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

We go INTERNATIONAL on episode 22 of Wash Your Gi (big time now!), Professor Danny Paulino shares his journey in Jiu Jitsu, from his early days training under Renzo Gracie to opening his own academy in Long Island, City Jiu Jitsu.
He discusses the challenges and learning experiences of running a gym, his training regimen, competition experiences, and the importance of nutrition and recovery. Danny also reflects on his time at Renzo Gracies gym, learning from legendary figures in the sport, and shares insights on teaching and training structures.
The conversation wraps up with some humorous anecdotes from his experiences in the Jiu Jitsu community. 
He emphasizes the need for beginners to find techniques that suit their body type and to focus on fundamentals rather than trying to reinvent the wheel too soon. Daniel also discusses the emotional challenges faced during competitions, encouraging practitioners to compete for personal growth rather than external validation and more.
We were so happy to get to chat to Professor Danny, we totally lost track of time too. So forgive us on the shorter wrap up! 
You can check out Danny and City Jiu Jitsu below:
Website
Instagram
 

Welcome to Episode 21 of “Wash Your Gi,” the podcast that helps the hopeless progress in jiu-jitsu. Join coaches Grant and Jack as they sit down (in a slightly noisy coffee shop - apologies for slight background noise) with special guest, Professor Vanessa English.
Vanessa has earned multiple titles in both the European and World BJJ Championships and is also a passionate advocate for women’s participation in the sport.
In addition to her impressive competition record, she is a commentator for Polaris Grappling as well as Enyo Grappling and a long-time coach, giving her an extensive understanding of all aspects of jiu-jitsu (proven by the fact she holds the high score in the podcast quiz!).
In this episode, Vanessa shares her unique journey into Brazilian jiu-jitsu, beginning with her early experiences in traditional jiu-jitsu and capoeira. She discusses how she discovered Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the competitive drive that fueled her, and her experiences in various competitions. Vanessa also talks about her transition from athlete to coach, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of teaching.
Listen in as Vanessa reflects on her favorite jiu-jitsu memories, the importance of mental health, and the growth of the sport in the UK.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned practitioner, there’s something for everyone in this episode. 
Follow Vanessa on Instagram here.
You can also check out Escapology BJJ here. 

Join us for an exciting episode (with coffee shop ASMR included free) as Wash Your Gi (minus Grant!) heads down for a weekend at the IBJJF London Fall Open, which some regard as the UK World Championships. In this episode, we each discuss our performances in our respective divisions and our very exciting results, including areas for improvement, the pros and cons, and the differences between competing at the IBJJF and local events, as well as the benefits of competition for jiu-jitsu practice.
Throughout the episode, we also explore the nuances of competing at different levels, the importance of having a layered training strategy, and the lessons learned from both victories and setbacks. We touch on the camaraderie among competitors, the emotional rollercoaster of competition day, rubbing shoulders with Roger Gracie and Adam Wardziński, and the mostly chicken-based post-event celebrations that follow.
Eddie picks up a new rival on the circuit, who was apparently half lion, has a near-cataclysmic wardrobe malfunction, but does finally manage to say "IBJJF" without twitching and smoke coming out of his ears.
Jack secures a significant result, and we also practice some newly learned Brazilian phrases. All this with a very special guest who also competed and joined us for the trip. Parou, parou, parou

Ever wondered how to improve your jiu jitsu game OFF the mat? This week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Coach Dean Dyble of Hard Yard Training Systems from Implexus Gym in Leeds for a very insightful chat about motivation and mindset for BJJ, strength and conditioning for BJJ, and other great tips for those looking to improve their game off the mats.
Coach Dean has a wealth of experience coaching athletes from all disciplines and currently coaches our very own Purple Belt, Jack, with a view to improving his competitive ability and general fitness for BJJ.
You can check out Dean on his Instagram or website, and we look forward to getting your feedback on this one, as we all enjoyed recording it.
A massive thank you to Dean for joining us and reminding Eddie there are no shortcuts!
Check back next week for a competition episode ahead of Eddie’s and Jack’s trip to the London Fall IBJJF Open/Heavyweight World Championship.