In this podcast I pay a visit to Gracie Barra Fulham to talk to Lucio Rodrigues "Lagarto". After an amazing class taught by Lagarto, we discussed his current journey so far. His move from Brazil to London to set up GB Fulham. How he competed with a broken elbow, competing after chemotherapy and how he beat cancer. We also discuss how to balance training to avoid injuries and maintain regular mat fitness. Lagarto’s journey has been one of true inspiration. He is the consummate gentleman, motivator and figurehead of the London grappling scene. His competition record is outstanding and he is someone I felt utterly privileged to talk with. Enjoy.

In this podcast I pay a visit to Gracie Barra Fulham (again) to talk to Brazilian Black Belt (Gracie Barra) Professor. Guilherme Trestini. The previous night to this, I met Guilherme for the first time at GB West Kensington, the night before we recorded and participated in his GB1 class. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and really got on well with him. He invited me to GB Fulham the next day for a GB3 class. It was an amazing experience that I managed to top off by firstly having a 6 minute spar with him, followed by recording a podcast episode to get his story. We discussed his journey so far, including his move over from team Carlson Gracie to Gracie Barra to teach at GB Fulham with Lagarto. We also discuss his ongoing acting career and his surprising lack of ability to be able to surf. Bizarre, as common stereo types would have us believe the opposite if you are originally from Rio and do BJJ. You couldn’t meet a nicer guy. Both Guilherme and Lagarto complement each other so well as the master and the student which reflects well when Guilherme teaches as he carries such authority. It’s hard to believe he’s only 28. Watch out for this guy. Enjoy.

In this podcast I pay a visit to Steve Turbit at his new BJJ and MMA School (Coventry) based in the Richard Parkes ‘Train & Gain’ gym. Steve who is registered blind with only 2% of peripheral vision, is a retired British National Para-Judoka and current BJJ brown belt where he has won Gold at purple belt at national mainstream competitions. After an initial roll around, where Steve very graciously let me take his back, we sat down to discuss the differences between both judo and BJJ and how each sport can complement the other., what his plans are for competing, the school moving forward, balancing training with life as a father to three children, and the infamous event that lead to him being cut from the national squad right before the London 2012 Olympics.

In this podcast I go to the Excel Leisure Centre in Coventry to chat and have a roll with the much sought after personal trainer and rehabilitation instructor Earl James. Earl is an Ex-Royal Marine who served 10 years and completed an operational tour in Afghanistan where he sustained a sudden traumatic event to his lower back which resulted in him being removed from theatre and sent to DMRC Headily court and then Hasler Company. We discuss Earls journey from a young out of shape teenager who experienced bullying to joining the Royal Marines, his spinal injury, his recovery period and how he overcame the tough decision to accept corrective surgery and be medically discharged from a career he truly loved. We talk about his influences on the way, who and what motivated him and his current love and passion for BJJ, where he has had some noted success since he put on a Kimono.

I visit Lions Gym (Coventry) to chat and roll with Melissa Mullins who recently returned from the IMMAF tournament in Italy where she came away with a silver medal having narrowly lost in the final via split decision. We discuss her journey from complete novice beginner, having zero experience in martial arts to where she is today (World Amateur Silver Medallist), what motivates her and what and how she got through a potentially career ending injury, when only three months into learning BJJ she completely ruptured her ACL. Hear Melissa’s story and find out what’s next for this rising star and inspiring individual with an abundance of natural talent.