On this episode of The Gi Spot, Rach and Kaz sit down with a true powerhouse in the world of grappling—Romi Titanti, a dual black belt in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a passionate coach who’s reshaping how we support young athletes on and off the mats.

Romi shares her journey from competitor to founder of Grapple Up, an organization dedicated to mentoring kids and teens in the grappling arts through a mix of discipline, empowerment, and emotional intelligence. They talk coaching highs, developmental lows, why youth programs so often miss the mark, and what it really means to raise resilient grapplers in today’s world.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or curious athlete, this episode is a love letter to the next generation—and to the leaders who refuse to leave them behind.

Grapple Up:

https://www.grappleup.com.au/

This week on The Gi Spot, Rach and Kaz tackle a coaching classic that continues to haunt white belts and spazzy blue belts alike: “You need to slow down.” But what does that actually mean? Are you moving too fast? Thinking too fast? Dying inside too fast?

With humor, empathy, and a few perfectly timed roasts, the hosts break down what coaches really mean when they say slow down—and why it might be the key to unlocking your jiu-jitsu evolution. From breathing techniques to positional awareness (and all the panic-gripping in between), this episode is a warm hug and a gentle wristlock for grapplers trying to chill the hell out.

In this feel-good episode of The Gi Spot, Rach and Kaz highlight the global side of jiu-jitsu that doesn’t always make the highlight reels—the side built on heart, hope, and community.

From grassroots academies supporting at-risk youth, to black belts turning profits into programs for mental health, addiction recovery, and education, the duo explores the many ways BJJ is being used as a force for good. They share stories from around the world of gyms that go beyond the mats, transforming lives through inclusion, mentorship, and straight-up grit.

This episode shines a light on the compassion woven into the fabric of the fight game. Whether it’s scholarships, outreach, or sweat equity—jiu-jitsu isn’t just an art. It’s a movement.

In this final episode of The Gi Spot’s debut year, Rach and Kaz throw it all on the table—unfiltered, unscripted, and as delightfully chaotic as ever. They reflect on a year’s worth of deep chats, spicy takes, big laughs, and unexpected moments that shaped the podcast into the beast it is.

From their favorite episodes and behind-the-scenes misfires to what they’ve learned about themselves and their audience, it’s part therapy session, part roast, and full-on celebration. Whether you’ve been along for the whole ride or you’re just now strapping in, this episode is the perfect mix of gratitude, grit, and goon energy to close out the year.

In this sequel to their first cerebral smackdown, The Gi Spot welcomes back Grant Bradshaw to untangle the messy, beautiful process of learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Forget cookie-cutter curriculums and “just show up” mantras—this episode goes deep on learning styles, retention hacks, and why some white belts skyrocket while others flail in the fog of war for years.

Grant and the hosts explore the roles of pattern recognition, conceptual learning vs. technique hoarding, the myth of “muscle memory,” and how to build game plans that actually evolve with you. Whether you’re a coach, competitor, or confused blue belt wondering why you keep forgetting mount escapes—this is your brain on BJJ.

On this episode of The Gi Spot, Kaz and Rach get unapologetically real as they celebrate the rise of women’s-only open mats—and the badass community that’s growing inside them.

They unpack what it means for women in BJJ to finally have spaces of their own—where technique can thrive without being overshadowed by brute strength or testosterone-fueled pace. It’s not about exclusion; it’s about expression. This is where women get to test themselves, push their limits, and sharpen their game in an environment built on safety, solidarity, and shared experience.

From grassroots gatherings to full-blown international movements, Kaz and Rach highlight how these open mats are not only elevating the technical level of female grapplers, but creating networks of mentorship, empowerment, and visibility across the sport. They also speak to the importance of these spaces for beginners—women who might otherwise walk out the door after a tough first roll, never realising what jiu-jitsu could give them.

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, a curious white belt, or someone who’s just tired of being the only woman in the room, this episode is a celebration of the movement—and the mat—that women are claiming for themselves.

In this episode of The Gi Spot, Kaz and Rach catch up with a true renaissance man of the mats—John McAleer. He's a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a yoga devotee, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach, and a specialist in “strength through flexibility”—a concept that's reshaping how athletes and everyday humans train for longevity and resilience.

John isn’t just teaching people how to get stronger—he’s helping them unlock movement potential. With decades of experience woven through his approach, he fuses traditional strength work with mobility, breathwork, and mindfulness. The result? A sustainable way to stay powerful, pain-free, and adaptable in whatever physical pursuits life throws your way.

The conversation spans a range of topics: injury prevention in grappling sports, the often-overlooked emotional side of flexibility training, and why integrated movement systems are key for staying active across all stages of life. John also shares insights from working with clients of all ages and abilities—from competitive fighters to desk-bound desk jockeys—guiding them toward a fuller, more active life.

Whether you’re chasing medals, recovery, or just want to be able to tie your shoes without pulling a hammy, this episode is a blueprint for building strength that actually lasts.

In this emotionally charged episode of The Gi Spot, Kaz and Rach are joined by Producer Mat—Matt Page—for a conversation that hits far deeper than the typical roll. Together, they explore the heavy terrain of mental health, vulnerability, and how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become an unlikely but powerful tool in navigating life’s darker corners.

Matt shares the story behind the injury that became the catalyst for his personal struggle with mental health—a physical blow that spiraled into emotional and psychological fallout. Through honest reflection, he discusses the isolation, the anger, the numb stretches of time, and how traditional forms of support often fell short. Then, he talks about finding his way back—not only through therapy couches, medication bottles, and the love and support of family, but through the structured chaos of BJJ.

Kaz, Rach, and Matt delve into the impact of shared suffering on the mats, the discipline of controlled violence, and the emotional sanctuary that jiu-jitsu offers—especially for those trained to suppress emotion in service and survival. They explore the veterans program that Matt and Rachael now lead at Iconic Jiu Jitsu Academy, a space dedicated to reintegration, healing, and connection through movement and camaraderie.

The stories that emerge from the program are raw and inspiring—veterans and first responders who’ve found not just strength or fitness, but a reawakening of identity and purpose. It’s a candid, compassionate, and deeply human episode that speaks to anyone who’s ever faced darkness and found their way through it one roll at a time.

In this special crossover episode, The Gi Spot links arms—and lapels—with the crew from Roll or Die to dig deep into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From gym culture and competition mindsets to the messy beauty of balancing egos, injuries, and inspiration, no topic taps out. Expect raw insights, real laughs, and just enough technical nerdery to keep the black belts nodding. Whether you're new to the mat or a seasoned savage, this episode rolls smooth and hits hard.

Roll or Die podcast link: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq

Roll or Die Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/

https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast

On this episode of The GI Spot Podcast, Rach and Kaz bravely ask the question that every grappler has whispered at some point between warm-ups and mandatory social media reposts: Is Jiu Jitsu a cult?

From the strict hierarchies and unspoken rituals (bow before entering, never wash your belt, don’t ask why) to the strange obsession with suffering, discomfort, and paying hundreds to sleep on mats in a stranger’s garage—your hosts explore the blurry line between passionate community and... well... full-blown cult vibes.

They dig into the language, the loyalty, the almost religious reverence for coaches (ahem, professors), and that one guy who always quotes Helio Gracie like scripture. Expect laughs, uncomfortable truths, and maybe a few moments of existential crisis.

Whether you're a true believer or just here for the free rashie, this episode is your chance to question the doctrine—without getting without getting exiled.