A Few weeks ago at the Fuji Expo in KC, I (@thejoshmckinney) grabbed a mic at the end of a long tournament day and did what every exhausted coach should do: talk trash, tell stories, and give hot takes while the adrenaline wears off.

You’ll hear from the Arias Bros (including a wild match story that ends in a heel hook attempt in the gi), plus more coaches breaking down what they saw on the mats, what tournaments get right/wrong, and the weird culture stuff we all pretend isn’t real (handshake etiquette, rulesets, coaching “disappointment,” and more).

Thanks to all the coaches who jumped on the mic to chat.

If you’ve ever coached all day, competed and got banged up, or just love the post-tournament parking-lot vibes—this one’s for you.

 Suck at Jiu Jitsu Experience:  https://kick.site/rxi0b3vo ($100 OFF with Promo Code "Fuji Expo")

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The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp

00:00 – Live at the Fuji BJJ Expo

01:30 – Aras Bros interview & wild black belt match story

04:20 – Coaching all day, winning & losing at tournaments

06:00 – Fuji Expo thoughts & Midwest Jiu-Jitsu

08:00 – ISAJJ Show Experience & camp announcement

10:40 – Jiu-Jitsu injury insurance explained

17:45 – Tournament risk, injuries & gym owner responsibility

20:00 – Hot takes, sponsors & mat hygiene talk

23:30 – Coaching mindset, injuries & training updates

27:00 – Gi vs No-Gi & tournament formats

33:30 – Favorite matches & coaching disappointments

41:00 – Post-match etiquette & jiu-jitsu traditions

45:20 – Masters vs adult divisions & rulesets

50:00 – Spicy hot takes & culture commentary

57:45 – Final thoughts & wrap-up

Everyone Has a Hot Take about BJJ… So We Gave Them all a Microphone

This is the FIRST EVER episode of Hot Takes Wanted—and we didn’t hold back.

I(@thejoshmckinney) grabbed as many people as possible and let them unload their most unfiltered jiu-jitsu opinions. No scripts. No safety nets. Just raw takes from the mats.

Guard pulling?

Gi vs No-Gi?

Wrestling elitism?

American Jiu-Jitsu?

Barefoot tournament savages??

Yeah… it all came up.

Some people think you can’t complain about guard pulling if you can’t pass a guard.

Others say you shouldn’t guard pull if you can’t wrestle.

Some swear No-Gi isn’t even Jiu-Jitsu—it’s just submission wrestling.

Others say if you don’t train in the gi, you’re missing the point entirely.

Then things got weird (in the best way).

We got takes on:

-Boxers vs Jiu-Jitsu in real fights

-Why belt promotions are broken (or perfect)

-Why American Jiu-Jitsu is its own thing

-Why your toes should get stomped on if you walk barefoot at tournaments

-And even why the infamous “r*pe choke” should be renamed

Some takes are smart.

Some are spicy.

Some will absolutely make you mad.

And that’s the point.

👇 Jump in the comments:

Which take was the WORST?

Which one was 100% correct?

And what hot take should we put on blast in the next episode?

This is jiu-jitsu culture—unfiltered.

I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Experience: https://kick.site/rxi0b3vo ($100 OFF with Promo Code "Fuji Expo")

Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck

sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”

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The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp

What does it actually take to become unbreakable in jiu-jitsu — mentally, physically, and over an entire career?

I(@thejoshmckinney) recorded this conversation live at the Fuji BJJ Expo with Victor Hugo (victorhugojj), right in the middle of a tournament atmosphere, with matches happening, crowds moving, and pressure everywhere. No studio. No edits. Just a real, unfiltered conversation with one of the most dominant and respected competitors of this generation.

Victor Hugo doesn’t talk about techniques here.

He talks about how he lives his life and how it applies to jiu-jitsu.

In this live interview, Victor breaks down:

- Why flow matters more than force at the highest level

- How he trains without burning out or getting stuck

- What actually goes through his head before world championship finals

- How early losses shaped him instead of breaking him

- Why adaptability beats having “one best move”

- How he stays calm when everything is on the line

- And what most athletes get wrong about longevity, pressure, and winning

This was filmed tableside at Fuji BJJ Expo, during a live tournament weekend — the noise, the distractions, the energy — and Victor stayed exactly who he is: calm, thoughtful, and intentional.

If you’ve ever:

- Felt stuck in your training

- Burned out chasing results

- Struggled with pressure in competition

- Or wondered how elite athletes stay composed while everyone else panics

This conversation will change how you think about jiu-jitsu.This isn’t hype.This is Big Man Flow — explained by the man who lives it.

I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Experience: https://kick.site/rxi0b3vo ($100 OFF with Promo Code "Fuji Expo")

Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/

isucksportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”

Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”: https://www.dsgear.com/

he Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp

Champion’s Stay Present: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/csp

Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suck

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow

Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney

Most people won’t waste 2026 on purpose—but they will by accident.

In this short, no-fluff episode of The I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show, Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) breaks down the simple mistakes that keep white belts stuck and black belts stale—and how small tweaks can completely change your progress next year.

This isn’t about new techniques, secret systems, or training harder. It’s about fixing the boring fundamentals of how you train, so your time on the mat actually turns into skill.

If you want 2026 to be the year your jiu-jitsu finally clicks, this episode is your reset.

• Why most people “train a lot” but don’t get better
  

• How to stop drifting and start improving with intention
  

• The biggest mindset traps holding back every belt level
  

• How to structure training so progress compounds over time
  

Give me 59 minutes—and don’t waste 2026.

Master Any Position in 6 Weeks: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/6 

Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck

sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”

Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”: https://www.dsgear.com/ 

The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp 

Champion’s Stay Present: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/csp 

Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suck

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow 

Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney 

What you’ll learn:

What happens when you take the wildest, deepest, most ridiculous Jiu-Jitsu conversations of the year… and put them in one episode?This is it.⚠️ 7 straight hours of black belt wisdom, hot takes, mindset shifts, technical gold, and straight-up Jiu Jitsu madness — all pulled from the best moments of The I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show in 2025.Whether you're a white belt looking for breakthroughs…A coach searching for clarity…Or a die-hard fan of the chaos — this episode is your end-of-year deep dive.⏱️ What’s Inside:🤯 Unfiltered rants, raves, and revelations🧠 Practical advice that actually moves your game forward🔥 Conversations that shook the Jiu-Jitsu community🥋 Clips that made you laugh, rethink, and rewind🗣 Featuring guests like:Henry Akins, Greg Souders., Glen Powditch, Steve McKinney, and other top-tier minds from the mats.If you’re serious about Jiu-Jitsu, this is the 7-hour reset your brain needs before 2026.👇 Comment your favorite moment below — I might pin it.

ISAJJ Experience Tickets: https://kick.site/rxi0b3vo

Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck

sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”

Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”: https://www.dsgear.com/

The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp

00:00 - Jack Taufer explains connection and belt rank

22:13 - Why the Jiu Jitsu Community is falling apart

45:00 - What makes Greg Souders tick?

1:07:54 - Henry Akins and Micheal Zenga Breakdown what makes the best Jiu Jitsu

1:35:04 - What is American Jiu Jitsu? | The AJJ Declaration of Independence

2:07:44 - How to get your Black Belt in 7 Years

2:27:36 - Worst Hot Takes of 2025

2:58:10 - Identifying every hateable person at your jiu jitsu school

3:26:18 - Glyn Powditch teaches Breathwork for jiu jitsu and survivial

3:58:10 - Warning: Jiu Jitsu is Ruining Your Life

4:22:23 - How to use a Performance day

4:38:22 - CJI is going to suck?

5:16:56 - Josh loses in front of everyone but still has a better day than Ralph

5:51:41 - Thank You Notes of 2025

6:09:19 - Steve McKinney | Life Hacks to live Forever

Jack Taufer explains connection and belt rank - https://youtu.be/bDFFiauY3lc

Why the Jiu Jitsu Community is falling apart - https://youtu.be/hlCWCv327Uc

What makes Greg Souders tick? - https://youtu.be/R5XI3CfLV9g

Henry Akins and Micheal Zenga Breakdown what makes the best Jiu Jitsu - https://youtu.be/tN-eIL7euSo

What is American Jiu Jitsu? | The AJJ Declaration of Independence - https://youtu.be/KVSyAde-yrQ

How to get your Black Belt in 7 Years - https://youtu.be/9RsayPzb-7E

Worst Hot Takes of 2025 - https://youtu.be/UDmUl4cYvcs

Identifying every hateable person at your jiu jitsu school - https://youtu.be/mnCMwvx0erI

Glyn Powditch teaches Breathwork for jiu jitsu and survival - https://youtu.be/7akgVE7vy0c

Warning: Jiu Jitsu is Ruining Your Life - https://youtu.be/tgsV_8dsUJw

How to use a Performance day - https://youtu.be/8fMjTOiBAhY

CJI is going to suck? - https://youtu.be/eNP9a4o12i4

Josh loses in front of everyone but still has a better day than Ralph - https://youtu.be/Z7Tz-rEMy_4

Thank You Notes of 2025 - https://youtu.be/VHah0cikGHg

Steve McKinney | Life Hacks to live Forever - https://youtu.be/pDBVTmCKcsc

This special is a rapid-fire AMA where I answer your questions on jiu-jitsu, coaching, competing, gym ownership, family life, burnout, bad ideas, good albums, worse warm-ups, and everything in between. From how to suck less as a white belt, to training 2–3x a week, to biggest failures, future goals, and what actually matters after the medals fade.Some answers are tactical. Some are honest. A few are probably controversial.All of them are real.Hit play, start the year smarter, and take one idea into training this week.

Sign up for ISAJJx

Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isucksportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”: https://www.dsgear.com/ The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp Champion’s Stay Present: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/csp Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suckFollow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney

Christmas is here Again!

So that means it's time for a visit with everyone's favorite Jiu-Jitsu Uncle, "Bionic" Rob Handshy(@bionic_bjj)!

Today on Rob's agenda:

AJJ propaganda

TRT

Annoying things about Josh

Enjoy this wide ranging Christmas Special with everyone's favorite Jiu Jitsu Uncle.

ISAJJ Experience Sign Up: https://kick.site/rxi0b3vo

Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck

sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”

Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”: https://www.dsgear.com/ 

The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp 

Champion’s Stay Present: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/csp 

Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suck

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow 

Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney 

The Goose is Loose! Everytime Richie “The Goose” Kelly comes on the podcast we find something to absolutely roast in the Jiu Jitsu space.

Today’s victim was dumb jiu jitsu rule sets.

Enjoy this wide ranging conversation with one of my top Black Belts and one of the nine coaches teaching at the I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show Experience.

ISAJJ Experience Sign Up: https://kick.site/rxi0b3vo

Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck

sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”

Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”: https://www.dsgear.com/ 

The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp 

Champion’s Stay Present: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/csp 

Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suck

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow 

Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney

Trt is one of the hottest topics in Jiu Jitsu.

Today I (@thejoshckinney) take a deep dive into listener opinions on TRT. Some people call it cheating, some people call it necessary, and other's call it gender affirming care.

Join me as I get cancelled by a bunch of high testosterone mad men.

ISAJJ Experience

Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE)  BJJ Mental Models 

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Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”

The Competitor’s Journey

Join ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place)

Follow the show on⁠ Instagram⁠

⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠

In this raw and hilarious conversation, Josh sits down with Less Impressed More Involved (Jake Luigi) to talk about the real world of BJJ content creation — the burnout, the loneliness, the tech, the business, the passion, and why creators keep doing it anyway. From the Outlier Database to the creative grind, this is one of the most honest Jiu-Jitsu conversations you’ll hear all year.

Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck

sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK”

Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK”: https://www.dsgear.com/ 

The Competitor’s Journey: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp 

Champion’s Stay Present: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/csp 

Join ISAJJ PRO(ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place): https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suck

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow 

Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney