In this special year-end episode of The GI Spot Podcast, Rachael and Kaz take a heartfelt and unfiltered look back at a whirlwind year filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. From intense training sessions and the camaraderie of the mats to injuries, surgeries, and the emotional toll of loss, the hosts open up about their personal and shared journeys.

Through it all, love, laughter, and the shared passion for Jiu-Jitsu have kept them grounded. Join them as they reflect on the lessons learned from hardship, the joy of triumphs big and small, and the sheer fun of building this podcast together.

This episode is more than just a recap—it's a celebration of resilience, the bonds formed through Jiu-Jitsu, and the power of community to lift us through tough times. Whether you're here for the rolls, the giggles, or the gut-punch moments of truth, you won’t want to miss this deeply personal and wildly entertaining conversation.

Welcome to The Gi Spot Podcast a Jiu Jitsu Podcast by Women for Everyone.

Meet your host Rachael Bradshaw and Kaz Page, as they sit down weekly to discuss all things that Jiu Jitsu effects in Life, Family, Relationships, Business, and so much more.

Each episode looks at life and where their individual Jiu Jitsu Journey has taken them and all the other amazing guests they will meet along the way.

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In this lively episode of The GI Spot, Rachael and Kaz dive into one of the most polarising topics in the world of Jiu Jitsu: the age-old battle between drilling and sparring. Every grappler has an opinion—some swear by countless reps of technique, while others insist you can't truly improve without diving headfirst into the chaos of live rolling. But which one holds the key to success? Or is the real answer somewhere in between?

Drawing from their combined years of mat experience, Rachael and Kaz explore the roles drilling and sparring play in building a complete Jiu Jitsu game. They break down the benefits of repetitive, focused practice to sharpen techniques and create muscle memory, while also celebrating the creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills that sparring fosters. Along the way, they share personal anecdotes, lessons learned from gyms around the world, and the often hilarious pitfalls of leaning too far into one camp or the other.

But this isn’t just a discussion—it’s a debate! From the white belts trying to find their groove to the black belts fine-tuning their flow, this episode offers insights for grapplers of every level. Plus, they explore how different training styles suit different goals, whether you're prepping for competition, honing fundamentals, or just trying to survive your next class.

Expect plenty of laughs, relatable stories, and thought-provoking tips as Rachael and Kaz navigate the "mat science" of finding balance between drilling and sparring. Whether you're a "drill sergeant" meticulously perfecting your technique or a "roll ranger" thriving in live combat, this episode will leave you inspired to rethink your training approach.

So, grab your gi, tighten your belt, and get ready for a playful yet insightful journey into the heart of what makes Jiu Jitsu so endlessly fascinating.

Welcome to The Gi Spot Podcast a Jiu Jitsu Podcast by Women for Everyone.

In this fun and wanderlust-filled episode, Rach and Kaz tackle the art of combining Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with holiday travel. From strategizing your itinerary to make sure you can sneak in some training sessions, to finding gyms that welcome travelers with open arms (and maybe a few chokes), they share their personal experiences and practical advice for keeping your skills sharp while exploring new places.

The duo covers everything from how to pack your gear efficiently (yes, you can fit a gi into a carry-on!), to navigating the sometimes-intimidating experience of training at a gym away from home. They also discuss the importance of balancing your time between rolling on the mats and rolling with the relaxation of your vacation.

You'll hear hilarious anecdotes about unexpected training adventures, tips for connecting with the global BJJ community, and suggestions for making the most out of your time on and off the mats. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter who plans trips around major competitions or someone dreaming of a training-inspired getaway, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughs, and insights.

So, grab your passport, your gi, and your sense of adventure, and join Kaz and Rach as they show you how to roll your way through the ultimate holiday experience—no matter where in the world you are!

Welcome to The Gi Spot Podcast a Jiu Jitsu Podcast by Women for Everyone.

On this episode of The Gi Spot Podcast Rach and Kaz welcome special guest and Ultrawoman Monique Bertoli Williams for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation.

Monique is not only an accomplished endurance athlete but also a survivor and advocate, whose journey extends far beyond the world of ultra-endurance sports. After surviving domestic violence, Monique embarked on a profound mission to reclaim her identity, using sport as a tool for healing and empowerment. Her story is one of resilience, demonstrating how physical challenges can translate into emotional breakthroughs and personal transformation.

Monique is deeply committed to raising awareness about domestic violence and supporting survivors in finding strength and purpose. She leverages her athletic platform to spotlight these issues and inspire others to confront their own challenges with courage. Moreover, Monique channels her efforts into raising funds to support veterans through local Jiu-Jitsu programs, recognizing the therapeutic value of the sport for those recovering from trauma.

By intertwining her advocacy with her athletic pursuits, Monique has become a beacon of hope for many. She exemplifies how perseverance and community support can pave the way for healing and growth, making her an ideal guest for The Gi Spot Podcast. Her journey highlights the parallels between endurance sports, martial arts, and the emotional resilience needed to overcome life's adversities, offering listeners invaluable lessons on strength, recovery, and giving back.

Welcome to The Gi Spot Podcast a Jiu Jitsu Podcast by Women for Everyone.

Please show your support for Monique by donating to her go fund me for Harbour Combat Sports

https://gofund.me/668446a0

https://www.facebook.com/elementaladventures1

https://www.instagram.com/moniquebortoliwilliams/

https://www.facebook.com/harbourcombatsports/

On today’s episode of The GI Spot Podcast, Rach and Kaz respond to a listener’s question about how to support women who are new to Jiu Jitsu, especially as they navigate the unique dynamics of training in a mixed-gender environment. They dig into practical ways to help women manage the initial challenges and confront some of the more sensitive aspects of mixed classes.

Rach and Kaz start by discussing the value of women’s-only classes as a comfortable entry point, allowing new female practitioners to build foundational skills, gain confidence, and become familiar with the physical aspects of Jiu Jitsu in a setting that feels safe and supportive. Women’s classes, they emphasize, can help create camaraderie, encourage honest conversations, and address questions or concerns that women may feel hesitant to bring up in a mixed setting.

They also explore the natural transition from women-only classes to mixed classes, talking about how important it is for women to feel prepared and empowered before they step into a co-ed training environment. This “graduation” can be a big confidence boost and allows women to feel more secure in their skills and their boundaries, helping them navigate the often-intense dynamics of a mixed class with ease.

Finally, Rach and Kaz offer insights for coaches, gym owners, and training partners on how to support this transition. They discuss the role of sensitive communication, having designated points of contact for women in the gym, and fostering a culture where everyone feels comfortable and valued. Whether you’re a new female practitioner, a coach, or an experienced teammate looking to offer support, this episode offers strategies to help women fully enjoy and excel in their Jiu Jitsu journey.

Welcome to The Gi Spot Podcast a Jiu Jitsu Podcast by Women for Everyone.

On today’s episode of *The GI Spot Podcast*, Rach and Kaz respond to a listener’s question about how to support women who are new to Jiu Jitsu, especially as they navigate the unique dynamics of training in a mixed-gender environment. They dig into practical ways to help women manage the initial challenges and confront some of the more sensitive aspects of mixed classes.

Rach and Kaz start by discussing the value of women’s-only classes as a comfortable entry point, allowing new female practitioners to build foundational skills, gain confidence, and become familiar with the physical aspects of Jiu Jitsu in a setting that feels safe and supportive. Women’s classes, they emphasize, can help create camaraderie, encourage honest conversations, and address questions or concerns that women may feel hesitant to bring up in a mixed setting.

They also explore the natural transition from women-only classes to mixed classes, talking about how important it is for women to feel prepared and empowered before they step into a co-ed training environment. This “graduation” can be a big confidence boost and allows women to feel more secure in their skills and their boundaries, helping them navigate the often-intense dynamics of a mixed class with ease.

Finally, Rach and Kaz offer insights for coaches, gym owners, and training partners on how to support this transition. They discuss the role of sensitive communication, having designated points of contact for women in the gym, and fostering a culture where everyone feels comfortable and valued. Whether you’re a new female practitioner, a coach, or an experienced teammate looking to offer support, this episode offers strategies to help women fully enjoy and excel in their Jiu Jitsu journey.

On today’s episode of *The GI Spot Podcast*, Rach and Kaz tackle a topic that resonates with grapplers at every belt level: imposter syndrome. It’s that lingering feeling of not belonging, of doubting your skills, and questioning if you’re “good enough” to be on the mats—a challenge that plaques Jiu Jitsu practitioners everywhere, from white belts to seasoned black belts.

Rach and Kaz open up about their personal experiences with imposter syndrome, sharing the highs and lows of their journeys and the mental hurdles they’ve had to overcome to feel secure in their abilities. They explore how imposter syndrome often surfaces after setbacks, belt promotions, or tough training sessions, where self-doubt can creep in and cloud a person’s progress.

In this insightful conversation, the duo discusses strategies to confront and manage imposter syndrome, emphasizing the importance of patience, self-acceptance, and understanding that growth in Jiu Jitsu isn’t always linear. They also talk about the critical role of supportive training partners and coaches who recognize and address these feelings within their students.

Tune in to hear Rach and Kaz provide guidance on pushing through self-doubt, staying motivated, and learning to see oneself as a capable, evolving practitioner. Whether you're just starting or years into your journey, this episode will remind you that feeling like an imposter is part of the process—and that overcoming it can be one of the most rewarding achievements in Jiu Jitsu.

On this episode of *The GI Spot Podcast*, Rach and Kaz dive into a lively discussion about the different styles and formats of Jiu Jitsu and grappling available to today’s practitioners, exploring how these approaches have evolved and shifted over time. From traditional Gi training to the fast-paced world of No-Gi, and from self-defense-focused systems to competition-ready techniques, they break down how each style offers unique benefits and experiences.

As dedicated practitioners themselves, Rach and Kaz share their personal philosophy on training in both Gi and No-Gi, emphasizing how each format brings its own set of skills and challenges. They touch on how, as life gets busy—with injuries, family commitments, and countless other responsibilities—the flexibility of Jiu Jitsu’s varied approaches is a huge advantage. For them, the decision is simple: train in both! This variety not only keeps them engaged but also helps keep them adaptive, learning to appreciate the nuances of each style without feeling like they're sacrificing their growth as grapplers.

Rach and Kaz also delve into the broader landscape of Jiu Jitsu, looking at how trends have shifted in recent years. They discuss how sport-oriented grappling has influenced the art, what’s happening in the ever-evolving world of submission-only competitions, and how the increased emphasis on No-Gi is impacting training methods worldwide. They share insights on how Jiu Jitsu communities now embrace a wider range of techniques, encouraging practitioners to develop well-rounded skills that are effective across different settings, whether for personal development, self-defense, or high-level competition.

Tune in for an episode filled with humor, valuable insights, and a fresh perspective on balancing different Jiu Jitsu styles. Whether you’re a new practitioner figuring out where to start or an experienced grappler navigating your training options, Rach and Kaz offer advice, encouragement, and a reminder that there's no "one right way" to enjoy and grow in Jiu Jitsu.

Welcome to The Gi Spot Podcast a Jiu Jitsu Podcast by Women for Everyone.

On this episode of *The GI Spot* Podcast, Rach and Kaz take a step back from the technical side of Jiu Jitsu and dive into what truly makes them passionate about the sport. Inspired by a Reddit Grappling thread where contributors were asked to share what they love about Jiu Jitsu, the episode explores the joy, fulfillment, and personal growth that comes from being a part of this unique martial art.

While scrolling through the thread, Rach realized that many of the sentiments shared by fellow grapplers resonated deeply with her own journey. From the camaraderie on the mats to the mental and physical challenges, the responses inspired Rach and Kaz to dedicate an episode to celebrating the sport that has become a central part of their lives.

The episode kicks off with Rach and Kaz reflecting on their own love for Jiu Jitsu—how it’s impacted their lives beyond the mat and shaped them as individuals. They talk about the sense of community that Jiu Jitsu fosters, where training partners become lifelong friends and even feel like family. The atmosphere in a Jiu Jitsu academy is unlike any other, where people from all walks of life come together with a shared goal of learning, improving, and supporting each other.

The duo discusses the unique mental benefits that Jiu Jitsu offers, from stress relief to building resilience. The sport has a way of stripping away the superficial and putting you in the present moment. Whether it's overcoming self-doubt, pushing through exhaustion, or figuring out a new technique, Jiu Jitsu teaches you to be adaptable and tenacious—both on and off the mats. For Rach, the mental game is just as important as the physical, and it’s something she’s grown to appreciate even more as her journey has progressed.

Kaz shares her perspective on the joy of continual learning that Jiu Jitsu provides. No matter how long you’ve been training, there’s always something new to discover. Whether it’s fine-tuning a familiar technique or learning a completely new submission, the process of growth is never-ending. Jiu Jitsu’s complexity and depth are what keep people coming back day after day, year after year. It’s a sport that challenges you not just to be strong, but to be thoughtful, strategic, and always open to learning from others.

Another aspect that they highlight is the empowerment that Jiu Jitsu provides, especially for women. In a traditionally male-dominated space, Rach and Kaz speak to the growing presence of women on the mats and the confidence that Jiu Jitsu instills. For them, it’s not just about self-defense; it’s about knowing your own strength and capabilities. The sport has given them both a sense of self-assuredness that they carry into all aspects of their lives.

They also delve into the importance of failure and struggle in the Jiu Jitsu journey. The mat is a place where egos are checked, and losses are inevitable. But it’s in those moments of defeat and frustration where the most growth happens. The beauty of Jiu Jitsu is that it’s not about winning every roll but about showing up, learning, and improving over time. Kaz and Rach share how they’ve learned to embrace the process, even when it’s tough, and how those lessons translate into resilience in everyday life.

As the episode wraps up, Rach and Kaz circle back to the Reddit thread and reflect on the shared experiences of grapplers around the world. The common themes of community, personal growth, and love for the art resonate deeply with them, reminding them why they fell in love with Jiu Jitsu in the first place.

This episode of *The GI Spot* is a heartfelt celebration of the sport that has shaped Rach and Kaz in profound ways. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting your Jiu Jitsu journey, this conversation will inspire you to reflect on what Jiu Jitsu means to you and why it’s a sport that so many people hold dear. Tune in for an uplifting and introspective episode that will leave you feeling connected to the broader Jiu Jitsu community and inspired to keep showing up on the mats.