In this episode of Wash Your Ger-hi, Jack and his guest Priit Mihkelson dive into the development and value of defensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Priit shares his journey from craft school and multiple traditional martial arts to founding Stoom Jiu-Jitsu in Tallinn, Estonia. He explains how studying Aikido, Wing Chun, Tai Chi and other arts influenced his thinking and led him to prioritize practical, posture-based defenses in BJJ.
Priit discusses his teaching evolution—from information-heavy instruction to Contextual Learning of Actions (CLA)—and why training defense makes practitioners more fearless and adaptable offensively. He breaks down the benefits of prioritizing structure and survival, offers training advice (including the FUN principle: Don’t be Flat, Underhooks are dangerous, Protect your Neck), and explains how defensive strategies foster longevity, better learning for beginners, and a healthier gym environment.
The episode also covers Priit’s approach to transitions (turtle positions, running man concepts), integrating leg locks, differences between gi and no-gi, and coaching philosophy. He finishes by inviting travelers to drop into his gym and promising more defensive BJJ content in the future.

Head of ZR UK Alain Pozo joins Wash Your Gi to reflect on training in Brazil in the 1990s, moving to England in 2000–2001, and how the sport has evolved from rough-and-ready Vale Tudo roots to today’s technical and hygienic gyms.
Alain shares his unexpected coaching journey starting in Colchester, living at the gym, competing regularly until 2018, and helping students like Taylor Pierreman build professional careers. He explains the importance of discipline, steady training volume, and balancing jiu-jitsu with education or other activities.
Throughout the episode Alain emphasizes building community in the gym, mentoring other coaches, staying open-minded to new trends (ecollar, leg locks, wrestling) while remaining authentic, and practical advice for long-term coaching and athlete development.

In this episode Jack sits down with Jack Brickley, owner and head coach of Hook Grappling, to trace his journey from watching UFC to becoming a jiu-jitsu coach. Jack shares how he discovered grappling, his early days training at Basingstoke, and why he resisted chasing belts and competition as the main goal.
They discuss Jack’s transition into coaching (starting at purple belt) and how jiu-jitsu builds confidence and personal growth in students. Jack explains how he learned and adopted an ecological, constraints-led approach—using games and targeted positional practice to teach submissions and problem-solving rather than rote drilling.
Jack outlines a typical class structure (stand-up, guard, pins), how he chooses weekly submission focuses (e.g., leg locks, armbars), and gives practical examples of games and constraints to help learners explore positions safely and effectively. He also addresses common misconceptions about ecological training and why simplifying terminology helps beginners progress faster.
The episode closes with shout-outs to Jon Collins (Guildford) for introducing Jack to gamified grappling and to the Hook Grappling team as they aim for growth in the coming year.

In this episode a long-time judo practitioner Sebastian Brosche (Yoga for BJJ) explains how an early judo foundation shaped a career in jiu-jitsu and why the transition between the two arts isn’t as simple as it looks. He describes how rule sets change strategy, why he prefers no-gi and sub-only formats, and how longer matches reward cardio and patience.
He discusses developing a focused game—favoring top control, takedown setups, and a powerful Kimura-trap system—while admitting to early habits and beginner mistakes that come from learning through intense competition. The conversation covers the importance of simplifying techniques, creating connected systems, and practicing with intention rather than ego.
Mental approach and flow state are highlighted as central to performing under pressure: experimenting in competition, using mind games, and balancing relaxation with intensity to find the optimal edge. He also shares practical training ideas like self-imposed rulesets, targeted drilling, and using data or tech to measure performance and recovery.
Injury prevention and longevity are major themes: daily mobility, longer warm-ups, proper recovery, and yoga as a tool to manage a long athletic career. He advocates smarter, science-informed training and better coaching structures to retain athletes and reduce injuries.
Finally, he touches on controversial topics like PEDs, the influence of social media, and why events like Craig Jones Invitational are positive for the sport. He closes by promoting a teacher-training and yoga-for-BJJ program designed to help academies offer mobility and recovery classes that keep people on the mats longer.

Strap in! In this episode Josh Sherman, a four-stripe white belt from Harrogate, chats with the hosts about how he found jiu-jitsu after rugby and the army. He explains why he started training, how family and community drew him in, and what keeps him showing up to the gym.
Josh shares an honest account of struggling with health anxiety after his daughter was born and how jiu-jitsu became a crucial outlet for his mental health. The conversation covers how training helps him switch off, manage adrenaline, and rebuild confidence.
The episode dives into competition stories — first-time nerves, lessons learned from early matches, and the mindset shifts that helped Josh perform better when he stopped overthinking outcomes. Practical tips come up too, like relaxing grips, forearm care, and finding the right training rhythm.
They also imagine a dream gym full of recovery amenities (sauna, cold plunge, café) and discuss training habits, session structure, and future plans: getting more consistent, adding strength work, and entering more events. 

In this solo-hosted chat, Ryan Walsh dives into CGI weekend highs/lows—short bouts, controversial taps, and how big money + team format push athletes toward safer, tactical games. He contrasts IBJJF urgency with sub-only strategy and explains the “push–pull” guard model where a real wrestle-up threat unlocks offense.
Ryan traces his path from boxing/MMA to jiu-jitsu, then into head coach/owner, outlining an inclusive, skill-first culture. Training is games-based/ecological (especially for kids), anchored by month-long themes (e.g., outside/close-quarters passing, guard retention, pins/escapes). Day-to-day intensity lives ~40–70% for learning; comp sessions climb to ~85–90% while prioritizing safety. He lifts 2–3x weekly, spaces hard rolls, and rarely doubles up days.
Advice for new blues: drop perfectionism, expect pressure to rise, and see it as proof you’re improving—avoid the “blue belt blues” by focusing on steady reps and smart intensity.
Shoutouts: Ryan thanks his family, students, coach Guy, and the wider Garage Jiu-Jitsu crew.

Eddie is skiving again! In this episode Aza and Jack head to The Alley Cat Academy in Chorley, coach Neil Atkins talks openly about his jiu-jitsu journey — from discovering half-guard and early competition experiences to winning medals and returning to the tournament mat after time away.
Neil describes how he built his gym, the culture he prioritizes, and the balance between running a business, family life, and training. He shares practical training routines, competition preparation, and why quality sessions and recovery matter more with age.
The episode also covers lessons learned from competing, coaching philosophies, fostering a supportive team, and plans to grow the gym and bring the community back to big events. Throughout, Neil emphasizes passion, persistence, and keeping jiu-jitsu enjoyable.
Check Neils Instagram here!
 

WE'RE BACK. After a few weeks with holidays, childcare nightmares and a very lacking amount of jiu-jitsu we're happy to get back to it. In episode 59 guest Darragh O'Conaill joins us and we discuss the balance between creating online content and staying true to coaching values, why seminars still matter despite free online material, and how to structure effective seminars and gym curricula. They cover practical coaching tips—like teaching to the least experienced in the room, interleaving topics for retention, and tailoring training to different levels—plus Darrow’s seminar tour experience, training routines, weight-class choices, guard preferences, and challenges of training with larger opponents.
The conversation also touches on building semi-pro teams, the realities of coaching commitments, the benefits of in-person instruction for long-term learning, and how to get the most out of training rounds whether you’re a beginner or advanced practitioner. The episode finishes with advice for coaches and athletes on focus, intensity, and making seminars engaging and memorable.