In this episode we take a look back at the ladies in MMA series and our favorite moments and takeaways from the interviews. Please support and check out all of these individuals on social media: David Close @coach_davidclose, Cody Freeland @coachcodyfreeland, Hannah Scoggins @hannah_scoggins, Charlsey Maner @charlseyb_m, and Fotini Kandris @tinikandris

In today's episode we get to sit down with our good friend and training partner Fotini Kandris. She is an MMA fighter out of Myrtle Beach, SC who recently won gold while representing Team USA at the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) championships in Singapore. Throughout the episode we talk about the lifestyle changes fighters encounter and how to best prepare for a fight through nutrition and fitness, in addition to weight cutting differences between the sexes.

During our first post mat chat episodes we take the opportunity to go over a topic or subject that have been on our minds or we have an epiphany about while training. Today, we discuss body awareness and how that is affected over time as well as how it changes as you progress through the ranks.

In this episode we talk with David Close, BJJ black belt, about which techniques in BJJ are essential to do well in MMA when you are doing groundwork. First we take the time to discuss the Silver Age of MMA as we address match-ups between strikers and grapplers. Then we go through a few techniques every fighter should have in their portfolio, such as closed guard, half guard, and butterfly guard. Finally, we wrap up the conversation talking about some submissions with higher finishing rates when applied correctly in MMA.

In today's episode we get to chat with Charlsey Manor, a BJJ Blue belt at ECMMA in Anderson, SC under black belt Alex Ninan about her BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA experiences. Not only do we cover her most memorable moments as a fighter, but her most memorable moments as an Undergraduate student at Clemson University. This goes into how martial arts has shaped her career objectives and how she has learned to consolidate her passions both professionally and personally. Tune in as we get to discuss how she builds up her team and community to being successful!

Today's episode encompasses traits and things to consider when finding a training partner. We discuss what kind of vibe and relationship to aim for and size limitations to take into account. In addition to addressing and being honest about what expectations we have for BJJ and finding a training partner with similar goals, training and learning styles. Finally, aknowledging that some relationships are co-dependant and how that may inhibit your training unless your communicate well with your partners.

In this episode we talk with Cody Freeland, brown belt under David Close and General Manager of UFC Gym Greenville, about which techniques in BJJ are essential to do well in MMA when you are against a standing opponent. Primarily talking about hand fighting, body locks, takedowns, and wall work. This discussion then takes a shift into the conceptual side of why we should train certain techniques or how we intend for a fight to go. 

In this episode we talk with Cody Freeland, brown belt under David Close and General Manager of UFC Gym Greenville about what makes an MMA fighter. From the "It" factor to the types of individuals that walk into the gym and want to fight. However, nothing prepares you like being punched in the face and finding out how you respond; either fight or flight.

Today's episode encompasses fundamental movements that we believe are important for self-defense with advice from BJJ black belt David Close. First we discuss the mental aspect of training and its application when dealing with real life situations. Then we cover some concepts when dealing with attackers from 1) standing 2) being pinned to the wall 3) having an attacker within our guard and 4) being mounted.