In today's podcast, Chris and Noah discuss a recently uploaded video by black belt, Rory van Vliet, titled "Developing A Specific Guard - How to Choose Your First or Follow Up Guards." The video centers on two main points: 1) The benefits of choosing a guard and focusing on it.  2) How one should go about selecting their preferred guard. In addition to discussing the material of the video, Noah and Chris talk about how and when a student should be allowed to pursue their own BJJ game. Finally, Noah describes his experience returning to a traditional gym to work out -- and how a female staff member reacted to his man bun and fanny pack.

Link to the Rory van Vliet BJJ video we discuss: https://youtu.be/YWNwimhMi9o

Michelle Sanchez is a blue belt in jiu-jitsu and trained at ATT Orlando for a couple years before moving north to Connecticut. In that short time, Michelle established herself as one of the most active and dedicated BJJ students at the gym. Noah catches up with Michelle via Instagram Live on a Sunday night. Michelle describes the current situation in Connecticut with regard to COVID-19 and training. Then, Michelle covers her introduction to jiu-jitsu and how she arrived at ATT Orlando in 2017. Later in the conversation, Michelle talks about how jiu-jitsu has helped improve her physical and mental health. The video version of this conversation is available on Instagram: @bjjandbrews.

The Tribe misses you Michelle!!

Florida is about to reopen gyms in the state. In addition to discussing the impending reopening of ATT Orlando, Chris and Noah talk about how they've stayed active during quarantine and how it has impacted their Jiu-Jitsu. Noah discusses the positive impact of a serious strength and conditioning program. Chris explains how he ended up buzzing his hair. They also touch on the return of UFC and how crazy the first two UFC cards were!

This week, Paul talks about his MMA training days in the early 2000s. Before joining Ricardo Liborio and American Top Team, Paul trained under Marcio Simas in Orlando with a collection of noteworthy fighters. Paul shares stories from the early Marcio Simas fight team and the concept of team loyalty back then. Paul gives his opinion on cross-training now. Also, Chris asks Paul how he handles a fresh student that wants to pursue to an MMA career. 

Another week of COVID-19 shutdown means another weeks with Coach Paul. On this occasion we recorded a two-part conversation. Today is part one, where Paul, Chris, and Noah discuss Paul's passion for mountaineering and the outdoors. We also discover that Chris is deathly scared of grasshoppers and grass. Paul describes some of his climbs in the Pacific Northwest and his development (and current 'belt-level') as a mountaineer.

One week later, Paul Rodriguez rejoins the podcast for a second conversation. This week, Paul discusses many topics including jiu-jitsu curriculum, the evolution of MMA training, and overtraining. Paul also explains the process he went through in order to be promoted to black belt under Ricardo Liborio, including, how rolling with Liborio went. Paul Rodriguez is the head coach at American Top Team Orlando, a professional MMA fighter, and a third degree black belt under Ricardo Liborio.

Paul Rodriguez is the head coach and owner of ATT Orlando. He's a 3rd degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Ricardo Liborio and has had a long career fighting MMA across the world. In addition to discussing strength and conditioning, Paul shares a few stories from his past - his introduction to MMA with Din Thomas, what training was like in the late 90s/early 2000s, and competing in ADCC trials. If you're interested in Paul's background, a glimpse into early MMA, and some of the origins of MMA in central Florida, this conversation covers that and a whole lot more. Plus, at the end of our conversation, Paul makes a big announcement!

Noah and Chris discuss a plethora of topics including:

- Chris's recent lower back injury.

Cameos include Victor, Head Coach Paul Rodriguez, and the Tribe Dogs (Zeek, Jerry, and Leo)!

BJJ brown belt, Stan Rousonelos, joins Chris and Noah to talk about his jiu-jitsu origin story and how he ended up at Cogito Jiu-Jitsu in Casselbery, Florida. Stan recounts his extensive travel experiences, including teaching English in South Korea while also training martial arts and competing. In addition, Stan and Chris discuss workout and diet routines, being jiu-jitsu dads, and finding times to train. Stan recently was awarded his brown belt and is using 2020 to hone his technique and prepare body for grappling competitions in 2021. 

Big thanks to Stan for dropping by ATT Orlando to chat with us and train on a Saturday morning.

Eli sits down with Chris and Noah as he begins his training camp for his pro MMA debut in Combate Americas! Eli is an MMA fighter, Marine combat veteran, and jiu-jitsu purple belt who fights and trains out of ATT Orlando. Eli talks about his youth, enlisting in the marines, his transition back to civilian life, and the importance of discovering MMA and jiu-jitsu. This episode was fueled by Tactical Brewing Company's Last Second craft beer. It's a delicious Florida Weisse with Papaya and Prickly Pear that was brewed in collaboration with Intracostal. Follow Tactical Brewing on Instagram: @tacticalbrewing