Jiu Jitsu Dummies

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

This week the Dummies sit down with The Ultimate Fighter Season 16 winner and Jiu Jitsu black belt Colton Smith. He's also an Army Ranger, a combat vet of Iraq and Afghanistan, and the only soldier ever to compete on TUF and fight in the UFC while on active duty.

Colton talks about growing up as an Iowa wrestler, enlisting right out of high school, and getting Army approval for TUF just one day before his flight to Vegas. We also get into the infamous fake glove touch: what was going through his head, and whether he'd do it again. Plus: life in the TUF house, the tough fights he faced once he made it to the UFC, teaching combatives to Special Operations soldiers, and how he's still on active duty today while running gyms and businesses.

If you've ever wondered what happens when a Ranger gets let loose in the Octagon, this one's for you.

Instagram Handles:

@coltonsmithmma

@enlistedninefightcompany

@enlisted9nation

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Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at [email protected] to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

Milton Campis and Ben Stark break down the latest stories, drama, and ridiculousness from around the BJJ world.

This episode covers the arrest of the Giant Slayer, more thoughts on Clarence after finding himself in hot water with Rener Gracie, and our attempt to get Kill Tony tickets.

No technique breakdowns and no polished talking points. Just an unfiltered conversation about jiu-jitsu news, internet chaos, and whatever else needed to be said. Irreverent and slightly irresponsible, as always.

Instagram Handles:

@mmacoachben

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

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Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at [email protected] to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

Ben and Milton sit down for a fun, no-filter conversation about what’s happening in Jiu-Jitsu, what people are talking about, and whatever else comes up when they get going.

They discuss the video calling out Rener and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu that has been making the rounds, the reaction it sparked, and the bigger conversation around Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Gracie University. The original video and Rener’s response are included so you can watch both and decide for yourself.

They also talk about Jiu-Jitsu for law enforcement, training, grappling, and some of the latest conversations happening on and off the mats.

Click here for the F/U Rener Gracie Video

Instagram Handles:

@mmacoachben

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

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Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at [email protected] to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

In this episode of the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, we sit down with Ben Timm, VP of Wodify and owner of Athens Jiu-Jitsu, to unpack Wodify’s Jiu-Jitsu School Owners Benchmark Report and what its findings reveal about owning and operating a successful Jiu-Jitsu academy.

Using the report as the foundation for the conversation, Ben shares insights on the student numbers, revenue expectations, retention, systems, and timeline to profitability that prospective and current school owners should understand. Drawing from both his experience running Athens Jiu-Jitsu and his work with Wodify, Ben also talks about his Jiu-Jitsu journey and offers practical perspective for anyone considering opening an academy, or looking to build a stronger, more sustainable school.

Get your copy of the Jiu-Jitsu Owners Benchmark Report at wodify.com/jjreport

Instagram Handles:

@wodify

@athens_jiujitsu

@ben__timm

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

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Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at [email protected] to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

On this episode of the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, we welcome jiu-jitsu legend Rigan Machado, a 9th-degree black belt, along with Larry Shealy, head of Rigan’s Mach5 Union. Rigan shares stories from the early days of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the United States, the evolution of the art from old-school tradition to today’s modern game, the Machado family’s lasting impact on the BJJ community, and how he is working to create positive change and make jiu-jitsu community better through Mach5 Union. He also discusses training and working with Hollywood stars, including Ashton Kutcher and the late Chadwick Boseman, known worldwide for his role as Black Panther. From jiu-jitsu history and personal stories to training, culture, and a few laughs along the way, this is a must-listen conversation for every grappler. Stay tuned until the end to find out the answer to a very important question: Does Rigan Machado wash his jiu-jitsu belt?

Instagram Handles:

@riganmachado

@larry_shealy

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

Academy Safe - Join or Donate now 

Wodify - $100 off per month, for life!

Flow N Roll - Get 20% OFF with Code: JJD

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Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at [email protected] to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

Episode 193 of the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast features Black Belt Kevin Gallagher, the charismatic owner of Gracie Trinity Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Trinity, Florida, and one of the most entertaining voices in the modern Jiu-Jitsu conversation.

In this episode, we dive into all things Jiu-Jitsu, from the “cult” vibes and inside jokes to the life-changing friendships, mentorships, and relationships that keep us all coming back to the mats. Kevin breaks down what makes a healthy academy culture, his rise on social media, and what it’s like to build an audience as a Jiu-Jitsu coach, and why authenticity matters more than ever for coaches and students alike.

We also talk about safety and trust on the mats, including Kevin’s decision to become an accredited Academy Safe member and what that means for parents, students, and coaches training at his academy. From background checks and safety education to setting clear standards, we dig into how a safer training environment helps Jiu-Jitsu grow the right way.

If you love honest Jiu-Jitsu talk, real stories from the trenches, and a deeper look at where our culture is headed, this episode is for you!!

Instagram Handles:

@unclecoachkevinbjj

@gracie_trinity_bjj

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

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Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at [email protected] to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

On this episode of the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, we welcome back returning guest Officer John Thompson for a real conversation about Jiu-Jitsu for law enforcement and how grappling impacts the street. John shares updates on the academy he coaches at, Brazil-021 in Chicago, what’s new in the world of law enforcement training, and how officers are using Jiu-Jitsu to stay safer and more effective. We also dive into his work with Effective Fitness Combatives (EFC), talking about their approach to combatives, training curriculum, and why their programs have become so popular in the law enforcement community. As a law enforcement officer and host of the Man of the Law Podcast, John brings a unique perspective on training, policy, and culture. If you’re interested in Jiu-Jitsu, policing, or how combatives training is evolving, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Instagram Handles:

@man_of_the_law_

@brazil021chicagohq

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

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Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at [email protected] to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

In Episode 191 of the @JiuJitsuDummies podcast, we sit down with Black Belt Chris Mierzwiak from @MeruBJJ and @WODIFY to dive deep into the business and lifestyle of Jiu-Jitsu. 

From the journey of starting an academy to building a sustainable and thriving student base, this episode is packed with real-world insight for academy owners and instructors alike.

We also explore how tools like @WODIFY can be leveraged as a powerful CRM to streamline operations, improve student retention, and ultimately help grow your academy. Chris shares practical strategies, lessons learned, and actionable advice for anyone looking to take their Jiu-Jitsu business to the next level.

Whether you’re already running an academy or thinking about opening one, this conversation covers what it really takes to succeed, on and off the mats. Plus, we mix in plenty of Jiu-Jitsu talk, mindset, and community perspectives that make this art so powerful.

Instagram handles:

@merubjj

@wodify

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

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Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at [email protected] to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

In episode 190 of the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, we sit down with Javier “Showtime” Vazquez, 5th degree black belt, former professional MMA fighter, and author of The Master Plan: From Chaos to Clarity in Jiu-Jitsu, available on Amazon. Javier shares his journey from the MMA cage to building a complete Jiu-Jitsu operating system designed to bring structure, strategy, and calm to the chaos of grappling. We dive into his unique approach to Jiu-Jitsu, why so many students struggle under traditional curricula, and how The Master Plan helps practitioners see the art in a completely new way. If you love Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, or just the idea of turning chaos into clarity on and off the mats, you don’t want to miss this conversation.

Instagram handle:

@jvjiujitsu

@therealjaviervazquez

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

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Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at [email protected] to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.

Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, presented by Black Belt Digital Marketing and AcademySafe.org

On this episode of the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast, Black Belts Milton Campis and Ben Stark sit down for a real conversation about some tough topics in the Jiu-Jitsu community. We talk about dating at your academy, background checks for coaches and academy owners, and the Melqui Galvão incident involving his arrest in Brazil. This one is all about boundaries, accountability, and keeping Jiu-Jitsu academies safe for everyone.

Instagram handle:

@mmacoachben

@jiujitsudummies

@academysafe

Thank you to Episode Sponsors: 

Black Belt Digital Marketing - Request a FREE Review of your company's online presence today!

Academy Safe - Join or Donate now 

Wodify - $100 off per month, for life!

Flow N Roll - Get 20% OFF with Code: JJD

Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast Store - Get 15% OFF with code: JJD

FightTape.us - Get 10% OFF with code: JJD

Contact the Dummies @JiuJitsuDummies on Instagram, Facebook, and X or at [email protected] to submit questions for consideration on the show. You can now also find us on TikTok @JiuJitsuDummiesPodcast

Visit Jiu Jitsu Dummies for more details about the show, becoming a Sponsor, and a list of sites and apps to download or view the podcast.