The big four three! Or in this case the small and powerful four three! Join us as we delve into an engaging conversation with Helen Delaney from GB Harrogate. Starting her martial arts journey in 2019, Helen shares her experiences and insights on her progression in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with an interesting detour through kickboxing and boxing. Listen as she describes how her past learnings have intertwined to support her current passion.
In a refreshing counter-narrative to popular strength and performance personalities, Helen humorously discusses her initial struggles with fitness icons and emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's personal growth journey. The episode also explores the social dynamics within martial arts, shedding a light on the welcoming and supportive environment in jiu-jitsu that has boosted Helen's confidence and skills.
Further, Helen shares her aspirations for the future, focusing on personal development and mastery. She explains her strategy of narrowing her techniques to build a more robust and effective game, providing a thoughtful perspective on what it takes to truly advance in jiu-jitsu.
Tune in for Helen's modest and inspiring journey, where resilience and the power of a supportive community shine through as key factors in her martial arts career.

Join us as Jack makes a solo trip to Newcastle to watch Submission Series 14. In this episode, we bring you exclusive insights and analysis of the action-packed event, featuring some of the most promising talents in the Jiu-Jitsu community.
Kicking things off, we have a special Coach's Spotlight featuring Robbie McNabb, the head coach of Jungle Academy, who shares his journey from competitive martial arts to leading his team of fighters. As we explore the unique atmosphere of this series, we delve into the eight-man tournament designed to crown the 78-kilo champion in one intense night of win-or-go-home battles. Participants include seasoned competitors like Mark Wynn, Jack Tiley, and young phenoms from MetaTech and Fifth Element. Explore their strategies, strengths, and standout moments.
The episode captures the thrilling dynamics between strong competitors such as Harry Cockerel and Mikey Pollett, while also spotlighting remarkable performances from the likes of Jack Mason, who brought charisma and flair to the event. Our coverage extends to the impressive displays by female fighters Kitty Hawkswell and Zan Bailey, as they represent with style and strength.
Adding depth to the narrative, we recount the tense and strategic face-offs in matches like Shawnee Stewart versus Kaio Sekira, and delve into the gripping co-main event featuring Costas Namikos in the title eliminator. And as the night crescendos, the final of the eight-man division promises to be a highlight, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats.
Whether you're a Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast or new to the sport, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the high-stakes world of Submission Series 14, showcasing the athletes' dedication, the evolving tactics, and the electrifying moments that define competitive Jiu-Jitsu.

Back in time for a casual and long episode 38 (42 really!) of our white belt with two stripes podcast, where we delve into the exciting and unpredictable world of martial arts. This episode takes you on a journey from casual weekends out with friends to the disciplined world of Jiu-Jitsu, celebrating milestones like wedding anniversaries and milestones, like achieving a prestigious second-degree black belt.
Join us as we dive into an engaging conversation with Adam Marshall, a revered martial artist with over 20 years of experience. Adam shares his lifelong passion for martial arts that was sparked in his childhood, growing up with a champion boxer father and learning various styles, including Kung Fu and Taekwondo, before finding his calling in Jiu-Jitsu.
Discover the challenges and triumphs Adam faced on the mats, from learning to posture correctly to dealing with injuries, and how those setbacks shaped his journey. Uncover the community and camaraderie within the Jiu-Jitsu world, as well as the importance of having a supportive network and mentoring others.
This episode also explores the practical aspects of Jiu-Jitsu, from competition experiences to self-defense strategies, emphasizing drills like headlock escapes and fostering a non-intimidating environment for learning and improvement. 

HELLO - Welcome to another bumbling white belt level episode of Wash Your GI, where we have a captivating discussion with Matt Benyon, a founder of Polaris and Scramble, and a Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Join us as we dive into Matt's intriguing journey from his Kung Fu roots to becoming a significant figure in the Jiu-Jitsu world.
Matt shares his experiences of training in Japan, the impact of cultural influences on his brand, and the challenges he faced while establishing Scramble as a unique Jiu-Jitsu brand. We explore the growth of Polaris, its role in the professional Jiu-Jitsu scene, and Matt's insights on building compelling athlete personalities to advance the sport.
Listen in as Matt discusses his dream gym in Fukuoka, Japan, the importance of clean training environments, and his views on the ongoing debate around steroid use in Jiu-Jitsu. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the vibrant personalities and stories shaping the future of this dynamic sport.

Episode sponsored by CSH - Skin Infection Protection for Athletes
Welcome to episode 40 of Wash Your Gi! In this episode we take you through an exciting journey as we sit down with Steve Campbell, a notable figure in the UK Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene and owner and creator of Stealth - now an internationally renknown group of jiu jitsu training facilities. 
Steve shares fascinating insights into his early days, training in multidisciplinary martial arts before truly immersing himself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With anecdotes of competing in the Worlds at Blue Belt and life in Brazil, Steve paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs he faced on his martial arts journey. He also touches on the evolution of his training methodologies and the importance of a diverse training environment.
As we delve deeper, Steve discusses his philosophy of coaching and the culture he fosters at his gym, Stealth BJJ. Listeners gain a glimpse of Steve's strategic yet inclusive approach to training and belt progression, emphasizing the need for personal development tailored to individual goals.
Throughout the discussion, Steve's passion for the art of grappling shines through, underscoring his belief in the value of varied experiences and the community aspect of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Aspiring practitioners and seasoned veterans alike will find inspiration in Steve Campbell's journey, filled with dedication, resilience, and a deep love for the sport.
Stealth Website
Stealth Instagram
 
 

WE HAVE NO IDEA WHICH NUMBER WE ARE ON. But either way, welcome to this special episode of Wash Your Gi where we dive deep into the world of jiu-jitsu with our esteemed guest, Ricard Carneborn - "more good at life" than Eddie - and the visionary behind every competitors best friend, Smoothcomp and its newly released mobile application (essential for anyone competiting!)
In this episode, Ricard shares his journey from being a passionate jiu-jitsu practitioner to founding Smoothcomp, a revolutionary software transforming jiu-jitsu competitions worldwide.
Join us as we explore the origins of Smoothcomp, Ricard's personal experiences, and the incredible evolution of jiu-jitsu as a sport. Discover Ricard's insights into the role of technology in combat sports and how Smoothcomp has become an indispensable tool for athletes and organizers alike.
We hear some about the future plans for Smoothcomp as well as, of course, Ricards dream gym and training scenario. A certain US President better watch out if this dream comes true.
Ricard also opens up about his impressive 40-year journey in jiu-jitsu, offering a unique perspective on the sport's growth, the various disciplines that have enriched his practice, and his dedication to improving the community. 
You can download the new Smoothcomp mobile app here.
Nacka Dojo Website

Join Aza and Jack for a special episode of Wash Your Gi as we hit the road to Liverpool for our first-ever event coverage at Submission Series 13, a thrilling jiu-jitsu competition. Your hosts, Jack and Aza, bring you along on their journey from their initial road trip excitement to the final insights post-event. As passionate Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and competitors, they aim to immerse in the local jiu-jitsu scene, providing support and reporting on the matches live.
The episode is packed with fascinating discussions about the unique matchups, standout performances, and memorable moments that unfolded throughout the evening. From the inspiring display of techniques to encounters with seasoned competitors across various weight classes, the episode delves into details minute by minute, sharing real-time reactions and post-match reflections. Among the exciting bouts, the night marked by high-level submissions, remarkable guard plays, and lively crowd engagement, highlighting the vibrant jiu-jitsu community in Liverpool.
Whether it's the submission-only format challenges, the intriguing stories behind the gyms represented, or the promising talents to watch, Jack and Aza cover it all. The episode rounds off with their takeaways on the overall event experience, underscoring the unique aspects of watching a live jiu-jitsu event, as well as recognizing the evolving formats in competitive jiu-jitsu that provide platforms for athletes to showcase their skill sets.
Submission Series Instagram
Website

EPISODE 37 (we finally got it wrong, so apologies!) of our Jiu-Jitsu podcast, where we explore the highs and lows of the martial arts journey focusing on Jack and Aza's experience at the IBJJF Euros - amongst some of the usual waffle. In this engaging episode, we dive into the struggles and triumphs of pursuing excellence in Jiu-Jitsu while balancing life's interruptions.
Our hosts reflect on their journey from being beginners to becoming seasoned martial artists, sharing insights on how they've navigated injuries, time constraints, and the mental challenges that come with competing. The discussion also touches on the importance of consistent training and how old school black belts got their time's worth on the mat.
Listen as they unpack their experiences at the recent European competition, highlighting the dedication required to prepare and perform on an international stage. With stories of individual matches, preparation strategies, and the camaraderie shared among competitors, this episode offers a deep dive into the personal and competitive aspects of Jiu-Jitsu.
In the latter part of the episode, Aza paints a picture of what their dream Jiu-Jitsu gym would look like, complete with ideal training conditions, desired coaches, and the dream team of grapplers.