Grapple with the Bat

In this episode I'm joined by one half of the 66kgs Championship Bout at the recent M16 Open Round 14 Event Jackie Hughes.

We break down the whole show and the litany of breakout performances that went down along with providing some insight in to the mental and physical challenges that are overcome to consistently step on to the mats in competition at this level.

We also look forward to the host of exciting events on the schedule with so many amazing matches announced and some big opportunities for homegrown athletes onnthe horizon.

There are so many Mentions in this Episode that I can't even tag them all in one post!

Listen all the way through and you will be rewarded with some great insights in to just how special the scene is right now with the talent level at an all time high, and it's growing every day in academies across the nation.

In this episode we dive in to a recap and play by play of the massive weekend of Grappling we just had, along with preview the epic matchups both locally and internationally that we have to look forward to.

Starting with the feature bouts that went down at Who's Number One and then a match by match follow of the brilliant event that was Polaris Squads, I break down the results and stand out performances by all competitors and make some recommendations on key matches to watch and learn from.

ONE Championship also had a high level Grappling Bout take place in Thailand between two IBJJF Black Belt Champions so I make sure to dig up the details there too.

Moving forward we get a Preview of the M16 Open, Fusion Fighting Championships and Battleground Grappling Invitational all taking place within the next month.

It's an exciting time for Grapplers Worldwide and we've got it coveted right here on Grapple with the Bat.

In this Episode we cover recent news and events from around the Grappling World before travelling to the Inagural Australian Grappling League!!

We here from Superfight Winners Connor Kearney, Nicole Alexander and Luke Marko as they break down their experience and give insights in to their matches, along with break some news about their upcoming opportunties.

Winner of the Professional Open Weight Gi Division Keegan Jones also drops in for a unique perspective as both a successful competitor and referee of this completely new rule set.

And of course, we speak to the man behind it all Jesse Hughes and here first hand what went in to making this all happen and where he wants to the this comp in the future.

Along the way we all highlight our favourite moments and competitions from throughout the competition and shine a light on some outstanding members of the community.

There was only one way to start this podcast off, and it's with the Clown Prince of Crime based Submissions, Adam Jones.

We talk everything M16 Open discussing the history of the event and how it has grown to be one of the most watched shows in Australia.

The upcoming card has an International standard of athlete and we highlight some of the epic matches that will be taking place.

Along with this, we talk about Belt Rank Philosphy in the modern era, New Waves' Secret development programme and get in to detail about Adams own competition aspirations with insights in to mentality, motive and training practices that reflect his goals.

A Super fun sitdown with classic Jones humour and some important insights all in the same sentence. Not to be missed!!!!

We kick off this Episode with a special mention for a very deserving cause before answering your questions about Las Vegas and the World Championships, giving shout outs to some incredible stand out athletes of 2024 and up and comers for 2025.

We preview some exciting M16 Open Matchups and I ask Jackie Hughes and Daniel Muenchow about their highlights of 2024 + goals for 2025, getting some insider info about upcoming opportunties.

We also discuss potential CJI 2 Quintet teams with Guy Renn and highlight some local teams doing big things in the scene.

Lastly, I give some insight as to what comes next for the Podcast as we move in to a new focus for the future.. listen in for the details!!!

Join your hosts Nick Hughes and Jackie Highes as we Journey across the World to Compete in the 2024 IBJJF No Gi World Championships in Las Vegas.

Hear first hand the trials and tribulations, behind the scenes insights, thoughts on preparation and execution as well as post event breakdowns from the perspective of two competitors who faced down the challenges and stepped on the mats at the highest level.

In this Episode you will get a great feel of what the true test is when it comes to international travel and keeping it all together in a difficult environment, whilst at the same time getting to hear candid and honest thoughts along the way regarding the entire process from start to finish.

We really hope you enjoy this one and can benefit from the lessons of our experience, as well as get some entertainment and laughs at our expense.

Viva Las Vegas.

Available now on your favourite listening platforms!!!!

In this Episode we take a unique look back at the Outstanding M16 Open Event by diving in to some match analysis with the 4 Victorious MatLab Athletes who represented on the night.

Gaining insight in to the Preperation Process, thoughts on Execution in the match itself, Post match Progress Points and all of the behind the scenes stories that make up the over all Experience of Competing on an Elite Superfight Event!

We sit down one by one and watch the matches back with and you can hear for yourself just how much they put in to it and what it meant to them.

Along with this, we take it to The Lab and discuss the long lasting impressions from the day, getting everyone's perspective on just how game changing this event really was for the SA scene... and indulge in some relentless Banter on the way.

In this Episode we begin by assessing the strengthening Australian Grappling Community in the post CJI era by acknowledging the Elite Teams both old and new and how they are all playing a role in pushing the scene forward.

We also travel to Battleground Grappling Invitational and get a Full Preview, Interview and Review Experience with the promoter himself George Garley, along with multiple athletes who competed on the epic show.

We break down the upcoming M16 Open Card which is set to be the biggest yet, and then get out to the SA State Championships with some Black Belt Match Commentary and a catch up with Jesse Hughes to talk about his new exciting Competition; Australian Grappling League, and his vision for the future of the event.

Packed with great guests and candid cameos, this Episode is sure to entertain!

In this Episode we cover the most Historic Grappling Weekend in History!!!

With so much happenning all at the same time, join us on this ride as we begin at the Synergy Pro Event in South Australia, before travelling to the Australian National Championships in Melbourne, whilst at the same CJI, ADCC, Eternal MMA and UFC Perth are all in full affect.

We got predictions, analysis, competition perfromance results, match commentary, interviews and live reactions to what was surely the most chaotic, intense and action packed Combat Sports Event of ALL TIME!!

With so many individuals forging their path and writing their stories, the fallout of this weekend will be felt long in to the future. Upset after Upset, Record after Record. Million Dollar Prizes and Legacies Cemented. What a wild experience.

So now we attempt to answer the question.. who won the War of 2024????

In this Episode we travel yet again to the massive Fusion Fighting Championships Melbourne for some behind the scenes interviews and reactions, along with candid moments and insights from athletes before, during and after the event.

We also discuss some recent Gradings in the Jiu Jitsu world and in response to heavy requests; I expand on the Concept of Gatekeeping in the Competitive Grappling World, offering some examples and solutions.

Last but not least, we open the forum up to the students to give predictions on the recent CJI bracket release and get everyone's bets in on who takes out the Million Dollar Prize!!!