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287-WHY JIU JITSU ISN’T MAKING YOU LOSE WEIGHT
Training more jiu-jitsu doesn’t automatically mean losing more weight. In this episode, I break down why beginners often lose weight fast, why that eventually plateaus, and how becoming better at jiu-jitsu actually makes your body more efficient at doing it. I also talk about why experienced martial artists need dedicated cardio and strength training, and why I added triathlon training to my own routine. Getting better at jiu-jitsu and getting fitter are not always the same thing.
#BJJ #JiuJitsu #Fitness #MartialArts #WeightLoss
WORKS CITED
Huang, Kram & Ahmed — Reduction of Metabolic Cost During Motor Learning of Arm Reaching Dynamics https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22323730/
Lay et al. — Practice Effects on Coordination, Metabolic Energy Expenditure and Muscle Activation https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12620721/
Pontzer et al. — Daily Energy Expenditure Through the Human Life Course https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8370708/ Øvretveit — Aerobic Interval Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31062541/
CDC — Physical Activity and Weight Management https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/physical-activity/
American Heart Association — Physical Activity Recommendations for Adults https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
286-Should 10-Year-Olds Be Getting Black Belts?
In this episode, we tackle a question that always pisses off somebody in the martial arts world: should kids be getting black belts? We also get into the idea of karate schools rebranding themselves as MMA programs, what an “MMA black belt” is even supposed to mean, and where the line is between evolving a martial art and just marketing bullshit. Then we get into the other side of it: when does legitimate criticism turn into the martial arts community bullying parents who are simply proud of their kids? Black belts, McDojos, MMA marketing, kids’ ranks, and internet outrage. We cover all of it.
285-Does MMA Belong in the Military? Combat Readiness or Combat Sports Fantasy?
Does MMA actually belong in the military—or is it unnecessary training for modern warfare? I sat down with Carlos Del Valle (Marines), Tony Malgiero (Army), and Claude Lawson (Air Force)—three Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts and MMA coaches with military backgrounds and extensive experience in combat sports as well as traditional martial arts. We debate combat effectiveness, injuries, skill level, and whether MMA really has a place in modern military training. Military MMA: valuable preparation or overrated?
284-Is Psychology Really Martial Arts? Fighting Fear in Real World Self Defense
Is de-escalation really martial arts—or is it a separate life skill? In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Butler and I explore the psychology of real-world self-defense, fear, violence, and training under pressure. Because it’s easy to preach de-escalation while criticizing MMA—but if you can’t punch, kick, grapple, or actually fight, what are you teaching? We take an honest look at the problem found in a lot of Kenpo and traditional martial arts: plenty of talk about self-defense, but not enough proof against real resistance.
283-Bare Knuckle Boxing: The Past, Present, and Reality of Fighting Without Gloves
🥊 Is bare-knuckle boxing actually better for self-defense than traditional boxing? What happens when you take away the gloves? Does bare-knuckle boxing create more realistic fighters—or just more injuries? And why is one of the oldest combat sports suddenly making a comeback? We dive into the history of bare-knuckle boxing, how it differs from modern boxing, its value for real-world self-defense, and where the sport is headed today. No gloves. No padding. Just fists. Let’s talk about it.
282-Are We Creating Better Bullies or Champions?
Are martial arts creating champions, or are we sometimes just creating better bullies? BJJ black belts T. Lee and Daniele Bolelli of the History on Fire podcast join me to discuss aggression, confidence, ego, bullying, and the responsibility that comes with learning how to fight. We also get into belt systems versus arts like kickboxing and boxing where rank isn't part of the culture. Does martial arts build character, or does it simply make you better at being who you already are?
281-Are You a Martial Arts Instructor, Babysitter, or Recreation Program Director?
It doesn’t matter if you teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, MMA, or any other martial art. At what point does running a successful martial arts school stop being about teaching martial arts and start becoming daycare with belts? I sit down with Dan Tyrrell, a mixed martial arts program director who runs multiple programs with well over 200 students; Ron Esteller, with over 20 years of experience running martial arts programs; and Mickey Lopez, who works with the community-based DSAL Boxing Academy in the Bay Area. Are we martial arts instructors, babysitters, or recreation program directors? We discuss the pros, the cons, and the uncomfortable financial reality of keeping a martial arts program alive.
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