Enter The Guard Podcast

Todays episode is a vaulted episode that we recorded when Alex first started on his jiu jitsu journey. We talk a little about how he is taking to the art and then we get into the ancient Greek concept of Thumos - what it is,  how it is dying among men, and how to tap into it.

Thumos doesn't translate well into english but essentially it is ones spiritedness. It encapsulates motivation, emotion, volition, desire - its the passion that drives us, it is the righteous rage. 

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In todays episode Dre and Alex have a short state of the union where they discuss things going on in the sport - from tournament results, events, popular personalities and controversies and much more. 

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Welcome to OPEN MAT. The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, gear, culture, lifestyle and more share their opinions. Got a question? Send us a DM on Instagram @entertheguardpod

Todays Questions - 

• How do you deal with spazzy newbies that are bigger and stronger than you are?
• What's your go-to takedown - especially for the older guys?
• Effectiveness of BJJ in a streetfight?

If you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and review the podcast!

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@entertheguardpod

In todays episode Dre and Alex look at sports pyschology and discuss the difference between being and Ego oriented athlete and a Task oriented athlete. The guys consider which way they lean more towards, the pros and cons of each, having a healthy dose of both and more. 

Episode Highlights

• What is an athlete?
• Ego vs. task orientation
• Why most people quit things
• Humble pie
• The importnace of having a bit of both

If you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and review the podcast!

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@entertheguardpod

In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness month I wanted to give you all a tool that you can use to help deal with stress and anxiety. PMR is a two-step relaxation practice to reduce stress and build awareness of sensations of tension and deep relaxation in various muscle groups. The first step in this practice is to create tension in specific muscle groups. The second step is to then release this muscle tension and begin to notice what a relaxed muscle feels like as the tension drains away. By moving through the body by alternately tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in a certain order, one builds awareness of how to recognize and differentiate between the associated feelings of a tensed muscle and a completely relaxed one. Whether before a big competition or for your daily use to wind down, PMR can help you alleviate stress and anxiety and even help with insomnia. 

Please ensure that you do this exercise in safe environment and definitely not while operating any vehicles or machinery. 

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In this episode Dre and Alex talk about being in their worst positions and how to deal with it by preparing for the worst. It's all fun and games when you are in a good position but how do you fare when you are in your worst position? Do you panic? Give up? We wont always be on top and so we must prepare for the worst possible scenario. 

Episode Highlights:
- Dre's worst position
- Getting comfortable in uncomfortable situations
- Avoiding a position isn't the best answer
- Why you haven't been working on your worst position

If you enjoy the show make sure you rate and review the podcast!

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@entertheguardpod
@amattero
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In this episode Dre and Alex debate the age old topic of strength versus technique in BJJ. On the one hand you definitely have to give it up to technique but on the other it would also be unrealistic to tell someone not to use their athletic abilities. Which reigns supreme?? The truth is probably somewhere in the middle but one thing is certain, and you'll have to listen to the episode to find out. 

Episode Highlights

• Should you not use your strength?
• David v. Goliath
• After white belt its game on for athleticism
• Athleticism mismatches we have seen
• Offense versus defense

If you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and review the podcast!

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@amattero
@entertheguardpod

Welcome to OPEN MAT - The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, gear, culture, lifestyle and more share their opinions. In todays episode we are joined by Felipe Costa and Emma Reusing for their hot takes on the topics of the day! Got a question? Send us a DM on Instagram @entertheguardpod

Todays Questions  

• What is the most common/repeated injury you've had?
• What is your favorite/best recovery method?
• What's better for self defense - Judo or BJJ?
• Preparing for my first competition - what should I do?

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@emma_reusing
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In today's episode Dre and Alex sit down with professional BJJ athlete Felipe Costa. Felipe is in his debut year as a black belt competitor and is already ranked 3rd in the superheavy weight division after taking second at IBJJF Pans earlier in the year. Felipe shares his journey from childhood when he started training jiu jitsu to  taking a leap of faith and coming to the US to train and compete full time under the tutelage of Xande Ribeiro and Victor Hugo. He also shares how he shaped his work ethic and  mentality when it comes to training and competing in BJJ at the highest levels. 

Follow Felipes journey as a professional athlete on instagram @Felipecostajj 

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If you enjoy the show please help support the podcast by rating and reviewing us! 

Welcome to OPEN MAT - todays episode will be a slight deviation from the norm. We welcome back Chris Martin of JiuJitsuInsurance.com and discuss the Jack Greener case that has caught the attention of the entire BJJ community. We clear up some misconceptions about the case, discuss Rener's expert testimony, and we discuss what Jiu Jitsu schools need to be doing when it comes to insurance and protecting their business and students. 

Follow us on Instagram -
@andresthegiantjj
@amattero
@entertheguardpod