Sonny Parlin returns to join Kevin Gallagher for an unfiltered conversation about CJI 2, Tex Johnson, the realities of running a Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy, and the problems gym owners and coaches encounter behind the scenes.
Sonny Parlin Returns! | CJI 2, Tex Johnson & BJJ Gym Problems Read More »
Podcast EpisodesJiu-jitsu black belt Charles Harriot joins Kevin Gallagher to discuss freedom, travel, and building a life around teaching martial arts. Charles shares lessons from training and teaching at more than 90 schools across 26 countries.
Charles Harriot on Freedom, Travel & Teaching Around the World Read More »
Podcast Episodes
Psychologist Dr. Diego Hernandez joins Kevin Gallagher to discuss PTSD, mental health, and the role jiu-jitsu can play in building connection and community. They explore how culture, shared struggle, and strong support systems can help people heal and grow.
Jiu Jitsu, PTSD, & The Power of Community | Dr. Diego Hernandez Read More »
Podcast Features
Former UFC fighter and Ultimate Fighter cast member Matt Arroyo joins Kevin Gallagher to discuss staying driven, evolving from fighter to entrepreneur, building a successful jiu-jitsu academy, and finding purpose beyond competition.
How Matt Arroyo Stays Driven | UFC Fighter to Entrepreneur Read More »
Podcast Episodes
I have recently devoted a great deal of time, effort, and resources to building my social media presence. Although personal vanity undeniably motivates my ambitions on some subconscious level, I also genuinely care about producing content for a wider audience. Jiu-Jitsu holds a special power that changes lives—a power I have witnessed firsthand over nearly
Back to the Source: A Jiu-Jitsu Pilgrimage to Rio Read More »
Jiu-Jitsu Life, Personal Writting, Stories & Lessons
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s place in Western culture has grown exponentially over the last 25 years. What began as a self-defense art for surviving the tough streets of Rio has exploded into an international phenomenon, with major competitions now held around the world almost weekly. This growth has given rise to standout practitioners who—whether through competition glory,
The Calm Killer: Karel “Silver Fox” Pravec’s Quiet Impact on Jiu-Jitsu Read More »
Profiles & Interviews
Written in 2018 The IBJJF has never been short on controversy. A confusing, often inconsistent scoring system and a limited rule set banning many popular submissions have fueled debates over whether this almost antiquated format still serves the sport. Many younger grapplers now boycott IBJJF events altogether—some publicly calling the organization a money-grabbing machine holding
Gordon Ryan Dominates No-Gi Worlds: Why the IBJJF Needs Its King of Sub-Only Grappling Read More »
Jiu-Jitsu Life, Stories & Lessons
By Coach Kevin At 5’4” and 167 pounds, Marcos “Parrumpinha” da Matta has no business in the Super Heavyweight division. Yet at this year’s Masters Worlds, he battled opponents outweighing him by 75–100 pounds — and walked away with a silver medal. That kind of mismatch doesn’t happen by accident. It’s living proof of Jiu-Jitsu’s
Marcos da Matta: How Great Technique Makes Us All Giants Read More »
Profiles & Interviews
By Coach Kevin A local promoter contacted me about a BJJ superfight on his MMA card a couple of months ago. I’ve been active on the regional jiu-jitsu scene for years and built a bit of a following here in Florida, so I get these offers often. There was a time—really not that long ago—when
Talent Gets You In The Game; But Pride, Character, And Accountability Keep You There Read More »
Coaching & Culture, Stories & Lessons