Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast

I sit down with Phil post during the recent July24' Sydney tour. We discuss how to learn, how to train, and progress in the art of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. We explore the difference between Games based learning and more traditional approaches to learning. We question the importance of tradition in jiu jitsu. It's a pleasure to train, learn, and chat with Big Phil. Phil will be around again in December 2024. @Leverage Jiu Jitsu Thomastown graciejiujitsuthomastown.com.au @Higher Jiu Jitsu Woolloomooloo higherjiujitsu.com.au

And we're back! And what a guest to have on our first episode back than Big Phil Grapsas! In this episode we discuss ... Why do we strap up the belt and jump on the mats daily? Why do we persist with jiu jitsu amongst the injuries and busy lifestyles and every other trial and tribulation we encounter with jiu jitsu? Sure this is a sport, but more importantly it's a martial art that we pursue for self improvement, for life. We talk about the process of getting started with jiu jitsu, the benefits of the art, the early days of Phil's jiu jitsu, and the Pedro Sauer Association in Australia, and so much more. Thanks Big Phil Grapsas of Leverage Jiu Jitsu in Thomastown, Melbourne. Sorry for the audio issues, we'll get it right next time. If you like this episode, let us know on Instagram @higherjiujitsu. And share with your friends! Thanks legends. It's good to be back :)

Coach John updates you on the progress of the HJJ Podcast! After at least a couple years creating podcasts, let's say Season 1 is done! A big thanks to Bradley Hamo at Art of Surrender, and co-host Matty Voger Mason, and all the students for helping to create these episodes so far. It's been lots of fun :) And to you, dear listeners, thanks for checking in and being a part of it! Please note this is just a break for the time being. We'll be back for an action packed Season 2. Our school definitely isn't going anywhere but from strength to strength. People of Sydney, we're here to help everyday people build quality of life. Come see us and get in on the action.  And of course you can scroll down and listen to the existing episodes - and hopefully get lots from them. For now, it's Oss and Out! Coach John

In this episode Coach John chats with Morning class regular, HJJKids parent, and the man who keeps the Morning Moves class alive, Mr Gray Negrine.  Gray was introduced to the martial arts early, starting with different styles before finding jiu jitsu. It's been a couple years at Higher with no end in sight. We've seen Gray progress to multiple stripes on the white, and on the doorstep to the blue belt, all the while having fun and keeping the smile on his face the whole time.  It's not just Gray that enjoys himself on the Higher mats. His kiddos are also staples of the Kids program, meaning this is a true jiu jitsu fambam. It was a pleasure to chat with Gray, and we hope you enjoy it lots too! All the best, Coach John

Coach John is joined for another Stories show with none other than recently ordained Purple belt and all round nice guy Danny Willmott! In the four years that Danny has been training, he's experienced a transformation of sorts, in many areas of his life. He attributes lots of this to his jiu jitsu practice.  In this chat, we speak about how he is coping with this current NSW lockdown, the joys of the mats, what he's learned, his competition experience, travels with jiu jitsu and so much more.  Of note: Although Danny is an audio engineer, he thought recording a podcast in an open park would be a good idea. We love the sun too, but it means the audio quality is a little off with this one :) Apologies in advance! We forgive Danny for this, and we thank him for jumping on and having a chat. Hope you enjoy! Yours in jits,  Coach John.  PS. Don't forget about our other HJJStories Show episodes at the previous feed that can be found here. 

Coach John is joined with HJJ purple belt Luke Whiffen.  Luke is a dad, husband, lawyer, and devout student of jiu jitsu. He is in his second stint of jiu jitsu, and has been training at Higher Jiu Jitsu for over three years.  Throughout his journey in the art, he has been faced with numerous challenges, and has appreciated the ups and downs for making him stronger off the mats too.  It was an inspiring chat, and I'm happy to share it with you! Thanks for tuning in.  Catchya on the mats! Coach John PS. Don't forget about our library of HJJStories on this feed too.

HJJ's very own Pat Osbourne has done the rounds of the martial arts. And he has applied his knowledge in the most stressful situations. We sat down to discuss his martial arts journey so far, as well as where he sees it all going in the future.  It was a fun chat, and we thank Ozzy for jumping on! PS. In the name of simplicity, we will now be moving all future HJJ Stories Shows onto this HJJPodcast feed. And with the current situation in NSW, we're hoping for a few more episodes like this one so stay tuned! All the best,  Coach John. 

Coaches John and Matty come together to discuss life with no jiu jitsu.  We discuss love hate relationships with the couch versus staying in the game and continuing the journey along the path.  What is the path? The jiu jitsu path is the one to quality of life, or as Aristotle described it as 'Eudaimonia'. And it is this way to the Telos, our purpose in life. So when there is an obstacle along the path, we can shift directions and move around it, but we don't stop.  So what are some ways we can shift directions on the path to awesome? - Get some coaching - Watch those BJJFanatics instructionals, finally! - Read books - Cook something different.  - Go for a run - Do some fasting And so much more! It's a fun chat and we hope you enjoy it and take something from it. And if you do or don't, let us know on Insta @higherjiujitsu.  And here's the link to the original Blog Post! Much love. Oss and out.  Coaches John and Matty. 

Sure you do jiu jitsu because you love it. You also want to improve. So how do you measure this? To base your performance against these foes is unfair to yourself and your own progress. That's why the practice of jiu jitsu isn't best measured in terms of wins or loses or amount of submissions inflicted or eaten per class. Sure you tap but there are also many other ways of determining progress in jiu jitsu. How can we do it better? In this podcast we discuss three ways: + # Consistent sessions per week. + Your breath during rolls.  + Length of time without an injury.  + Amount of fun.  Have a listen and let us know what you think! Thanks for being a part of the Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast. Matty and I appreciate you! Original blog post can be found Here.  Oss, and out. 

This is a discussion based on the legendary Higher crew's thoughts about what they wish they knew before starting jiu jitsu.  It touches on many angles of the jiu jitsu experience, and you'd benefit from the listen no matter what level you're at.  We love feedback too! So send over at least some of your thoughts.  And if you're keen on giving jits a crack, no matter where you're at, get in contact at higherjiujitsu.com.au and let's chat.  Oss and out.  Coaches John & Matty. 

Matty and I get together to discuss the complete beginner's process to getting started with JiuJjitsu.  We talk about how to find different schools in your area. We discuss what to do to schedule in a trial, as well as what to expect.  We then go into what happens on the day, when you show up, during class, and after class.  There are so many aspects to getting into it, and we hope this chat gives you a better idea, and some more confidence to go in and make the right decision for yourself.  If you'd like the Getting Started with Jiu Jitsu Guide all to yourself, visit www.higherjiujitsu.com.au and sign up to our newsletter!  Then, go find yourself an awesome jiu jitsu school and get training :))) Also, share this with your friends that want to get started with jiu jitsu.  See you on the next one.  Oss, and out!

Around 7 years ago Higher Jiu Jitsu began as the Jiu Jitsu Commune. We were there to train, and learn together, and enjoy the fruits of jiu jitsu. There was no plan, or syllabus, but definitely lots of enthusiasm, and a vision of how I wanted things to be.  Numerous years on, and it sure is a different place than how it started. Now we have curriculums, and more classes, and so many new faces. But the ethos that the Commune was built on still stands to this day.  In this poddy, Matty and I discuss our Higher Jiu Jitsu mission 'to help everyday people build quality of life with Gracie Jiu Jitsu'. We're happy with where we've come, and yet we have a long way to go. This is OK, because it's the long game we're playing. Class by clas, and day by day we're getting there. We sow the seeds of jiu jitsu within all of our students, and they go out and help others do the same thing.  This was a nice chat. Apologies for the audio quality. We're doing our best.  Much love.  Coach John and Coach Matty. Oss. 

Matty and John come together and discuss how best to help a friend in a competition.  "When one of us go to war, we all go to war" - Conor McGregor As a teammate, you help eachother day in and out in the training room. Now it's your buddy's turn to jump in the mix and test their skills. There are things you can do that can help, and or hinder. So be sure to be on the right side of this.  In a nutshell...  Be calm, and be there to Support.  Help your Friend with their Warm Up Offer general info and encouragement. Focus on Your Friend. Not on Your Opponent. Or the Ref. Have some Water Handy & Film those matches! Focus on the Bright Spots Support and Encourage All the Way This is a timely episode considering the HJJ In house tournament is coming up on March 20th! Very excited to see these points put into action.  Anything else you think is handy? We would love to hear it. Hit us up! Thanks for the support.  Oss, and out! Coaches John & Matty

Aand we're back! It was an extended layoff, due to numerous reasons. From technical difficulties, to problems with the recording locations. Alas, we're here, and we have an exciting year of podcasting planned! This time around we chat about how to be a good 'Uke'. An uke when I wrote the article was the student the instructor would show technique on during the demonstration part of the class. Upon further review, we can say an Uke is anyone who is receiving a technique, so that will include when you are practicing what the teacher has shown.  Either way it's a very important role to play, because jiu jitsu is done with two people, and you need the right circumstances to make the techniques happen.  In a nutshell, here are the tips we discuss: 1. Listen with all of you.  2. Feed the technique 3. Don't fight the technique.  4. Minimise the words.  5. Smile (enjoy yourself). And don't smell! Any other pointers to do with being a good uke? We'd love to hear them! Original blog post can be found here.  Thanks so m

Coach John and Brad Hampson of Art of Surrender Podcast did this podcast at the beginning of the HJJPodcast days. There was a technical glitch which meant we took it back off but now we've repaired it, and it's a great chat. We talk about how to train with effectiveness and respect for yourself and others. How do we stay safe on the mats while maintaining the integrity of our art?  The risk of injury keeps so many people away from the jiu jitsu mats. This is an unfortunate reality considering just how beneficial the practice can be. This applies especially for those who are more frail, and weak and need the self defence skills the most. If we can manage how we train, we can welcome many more people to our beloved martial art, and we can enjoy it for a lifetime. It's how we help everyday people build quality of life - this is the Higher Jiu Jitsu way. Hope you all enjoy and get something from the discussion! Original article can be found here. Coach John

Join coaches John and Matty as we discuss a contentious topic in the world of jiu jitsu.  The Cart Goes Before the Horse It’s important to learn the ABCs before you move to your essay writing. That is, you need to learn the What of jiu jitsu before you learn about the How etc. Techniques are the basis of understanding what jiu jitsu is and how to apply it. Of course you need more than technique eventually. But nothing else will make sense until you have some understanding of what it is you ought to do.   We can talk about concepts until the cows come home, but without any knowledge of technique from said positions, it becomes rather futile. A better way would be to show certain techniques and connect the inherent concept throughout them. Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater Of course conceptual based learning offers a multitude of benefits. Linking the techniques with the glue of concepts allows you to connect the dots not just in one particular position, but throughout all the position

Join John and Matty as we discuss how to get better sleep post jiu jitsu! Jiu Jitsu and Sleep In hard training and you’re fighting, or flying. It may not be either, but it’s how your body perceives the stress of someone trying to choke you, or catch your limbs, whether you’re playing or not. In this type of training you’re using your sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for these high stress situations. It’s like a car revving in order to keep up with the traffic. Slow Down Slowly From fight, or flight, you transition to rest and digest, otherwise known as your parasympathetic nervous system. It's why you need to build good sleep habits with a sleep ritual. Give Sleep a Chance Your sleep ritual is a predetermined set of behaviours that helps you to make the transition between being awake and being asleep. These behaviours tell your brain: Hey, it’s time to calm down now. Stop thinking about that submission you nailed, and focus on shut-eye. Here are some tips to get you started: + Decide on a bed

They say pressure makes diamonds.  So then are the joys of jiu jitsu locked in competition, now and forever? Or can we enjoy jiu jitsu and learn and flourish on the mats and off, without the rigours of competition? Join Matty and I as we discuss the pros and cons of competition, as well as how to do it safely and effectively, for long term benefits.  The Need to Win vs Learn. Sure pressure can be fun if that's what you enjoy. But when you are competing you are there to win. But take a moment and think about where you are at in the journey of jiu jitsu. Let's say you're a white belt, or even a blue belt. Are you skills at a level to be tested? Is it the right time of your journey to go from learning to winning?  Take note that winning and learning can be two very different things. Goddamn Injuries!! When you don't have the basic skills of Gracie Jiu Jitsu, and when you don't have the understanding of the essential principles that make our art form what it is, then a competition roll isn't so muc

Join John and Matty as we discuss a question sent in by an avid listener! So you were training jiu jitsu and you accidentally got choked out... You also know that tapping is a much more favourable option. You know that you should have tapped out earlier, and for this reason you may be a little upset, worried, or embarassed at what happened. As a devout learner, and a good student you will take this experience and you’ll learn from it, in order to do things better the next time this situation eventuates. The Milk is On the Table. Or, there's no use crying over spilt milk. Spilt milk comes in the form of many things, but it's important to remember that shit happens, and for you it happened on a few fronts, albeit hopefully not literally. Sure you slept, which was unintentional, yet it happened. The more important milk that had been spilt, was the choke that made you sleep. There is a time and a place to escape submissions, but that wasn't one of them. It was clearly deep enough to make you sleep, and in the

Higher Jiu Jitsu has been in the making for many years. The journey has been filled with ups and downs. There is so much more to be, and do. And yet every day, and in every way, we’re going higher and higher. Join John and Matty as we discuss the early days of Higher and how it all came about.  Hope you all enjoy!  Original article found here.