Angela and her coach Christine join me to talk about Angela's dream, and success through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Learning some great techniques, including meditation from Angela is a huge support for anyone competing of thinking about competing.   We hear from Christine, Angela's Coach with some great insight and energy for competing. Angela is inspired to do more because of her success, and the support of her husband, friends and team mates. She also talks about her struggles in Jiu Jitsu as a...

Lo is a great fan of Jiu Jitsu Lou Podcast, and is the proud owner of a Jiu Jitsu Lou giant tea mug! She also has her own production company, supporting high profile jiu jitsu events such as Enyo and Polaris.   She claims the title of 'Lo No-belt' because Lo mostly plays at No-Gi, and has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for around a year. This episode with Lo is inspirational in itself, very much highlighting the importance of backstage and off-mat production and development in Brazilian...

Liam talks very openly and honestly about his pursuit of pleasure in life, touching on addiction and indulgence. He shares how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and his practice of Buddhism has encouraged his progress. Liam's dedication over time has allowed him to really enjoy the art and approach everything with a really beautiful mindset.   We talk about the popularisation of Jiu Jitsu, and our reasons for staring training. Liam explains, in detail, a way to accept and deal with all moments in...

Mat is a Brown Belt from Derby, UK and is Founder of Digittape, a finger tape for jiu jitsu practitioners and is passionate about supporting others with their journey. He started out as a doorman at clubs on the weekends, and then began his Jiu Jitsu career before quitting. Having a good sense of confidence throughout his life has really benefited his game.   We talk about Mat's calmness and knowledge and has always been very sporty for most of his life. Mat talks about the benefits of having...

Jen is co-host of Beauty and The Gi Podcast, and a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and based in Indianapolis. She started training Jiu Jitsu at the age of 47 after meeting coach, AJ Clingerman at a speakers event. Jen is a seasoned podcaster, who heard a gap in the market for something more from a female perspective in wrestling/martial arts.   We discover what we can now do with our bodies in our 40's, training Jiu Jitsu and discovering our ability to be more physical. Taking up...

Valentina is an inspiration, and so very dedicated to the art of Jiu Jitsu. I am joined by Valentina and her Mom Maria and I am overwhelmed with the positive energy from them both. She is turning 15 and celebrating to progress to becoming a woman in her culture, and there is an incredible commitment from Valentina and the whole family.   We talk about preparing for competitions, and the future of Valentina's Jiu Jitsu. Being part of her clubs elite team you can watch and listen to just how...

Giada Pedretti is a purple belts who has been training for 6 years but started in 2015 at the age of 15, however the road has been a little bumpy. Her career started Japanese Jiu Jitsu in Italy, and transitioned to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after a friend suggested she try it. The decision was an easy one at that stage. Making Jiu Jitsu a long term career is completely Giada's passion. Having visited Nottingham on a school excursion in 2017, she decided it was the place for her, and I discover...

Barbara Pellegrino is a Double Gold Medalist in the English Open at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, whose approach is 'one fight at a time'. Her advice is to just go for it in competing and to keep going! Whilst her journey hasn't always been easy, she has stuck to it and stayed dedicated, and now today she is a Gracie Barra Ambassador.   We talk about starting training during the Covid lockdowns, and doing solo drills, but not the solo drill we may know, solo drills as in miming the moves without a...

Olivia talks about her experience meeting a new opponent in Enyo6, her second invitation to compete at Enyo Grappling events. Olivia is a committed and dedicated young lady in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, has been competing since a young age, and continues to do so.   We talk about Olivia's International competitions with her Mum, Kayley. The incredible opportunity, the amount of competitors, and success of winning medals, as well as the amazing experience of travelling and experiencing culture...

  Taylor talks about her match at Enyo 6 in Weston-Super-Mare and how she started training less than 3 years ago. Her Dad, Darrell is really supportive of Taylor's journey from his own passion an interest of UFC and seeing how impressive Jiu Jitsu is, suggested Taylor give it a go.   We talk about Taylor's progress and ambition in the art and her preference for No Gi matches. She is an incredible and humble individual that presents herself always with professionalism and support for others. I...

Sam is a lifetime martial artist, from reenacting scenes from movies as a kid, being thrown to the wall in his first MMA experience to now having 10 years under his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu belt.   We connected through Instagram like I have with many of you, and Sam is a podiatrist and founder of Warrior Grips. He also recalls his white belt days, and makes a real effort to bring on and support white belts. Sam also talks about the importance of protecting and looking after your feet. Do check out...

E017: Sandra Hinz - Blue Belt   Sandra joins me from Sweden, for this podcast episode, she has such a beautiful and genuine story, finding peace and being completely present on the mats whilst training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.   We talk about competing and being supportive of fellow team mates. Giving back, and encouraging others to join on the mats and particularly wanting other women to join the game. Honouring life's experiences, good and bad, bringing lived experience and appreciation whilst...

Colin celebrates 20 years of coaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu this year and is also Head Coach for the Royal Navy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Team. Colin shares his beginnings in martial arts and his passion for the art. Some amazing advice, and congratulations for White Belts out there, as well as appreciation for the addiction that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gives us all.   What do you need to ask yourself in your current journey in Martial Arts? Colin really gets to the foundation of jiu jitsu progress, by...

Salvo started training from age 10 to 15 in Sicily before moving to the UK, however the love of martial arts started some time before this and being inspired by Bruce Lee movies. Professor Salvo now teaches daily at Gracie Barra Bath, and owns and teaches at his other GB schools in the South West.   I was heartened to listen to Salvo share his passion for martial arts, and the mindful origins that continue to give joy, and balance to a martial artists life. There are also some very helpful...

Ian is a 3rd Degree Black Belt and has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 1999, and has been trained in traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu, including weaponry, from back in 1987. We talk about Ian's journey, and setting up a Jiu Jitsu School as a Blue Belt in BJJ.   This is a great episode of the mindful learning journey of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where skill and ability comes from dedication to the sport. There are many hidden gems in this episode so it really is worth only tapping out at the...

Happy New Year! In this episode I talk about making Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a routine and the importance of sleep, calling BS on 'motivation'. Just get to the mats!   Welcome to all my new listeners and I really encourage you to book your free session, and start training jiu jitsu. To those of you who have been listening for a while, drop me a DM and come on the show!   Topics: Happy New YearRoutinesThe importance of sleepKeep showing upGive Yoga a goCome and be my guestGet inspired, keep...

E012: Lucy Wheeler - Blue Belt   Lucy has been brave enough to travel around Europe and train at a Jiu Jitsu school in Lisbon, not knowing the language and walking fresh in off the street. Whilst we become familiar with the jiu jitsu schools we currently train at, it takes some bravery to take yourself out of your comfort zone and experience somewhere new. However, we have the language of jiu jitsu and this seems to connect us all, around the world!   This is a fantastic episode covering...

I take this opportunity to reflect and review on my podcasting and jiu jitsu journey's, and the social benefits of being part of a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school. Getting out of your own way to start enjoying life, starting training Jiu Jitsu, having a go at new activities as part of the wider community.   Thanks to all my listeners, especially those who listen on Spotify, as I share the Spotify Wrapped data for the three months of Jiu Jitsu Lou Podcast show!   Topics: Weight maintenance Zero...

Maccy has amazing energy and enthusiasm for Jiu Jitsu! Whilst we speak about the fun of being a glasses wearer on the mats, we also dig deep in terms of mental health and rehabilitation. Maccy talks openly about her life challenges and how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has helped her make small incremental steps to improvement. We also talk about the love and care we have for our Jiu Jitsu Family.   Topics: Glasses wearersMental HealthFocus of living to workRefocusing to what's...

Emily has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for nearly ten years now, and trains with Pedro Bessa, one of her 'Jiu Jitsu Dads'! We talk about her infamous reputation as a Jiu Jitsu Goblin, and why it came about, and her drive to compete and try to win BJJ Gi Competitions. She has some great tips for newbies and those who have been training a while.   Topics: Goblin ConceptTrying to win CompetitionsCompeting as a White BeltChallenges of training'Masters' definitionTake up spaceFocus on...

This week's episode is about entering a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition, the build-up, the training, the cost and the expectation! Supporting fellow team mates at competitions is a great thing, as well as the excitement of watching No Gi matches. Have a listen, let me know what you think!   Topics: Attending competitionsEntering a competitionWinning MindsetExcitement of No Gi matchesFeeling of plateauing in BJJSupporting fellow teammatesStart competing early in your BJJ careerGetting support...

Having trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for nearly a year, I have grown in the love for the sport, for myself and my children. Developing new skills, additional strength and calmness, and being part of a community with others who love training Jiu Jitsu, fellow Mums, other parents and friends has been one of the most fulfilling things to do in this time.   Once you start rolling…!   Topics: New to Jiu JitsuTraining in the Advanced ClassFamilyImproved strength and resilienceDrilling movesMeasuring...

Jiu Jitsu Lou has a lovely conversation with fellow team mate, James Cathro about training advanced classes and his journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Working out what constitutes winning in King of The Hill takes time, and is even easier for shorter people, now James has tirelessly campaigned for half guard as a win!   James has some fantastic tips for White Belts, and his mindset with small wins is admirable. Enjoy listening!   Topics: What makes a win in King of The Hill?SweepsPassing...

Jiu Jitsu Lou talks to Dan Bassett, founder of Grappler's Soap about the martial arts he trains, and keeping it real for the streets. His research into soap brands to solve his sensitive skin has finally brought him to this point in time with his brand success. Take a listen to all the goodies in this amazing Grappler's Soap!   Topics: Sensitive skinEczema Research into soapDefence SoapDoing goodStaph infectionsRingwormNot being able to trainGrapplingBrand recognitionIkigaiShipping...