BJJ Counselor
By Bakari Akil II, Ph.D.
BJJ CounselorFeb 11, 2024
Ep. 48 - Banana Hands - Protect your hands as a Grappler (BJJ - Gi/no-gi/wrestling)
In this episode, we discuss what no one ever talks about, the experience your hands will have in grappling. We talk about what Banana Hands means in grappling, how they develop and strategies to avoid getting them.
I came up with this term because I think it helps bring attention to this subject in a way that can be remembered and so that we can start discussing it (seriously ). If you hear people talking about Banana Hands elsewhere, remember you heard it here first, lol.
Check out our gear at MouthGuardTees.com.
Check out our books, "Psychology of BJJ," and "Grappling 101" at Amazon and wherever books are sold.
Ep. 47 - Separating Pros and Hobbyists (Recreational Grapplers)
In this episode, we talk about the lack of respect a lot of competitive and professional grapplers have for recreational grapplers. We also talk about Vagnar Rocha and George St. Pierre and a few things you may have never know about them.
Ep. 46 - Andre Galvao's 5 Day Takedown Challenge (My experience...)
In this episode, I discuss my game changing experience with the Andre Galvao's 5 Day takedown Challenge. Also, I discuss how I got involved, what it was like, how my game changed and how you can join the next challenge.
Ep. 45 (Video Version)- Grappling Dummies: Become a Beast on the Mat!
You are always asking how you can get better at Jiu Jitsu. Well, we're going to share with you not only how to get better, but how to become a beast on the mat with a grappling dummy.
Check out our BJJ Gear - Available to shop at MouthGuardTees.com
Check our Patreon - Our name is JiuJitsu365
Ep. 44 - Mass Exodus from Gym - Gordon Ryan - Injuries
In this episode, Bakari and Wilanda talk about a gym's mass exodus of students, Gordon Ryan's struggles to return and Bakari's injury after receiving his Brown Belt.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 43 - Promoted to Brown Belt/40 minute Gauntlet/Walking the Belt Line
In this episode, Bakari and Wilanda talk about Bakari's promotion to Brown Belt in BJJ, his other friends who were promoted, what happened in his 40 minute Gauntlet and walking the Belt Line.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 42 - My 40 minute, BJJ Gauntlet and Courses on Demand
In this episode, Bakari and Wilanda discuss what's new and have a good discussion on Courses on Demand and how it can improve one's grappling.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 41 - BJJ - Where's your Mustache? - & - Why Slapping Hands Sucks at the start of a Match
The BJJ Counselor podcast has been taken over and the host is talking crazy! What is going on?
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 40 - Will Gordon Ryan Retire?
In this episode, I ask if and when will Gordon Ryan retire and what will be the prompts for him to do so.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 39 - Magic Funk Taps & Warmup Skippers
In this episode, I talk about the guy that can magically tap you out and the veteran warmup skipper.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 38 - Coaching - Building Confidence - Fedor's Last Fight
In this episode, I talk about Coaching and Building Confidence. I also discuss Fedor Emelianenko's last fight and my thoughts on it. Let's get into it!
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 37 - Do Most Fights Go to the Ground? - Academic Study
In this episode, I talk about an academic study concerning the question, "Do Most Fights Go to the Ground?," that you often hear BJJ enthusiasts claiming with intense seriousness. Let's get into it.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 36 - Why Stripes and Belts Matter in BJJ... Discussing the unsaid...
In this episode, I talk about why stripes and belts matter in BJJ and what is often unsaid.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 35 - Dare to Be Different - Use a Gimmick
In this episode, I talk about why it is important to be different and how using a gimmick can improve your grappling.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 34 - Wrestle against better grapplers
In this episode, I talk about why it is important to wrestle against better grapplers.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 33 - Dana White/Domestic violence/BJJ Stretch Projects
In this episode, we start off by talking about Dana White's slapping his spouse. Then we will discuss "Stretch Projects" and how they can improve your grappling.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 32 - End of the Year & Process vs Results Oriented Grappler
In this episode, we discuss some highs and lows in BJJ and how a Process vs Results Oriented Approach to grappling my affect your progress.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 31 - The Law of Diminishing Returns and BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, I discuss the idea that, at a certain point, trying to become a better grappler can eventually set you back as a grappler. It can even destroy your gains. What am I talking back? Check out the podcast.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 30 - New Guy - Territory and Dominance (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, I discuss the 'new guy' and why it is important to think about what roles we play in his or her experience at our gyms. I also discuss some of my experiences with new guys and some of the crazy ways we interact and react to them.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 29 - Making Success Unconscious in BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, we explore how we can make your grappling an unconscious process. We explore what a Level 2 event can do for your grappling and why it would be wise to invest in making them happen.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 28 - Immersion and Environment in BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, I discuss the importance of your grappling environment. Also, we explore Daniel Coyle's ideas on immersion and I relate it to training and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 27 - "Hot Water Courage" & BJJ - Cognitive Restructuring (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, I talk about how Andre Agassi used "hot water courage" in order to win Grand Slams. Along with that, we will discuss Cognitive Restructuring and its role in BJJ.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 26 - Smiling and BJJ Competition - Do Smilers Lose?
If you smile at your opponent before a grappling match, will that affect the outcome? In this episode, we will discuss research on smiling before an MMA match and the implications of such activity on BJJ matches.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 25 - Purple Belt in 10 Months - Q&A (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, I discuss a question I was asked regarding Purple belts. I was asked by a one striped white belt if I think they could get to purple belt status in 10 months. I lay out my thoughts in the podcast. I would love to hear what your thoughts are too. You can answer the poll below or answer the question as well.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 24 - Change the Story - Rank and Advancement (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 23 - Shadow Grappling (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
Shadow Grappling, what is it and why should it be added to our training regimens? Other combats sports have their versions of shadow practice, why shouldn't we? In this episode, we break down the concept of shadow grappling and make a case of why it should be incorporated into BJJ practice.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 22 - Learn the Game - Rafa Nadal and BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
How can Rafa Nadal's outlook on tennis help grappler? His thoughts on training and mental outlook required is one that everyone should consider. Check it out in the podcast.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 21 - Power of Focus (Arnold Schwarzenegger & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this video, I talk about the the power of focus and how it can affect your grappling journey. I also discuss how Arnold Schwarzenegger's influence in my early life has helped me as a grappler.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 20 - BJJ Superpower (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, I talk about how a BJJ superpower can change your grappling experience for the better. As we all know, superheroes usually have one ability that sets them apart. Let's discuss how it relates to BJJ.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 19 - Self Seminar (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, I talk about self seminars and the skill jump that can occur as a result. What are self-seminars? Check out this episode to found out.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 18 - The 100% Fighter (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this sport, I talk about why training a few times a week can make you good, but not great. There are other factors involved that you may want to investigate to achieve those high heights in the grappling world.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 17 - Positive BJJ Relationships (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
When it comes to grappling, whether it's your academy, your coach or your training partners, it's not what you give, it's how you give it. How do you establish positive relationships in BJJ and what is your strategy to maintain them? I discuss it in the podcast.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 16 - Discussing Nate Diaz/Love vs Hate BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, we discuss why hate is required in the sport we love so much, but not in the way you might think.
Special Ep. (I Competed Again) 10th Planet EBI Rules/Submission Only Tournament - (Brazilian Jiu jitsu)
I competed again this past weekend. This time it was at 10th Planet. I detail my improvements, my struggles, what I want to focus on for the next tournament and how I feel about submission only and EBI rules.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 15 - Prison Rules/Shaquille O'Neal and BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, I talk about a controversial training tactic. It's BJJ, prison rules. But, before you make a judgment, hear me out. I'm going to discuss how you can you use this tactic as a way to measure progress and how to use it as a tool to stay motivated.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 14 - The Jiu-Jitsu Ladder (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, I discuss the idea of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Ladder. I think it would be a fun way to keep grapplers involved in their development as grapplers. I believe it would also help prepare them for tournaments in many different ways. I came up with this concept in 2009 and shared it on my blog, Jiujitsu365.wordpress.com. I'm now sharing it with you. I hope you enjoy.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 13 - Pushing Past Beginner Failure in BJJ (Brazilian Jiu jitsu)
In this episode, I talk about the importance of pushing past Beginner Failure in BJJ and not giving up hope. Join the Discussion!
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-Submission-Wrestling-ebook/dp/B00BV2822O/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1659124832&sr=8-3
Grappling 101: https://www.amazon.com/Grappling-101-Avoid-Being-Bullied/dp/1520647026/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MR42LIYK7VYU&keywords=grappling+101+Bakari+akil&qid=1659124875&sprefix=grappling+101+bakari+akil%2Caps%2C70&sr=8-1
Ep. 12 - I Competed Last Weekend - Recreational vs Competition Grapplers
This past weekend, I competed in the 2022 Summer Open Grappling Tournament. I haven't competed since my Judo days and it was my first BJJ tournament. I learned many lessons. Here I discuss my insights, my mistakes, positives and my plans to compete again.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 11 - Google Him to His Face (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, I talk about dealing with new guys and finding out their grappling backgrounds. Sometimes you have to dig deep to keep them from taking you by surprise.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 10 - Easily Increase Your Attendance/7 Easy Steps (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, I discuss how you can, easily, increase your attendance at your gym. These 7 steps will provide you with the motivation you need to, effortlessly, make it to the gym.
Check out my other channels (MouthGuardComic on YouTube and Instagram).
Ep. 9 - Trip Them (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, I recount some of my experiences catching people off-guard with my takedown ability. I also discuss the importance of having takedowns in your arsenal.
Ep. 8 - The Pump Fake in BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, I talk about the importance of faking out an opponent, being sucker punched and if we can multi-task when grappling.
Ep. 7 - Coaching Philosophy in BJJ - w/Coach Elijah Nero (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
"The goal has to be worth the walk." - Coach Elijah Nero - In this episode, we discuss coaching in BJJ and the importance of coaches in grappling sports. I am joined by my former Coach, Elijah Nero, a four striped brown belt who passed along many of the important traits I've carried with me in my BJJ journey.
Coach Elijah's Instagram: Kaiju Jiu Jitsu on Instagram
Coach Elijah's Facebook: End Nero
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Bakari's Social Media and Book Links:
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://tinyurl.com/5ect367r
Grappling 101: https://tinyurl.com/2p8whcfv
Ep. 6 - Audiences' Effect on Grapplers (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, we discuss if having an audience helps or hurts your performance as a grappler. Let's dive into the discussion!
Ep. 5 - Hard Warmups: Yea or Nay? (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, I talk about hard and sometimes grueling warmups. Are they effective or a skill building killer? This is a subject that has many sides to it and instructors and students can have vastly differing opinions on what is best. Let's talk it out.
YouTube page: MouthGuardComic
Instagram page: MouthGuardComic
Check out the blog: JiuJitsu365.wordpress.com
Check out my books on Amazon and wherever books are sold:
The Psychology of BJJ: https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-Submission-Wrestling-ebook/dp/B00BV2822O/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1659124832&sr=8-3
Grappling 101: https://www.amazon.com/Grappling-101-Avoid-Being-Bullied/dp/1520647026/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MR42LIYK7VYU&keywords=grappling+101+Bakari+akil&qid=1659124875&sprefix=grappling+101+bakari+akil%2Caps%2C70&sr=8-1
Ep. 4 - Grappling While Sleeping (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
What if I told you that you could get better at grappling through sleep? However, not by rest alone, but through an amazing process that only occurs at certain times through the night. It's all in the podcast!
Ep. 3 - Get on Base (Money Ball & BJJ) Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Money Ball is one of the greatest movies of all times, but not in the way one might think. I loved it for a reason most people may not understand. It was due to way it changed my approach to grappling. In this episode, I discuss Money Ball and how the ideas within the movie can help grapplers.
Ep. 2 - Worse than Average Effect (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
Often, we have a misconstrued notion of our true abilities. We tend to overestimate our ability to do easy things and underestimate our capacity to do hard tasks. We will explore this notion as it relates to BJJ and submission grappling in this episode.
Ep. 1 - Aikido & BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
In this episode, I answer what I think will make Aikido more effective as a Martial art. I talk about my experience with an Aikido practitioner while rolling and how I think the art can gain more traction among people who like grappling.