Jiu Jitsu Idiots

Jean Jacques is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Master Carlos Gracie Jr and a Coral Belt under Master Rickson Gracie. We trained and rolled at his new location in Beverly Hills called Training Center LA and then recorded this podcast in his studio at his main gym in Woodland Hills, California.

Gavin @gavinsanity_ is the Midwest Finishers 170 lb champion and we talked to him after he submitted his way to the top of a 16-man bracket. Lucas Jones @lucasjonesbjj put on a show but was eliminated early by the champ. He trains the ecological approach and as a purple belt he is competing at the highest levels of competition. Joe @lilzilla_the_grappler won his super fight by arm bar in 11 seconds which is the new record fastest finish for Midwest Finishers.

Eddie Bravo is a black belt under Jean Jacques Machado and founder of 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu. He invented the rubber guard and the EBI ruleset.

Max @maxhansonbjj is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt currently ranked #10 in the world at 155 pounds.

Brian _bjj_hub_ is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and wrestler with over 30 years of experience on the mats.

Formiga is a 5th degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and the head coach and co-owner of Rafael Formiga Jiu Jitsu Academy - Double Five Highland Village located about 20 miles northwest of Dallas, TX.

Anthony Zito is an old friend, teammate, and training partner. He is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and currently trains at Newbreed under Mark Vives. The Jiu Jitsu Idiots Podcast owes a lot to Zito and the groundwork he laid with creating and hosting Grappler Union Podcast for so many years antebellum.

We recorded some conversations at Midwest Finishers 20:

1. Matt Harandi is a dedicated father and a blue belt under Omar at 10th Planet Lombard.

2. Pedro Serrano is a Black Belt and he won Midwest Finishers 1 and 3.

3. Manny Vazquez is a Black Belt under Omar, owner of 10th Planet Greenville, and a highly decorated mixed martial artist.

4. Lucas Jones is a blue belt under Isaac Greeley and he buggy choked David Garcia (Black Belt) and then buggy choked Pedro Serrano (Black Belt) before losing in the finals to Andrew Degraff.

5. Andrew Degraff is Midwest Finishers triple champ and hungry for more.

6. Omar Ocasio hopped on the mics after it was all over. MWF 20 was epic

Jason Rau is a notorious black belt. He taught a seminar at Scott "The Snake" Gave's Fit 2 Defend academy in Lake Bluff, IL and then hung out to chat about Jiu Jitsu.

Jason Bender just expanded @bendermartialarts into the basement of his original location and it is impressive. Sprung jiu jitsu mats, boxing ring, weight room, and multiple showers. He has created the perfect environment for martial artists. If you are sober and looking for a good time check out his Self Defense class he hosts through The Phoenix: A sober community that gives you unique access to really cool events.