The Open GuardCast

OGC episode 65 is an interview with Estevan Martinez. Estevan earned the nickname "The Giant Slayer" after competing in and winning open class divisions as a rooster weight. Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Estevan's double gold performance at American Nationals
• His start in Jiu Jitsu
• Moving from New Mexico to California
• Training with Lucas Rocha, Diego Ramalho, and Joao Gabriel Sousa
• Opening his new gym and moving to North Carolina

Follow Estevan @estevanjj and be on the lookout for more information on his new gym in North Carolina!

Josh McKinney returns for episode 64 of OGC. Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Josh and Jake's epic battle at American Nationals
• MMA Jiu Jitsu vs sport Jiu Jitsu
• Fighting through submissions
• And special announcements from both Josh and Jake

Be sure to listen to Josh's podcast, the I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show and check out simplifyingjiujitsu.com!!

Episode 63 of OGC is an interview with Pedro Serrano. Pedro is a black belt under Romula Barral and the head instructor of Ultra Jiu Jitsu. Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Pedro's ups and downs during the covid pandemic
• His start in Jiu Jitsu
• Training at GB Northridge
• Opening an academy
• His goals as a competitor and coach

Follow Pedro @pedrserrano1 on Instagram!

Episode 62 of OGC is an interview with Kevin Bradley of the Jiu Jitsu Times. Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Kevin's start in Jiu Jitsu
• Working for the Jiu Jitsu Times
• Early challenges in his Jiu Jitsu journey
• What he'd do if he was on the JRE podcast
• And much more...

Follow Kevin @kbrads_bjj and Jiu Jitsu Times @jiujitsutimes!

Episode 61 of OGC is an interview with the Fat Ninja, Igor Tanabe! Igor is a black belt under Eduardo Telles and Walter Franco. Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Igor's start in Jiu Jitsu
• Developing his lapel guard game
• Finding Jiu Jitsu at a young age and overcoming losses as a kid
• His relationship with Eduardo Telles
• His plans for the future
• And much more...

Follow Igor @fatninjabjj

Episode 60 of OGC is an interview with the Oranday brothers. Fresh off their No Gi Pans gold medals, the brothers join us to talk about a variety of topics, including:

• Winning the No Gi Pans
• Training and competing as juveniles
• Being affiliated with Lucas Lepri
• Reffing
• Goals both on and off the mats

Be sure to follow the Oranday brothers @orandaybjj and @gumbyjiujitsu!

Episode 59 of OGC is a review and discussion of the recent BJJ Stars event. Let us know what you thought of the event and please be sure to follow us on Instagram @openguardcast!

Episode 58 of OGC is an interview with Team Lloyd Irvin black belt AaRae Alexander! AaRae is not only an elite competitor but also a full time engineer. Topics discussed in this episode include:

•  AaRae's start in Jiu Jitsu
• Pursuing academics and Jiu Jitsu simultaneously
• Equality in Jiu Jitsu
• And much more...

Follow AaRae @aarae_bjj on Instagram!

Episode 57 of OGC is an interview with Arian de Melo. Arian is a brown belt currently training under Draculino at Gracie Barra Texas. Topic discussed with Arian include:

• His recent match with Fellipe Andrew
• Overcoming a serious injury
• Training under Professor Draculino
• His future competition plans
• And much more...

Follow Arian @ariandemelo on Instagram!

Episode 56 of OGC is an interview with 2020 Pan champion Josh Cisneros. Josh won the Pans this year in the black belt light featherweight division despite being just 20 years old and receiving his black belt a few months before the tournament! Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Josh's run at the 2020 Pans
• Training with a smaller team
• Making a career out of Jiu Jitsu
• His future competition plans
• And much more...

Follow Josh @cisneros_josh on Instagram to keep up to date with his career!