EPISODE 30! Eddie (covered in blood) and Jack (number 17 on the most dangerous list) dive into the fascinating journey of Alex Walsh (number 3), a blue belt who has seamlessly transitioned from the disciplined life of the British Army to the dynamic world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - and shares his experience rowing the Atlantic along the way. Join us as Alex shares his story of personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of new challenges as well as his tips on keeping on improving your jiu jitsu game.
Alex's tale begins with his experiences in the military, where he cultivated a strong sense of discipline and camaraderie. After leaving the army, he faced the daunting task of reintegrating into civilian life. It was during this transition that Alex discovered the profound impact of jiu-jitsu, a sport that offered him a renewed sense of brotherhood and a platform for continuous growth.
One of the most remarkable chapters of Alex's life includes rowing across the Atlantic Ocean in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund, an adventure that pushed the limits of his endurance and spirit. This experience taught him the sheer power of determination and the importance of setting ambitious goals, lessons that he now applies to his jiu-jitsu journey.
Throughout the episode, Alex opens up about the challenges and triumphs he has encountered on the mats, including receiving his blue belt in jiu-jitsu and the inherent pressures that come with it. He emphasizes the value of consistency, resilience, and the mindset of viewing difficulties as opportunities for growth.

In this episode of Wash Your Gi, we welcome two extraordinary guests, Craig West and Archie, who bring their unique perspectives and stories to the world of jiu-jitsu. As a blind jiu-jitsu practitioner, Archie shares his inspiring journey from competitive swimming to mastering the gentle art of jiu-jitsu. At just 16 years old, he is not only determined but fiercely competitive, aiming to reach the heights of the jiu-jitsu world.
Craig, a seasoned jiu-jitsu athlete, discusses his pathway into the sport and reflects on how the discipline and challenges of jiu-jitsu have enriched his life. Together, Craig and Archie explore the techniques and strategies that have helped them succeed on the mat, emphasizing the importance of feel and connection in jiu-jitsu.
Archie reveals his aspirations to train at the prestigious B-Team in Austin, aiming to compete at the highest levels in the sport. Meanwhile, Craig shares insights from his military background and how those experiences have shaped his approach to training and competition.
This episode is an exploration of determination, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence in jiu-jitsu, offering inspiration and insights for practitioners of all levels.

Sincere apologies. But welcome to a slightly deranged ride through the latest episode of "Wash Your Gi," where hosts Eddie, Grant, and Jack bring you a one-of-a-kind, slightly weird Christmas special. With the backdrop of a UFC event and a bottle of strong whiskey, they delve into a year of jiu-jitsu and creating poor quality content, while reflecting on the highs, lows, and hilarities of their martial arts journey.
As the trio debates the importance of keeping jiu-jitsu fun and not taking themselves too seriously, they explore the evolution of their training mindsets, the lessons learned on the mats, and the importance of community and camaraderie. From grappling with intimidating opponents to embracing the absurdity of certain positions, there's a lot to unpack.
The episode also takes you through Eddie's upcoming competition plans, aspirations for the new year, and reflections on the growth of jiu-jitsu as a sport. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the world of grappling, this episode is filled with laughs, insights, and a reminder to enjoy the journey at every belt level.
So, pour yourself a drink (water please), settle in, and enjoy this special edition of "Wash Your Gi"—and remember, keep training, keep laughing, and always wash your gi!

This is the special Episode 27 of the "Wash Your Gi" podcast, where this week's feature delves into the world of jiu-jitsu, welcoming special guest Harry Lowe. Harry joins the show to discuss his journey through jiu-jitsu, up to being a four-stripe white belt and sharing anecdotes of his competitive experiences and brotherly battles.
Dive into this engaging episode as Harry recounts his introduction to jiu-jitsu, inspired by a barrage of online content and his affinity for UFC, culminating in enrolling at a local gym upon returning to Harrogate. From playful childhood wrestling with his brother to participating in several competitions, Harry's narrative is one of eagerness, growth, and the occasional family showdown.
This episode features an exciting, if slightly strange real-time beef resolution on the mat, something every jiu-jitsu enthusiast would maybe appreciate. Listen as the bickering is replaced by a physical contest, looking to settle who really has the upper hand - the choke was on...
You may have seen footage of the round, if not check the Wash Your Gi instagram here. 

Welcome to "Wash Your Gi 26", the jiu-jitsu podcast designed to enhance your game in every aspect, from warm-ups to competitions. In this episode, our hosts reflect on personal development, recounting both triumphs and setbacks on the mat - its 4th stripe week for Eddie. Uh oh.
Without any special guests, other than Ed who is 'special' in another sort of way with jiu jitsu, we indulge in a candid conversation about the expectations and pressures of running warm-ups and how occasional failures can lead to greater insights - touching on the other W from whiskey Wednesdays.
The episode also features a shout-out to young listener Fred, celebrating his impressive achievements in his first competition, and illustrating the impact of dedication and continuous learning.
We also dive into the introspective aspect of martial arts, discussing how emotional and mental strength evolves alongside physical skills. Personal anecdotes remind listeners that stepping back to reevaluate one's approach can often pave the way for measurable improvement.
Whether you're an experienced practitioner or a curious newcomer, this episode promises a blend of light-hearted humor, practical insights, and inspiring stories from the jiu-jitsu community. Enhance your jiu-jitsu journey by listening in and absorbing valuable lessons from those who guide the way.

Episode 25! Out of 6. In this episode we have yet another international guest, Darragh O’Conaill, black belt under  Saulo and Alexandre Ribeiro and head coach and owner of East Coast Jiu Jitsu in Dublin.
Transitioning from the realities of family life, we explore the world of jiu-jitsu training. Our guest, a seasoned athlete, discusses the intricacies of training with twins and the impact of martial arts on his lifestyle. The conversation delves into the physical and mental demands of jiu-jitsu, shedding light on how it shapes resilience and endurance.
As the episode unfolds, we learn about the guest's journey from rugby to becoming a dedicated jiu-jitsu coach. He shares insights into his training experiences across the globe, highlighting the importance of cross-training and the unique challenges faced in different gyms.
The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of jiu-jitsu coaching, emphasizing the balance between business growth and athlete development. Our guest offers valuable advice for both beginners and experienced practitioners, advocating for a well-rounded approach that includes both gi and no-gi training.
Join us as we explore the fascinating intersections of family life and martial arts, and gain insights into the world of jiu-jitsu from a dedicated coach and competitor.
You can follow Darragh using the links below:
Instagram
Youtube

Listen to the end for Eddie and Jacks feedback (New section!) on their tough cross training session!
In Episode 24, Eddie, Jack and Grant sit down with Fred Greenall, a (Black Belt World Silver Medallist 2024, 2x European Champion, 3x POLARIS Champion, 4x British Champion, 42x Regional Champion) who came to jiu jitsu in a very unique 'nomadic' way. We discuss the challenges and experiences in the world of Jiu-Jitsu, from weight management and competition to the journey of attaining a black belt. They explore the culture within Jiu-Jitsu academies, the toxicity that can arise, and the importance of creating a positive training environment.
The conversation also touches slightly on the impact of social media on the sport and offers advice for beginners navigating their Jiu-Jitsu journey. In this conversation, we discuss the journey of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners from white to blue and purple belts, emphasizing the importance of commitment and passion over technical proficiency at the early stages. Fred shares insights on building Jiu-Jitsu athletes, the realities of competition, and the significance of setting realistic expectations. The discussion also touches on the founding of the Scramble academy and the importance of finding the right training environment for personal growth in martial arts.
Follow Scramble Academy:
Scramble Academy Instagram
Scramble Academy Jiu Jitsu Leeds Website
Fred Greenall Instagram
Episode Takeaways:
Titles in Jiu-Jitsu can create unnecessary hierarchies.
Jiu-Jitsu culture can sometimes be toxic and insular.
It's important to find a training environment that feels positive and welcoming.
Self-defense skills can be crucial in real-world situations.
Social media can influence behavior and expectations in Jiu-Jitsu.
Beginners should shop around for a gym that fits their needs.
Not all gyms are meathead environments; many focus on technique.
The journey to black belt can be unique and varied for each individual.
Creating a supportive community is essential for growth in Jiu-Jitsu. The journey to blue belt is about commitment and passion.
Technical proficiency becomes more important at purple belt.
Competing at a high level requires full-time dedication.
Setting realistic expectations is crucial for Jiu-Jitsu athletes.
The environment and culture of an academy greatly impact training.
Building Jiu-Jitsu athletes involves balancing competition and education.
Training at a high level often requires starting young.
It's important to find an academy that aligns with personal goals.
Loyalty to an academy shouldn't hinder personal growth.
The Scramble academy was founded to create a supportive training environment.
 

Welcome to Episode 23 of "Wash Your Gi," where we dive into the dynamic world of grappling with our special guest, Owen Livesey. Owen, a decorated judo champion and jiu-jitsu coach, shares his unique journey from competing for Team GB in judo to establishing a hybrid style gym that combines judo, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
In this episode, Owen discusses the importance of a well-rounded grappling game, emphasizing the need for a mix of skills to excel at high levels of competition. He also shares insights into the training regimen at his gym, Carlson Gracie Hull, and offers advice for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.
We explore Owen's transition to a full-time coaching role, his upcoming move to Thailand, and his thoughts on the future of grappling sports. Whether you're a hobbyist or aspiring competitor, Owen's experiences and tips on maintaining balance and intensity in training are invaluable.
Join us for an engaging conversation with Owen Livesey and get inspired to elevate your grappling game.
You can also unlock a ton of useful tutorials on S&C, Grappling and more with Owens online academy which you can find on the link below. For those wanting to build a more confident and dominant game, this isn't to be missed. 
Owens Instagram
Owen Livesy Online Academy