I Suck At Jiu Jitsu Show

Welcome to the most brutally honest episode of ISAJJ yet. I(@thejoshmckinney) asked my listeners: What do you hate most about Jiu Jitsu? The answers were unhinged.

From the tape mummies and smelly gi warriors to the spazzy white belts and the legend of the "let's roll light liar"—this is a full-on roast of the most annoying people in every BJJ gym. If you don’t laugh… you’re probably one of them.

Buckle up. It’s about to get disrespectful.

In this episode of I Suck at Jiu Jitsu, Josh(@thejoshmckinney) is joined by Devin Pirata(@devinpirata) to rant about the weirdest, cringiest, and most outdated BJJ traditions—like bowing to the mats, saying “oss,” and calling your coach “professor.” It’s honest, hilarious, and guaranteed to offend at least one person in your gym(probably your coach).

You can drill berimbolos ’til your hips explode, but if your corner can’t guide a match you’ll still walk home with participation pics.

In this episode of The I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show, I(@thejoshmckinney) flip the camera to the coach’s side: how to build a battle-ready team, run chaos-free tournament days, and yell the right words when everything’s on the line.

Inside you’ll get:

• Pre-tourney prep: rule-set hacks, positional sparring that actually matters, and the “Hail-Mary” plan every squad needs.

• Individual dialing-in: managing nerves with ISAJJ breathing, stopping dumb weight cuts, and scouting that first opponent.

• Game-day systems: team HQ setups, synchronized warm-ups, match-time tracking, and why assistant coaches are your secret weapon.

• Live-match coaching: one-voice recognition, “next-fight” cueing (underhook, keep ’em flat!), time awareness, and a stealth code-word for stalling.

• Post-match debriefs: 15-second fix-it notes between rounds and big-picture goals that keep momentum rolling long after the medals.

• Whether you’re a seasoned professor or the blue belt who drew the short straw to coach Saturday, this blueprint will help your athletes compete calmer, smarter, and—most importantly—win more matches.

👉 Subscribe for weekly BJJ deep-dives, mindset tricks, and the occasional hot take that gets us uninvited from group chats.

Today, I sit down with James Driskill, a third-degree black belt under the legendary Rickson Gracie. James is not only Rickson’s trusted uke and teaching assistant but also a lifelong martial artist dedicated to preserving and sharing Rickson’s philosophy. We dive deep into James’s unique journey from training under Rickson in Los Angeles to becoming his full-time assistant in Florida.

James shares insights on the art of being an uke, the priceless lessons learned from Rickson, and his philosophy of combining mindfulness and meditation both on and off the mats. We also discuss his personal life, his role as a teacher, and how he balances martial arts with family and life’s other passions.

Whether you're a BJJ practitioner or just curious about what it’s like to train under one of the greatest of all time, this episode is packed with wisdom, philosophy, and inspiration.

Stop doom-scrolling and start skill-scrolling. In this episode—the Ultimate Guide to Visual BJJ Learning—Josh(@thejoshmckinney) finally delivers on his promise to break down exactly how to watch tape, instructionals, class demos, and even TikTok clips so they translate into real-world taps. You’ll learn the “one-detail rule” that fixes a thousand mistakes, why 30 focused minutes beats a three-hour YouTube binge, and how to train your eyes to spot winning cues before they happen.

From elbows-tight fundamentals to black-belt-level pattern recognition, Josh walks you step-by-step through building study sessions that actually stick.

We’ll dissect:

• Positional film study—spotting the underhook that ruins your week and the back-take you never finish.

• Seminar survival—sharpening attention so you keep the gold and ditch the noise.

• Instructional triage—using short-form clips for inspiration, then diving into long-form context.

• Advanced tactics—predicting your favorite athlete’s next move (and why that superpower matters).

Whether you’re a white belt drowning in details or a coach looking to give your team an edge, this episode hands you a full blueprint—minimal fluff, maximum mat return. Grab your notebook, hit play, and turn every replay into rounds you win.

🎧 Listen. Study. Dominate. If the episode helps, drop a review, share it with a teammate, and let us know what move you’re fixing next!

Today, I (@thejoshmckinney) sit down with Rickson Gracie black belt Jack Taufer (@jacktaufer) to explore the mindset and methods behind becoming a true master of the fundamentals. Jack shares his unique approach to training, emphasizing how to be black belt level at white belt moves.

We dive deep into the learning process, discussing how to improve your jiu-jitsu skills and become a better student, regardless of your belt level. Jack also shares some incredible stories from his years training under legends like Rickson Gracie and Dave Kama, offering insights into how timeless principles from the mat translate to real life. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, this episode will inspire you to rethink your approach to training.

Hit play and get ready to level up your fundamentals with Jack Taufer!

In this Q and A episode Josh answers some of your wildest questions ranging from gorillas fighting blue belts all the way to how to teach a Jiu Jitsu move.There is something for everyone in this episode.

Today we’re diving headfirst into another round of spicy hot takes—where flow rolls turn violent, blue belts turn into prophets, and your coach is probably just winging it five minutes before class. From the culty undercurrents of mixing martial arts and religion to the shame of explaining why a teenager tapped you, this one pulls no punches and definitely won’t get us invited back to your gym.

Whether you're a curriculum-free coach, a YouTube blue belt, or just someone still pretending flow rolling is real, this episode is here to make you laugh, think, and maybe delete a few Instagram posts. Strap in. It's wristlocks, wisdom, and weirdos—served hot and heretical, just how we like it.

Today I (@thejoshmckinney) sit down with my friends Justin Kichler and Justin Huff to talk about the Jiu-Jitsu Journey.Huff, Kich, and I have been training together for over 15 years. Starting as students, evolving into purple belts training in my garage in the ghetto, til now where we all all coaches at the famous HeadnodHQ.

"Take us to your Leader"

This episode is a disaster—and that’s why you’ll love it.

Josh answers YOUR most unfiltered, unhinged, and uncomfortable questions he’s ever gotten: Do stripes matter? Should socks be illegal on the mat? Would he rather delete every episode of the podcast or give up all his medals?

From nut cups to purple belt philosophy, nothing is safe. Chaos, hot takes, and wristlocks—welcome to your new favorite episode.

JOIN US....

For another episode of ISAJJ where host Josh McKinney goes through YOUR Hot Takes about jiu-jitsu.

In today's episode we will be talking butt-scooters, bj penn, and cult like jiu-jitsu behavior!

As we dig deeper into the episode we will all come to the conclusion that Josh is probably a cult leader himself.

Join host Josh Mckinney as he goes through his Jiu-Jitsu journey to break down what every belt should be focused on.

Chris Paines (@chrisvillainbjj) got tired of "how to defend everything" and recently decided to BAN Everything instead. Today I(@thejoshmckinney) get to talk to my favorite Englishman about a new training methodology that he is experimenting with that can prevent injuries, produce better grapplers, and even eliminate inner-gym conflict.

In todays episode I (@thejoshmckinney) present you with 3 simple methods to "Complete" your jiu jitsu game.

I asked for offensive questions, then listeners decided to offend me instead.

My dad Steve and I have been training jiu-jitsu together for almost 17 years. In that time we have seen a lot of people who "are in it for the long haul" quit. Whether from injury, life changes, or simply being as soft as butter we have seen so many people give up on their dream of "training jiu jitsu forever." Today we reveal every secret of Steve's longevity AND we offend everyone in the process.

At just 21 years old, I took a huge leap and opened my own Jiu-Jitsu school.

In this episode, I share the story behind the decision, the challenges I faced, and the lessons I learned along the way.

Whether you're thinking about starting your own academy, chasing a dream, or just curious about what it takes to build something from scratch, this is for you.

Let me take you behind the scenes of one of the craziest decisions of my life!

Ever wonder what the difference between an average and an elite jiu-jitsu mindset? Today we have the pleasure of interviewing Jeremy Brick one of the most accomplished Masters Competitors ever! Learn the secrets to always progressing and learn how important the right coach is for the right athlete!

Steve McKinney is a Jiu Jitsu Black belt Under Kyle Watson, a personal trainer of over 30 years, an author, and a 63 year old who still trains Jiu Jitsu regularly.

Merry Christmas from the ISAJJ Team! This year we decided to bring on everyone's favorite crazy bjj uncle, Rob Handshy (Bionic Rob). Today Rob brought a Christmas bag with him full of Gifts, Old bjj traditions, and Wrist Locks. and he's running low on everything but wristlocks...

"THIS. IS. EPISODE 300!"

The HIT Squad has been referenced on the podcast many times but today we are going to give you the real scoop.

16 years ago someone decided to invest a lot of money into an abandon army depot with the hopes of making the first ever "MMA Super-Gym."

The gym ran for 3 years before having to sell, in that time they changed tons of lives, produced multiple TUF/UFC Fighters, and shifted the course of a small Illinois town forever.

So today I'm joined by my coach, former UFC Fighter, and former Hit Squad BJJ Coach, Kyle Watson(@watson_martial_arts). Kyle and I(@thejoshmckinney) share stories, critiques, and lessons learned from the 3 years that we spent at "The Greatest Gym of ALL TIME*"

Nothing can slow down jiu-jitsu progression like a broken coccyx.

Today on our thanksgiving special you can learn the super secret concept to never getting injured again!

In this sizzling hot takes episode, we dive into a wild mix of questions and opinions guaranteed to spark debate (and maybe a few laughs). What would you do if the guy who bullied you in high school showed up to open mat? Is No-Gi really easier—or just more practical for a street fight? Plus, we tackle the IBJJF scoring system, Masters divisions, and the ultimate mystery: Do aliens exist? Oh, and let’s not forget a quick detour into Kangaroo Jack and why that movie might’ve broken trust forever. It’s Episode #297, and nothing is off-limits!

Today Wim Hof Method expert and Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Miles Lukas, comes back to the podcast.

This time he brought a special guest with him, enter STL martial arts OG Todd Murphey.

Enjoy this wide-ranging conversation where you will learn: the real meaning of martial arts, proper biting technique, and why touching the gi is holding you back!

Is there such thing as American Jiu-Jitsu? In today's episode I(@thejoshmckinney) sit down with American Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner, Keenan Cornelius to find out! I really think that this episode will change a lot of people's perspective, because it definitely changed mine... If you think AJJ is BS let me know why in the comments!

Can 2 Officers Make a Difference?

Ross Tyler (purple belt) and Sam Luna (brown belt) think so!

Join us in this compelling episode as we interview two dedicated police officers who are not only my bjj students but also Jiu Jitsu instructors for their fellow officers.

They share their firsthand experiences and insights on how consistent Jiu Jitsu training can transform law enforcement. We discuss the critical need for better training to ensure safety for both officers and citizens, tackling the root issues of violence in policing.

Discover their actionable plan to reduce reliance on weapons— "tools"—by empowering officers with effective self-defense skills. This conversation sheds light on a practical solution that could make a significant difference in communities everywhere.

We at ISAJJ Hope that this conversation can change the way that people view police officer training.

Is everyone born after September 11th Soft? Is Jiu-Jitsu Doomed? Would Josh take steroids for $1,000,000? Is Megalodon still swimming in the ocean today? Host Josh Mckinney (@thejoshmckinney) and HeadnodHq Black Belt, Rob Handshy(@bionic_bjj) tackle the toughest questions facing jiu-jitsu. White belts and black belts alike will enjoy the most off-the-rails episode of the I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show ever.

Does Size Matter?

In this episode of the "I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show," we're tackling 10 of the most persistent myths in the BJJ world. From the idea that size doesn't matter to the misconception that all black belts know everything, we're breaking down the beliefs that might be holding you back.

We'll explore why not all black belts are created equal, touching on the 80/20 principle and how a small percentage of practitioners hold a vast majority of the knowledge. We’ll also challenge the notion that Jiu-Jitsu is just about memorizing techniques—because in reality, it's an adaptive, ever-evolving art, not a rigid list of moves to recite.

Plus, we'll brutally debunk ideas like "never tap to pressure" and the flawed mentality of "you just shouldn’t get there." This episode is all about challenging what you think you know about Jiu-Jitsu, encouraging you to question the status quo, and helping you see the art from a fresh perspective.

Tune in for a myth-busting discussion that might just change the way you approach your training!

What's the Dumbest Phrase You've Ever Heard on the Mats?

Welcome to a no-nonsense episode of the "I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show," where we tackle some of the most cringe-worthy lies and excuses that BJJ practitioners tell themselves (and each other) on the mat. From the infamous "Let’s roll light" to the classic "I got screwed by the ref," we’re diving deep into the excuses, the delusions, and the downright silly things that people say to justify a bad roll, a tough loss, or a bruised ego.

In this episode, you'll learn why these excuses hold you back, how to avoid falling into these mental traps, and the truth behind what really matters in your BJJ journey. Whether you're a seasoned black belt or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights that will help you improve your mindset, focus on what really counts, and keep your progress on track.

Don't miss out on the laughs, the lessons, and the brutal honesty that every grappler needs to hear. If you've ever heard (or said) these lines on the mat, this episode is for you.

Hit that subscribe button and let’s roll!

Today, I share 10 incredibly useful BJJ hacks I've learned over 16 years of training bjj. Learn to avoid being the "Stinky gi guy," find out why most instructionals suck, and then sink your teeth into my favorite bjj recipe hack, we've got practical tips to help you suck less at Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, these hacks will elevate your game. Don't miss out on these essential insights!

Join host Josh McKinney as he sits down with his students John "Ron Ron " McLaughlin and Bryce Allen to break down the BJJ pro card that the trio just competed on. Enjoy today's episode as we break down our 3 submission night at the STL INVITATIONAL. Find out what went right, what went wrong, how we handled all of it.

Welcome to another episode of the "I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show!" This week, we're tackling a unique aspect of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: superfights. Unlike tournaments, superfights come with their own set of challenges and strategies. If you're gearing up for your next big match, this episode is your ultimate guide to victory.

In "How to Win Your Next Superfight," I'll share key insights and tips that can make all the difference:

• The Importance of Game Planning: Tailor your approach to your specific opponent.
• Mental Preparation: Stay focused and calm under the spotlight.
• Physical Conditioning: Optimize your training for peak performance.
• Strategic Execution: Adapt and adjust during the match to stay ahead.

Whether you're preparing for your first superfight or looking to refine your approach, these strategies will help you step onto the mat with confidence and come out on top. Tune in and take your superfight game to the next level!

Welcome to another episode of the "I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show!" In this episode, we're diving deep into the mental game of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If you want to elevate your BJJ skills and achieve unlimited success on the mats, it all starts with the right mindset. In "Hack Your Mentality for Better BJJ," I'll break down three essential mentalities that can transform your training and competition experience: The Growth Mindset: Embrace the journey, learn from every roll, and continuously improve. The Cottage Cheese Competition Mindset: The mindset of all of the best competitors that I've met The Rising Tide Mentality: Believe that helping others improve will elevate your own game, creating a supportive and thriving BJJ community. Whether you're a white belt or a seasoned practitioner, these mentalities will help you unlock new levels of success and enjoyment in BJJ. Tune in to discover how you can hack your mentality to become the best version of yourself on and off the mats.