Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you train, you’re never quite “enough?” There’s a fine line between pushing to be your best and letting the pressure to be “excellent” suck the joy right out of Jiu-Jitsu. This week, we’re grappling with what excellence actually means, why perfection is a trap, and how you can make progress) no matter how much time you’ve got on the mat.

If you find yourself replaying mistakes on your drive home or wondering whether you’re improving fast enough, this episode is for you. We share stories about our own struggles with expectations, how to spot real progress, and what happens when you let go of perfection and focus on getting a little better every day. 

By the end of this episode, you’ll have new ways to measure success (even when class feels tough), tips for enjoying the journey, and a fresh perspective on what really matters—both on and off the mat. This is about finding what lights you up and building a practice that makes you proud.

Highlights

(00:00) How would you define excellence in Jiu-Jitsu?

(01:25) How your attitude, expectations, and coachability shape every class

(03:11) The battle: Perfection vs. Progress in your Jiu Jitsu journey

(05:47) Tiny wins count: Tracking progress no matter what

(09:02) How to keep moving forward—even when you can only train a little

(11:02) Wrestling with slow Jiu-Jitsu progress and plateaus

(12:49) Why journaling and video can totally change your perspective on your Jiu-Jitsu

(16:29) Creating a culture of growth (not perfection) in your gym

(18:34) Making progress on and off the mat

(20:05) Our Jiu-Jitsu community challenge

If you love the podcast, share it with a friend!

You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App

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Apple Podcasts

Audible

Episodes.fm

YouTube

🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here

Start Here Spotify Playlist

Start Here on Our Website

🥋 Learn More About Roll Model Grappling Camp

rollmodelswanted.com

📱 Connect with Jen & AJ on Social Media

Instagram – @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen: @brassybroadjen on Instagram | @brassybroadjen on TikTok

AJ: @ajclingerman on Instagram | @roll_model on TikTok

Roll Model Grappling: @rollmodelgrappling on Instagram

🎶 Production

Recording, theme music, editing, and production by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

⚠️ Disclaimer

The Beauty and the Gi podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or coaching advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for any condition.

Do you ever catch yourself downplaying how much you care about Jiu-Jitsu just because you don’t compete?

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “serious enough” about your training as a non-competitor, this episode is for you. What does it mean to take your Jiu Jitsu seriously—even when chasing gold medals isn’t your focus? 

We dig into what purposeful training looks like for recreational practitioners, how to balance goal-setting with busy grown-up life, and why “serious” Jiu Jitsu is more about intention than intensity. 

This episode is about helping you create a meaningful, purpose-driven path in Jiu-Jitsu that fits your life.

Chapter Highlights

(00:00) Why Do So Many Hobbyists Downplay Their Jiu Jitsu Commitment? 

(01:28) Jiu-Jitsu Training with Purpose: How to Create Meaningful Goals Without Competing 

(03:35) Simple Ways to Add Intention and Focus to Your Rolling 

(04:50) Healthy Expectations: Finding Balance Between Fun and Progress in Jiu-Jitsu 

(05:51) Navigating Busy Seasons: How to Prioritize Jiu Jitsu When Life Gets Hectic 

(07:30) Can You Be a “Serious” Practitioner If You Don’t Compete? 

(08:31) How to Be Taken Seriously by Your Coaches and Teammates (Without Competing) 

(09:41) Size, Strength, and Technique: When Does It Really Matter? 

(12:47) Tips for Smaller Grapplers—Using Your Unique Attributes on the Mat 

(13:47) How To Support and Communicate With Training Partners 

(15:05) Boosting Confidence: What If Your Technique Doesn’t Work Against Bigger Opponents? 

(16:19) Managing Expectations—So You're Not Crying in the Car Post-Roll 

(17:32) On & Off the Mat Tips for Setting Realistic, Personalized Jiu Jitsu Goals

We’d love to hear about your own experience—drop a comment or DM us on Instagram @beautyandthegipodcast and let’s keep this conversation rolling!

If you love the podcast, share it with a friend!

You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Audible

Episodes.fm

YouTube

🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here

Start Here Spotify Playlist

Start Here on Our Website

🥋 Learn More About Roll Model Grappling Camp

rollmodelswanted.com

📱 Connect with Jen & AJ on Social Media

Instagram – @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen: @brassybroadjen on Instagram | @brassybroadjen on TikTok

AJ: @ajclingerman on Instagram | @roll_model on TikTok

Roll Model Grappling: @rollmodelgrappling on Instagram

🎶 Production

Recording, theme music, editing, and production by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

⚠️ Disclaimer

The Beauty and the Gi podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or coaching advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for any condition.

Where is the line between fierce competition and compassion on the mats? Imagine the split-second decisions grapplers must make—do you trust the referee, or is it your duty to protect your opponent even at the risk of losing your match? 

Do you prioritize victory or the safety of your opponent during a Jiu-Jitsu competition? We’re exploring the moral dilemmas, emotional moments, and the culture that shapes competition and community in BJJ.

Would you risk injuring someone for a medal, or would you let go of a submission to keep your opponent safe? DM us your answer on Instagram or leave a comment if you’re watching this on YouTube or Spotify.

Chapters and Episode Highlights

(00:00) Jen’s return from summer sabatical to the podcast

(01:17) Do you protect your opponent?

(03:10) Does your answer change when there is big money on the line?

(04:48) What do you do when the ref isn’t paying attention?

(09:44) Is there a place for empathy on the mat?

(13:00) Equal pay and opportunities for women in high-stakes tournaments

(14:52) What would you do? Listener reflection and calls to action

(15:12) On and off the mat tips

(17:03) Upcoming camps and Jen's thoughts on being a new purple belt

If you love the podcast, share it with a friend!

You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Audible

Episodes.fm

YouTube

🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here

Start Here Spotify Playlist

Start Here on Our Website

🥋 Learn More About Roll Model Grappling Camp

rollmodelswanted.com

📱 Connect with Jen & AJ on Social Media

Instagram – @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen: @brassybroadjen on Instagram | @brassybroadjen on TikTok

AJ: @ajclingerman on Instagram | @roll_model on TikTok

Roll Model Grappling: @rollmodelgrappling on Instagram

🎶 Production

Recording, theme music, editing, and production by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

⚠️ Disclaimer

The Beauty and the Gi podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or coaching advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for any condition.

We're answering your Jiu-Jitsu questions in this episode. Thanks for sending your questions in!

If you love the podcast, share it with a friend!

You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Audible

Episodes.fm

YouTube

🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here

Start Here Spotify Playlist

Start Here on Our Website

🥋 Learn More About Roll Model Grappling Camp

rollmodelswanted.com

📱 Connect with Jen & AJ on Social Media

Instagram – @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen: @brassybroadjen on Instagram | @brassybroadjen on TikTok

AJ: @ajclingerman on Instagram | @roll_model on TikTok

Roll Model Grappling: @rollmodelgrappling on Instagram

🎶 Production

Recording, theme music, editing, and production by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

⚠️ Disclaimer

The Beauty and the Gi podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or coaching advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for any condition.

What are the Do's and Don'ts of including women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

If you love the podcast, share it with a friend!

You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Audible

Episodes.fm

YouTube

🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here

Start Here Spotify Playlist

Start Here on Our Website

🥋 Learn More About Roll Model Grappling Camp

rollmodelswanted.com

📱 Connect with Jen & AJ on Social Media

Instagram – @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen: @brassybroadjen on Instagram | @brassybroadjen on TikTok

AJ: @ajclingerman on Instagram | @roll_model on TikTok

Roll Model Grappling: @rollmodelgrappling on Instagram

🎶 Production

Recording, theme music, editing, and production by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

⚠️ Disclaimer

The Beauty and the Gi podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or coaching advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for any condition.

What should you know when starting Jiu-Jitsu, restarting Jiu-Jitsu after being out for a while, or changing gyms?

Camp Promo code mentioned in the episode: BG100

If you love the podcast, share it with a friend!

You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Audible

Episodes.fm

YouTube

🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here

Start Here Spotify Playlist

Start Here on Our Website

🥋 Learn More About Roll Model Grappling Camp

rollmodelswanted.com

📱 Connect with Jen & AJ on Social Media

Instagram – @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen: @brassybroadjen on Instagram | @brassybroadjen on TikTok

AJ: @ajclingerman on Instagram | @roll_model on TikTok

Roll Model Grappling: @rollmodelgrappling on Instagram

🎶 Production

Recording, theme music, editing, and production by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

⚠️ Disclaimer

The Beauty and the Gi podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or coaching advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for any condition.

What is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt?

If you love the podcast, share it with a friend!

You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Audible

Episodes.fm

YouTube

🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here

Start Here Spotify Playlist

Start Here on Our Website

🥋 Learn More About Roll Model Grappling Camp

rollmodelswanted.com

📱 Connect with Jen & AJ on Social Media

Instagram – @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen: @brassybroadjen on Instagram | @brassybroadjen on TikTok

AJ: @ajclingerman on Instagram | @roll_model on TikTok

Roll Model Grappling: @rollmodelgrappling on Instagram

🎶 Production

Recording, theme music, editing, and production by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

⚠️ Disclaimer

The Beauty and the Gi podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or coaching advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for any condition.

Roll Model Grappling Camp 2025 has come and gone. Here's what happened!

Links and Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Jocko - https://jockofuel.com

Defense - https://www.defensesoap.com

Lmnt - https://drinklmnt.com

Fit Feral fam - https://www.feralfam.org/

Gaidama - https://gaidama.com/

Kindra Barrett - https://www.kindrabarrett.com

Vida jiu jitsu - https://www.vidajiujitsu.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopWdewUGW7lPMEx13BFKsOxjEEzLl6-q0IFPsx3IaBHZ7-eKDM4

Lauren McAdams - https://www.instagram.com/jitz_hair_dont_care?igsh=MW50dzdlYnd5NTFjbQ==

Color Street - https://linktr.ee/kirasklawpolish

The Might Dames - https://www.themightydames.com/

Chubbies - https://www.chubbiesshorts.com/

Erin Ziegler - Meridian Insurance - https://www.mymeridianinsurance.com/staff-directory/ErinZiegler

Mary's soap - https://www.facebook.com/latheristhebest

If you love the podcast, share it with a friend!

You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Audible

Episodes.fm

YouTube

🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here

Start Here Spotify Playlist

Start Here on Our Website

🥋 Learn More About Roll Model Grappling Camp

rollmodelswanted.com

📱 Connect with Jen & AJ on Social Media

Instagram – @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen: @brassybroadjen on Instagram | @brassybroadjen on TikTok

AJ: @ajclingerman on Instagram | @roll_model on TikTok

Roll Model Grappling: @rollmodelgrappling on Instagram

🎶 Production

Recording, theme music, editing, and production by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

⚠️ Disclaimer

The Beauty and the Gi podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or coaching advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for any condition.

Megan Timler visits the podcast this week!

Connect with Megan Timler on Instagram  @nuttmeg012

If you love the Podcast, share it with a friend! You can also leave us a 5 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp

https://rollmodelswanted.com/

New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906439f https://beautyandthegi.libsyn.com/category/Start+Here

Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App

https://episodes.fm/1458389465

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EBCzi7znNuvxKlpLvue-w

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

Beauty and the Gi on Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Beauty-and-the-Gi-Podcast/B08JJMFS1D?

Connect with Jen and AJ

Beauty and the Gi Podcast on Instagram

 @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen on Instagram @brassybroadjen

Jen on TikTok @brassybroadjen

AJ on Instagram @ajclingerman

AJ on TikTok @roll_model

Roll Model Grappling on Instagram @rollmodelgrappling

Recording, Theme Music, Editing, and Production of this podcast by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

Disclaimer: The Beauty and the Gi podcast and content posted by Beauty and the Gi is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

What are the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu traditions and etiquette you need to know?

If you love the Podcast, share it with a friend! You can also leave us a 5 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp

https://rollmodelswanted.com/

New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906439f https://beautyandthegi.libsyn.com/category/Start+Here

Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App

https://episodes.fm/1458389465

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EBCzi7znNuvxKlpLvue-w

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI

Beauty and the Gi on Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Beauty-and-the-Gi-Podcast/B08JJMFS1D?

Connect with Jen and AJ

Beauty and the Gi Podcast on Instagram

 @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen on Instagram @brassybroadjen

Jen on TikTok @brassybroadjen

AJ on Instagram @ajclingerman

AJ on TikTok @roll_model

Roll Model Grappling on Instagram @rollmodelgrappling

Connect with Megan Timler and Kindra Barrett on Instagram

Megan Timler - @nuttmeg012

Kindra Barrett - @kindra_barrett

Theme Music by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

Disclaimer: The Beauty and the Gi podcast and content posted by Beauty and the Gi is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.