Get A Grip with Kendall Reusing

Today, I talk with Giancarlo about his journey from being a big fish in a small pond in his hometown, to transitioning to NoGi right before ADCC Trials, to then moving to Texas and winning ADCC in dominant fashion soon after. We discuss the beauty of leaders (such as Lucas Lepri, in his experience), who aren’t afraid to let you go and follow your dreams (even if that means leaving them), being an uke for John Danaher’s BJJ Fanatics DVDs, and what it is really like to pick up your life and move to Austin, Texas to train with the team at New Wave. In a real-life rise to the top American Jiu Jitsu story, Giancarlo gives listeners a ton of tangible insight on what it takes to chase your dreams full force.

Follow him on IG: https://www.instagram.com/giancarlobodoni/

Today, I connect with Richie “Boogeyman” Martinez over his experience and advice in the realms of: the responsibility that comes with leadership, reputation and integrity, and learning through immense pain. Not only does he discuss how to handle betrayal and loss, but Richie truly opens his heart to us in this interview, describing some of his most severe life experiences. I’m very grateful to Richie for his honesty and depth, and I encourage you to listen closely. I hope that you will feel both authentically connected and deeply inspired by the end of our conversation.

Follow him on IG: https://www.instagram.com/boogeyman_tfs/

Today, Victor lays out his formula of moving from Brazil to the US to become a multiple time Jiu Jitsu World Champion, 2x ADCC Veteran, and business owner, at just 25 years old. We talk about the importance of dropping your ego in order to ask the right questions, continuously seeking out knowledge and guidance from others, building a brand that is more than just “good at jiu jitsu,” and the North Star of always doing and creating with your community and loved ones at the top of your mind. From a young kid in Fortaleza to a world champion and business owner living in Austin, Texas, “Big Man Flow” has a lot to teach us about his heart-led vision of success.

Follow him on IG: https://www.instagram.com/victorhugojj/

Today, I talk with one of Jiu Jitsu’s most iconic legends about what you must sacrifice in order to pursue your dreams and become a champion. We explore the challenges and blessings of having your older sibling as your coach, becoming the most authentic version of yourself as a fighter and instructor, and what it was REALLY like to fight in Brazil before the days of Instagram Jiu Jitsu. I met Xande when I was 8 years old, and it’s an honor to share some of his stories, wisdom, and warmth with you all this week.

Follow Xande on IG https://www.instagram.com/xanderibeirojj/

Today, Ffion and I dive straight into the juicy topics as we discuss the behind-the-scenes reality of being a successful woman in a male-dominated industry. After her incredible year of winning the World Championships and ADCC, Ffion is one of Jiu Jitsu’s loudest and most well-respected voices. She tells me about her recent transition to being single in a new country (and how going it alone has given her her biggest breakthroughs), describes creating light out of darkness, and makes me laugh at a LOT of inappropriate jokes (but what else is new?). Buckle up, this episode is quite the rollercoaster.

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsffionnotfiona/

Today, I talk with Kody Steele and William Tackett about Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and the importance of community and consistency. We deep dive into the daily grind of being a combat athlete as we explore the routines and ups and downs of their careers. Join us to hear these two young athletes share their thoughts on what it really means to "give it your all" and why commitment to excellence will always get you to the top.

Follow them on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kody_steelebjj/  

https://www.instagram.com/tackett_jiujitsu/ Also, don't forget to check out

 https://www.grapplegallery.com/

Today, I connect with Rafael Lovato Jr. on all things MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, fatherhood, and the history of his legacy. He walks us through the trials and tribulations that made him the widely successful man he is today. His story, like so many, has dark moments and hearing how he fought through it all to become the legend he is today is truly inspiring. An undefeated Bellator Champion, and Jiu-Jitsu World Champion, now newly retired from Adult Tournament competition and fully focused on fatherhood and business, Lovato teaches us exactly what it takes to create the life of your wildest dreams. Follow Lovato https://www.instagram.com/lovatojrbjj/ https://www.youtube.com/lovatojiujitsu Learn more from Lovato https://www.timelessjiujitsu.com/trial https://okbjj.com/ https://bjjfanatics.com/search?q=rafael%20lovato Follow Us https://www.instagram.com/getagripwithk/ https://www.instagram.com/kendallreusing/

Before jumping into all of the amazing interviews to come, I am catching you up on the events of my traumatic knee injury in the semifinals of ADCC September 2022. I discuss why it was the best thing that could have happened, and how life has evolved since. I overview the journey from Las Vegas to California, MRI results of the injury, potential of surgery and healing timeline, return to training and competition, and what I’m focused on in the meantime. Special thanks to Brigham and his team at Ways2Well (https://www.ways2well.com https://instagram.com/ways2well?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=), along with my team of coaches, trainers, doctors, and healers.