles.

This conversation is packed with lessons on growth, strategy, and finding joy in the martial arts journey—whether you’re a competitor, coach, or passionate fan.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Competition Overview

03:07 Team Competitions and Strategies

05:55 The Dynamics of Competing in a Pit

07:31 Experiences in the Cage vs. the Pit

10:17 The Challenge of Flexibility in Grappling

12:40 Upcoming Competitions and Unique Formats

15:07 Humorous Anecdotes from the Mat

17:26 Transitioning from Competitor to Coach

22:21 Coaching Dynamics and Student Pressure

29:18 Technical Difficulties and Competition Scenarios

31:58 The Impact of Boundaries in Competition

34:44 Unique Competition Formats and Their Challenges

37:24 The Pressure of Coaching vs. Competing

40:00 Mental Blocks in Competition

42:48 Strategies for Overcoming Competition Anxiety

49:14 Intense Warmups and Competition Preparation

54:18 Understanding Pressure in Competition

59:58 Celebrating Negatives vs. Focusing on Progress

01:05:23 Emotional Management in Competition and Life

01:08:54 Perspective in Coaching and Parenting

01:11:18 Technical Difficulties and Podcast Updates