In today’s episode we sit down and chop it up with BJJ athlete and stroke survivor Chris Martin. Chris suffered an ischemic stroke that immediately left him paralyzed and unable to speak. The stroke was brought on while training Jiu Jitsu and it almost took his life. Chris eventually made a full recovery and continues to train BJJ but he was one of the lucky ones. He shares the story of his recovery and the mental scars he deals with now along with the stories of countless others that have suffered a similar fate but not been so lucky. This episode is not meant to scare you or dissuade you from training. We think that promoting awareness around the risk of strokes in BJJ we hope to make you a better training partner and it may lead to saving someone’s life one day. At the end of the day we are our brothers keeper. If we want to flirt with death then we damn sure better know how to recognize it and deal with it. 

Episode Highlights - 

• Chris’ stroke and getting back on the horse
• What is an ischemic stroke?
• How prevalent are they?
• Most common chokes that lead to ischemic strokes?
• Are people willfully blind to this risk?
• Has it always been a problem or is it getting worse?
• What can gym owners do
•  What are the signs to watch out for?
• What to do when you think someone is having a stroke

For additional information on strokes and survivor stores visit www.chrisdmartin.com and follow him @bizjitsu on instagram.

If you like the show please rate and review the podcast! Your support will help us to continue to grow!

Follow us on Instagram - 
@andresthegiantjj
@amattero
@entertheguardpod

Welcome to another installment of OPEN MAT - In this episode Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, mindset, protocols, gear and more. Want a question to be featured - send us a DM on Instagram! 

Episode Highlights - 
Should I keep a BJJ journal?
How often do you go to the gym and what does your workout look like?
What is your favorite part of jiu jitsu?
An unknown danger of BJJ....?

If you enjoy the podcast please take a second to rate and review the show. This is a 100% passion project and your support helps us grow!

Follow us on Instagram 
@amattero
@andresthegiantjj
@entertheguardpod

In this episode Dre talks about an issue that he has faced on the mats for a long time and that has its way of sneaking into everyones training. HESITATION. It has a sneaky way of making its way into our training and light sparring and in the worst cases, competition where it can cost you everything. We discuss  why it happens, the mentality behind it and how to avoid it.

Episode Highlights - 

• Using open mats the right way
• Fighting mentality archetype
• Doubt versus confidence?
• Hesitation kills skill
• Have a well developed game plan
• Violence of Action

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

Follow us on Instagram -
@andresthegiantjj
@amattero
@entertheguardpod

This episode of ETG is the second installment of our OPEN MAT. In this episode Dre and Alex take your questions relating to BJJ training, competition, mindset training, protocols and more and give you their perspectives.

Episode Questions -

• What is the earliest point in a white belts progress that you would recommend getting into a competition for the first time?
•  How to best handle nerves before competing?
• What is your apprach when injured? Rest? Train light?
• Best mobility drills?
• Overrated gi’s? 
• What gi colors should be allowed?

Got a question for us? Send us a DM on instagram @entertheguardpod to get it on the next OPEN MAT. 

Follow us -
@andresthegiantjj
@amattero
@entertheguardpod

Dre and Alex address the mental dilemma we all go through when it comes to getting better in jiu jitsu and getting promoted. We typically don’t like to talk about when we are getting promoted - There is no ego in BJJ right?? The truth is that we all want that next stripe or next belt, especially when we feel that we are improving, but its a taboo topic to address and can pose a mental block to your own progress. 

Episode Highlights

• Should we use tests in BJJ?
• Measuring yourself against other belts
• BJJ Tip - React with no reaction
• Good professors know 
• Its ok to wonder when you are getting promoted
• Measure success in as many ways as possible

If you enjoy the podcast, please take a second to leave a rating and a review! 

Follow us on Instagram 
@entertheguardpod
@amattero
@andresthegiantjj

In this episode Dre and Alex take a stab at answering the ultimate question - What does OSS mean? We also dive into the gi vs. no-gi debate and which has more impact on the other. 

Episode Highlights -
- Origins of OSS
- Traditional Japanese culture 
- Does everyone say OSS?
- Gi vs. No-Gi 
- Does Gi training help no-gi or vice versa?
- Where no-gi gets it wrong
- Mental fatigue while rolling

Follow us on Instagram - 
@andresthegiantjj
@amattero
@entertheguardpod

In this episode Dre and Alex talk about supplementation and if it is necessary for BJJ athletes. Obviously, the pros have a strict supplement regime but does the average enthusiast need one? For the sake of longevity and performance we think so and we break down why and what we are currently taking and trying out. 

Episode highlights - 
Do BJJ athletes need to supplement? 
Alex’s experience with antibiotics
Proper hydration with supplements 
Thoughts on Kratom
Benefits of using creatine
SARM’s - What are they and what do they do
Peptide therapy for injuries - BPC-157
Should Alex do mushrooms and roll?

Follow us on Instagram 
@andresthegiantjj
@amattero
@entertheguardpod

In this episode, Dre and Alex talk about the evolution and future of jiu-jitsu. It's unquestionable that the sport is growing every single year but where is it heading? Will it ever be in the ranks of the NFL, NBA, or MLB? Is it a real outlet for athletes to make an income? We discuss all this and more...

Epsidoe Highlights - 
- Phenoms of BJJ 
- Public exposure to BJJ as a sport
- Do you need a WWE personality to make money?
- Outlets to make money in BJJ
- Is jiu-jitsu going mainstream?
-ADCC, ONE FC, WNO - Who will win?
- Can we make BJJ more watchable? 

Please rate and review the podcast! 

Follow us on Instagram - 
@andresthegiantjj
@amattero
@entertheguardpod

Dre and Alex give praise to the weekend warriors, the unsung heroes of the gym. The guys and gals that show up as often as they can and give it their all out of a pure love for the art and sport of Jiu-jitsu. They also talk about the ups and downs of being an irregular athlete including the physical and mental hurdles we all have to overcome. 

To support the podcast please leave a review and rate us!

Episode Highlights 

• Who are the weekend warriors?
• Being hard on yourself for not training like a “pro”
• Do you choose obsession or does it choose you?
• Measuring success in as many ways as possible
• FOMO
• Getting leapfrogged by others in the gym
• You owe nothing to anyone!
• The importance of going when YOU can

Follow us on Instagram:

@andresthegiantjj
@amattero
@entertheguardpod

In this episode, Dre and Alex sit down and talk jiu jitsu with one of the all-time greats and founder of Six Blades Jiu Jitsu, Alexandre “Xande” Ribeiro.

Xande is one of the most winningest BJJ competitors ever, with multiple titles in every major organization. His guard game is the stuff of legends and he imposed his will on the BJJ world for over 30 years. 

Highlights
- Training mentality and seeking perfection 
- Evolution in Xande's training
- Timeless jiu jitsu vs. "modern" techniques
- How BJJ has evolved from fighters to athletes
- Competition mindset - the expectancy effect
- Mobility training to improve your game
- Questions from a white belt

Follow us on Instagram
@entertheguardpod
@andresthegiantjj
@amattero