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.

Welcome to Episode 36 of Wash Your Gi! In this engaging installment, hosts dive deep into the world of Jiu-Jitsu with the highly knowledgeable Rob Biernacki from Island Jiu Jitsu and brains behind the incredible BJJ Concepts. Rob is a third-degree black belt known for his innovative coaching methods. Broadcasting from British Columbia, Rob brings a refreshing perspective on Jiu-Jitsu training that caters to both hobbyists and competitive practitioners alike.
Throughout the episode, Rob shares insights into his unique 'Fuck Your Jiu-Jitsu' methodology, a constraints-based learning approach that has brought notable success to his students in competition. The discussion explores the evolutionary phases of Jiu-Jitsu coaching, transitioning from traditional technique collection to a more dynamic, concept-driven style, and further into the latest ecological approaches.
Listeners will find value in Rob's discourse on structuring training sessions, including his dual-class system and how to customize learning intensity and complexity for various skill levels. Additionally, Rob emphasizes the importance of adaptability and leveraging external resources for continuous skill enhancement.
The conversation also delves into Rob's Jiu-Jitsu journey, his start in martial arts sparked by watching the early days of UFC, and how he's fostered a unique training philosophy at his small-town gym. As the episode wraps up, hosts highlight the camaraderie and aspirations to bring Rob back for a future episode to delve deeper into his vast reservoir of grappling wisdom.
Rob Biernacki Instagram
Island Jiu Jitsu Website
BJJ Concepts

Its TIME. We're going back to Episode 34 as we dive into Blue Belt Sam Backhouse's unique jiu-jitsu journey, from experimenting with garage training during lockdown to embracing competitive experiences. Discover how these initial trials shaped his approach to jiu-jitsu and fueled his competitive spirit. In a new segment we also open the doors to Sam's Fantasy BJJ gym.
Sam opens up about the challenges of returning to training after injuries, his evolving game plan, and how his competitive mindset has matured over time. Learn about the lessons he's learned through both losses and victories, and how these experiences contribute to his growth both on and off the mats - office BJJ anyone?
In Sam’s creative vision for his dream gym, "Backy BJJ," practicality meets inspiration. We delve into his ideal training environment, coaching preferences, and the innovative ideas he has for enhancing the jiu-jitsu community's experience.
 

We're messing with minds and jumping to 'Wash Your Gi 35', (34 comes next week!). In this episode we're really happy to be welcoming a prominent figure in the British and global Jiu-Jitsu scene, Jake Cross. Known for his contribution to the sport through Empire Grappling, Jake shares his fascinating journey from pro wrestling enthusiasm to establishing a name in Jiu-Jitsu.
Listeners are treated to an insightful dialogue exploring Jake's beginnings, his passion for pro wrestling, and his admiration for wrestling icons like John Cena. Jake discusses the evolution of his career, from his early days at Empire to the remarkable growth of grappling competitions, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of organizing Jiu-Jitsu events.
The episode delves into the dynamics between traditional Jiu-Jitsu and its entertainment potential, including the fan-friendly aspects of no-gi competitions. Jake shares candid stories about his experiences running Empire Grappling, addressing issues like sandbagging, event logistics, and ensuring a positive experience for competitors and spectators alike.
Together with the hosts, Jake navigates the ongoing debate surrounding the intersection of martial arts and entertainment, drawing parallels with mainstream sports. He also touches on the importance of community in Jiu-Jitsu, highlighting the camaraderie built through competitions and training sessions.
As a special segment, Jake elaborates on his aspirations for the future of Empire Grappling, including the expansion of events across the UK and beyond. This episode is a must-listen for grappling aficionados and anyone intrigued by the inspirational figures shaping the world of martial arts.