On this episode, we highlight the ups and downs of competition. Mike shares his experience with a super fight at Copa Elite 4 and participation in the Virginia Open for IBJJF.  We reflect on returning to competition after a long hiatus, knocking off the rust, overcoming unexpected illnesses and injuries, the benefits of confidence, and the idea of growing from a loss. 

Scott breaks down his lead up and competition at the IBJJF Chicago open. We discuss takeaways, changes from prior competitions, as well as his focuses and how he approached competition day.

 Scott and Mike also delve into the nuances of competition mentalities, sharing advice on managing nerves, the importance of preparation, and strategies to maintain peak performance.

Scott and Mike go over an ever present aspect of competing in BJJ, weight classes and weight cuts.  We discuss some methodologies that we use when cutting weight, how to pick a weight class, and different types of weight cuts depending on time between weigh ins and stepping on the mat.  We also discuss how cutting weight may not necessarily be ideal for some competitors and how to approach a first competition.

We sit down with owner of NoVa Barbell Club, Asim Fayyaz. Asim is a Strength and Conditioning Coach who specializes in programming for grapplers and BJJ athletes. We cover some training ideologies, how programming differs for the different types of athletes he works, special considerations for grapplers, and dive in to the idea of "create-a-fighter", strong man competitions, upcoming projects and more.

Find Asim at the following:

Instagram: Asim_NVBC  nova.barbell.club

YouTube: Novabarbellclub

TikTok: StrongAF

join our discord: https://discord.gg/a7n3baG3

Scott and Mike sit down with Shane Marshall, an up-and-coming MMA fighter. We talk about his background, wrestling, fighting and more.

Scott and Mike discuss different methods of recovery from combat sport training and what they use to keep themselves on the mat consistently.

Scott and Mike discuss setting specific training goals, modifications to their training as they've become older, and adjusting training to stay on the mats longer.

On this episode Scott and Mike discuss purposeful training that we have been doing as preparation for competition and our ideology behind it.