The Fighters Drinking Coffee Podcast

Hosts Scott Dance and Michael Sutherland discuss how hierarchy and ego affect learning in jiu-jitsu, and why training with everyone (even lower belts) can expand your game. They introduce practical ideas like the 50/50 split between execution and exploration, intentional rolling, and competing as an outlet for ego expression.

The episode also launches a new segment, "Combat Confessions," featuring a wild Reddit open-mat story about a man who lets people choke him, plus instructions on how listeners can submit voicemails and stories via fdcpodcast.com. Practical tips for coaches, visiting other academies, asking questions, and using teaching to learn are highlighted.

In this episode Scott and Mike dive into the psychology of training; why we started jiu‑jitsu, why we keep going, and how to find motivation when it fades. They share origin stories, talk about competition as a tool for learning, and explain how purpose can direct your day‑to‑day training.

Topics include the difference between your long‑term “why” and short‑term motivation, using competition to test and measure progress, coaching and business perspectives, and practical habits to stay consistent and improve. Expect concrete examples, situational drills, and advice on translating tournament lessons back into class.

Key takeaways: define your why, set measurable goals, use competition as feedback, and show up even on low‑motivation days. Tune in and visit www.fdcpodcast.com for more FDC content and ways to support the show.

Welcome back to the Fighters Drinking Coffee podcast. In this episode we focus on how to restructure your training to get past sticking points in your jiu-jitsu progression. Hosts discuss practical steps like increasing frequency, changing training partners or class formats, setting measurable goals, and committing to focused, repeated practice. They cover troubleshooting techniques such as using workshops, privates, partner feedback, and situational drilling. Plus, the value of patience: accepting being bad at something until you improve.

Topics include tailoring practice to your rank and goals (hobbyist vs. competitor), how to manufacture practice scenarios, adjusting variables like nutrition, sleep, cross-training, and strength work, and the importance of measuring progress over several weeks. The hosts share examples and anecdotes about blue- and white-belt challenges, coaching advice, and mental frameworks (like treating practice as a repeat-until-you-succeed loop).

Resources and guests mentioned: the hosts, references to coaching and private lessons, and the workshop class format

In this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee the hosts return from a long road trip and dive into the thin line between productive control and unhealthy obsession around training, competition, and habits. They discuss weight cutting strategies, meal timing, and building systems that reduce last-minute panic.

 Scott and Mike (with mentions of Kate, Andrea, and Leo) as they break down tape study: what to watch, how much is useful, and how to avoid overthinking match sequences, plus tips for managing nerves and using them as fuel rather than fear.

Key takeaways: create disciplined routines, control what you can, be prepared for curveballs at tournaments (IBJJF and otherwise), learn from experience and coaching, and keep training goals aligned to avoid counterproductive obsession.

On this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee the hosts dig into recent sexual misconduct and abuse allegations rocking the BJJ community — including high-profile cases tied to Atos/Andre Galvão, Melqui Galvão, and reports from 10th Planet and CheckMat. They discuss institutional mishandling, power dynamics, and the ripple effects these revelations have had across affiliations and athletes.

The conversation covers why jiu-jitsu’s close-contact, hierarchical culture creates unique risks, the complications of coach–student relationships, prevention strategies, and practical steps for gym owners: vetting, clear HR policies, prompt investigations, disaffiliations when needed, and how communities can act as an “immune system.” Parents and students will hear guidance on staying vigilant and involved.

The hosts also urge listeners to believe and support victims, report serious allegations to authorities, and work toward professionalism and safety in their gyms. Expect a serious, solution-focused discussion with concrete takeaways and resources for gym owners and parents.

This episode is coming to you from the road, where we were still joined by Andrea and Kate, while enroute to the Chicago Open.

on this episode we discussed training with men vs. women, the value of bigger training partners for building physicality, but the unique benefit of female partners when you want a realistic look at your weight class. We also dive into the mindset of women who train by discussing the experiences of Kate and Andrea on the mats, looking at how men and other members of the gym can be better at creating a comfortable space for women in the gym.

We get into gym culture and leadership and why top-down behavior sets the tone, how leaders need to be open to feedback, and practical ways communities can police themselves so problematic behavior doesn’t fester. 

On this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee, hosts and guests Kate, Andrea, Scott and Leo recap the Chicago Open weekend: match results, immediate rematches, and what went right (and what didn’t) on the mats.

We dig into match-by-match breakdowns and key takeaways — including tactical adjustments, live coaching captured with mic’d coaches for post-match film review, and lessons learned from running it back. Plus the food stories: our pre-fight steak-and-potatoes ritual, post-fight feasts, and deep-dish showdowns (Pequod’s vs. Lou Malnati’s) — and the pastry detours that made the trip memorable.

Expect practical training takeaways, candid competitor reflections, and plenty of travel-and-food banter — with results (Scott and Leo gold, Kate silver, Andrea and others earning podium finishes), coaching insights, and next-step homework for the team.

On today's episode we are joined by a few fellow competitors as we were on the road to Chicago.  We focused on the topic of managing your weight cut during travel. Using our plan for the ten hour drive we were on. We also get into discussions about the types of food we bring for travel, adhering to the Fighters Drinking Coffee Rules of the Road and Systematically Maintaining the Weight Cut. Hope you enjoy the show and our road rants!

In this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee the hosts discuss how gyms can welcome newcomers and help them become long-term jiu-jitsu students, and how new members—whether white belts or experienced visitors—can fit into a new community.

Topics include reading the room, expectations for experienced visitors, how existing members can include and mentor newcomers, preventing injury and burnout, and practical tips to build lasting training relationships.

On this episode David Bergida joins the show to discuss his transition from Division I wrestling to MMA, his training and fight-week rituals, and how he balances competition with family life.

They also dig into health and optimization — David’s experience with a pituitary condition, sleep strategies he uses (including the creation of his Hibernation Honey supplement), diet approaches, travel routines, and the launch of his Farm to Fuel/Hibernation Honey product. Find Hibernation Honey at www.farmtofuelfood.com now available for pre-order!

Follow David on Instagram @bergidamma