The Open GuardCast

Episode 55 of OGC is one of our favorites to date! Professor Viktor Doria joins us to discuss a variety of topics, including:

• Closeouts in Jiu Jitsu
• Jiu Jitsu "Sponsorships"
• Building your brand as an athlete
• Fighter's Choice and Fighter's Choice Management
• And much more...

Follow Viktor and Fighter's Choice on Instagram to keep up to date with Viktor!!

OGC episode 54 is a discussion about the IBJJF rule change to allow heel hooks in 2021. Robert Degle returns to give his thoughts on this topic. Robert also discusses how IBJJF competitors should approach adding heel hooks to their games.

Episode 53 is a recap of the 2020 Pan Ams. Jake discusses what it was like competing in a major Jiu Jitsu tournament during a pandemic, how his matches went, and his plans post tournament!

Episode 52 of OGC is an interview with Josh McKinney. Josh is a black belt under Kyle Watson and a very close friend of the show. Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Starting Jiu Jitsu with his father
• Having good role models 
• Opening an academy at a young age
• Josh's upcoming match with Andrew Wiltse
• Tips for developing a more simple game
• And much more...

Go follow Josh on Instagram and be sure to listen to his podcast, the I Suck At Jiu Jitsu Show!

Episode 51 of OGC is an interview with Giancarlo Bodoni. Giancarlo is a No Gi World Champion and he also won the 2020 Pan Ams a few days after we recorded this epsiode! Topics discussed include:

• Giancarlo's plans for what weight class he'll compete in
• His start in Jiu Jitsu and his thoughts on MMA
• Traveling to Brazil to train with GFTeam
• Training with Lucas Lepri
• Teaching and training at Bernardo Faria's academy
• BJJ Fanatics
• And much more...

Follow Giancarlo on Instagram @giancarlobodoni!

OGC Epsisde 50 is an interview with Benson Henderson, with his family making a special appearance! Benson is the former WEC & UFC lightweight champion and is currently fighting in Bellator MMA. Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Competing in Jiu Jitsu and wrestling
• The MMA Lab 
• Lessons learned through fighting and competing
• Ben's legacy and his goals in MMA and in life

Be sure to follow Benson @bensonhenderson to keep up to date on his career!

Episode 49 of OGC is an interview with Robert Degle. Robert is a brown belt under John Danaher and leads the Black Basement Crew. Topics covered in this episode include :

• Robert's views on competition
• Coaching methodologies
• His instructional courses
• And much more...

Follow Robert @robertdeglebjj on Instagram!

Episode 48 of OGC is an interview with Jordan Syatt. Jordan is a fitness and nutrition coach and has dead lifted over 4 times his body weight. Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Nutrition habits of wrestlers and Jiu Jitsu competitors 
• How to properly diet before a competition
• Diet fads and how to avoid them
• Jordan's journey into Jiu Jitsu
• And much more...

Follow Jordan @syattfitness for great information on fitness and nutrition! 

Episode 47 of OGC is an interview with John Evans. John is a commentator for Flograppling and also started the popular BJJ Breakdown YouTube channel. Topics discussed in this episode include:

• John's questions for the OGC hosts
• How John got started in competition
• Making a living from Jiu Jitsu
• How the pandemic is affecting the Jiu Jitsu scene
• And much more...

Be sure to follow John @bjjbreakdown and subscribe to his YouTube channel! 

Open GuardCast episode 46 is an interview with NCAA wrestling champion Tony Ramos. In addition to winning a national title, Tony was also a World team member and a US Open champion. Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Tony's biggest accomplishments in the sport of wrestling
• His introduction to Jiu Jitsu and MMA 
• Similarities and differences between wrestling and Jiu Jitsu
• Tony's match with Nicky Ryan at Who's #1
• And much more...

Follow Tony on Instagram @t_ram133.