40 & FIGHTING

Episode 123 of 40 & Fighting is all about competition, growth, and the power of a strong Jiu-Jitsu team. In this episode, we break down John's 2nd place finish at the JJWL tournament, recap the event atmosphere, and talk about what it really feels like to step on the podium after months of preparation. We also dive into my first brown belt competition experience — what surprised me, what I learned, and how competing at a new belt level changes your mindset. We talk about: What JJWL tournaments are like Competing as a brown belt for the first time The mistakes we made — and what we learned from them How to turn competition losses into long-term growth Why having a gym full of teammates who genuinely want you to get better matters The power of community in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu How to reframe nerves, pressure, and performance One of the biggest themes of this episode is this: competition is feedback. Whether you win gold, take 2nd, or fall short — every match teaches you something about your training, your mindset, and your preparation. We also talk about how having a strong group of friends and teammates behind you makes competing completely different. When you train in a gym where everyone pushes each other to level up, competing becomes less about ego and more about growth. If you compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — or are thinking about stepping onto the mat for your first tournament — this episode is for you. Topics Covered: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition JJWL tournament recap Brown belt debut BJJ tournament lessons Learning from competition mistakes How to improve after a loss Competition mindset Training for BJJ tournaments Jiu-Jitsu team culture Growth through competing 40 & Fighting is a podcast about Jiu-Jitsu, competing after 40, mindset, training smarter, and building a strong community on and off the mats. If you train BJJ, love competition stories, or want to improve your mindset for tournaments — subscribe and join the team. Tell us in the comments: What's the biggest lesson you've learned from competing? And if you've competed at brown belt — how different did it feel? NOOSS Join the Discord and be part of the team https://discord.gg/MUgrpSc2nt Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting

In Episode 122 of 40 & Fighting, we dive into a topic that can completely change your jiu-jitsu journey: learning how to teach. We break down why becoming an instructor — or even just learning how to properly explain technique — can help you break through plateaus, understand positions deeper, and improve faster on the mats. Teaching forces you to see jiu-jitsu differently, and it might be one of the most underrated ways to level up your game. In this episode we discuss: Why grapplers should learn to teach and explain technique How teaching helps you overcome training plateaus ⚠️ Why being great at jiu-jitsu doesn't automatically mean you can teach it Lessons we've learned from studying teaching philosophy influenced by Rorion Gracie and how jiu-jitsu can truly impact someone's life Key elements of effective instruction and communication on the mats John's training leading into next week's tournament and how preparation changes under pressure If you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, coach classes, help teammates learn, or want to deepen your understanding of technique and leadership, this episode is packed with real-world experience from the mats. Drop a comment: Do you think teaching makes you better at jiu-jitsu — or does it take time away from your own training? Like • Comment • Subscribe Help support the show and grow the 40 & Fighting community. Join the Discord and be part of the team https://discord.gg/MUgrpSc2nt Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting

In Episode 121 of 40 & Fighting, we dive into what it really takes to keep competing as you get older — physically, mentally, and strategically. Competing in your 30s, 40s, and beyond isn't about training less… it's about training smarter. In this episode, we break down how your approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition, recovery, and conditioning needs to evolve if you want to stay competitive and avoid burnout or injury. In this episode we cover: How competition changes as you move into the Masters divisions The mindset shifts needed to stay dangerous on the mats Specific training methods that help older grapplers compete longer ⏱️ Recovery, workload management, and smart intensity training How to peak for tournaments without destroying your body Real stories, lessons learned, and plenty of laughs along the way Whether you're planning your first Masters tournament or you've been competing for years, this episode is packed with real-world experience from grapplers still stepping on the competition mats. Drop a comment: What's been the hardest adjustment in training as you've gotten older — recovery, cardio, injuries, or time management? Like • Comment • Subscribe Help support the show and grow the 40 & Fighting community. Join the Discord and be part of the team https://discord.gg/MUgrpSc2nt Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting

In Episode 120 of 40 & Fighting, we dive into the reality of competing in grappling — from the mental side to the physical grind — and how both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo shape the way you approach competition. This week we talk about: The mindset you need when stepping into competition How Judo training changes your stand-up and confidence How Jiu-Jitsu competition strategy differs from regular training Lessons learned from competing (wins, losses, and everything in between) Real mat stories, hard lessons, and plenty of laughs Whether you're getting ready for your first tournament or you've been competing for years, this episode breaks down what actually matters when it's time to perform. If you train BJJ, Judo, wrestling, or MMA grappling, this one is for you. Drop a comment: Do you prefer competing in Gi, No-Gi, or Judo rules — and why? Like • Comment • Subscribe Help support the show and grow the 40 & Fighting community. Join the Discord and be part of the team https://discord.gg/MUgrpSc2nt Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting SEO Keywords / Tags BJJ competition, Judo competition, how to compete in BJJ, grappling competition mindset, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu podcast, Judo training for BJJ, tournament preparation BJJ, IBJJF competition tips, grappling podcast, masters BJJ competition, 40 and Fighting podcast

In Episode 119 of 40 & Fighting, we welcome back Professor Omar Salum after an absolutely huge performance at IBJJF European Championship (Euros)—taking DOUBLE GOLD by winning Masters 5, both his weight division and the open weight. We break down what it takes to win at that level, especially in the masters divisions, and what separates good competitors from great ones when the pressure is real. We also get into: Omar's mindset and preparation leading into IBJJF Euros ⚔️ How he approached open class and handled different body types/styles ️ Updates on the new gym in Palm Springs (what's coming + the vision) What it REALLY takes to be a great coach / professor The standards, habits, and leadership that build strong teams If you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, compete in IBJJF, or want to understand how elite competitors think—and how great instructors build champions—this episode is packed with insights you can actually apply. Drop a comment: What's the biggest quality you look for in a coach—technique, leadership, or culture? Like • Comment • Subscribe Help support the show and grow the 40 & Fighting community. Join the Discord and be part of the team https://discord.gg/MUgrpSc2nt Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting IBJJF Euros, IBJJF European Championship, Omar Salum, double gold IBJJF, Masters 5 BJJ, open class jiu jitsu, BJJ competition podcast, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu podcast, jiu jitsu coaching, how to be a good BJJ coach, Palm Springs jiu jitsu, grappling podcast, masters jiu jitsu, 40 and Fighting

In Episode 118 of 40 & Fighting, we dive into Judo belts—what they mean, how the ranking system works, and how it compares to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belts. We also get into some Judo and BJJ history, where the arts intersect, and how the traditions (and rules) shaped what we train today. In this episode, we cover: Judo belt system explained (colors, ranks, and progression) Judo history and how it evolved as a sport and martial art BJJ history and how it developed from its early roots ⚖️ Key differences between Judo vs BJJ culture, rules, and training focus Real gym talk, stories, and the usual laughs along the way Whether you're a new grappler, a BJJ athlete curious about Judo, or someone who loves the deeper story behind the sports, this episode is packed with insight and fun. Like • Comment • Subscribe Drop a comment: Which belt system do you think makes more sense—Judo or BJJ—and why? Join the Discord and be part of the team https://discord.gg/MUgrpSc2nt Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting Judo belts explained, Judo belt ranks, Judo vs BJJ, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu history, Judo history, BJJ belt system, grappling podcast, BJJ podcast, judo for jiu jitsu, martial arts history, 40 and Fighting, masters grappling

Welcome back to 40 & Fighting — the podcast for grapplers who love training, talking shop, and laughing way too hard between rounds. In Episode 117, we're inviting the team to join our 40 & Fighting Discord (link in description) — then we get absolutely unhinged in the best way: we rank different grappling arts on a totally scientific scale from “all business” to “maximum cuddle-combat.” What we get into: Why we built the 40 & Fighting Discord and what you'll find inside Rating grappling styles from most serious face to most… affectionate entanglement The strengths (and hilarious stereotypes) of different grappling arts Lots of laughs, hot takes, and “hear me out” moments If you train BJJ, judo, wrestling, MMA, or any kind of grappling, this one's for you. Come for the rankings, stay for the chaos. Like • Comment • Subscribe Tell us in the comments: Which grappling art belongs at the “all business” end… and which one is peak cuddle-combat? Join the Discord and be part of the team https://discord.gg/MUgrpSc2nt Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting BJJ podcast, grappling podcast, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, judo vs wrestling, wrestling vs BJJ, MMA grappling, jiu jitsu community, BJJ discord, masters jiu jitsu, 40 and Fighting, grappling rankings, martial arts podcast

In Episode 116 of 40 & Fighting, we keep things light, technical, and a little chaotic—as usual This episode is packed with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu concepts, inside jokes, and a big invite to the community we're building outside the podcast. We cover: Key BJJ concepts we've been thinking about on the mats How mindset and fundamentals beat chasing techniques Why we created the 40 & Fighting Discord What you'll get by joining the community A lot of laughs, side stories, and classic gym humor If you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, love talking shop, or just want a place to hang out with like-minded grapplers, the 40 & Fighting Discord is for you. Come talk training, competition, recovery, life, and everything in between. Join the Discord and be part of the team https://discord.gg/MUgrpSc2nt Like | Comment | Subscribe Help support the podcast and grow the 40 & Fighting community. Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting

In the final episode of 2025, the 40 & Fighting crew sits down to break down the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu concepts and techniques we're focusing on heading into 2026. This episode is all about long-term progress, smart training, and leveling up your game—especially as a master-aged grappler. We dive into: Core BJJ concepts that actually move the needle Jiu-jitsu moves and positions we want to sharpen in 2026 How to train with purpose instead of collecting techniques Lessons learned from the mats in 2025 What we're carrying forward—and what we're leaving behind Whether you're a white belt building foundations, a blue belt refining your style, or a masters competitor looking to train smarter, this episode will help set the tone for your next year on the mats. ️ Thank you to everyone who supported 40 & Fighting throughout 2025. Let's roll into 2026 stronger, healthier, and more intentional. Like, subscribe, and share to support the podcast and help grow the community. Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting

The holidays are rolling in, and the mats are still busy! ‍♂️ In Episode 113 of 40 & Fighting, we lean into the festive chaos and break down a week full of judo, jiu-jitsu, and gym hilarity. We talk about: Training judo inside a jiu-jitsu gym and what carries over (and what absolutely doesn't) Hosting Sensei James and John surviving his first-ever judo class Some standout moments and matches from IBJJF No-Gi Worlds Fun (and painful) holiday games at the gym The first time getting put to sleep on the mats General nonsense, laughs, and lessons learned as we roll into the holidays Whether you're a seasoned grappler, a hobbyist, or just love hearing real talk from the mats, this episode captures what training during the holidays is really like—hard rounds, good laughs, and unforgettable moments. Like, subscribe, and drop a comment—tell us your worst (or funniest) holiday gym story! Save your feet mat burn: https://amzn.to/3uLkJjh Blath Path Gear: https://theblkpath.com/ IG: John: https://www.instagram.com/ghostninjasd Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/beardrolls 40ANDFIGHITNG: https://www.instagram.com/40andfighting_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@40andfighting