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Dan Uyemura joins the JIU JITSU LOU Podcast as the Founder and CEO of PushPress - and a White Belt training at 10th Planet Las Vegas. Dan has spent around 13 years building PushPress, but his journey began as an internet engineer working with startups, including MySpace. After being laid off, discovering CrossFit and opening his own gym, he quickly realised the software available to gym owners wasn't designed around the reality of running a gym. Coaches want to coach. Instead, gym owners find themselves handling payments, administration, customer service, marketing and everything else required to keep a business running. Dan saw an opportunity to use technology to make that easier, and PushPress was born. We talk about building businesses, creating space for talented people to develop their own ideas and the importance of iteration. Dan shares how PushPress's familiar Gi or No Gi content developed organically through someone on his team who simply kept practising, learning and getting better - something we understand very well from the mats. But despite being around Jiu Jitsu for decades and putting his own children into the sport, Dan didn't start training himself until around a year and a half ago. His reason? He couldn't get past the idea of rolling around with sweaty men. Once he finally stepped onto the mats, that fear disappeared almost immediately. As a White Belt, Dan brings a particularly valuable perspective to our conversation about growing Jiu Jitsu. We explore the beginner experience, creating connection and belonging, and why academies need to take care of their White Belts rather than expecting them to survive long enough to become part of the community. We also talk about play. Dan describes learning to switch off the need to remember every movement and allowing himself to explore instead - sometimes discovering that his body knows more than he thinks it does. And we explore the opportunity for academies to better support women. From creating safe training environments to understanding underserved communities, Dan believes making Jiu Jitsu genuinely accessible to more women isn't only good for the people walking through the doors - it makes sense for the future of our gyms too. Ultimately, Dan wishes somebody had encouraged him onto the mats 16 years earlier. His message to gym owners and the wider community is simple: take care of your White Belts, encourage the parents already sitting beside the mats to have a go, and help the friend who wants to start but is scared to take that first step. You never know whose Jiu Jitsu journey you might be starting. Topics: • PushPress • Building a business • Gym ownership • Technology • Iteration and consistency • Starting Jiu Jitsu • 10th Planet Las Vegas • White Belt • Beginner experience • Play and exploration • Community and belonging • White Belt retention • Women in Jiu Jitsu • Safe training environments • Growing academies • Parents in Jiu Jitsu • Getting more people onto the mats FOLLOW DAN Dan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielsan/ PushPress on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushpress COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT PushPress - Martial arts school software https://www.pushpress.com/bjj OFFICIAL PODCAST PARTNER SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/ FOLLOW JIU JITSU LOU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou JIU JITSU LOU is a UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett. PRODUCTION Produced by Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource https://www.audiooutsource.co.uk/ MUSIC Maleki Ram - Just A Little Boy Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Episode 150 of the JIU JITSU LOU Podcast, Sid Khan joins me to talk about Jiu Jitsu, loss, community, business and the importance of giving back. Sid started Jiu Jitsu at 40 after suddenly losing his mum and finding himself completely lost. A chance reconnection with his long-time friend Danny led to an invitation to come and train - and Jiu Jitsu gave Sid somewhere to channel what he was feeling. Having practised different martial arts throughout his life, Sid found something unique in grappling. He talks about the release he found on the mats, becoming fascinated by the technical side of Jiu Jitsu and discovering what was possible when people pushed him beyond what he thought he could achieve. That relationship with Danny became hugely important. Together with friends, they began training at a Sunday open mat which organically developed into St Albans Submission Grappling. What started with a group of White Belts training together has grown into a community spanning White through to Black Belt, with the opportunity to train seven days a week. We talk about creating an environment without politics where people from other academies are welcome, supporting people through anxiety and difficult periods, and seeing Jiu Jitsu help people become more confident than they believed they could be. That same organic growth led to SoulTaker Fightwear. Initially making Gis for themselves and their teammates, Sid and Danny eventually developed the business to the point of investing in their own manufacturing operation in Pakistan. Sid shares the work behind finding the right materials, learning through failures and creating products that remain affordable without compromising the people making them. For Sid, business and community are closely connected. His philosophy is that if you're in a position to succeed, you should help the people around you succeed too. That means providing employment, supporting athletes, sponsoring promotions including Grapple Worlds and Jits Pro League, and creating opportunities throughout the Jiu Jitsu community. We also talk about coaching, competition and the satisfaction of seeing somebody achieve more than they thought possible. For Sid, some of the biggest successes aren't medals or businesses - they're watching people grow. And it feels particularly fitting that Episode 150 arrives alongside our celebration at St Albans Submission Grappling, the home of SoulTaker Fightwear and a community that has supported JIU JITSU LOU. From finding Jiu Jitsu during one of the hardest periods of his life to now helping other people find their own place within it, Sid's story is ultimately about what can happen when we use what we've built to lift others too. Topics: • Starting Jiu Jitsu at 40 • Grief and loss • Finding Jiu Jitsu • Friendship and trust • St Albans Submission Grappling • Building a Jiu Jitsu community • White Belt to Black Belt • Mental health and confidence • Coaching • SoulTaker Fightwear • Manufacturing in Pakistan • Building a business • Treating people fairly • Supporting athletes • Grapple Worlds • Jits Pro League • Sponsorship • Giving back • Helping others succeed • Episode 150 FOLLOW SID SoulTaker Fightwear on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/ COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT St Albans Submission Grappling https://www.instagram.com/stalbans_submission_grappling/ OFFICIAL PODCAST PARTNER SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/ FOLLOW JIU JITSU LOU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou JIU JITSU LOU is a UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett. PRODUCTION Produced by Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource https://www.audiooutsource.co.uk/ MUSIC Maleki Ram - Just A Little Boy Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Humphrey joins the JIU JITSU LOU Podcast as a Black Belt, coach and owner of Exemplar Martial Arts in Salisbury. Steve came to Jiu Jitsu from a striking background after staying behind following a kickboxing class when his coach suggested he give Jiu Jitsu a try. Several hours of training later, he was hooked. Maintaining consistency alongside a military career hasn't always meant training in the same place. Steve talks about finding opportunities to train wherever he could, walking into unfamiliar gyms with respect and recognising that there is something to learn from almost everyone. Having left home in the North East at 16 and followed a military pathway, Steve reflects on how those experiences developed his confidence, discipline and willingness to take on challenges. His approach is to go into an experience willing to learn, reflect on what happened and work out how he can become better because of it. Now, as he approaches the end of his military career, Steve has taken on another challenge by opening Exemplar Martial Arts in Salisbury. We explore what it means to progress without forgetting the coaches, teammates and communities who helped us get there. Steve continues to return to the people who supported his own development, while creating something new himself. His message is simple: take the group forward with you, not just yourself. At Exemplar, Steve is building a professional, structured and welcoming environment. For him, coaching goes beyond teaching Jiu Jitsu techniques. It's about getting to know the individual, understanding their goals and recognising the time, money and effort they're choosing to invest in training. We also talk about professionalism, academy culture, communication and creating a trustworthy environment where people from different backgrounds can learn, challenge themselves and feel part of a team. And ultimately, Steve is still a student too. Becoming a Black Belt and opening an academy haven't stopped the questions - they've created new ones. There is always another perspective to consider, another lesson to learn and another challenge ahead. Topics: • Exemplar Martial Arts • Black Belt • Military career • Discipline and consistency • Training at different academies • Mindset and self-reflection • Coaching • Opening a Jiu Jitsu academy • Giving back • Team and community • Professionalism • Academy culture • Student development • Communication • Continuing to learn FOLLOW STEVE Steve Humphrey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exemplar_martial_arts/ COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Exemplar Martial Arts https://www.instagram.com/exemplar_martial_arts/ OFFICIAL PODCAST PARTNER SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/ FOLLOW JIU JITSU LOU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou JIU JITSU LOU is a UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett. PRODUCTION Produced by Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource https://www.audiooutsource.co.uk/ MUSIC Maleki Ram - Just A Little Boy Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michela Antonello joins the JIU JITSU LOU Podcast as a White Belt in her mid-50s, proving that there really is no right age to start Jiu Jitsu. Michela began training just a year ago after being encouraged onto the mats by her son. Already experienced in martial arts through Karate and committed to strength training and staying active, she wanted to continue growing older healthily and strongly - but initially wondered whether Jiu Jitsu was something her body, and even her brain, would be able to learn. Those early months brought plenty of self-doubt. Michela talks openly about menopause, brain fog, fear of injury and watching fast-moving Jiu Jitsu online before realising that she didn't need to move or learn like anybody else. She could take things slowly, work with her own body and gradually build her own understanding. And then came competition. Initially unsure why she would want to compete, Michela was given a different perspective: competition could expose the gaps in her Jiu Jitsu and give her something specific to take back into training. From her first matches at the British Open to recently winning double gold, the medals are enjoyable - but for Michela, they're not the point. Competition is a test of what she knows, what works and what she needs to learn next. We also explore the realities of competing as an older woman. At Masters 5 and in the heavier weight divisions, finding matches can mean competing against women considerably younger than her. Michela talks about putting age aside once she steps onto the mats, using the strengths she has and, importantly, learning to apologise less for taking up space. The Gauntlet Fight Academy has become Michela's home from home. She shares how an initially intimidating environment quickly became somewhere she felt welcomed, supported and valued, with a strong female presence throughout the academy and women represented not only as students, but as respected coaches and leaders. And there is something much bigger running through Michela's story. We talk about getting older, body image, staying active, learning new things and the idea that women somehow become invisible after 40. Michela's response is simple: we're not invisible. Rather than regretting that she didn't discover Jiu Jitsu earlier, Michela is grateful that she discovered it now. Her message to anyone watching from the sidelines - particularly parents whose children already train - is to give it a go. Find something you love doing, keep your body moving, keep learning and enjoy where you are now. Topics: • Starting Jiu Jitsu in your 50s • White Belt • Women in Jiu Jitsu • Masters 5 • Competition • British Open • Double gold • Competing to learn • Age divisions • Heavier weight divisions • Training with younger women • Playing to your strengths • Fear of injury • Menopause • Brain fog • Learning • Karate • Strength training • Staying active • Body image • Ageing • The Gauntlet Fight Academy • Female representation • Academy culture • Community • Belonging • Self-doubt • Women over 40 • Starting later in life • No regrets • Children inspiring parents • Enjoying the journey FOLLOW MICHELA Michela Antonello on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverfitnessjourney/ COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT The Gauntlet Fight Academy: https://www.instagram.com/thegauntletfightacademy/ OFFICIAL PODCAST PARTNER SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/ FOLLOW JIU JITSU LOU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou JIU JITSU LOU is a UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett. PRODUCTION Produced by Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource https://www.audiooutsource.co.uk/ MUSIC Maleki Ram - Just A Little Boy Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jarrell Garcia joins the JIU JITSU LOU Podcast with 17 years of experience on the mats, a 10th Planet Black Belt and a Jiu Jitsu journey that began after his older brother put him to sleep.   At 19, Jarrell started training MMA before gravitating towards Jiu Jitsu, and he has been remarkably consistent ever since. Now training at Renzo Gracie Rhode Island, he has a preference for No Gi but will happily put on a Gi whenever it means another opportunity to train. Technically, that also means this Black Belt still owns a two-stripe White Belt - and occasionally wears it. But this conversation goes much deeper than belts.   Jarrell brings his professional and academic work into the conversation as we explore athletic identity and what happens psychologically when injury takes us away from the mats. His research looked at the relationship between how strongly someone identifies as a Jiu Jitsu practitioner and the psychological distress they experience when injured, with some fascinating findings around identity, rather than simply the severity of the injury itself.   We talk about what happens when Jiu Jitsu becomes our community, our physical outlet, our social life and a significant part of who we believe ourselves to be - and what can happen when that is suddenly taken away.   Jarrell also shares his experience as a TEDx speaker and coach as we explore conflict, communication, different perspectives and being willing to have difficult conversations. We talk about boundaries, gym culture and recognising that we have agency over the people and environments we choose to surround ourselves with.   Competition was once a significant part of Jarrell's own identity. At Purple Belt he was training upwards of ten sessions a week and pursuing competition seriously, before consciously deciding that reaching the highest levels of the sport would require sacrifices he wasn't prepared to make. He wanted marriage, his doctorate, his career and other parts of his life too. Walking away from that competitive ambition meant challenging the feeling that he was wasting his potential and redefining what success looked like for him.   And that brings us to balance. Rather than every part of our lives receiving an equal share, Jarrell describes balance as something individual that changes throughout different chapters of our lives. Having a clear vision can help us decide where our energy belongs - while still giving ourselves permission to change that vision.   Ultimately, this conversation is about ownership. Your Jiu Jitsu journey doesn't have to look like your coach's, your training partner's or anybody else's. Understand what you want from it, choose the people you surround yourself with, establish your values and boundaries and take ownership of your own journey.   Topics: • 17 years of Jiu Jitsu • 10th Planet Black Belt • Gi and No Gi • The two-stripe White Belt • Renzo Gracie Rhode Island • Consistency • Injury • Athletic identity • Psychological distress • Jiu Jitsu research • Community • TEDx • Coaching and mentoring • Conflict • Communication • Boundaries • Gym culture • Competition • Purple Belt • Stepping away from competition • Identity • Career and education • Balance • Life priorities • Vision • Self-agency • Taking ownership • Your own Jiu Jitsu journey   FOLLOW JARRELL Jarrell Garcia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarrell.garcia/   COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Renzo Gracie Rhode Island: https://www.instagram.com/renzogracieri/   OFFICIAL PODCAST PARTNER SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/   FOLLOW JIU JITSU LOU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou   JIU JITSU LOU is a UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett.   PRODUCTION Produced by Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource https://www.audiooutsource.co.uk/   MUSIC Maleki Ram - Just A Little Boy   Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pete Greenlaw joins the JIU JITSU LOU Podcast as he prepares to open Trust The Process Jiu Jitsu, a new academy in Bath.   After spending much of his working life in corporate recruitment, being made redundant twice in 2024 and experiencing health challenges alongside his wife Katy became the catalyst for a complete change of direction. Together they left the UK and moved to Thailand, giving Pete the opportunity to turn something that had always provided an escape from everyday life into something much bigger.   Pete shares his experience of training across Southeast Asia before finding a home at PGA in Phuket, where the quality of the coaching was matched by the community around it. Training alongside professional fighters, world-class grapplers and people with very different mindsets also challenged Pete's own beliefs about who gets to coach, what it means to be good at Jiu Jitsu and whether he was capable of building something himself.   We talk about self-belief, negative self-talk and learning to replace “I can't” with the possibility that maybe you can. Pete reflects on what he learned from being surrounded by elite athletes and how their approach to training, learning and asking questions influenced both his own Jiu Jitsu and the coach he wants to become.   And then there's Trust The Process itself. Pete shares the story of spending weeks getting mounted while trying to learn Deep Half, resisting the temptation to abandon it and eventually turning something completely outside his game into an effective part of his Jiu Jitsu. It's a lesson in patience, resilience, quieting the ego and being prepared to get things wrong while we learn.   That philosophy now sits at the heart of Trust The Process Jiu Jitsu. Pete wants people to walk through the doors knowing that if they keep turning up, keep trying and actually practise what they're learning, they will improve.   We also talk about creating a welcoming academy culture, starting a business for the first time and the support Pete has received from the wider Jiu Jitsu community as he takes another step outside his comfort zone.   Trust The Process Jiu Jitsu opens in Bath as this episode drops. New mats, a new community and the beginning of another journey - now it's time to see what happens when Pete trusts the process himself.   Topics: • Trust The Process Jiu Jitsu • Opening a Jiu Jitsu academy • Bath • Redundancy • Changing careers • Moving to Thailand • Training in Phuket • PGA • Elite athletes • Coaching • Community • Academy culture • Self-belief • Negative self-talk • Mindset • Learning • Deep Half • Patience • Resilience • Ego • Getting tapped in training • Starting a business • Taking risks • Trusting the process   FOLLOW JU Pete Greenlaw on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pete_bjj/   COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT TTP Jiu Jitsu: https://www.instagram.com/trusttheprocess_bjj/   OFFICIAL PODCAST PARTNER SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/   FOLLOW JIU JITSU LOU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou   JIU JITSU LOU is a UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett.   PRODUCTION Produced by Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource https://www.audiooutsource.co.uk/   MUSIC Maleki Ram - Just A Little Boy   Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a very different episode of JIU JITSU LOU.   My training buddy Zoë Lundy recently found herself in a situation where she had to act - and the skills, confidence and instincts she has developed through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu suddenly mattered far beyond the mats.   In this special episode, Zoe tells me what happened in her own words.   We talk about the decisions she made in those moments, how she stayed composed and took action, and why she only stepped in when she realised there was nobody else there who could help and that other people could be injured.   We also talk about staying safe, protecting others, knowing when to step in, and what it feels like afterwards to realise what you're actually capable of.   This isn't a conversation about looking for confrontation. It's about awareness, judgement and the confidence that can come from training BJJ - and what those skills can mean when they're suddenly needed in real life.   Because sometimes the things we practise on the mats become much more than Jiu Jitsu.   JIU JITSU LOU with Zoe Lundy Follow @jiu.jitsu.lou for more conversations from across the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community.   FOLLOW Zoë Zoë Lundy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themolebjj/   OFFICIAL PODCAST PARTNER SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/   FOLLOW JIU JITSU LOU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou   JIU JITSU LOU is a UK BJJ podcast hosted by Lou Temlett, sharing the people, stories and communities that make Brazilian Jiu Jitsu what it is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lou Temlett celebrates three years of the JIU JITSU LOU Podcast with a special solo episode looking back at 145 episodes, the conversations, Jiu Jitsu and community that have shaped the journey so far.   When Lou started the podcast in September 2023, she didn't really know what it would become. What began as an opportunity to showcase her podcast hosting and production skills quickly developed into conversations with people across the Jiu Jitsu community, and a platform for sharing their stories and experiences.   Over those three years, Lou's own Jiu Jitsu has evolved too. She started the podcast as a White Belt, became a Blue Belt, competed, won competitions and trained at a number of different academies. Through conversations with guests and experiences on the mats, she has continued to learn how to develop a game that works for her, whilst recognising how individual every person's Jiu Jitsu journey can be.   Lou reflects on community, belonging and the responsibility those already training have to welcome people onto the mats. She talks about navigating change and uncertainty, learning from different coaches and academies, and how competition has helped her become more comfortable with not knowing exactly what comes next.   The podcast itself has grown beyond anything Lou originally imagined. From a vision of creating 10 Jiu Jitsu podcasts by 2028, to being close to achieving that goal two years early, the journey now includes Community Spotlights, event podcasts, international guests, Apple Video Podcasts, a partnership with SoulTaker Fightwear and more opportunities to showcase athletes, coaches, academies, brands and the wider Jiu Jitsu community.   And ultimately, Jiu Jitsu has become a golden thread running through Lou's life. Three years and 145 episodes later, the mission remains to encourage more people onto the mats, give more women a voice within the sport and continue sharing the stories that make the Jiu Jitsu community what it is.   Topics: • Three years of JIU JITSU LOU • 145 episodes • Starting a podcast • Vision and goals • White Belt to Blue Belt • Competition • Learning Jiu Jitsu • Coaching • Finding your own game • Change and uncertainty • Community • Belonging • Women in Jiu Jitsu • Women's Open Mats • Community Spotlights • Jiu Jitsu events • Podcast growth • 10 Jiu Jitsu podcasts • Apple Video Podcasts • SoulTaker Fightwear • Episode 150 • The future of JIU JITSU LOU   FOLLOW LOU Lou Temlett | JIU JITSU LOU on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou   OFFICIAL PODCAST PARTNER SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/   FOLLOW JIU JITSU LOU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou   JIU JITSU LOU is a UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett.   PRODUCTION Produced by Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource https://www.audiooutsource.co.uk/   MUSIC Maleki Ram - Just A Little Boy   Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ju Livesey returns to the podcast 90 episodes after we first spoke on Episode 54, this time from Thailand as a Black Belt and co-owner of Carlson Gracie Fight Club Phuket.   When Ju, Owen and their son Thiago moved from the UK to Thailand, opening another gym wasn't part of the plan. They wanted more time together as a family and an opportunity to build a different life, but after recognising something was missing, curiosity and spontaneity took over and another Jiu Jitsu community began to grow.   Ju shares the journey of building the gym, creating opportunities for more women to train and continuing to develop the Chaos Camps she originally started because she wanted more women to train together. What began from her own experience moving from Judo into BJJ has developed into a community of women who continue to come back, train together and support each other.   We also talk about Ju's Black Belt promotion and what the belt means after a lifetime in martial arts. Having already been a Judo Black Belt and regularly competed against higher belts throughout her BJJ journey, the biggest change isn't necessarily the belt itself, but the confidence she now has in her ability and what she can achieve.   Ju talks openly about the challenges of being an athlete, parent and business owner whilst continually putting herself into situations where she is learning something new. We explore how failure can knock our confidence, the importance of doing difficult things and how deliberately making ourselves uncomfortable can build resilience that reaches far beyond the mats.   And now Ju is focusing on her own goals. With title fights, Polaris and the European Championships ahead, she wants to win and believes she has put in the work to do it. Ultimately, it comes down to graft, stubbornness, putting yourself in uncomfortable positions and continuing to show up.   Topics: • Moving to Thailand • Building a new gym • Family • Carlson Gracie Fight Club Phuket • Women in Jiu Jitsu • Chaos Camps • Judo • Black Belt • Competition • Confidence • Failure • Resilience • Doing difficult things • Parenting • Running a business • Winner's mindset • Enyo • Polaris • European Championships • Graft and stubbornness • Showing up   FOLLOW JU Ju Livesey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ju.livesey/   COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Carlson Gracie Fight Club Phuket: https://carlsongraciethalangphuket.com   OFFICIAL PODCAST PARTNER SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/   FOLLOW JIU JITSU LOU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou   JIU JITSU LOU is a UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett.   PRODUCTION Produced by Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource https://www.audiooutsource.co.uk/   MUSIC Maleki Ram - Just A Little Boy   Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Harris returns to the podcast almost 100 episodes after we first spoke on Episode 47, this time as a Black Belt and Head Coach of Hybrid BJJ in Plymouth. Andy has been training Jiu Jitsu for over eight years and is a two-time British Open Champion at Brown Belt.   Andy shares how his own Jiu Jitsu has developed, from understanding and playing to his strengths in competition to the importance of building solid fundamentals throughout the belt journey. We talk about the hours he continues to put on the mats and why coaching and teaching are also an important part of his own learning and progression.   With a background in Sports Science, coaching and Strength & Conditioning, Andy explains what sport-specific training actually means and how we can train our bodies for the movements we use in Jiu Jitsu. From pushing, pulling, hinging, squatting and carrying to bridging, framing and unilateral movements, we talk about training with purpose rather than simply getting stronger.   Andy also shares the story of his surprise Black Belt promotion, on the same day that Hybrid BJJ officially became affiliated with ZR. After more than eight years of training, competing and coaching, the promotion brought an emotional recognition of the work he had put in and the people who had helped him along the way.   Becoming a Black Belt has also given Andy a new sense of freedom in his own Jiu Jitsu. We talk about owning your ability, expressing yourself on the mats and the additional responsibility that comes with being both a Black Belt and Head Coach.   And ultimately, community is at the heart of what Andy wants to build at Hybrid BJJ. Jiu Jitsu is for everyone, every person is on their own journey and gyms don't need to exist in isolation. Come in, tap hands, roll, learn from each other and leave the egos behind.   Topics: • Black Belt • British Open • Competition • Playing to your strengths • Fundamentals • Sport-specific training • Strength & Conditioning • Sports Science • Coaching • Learning through teaching • Black Belt promotion • ZR affiliation • Owning your Jiu Jitsu • Head Coach responsibility • Community • Cross-training • Individual journeys • Leaving egos behind   FOLLOW ANDY Andy Harris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andy_h_bjj/   COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Hybrid BJJ Plymouth: https://www.instagram.com/hybrid_bjj_academy/   OFFICIAL PODCAST PARTNER SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/   FOLLOW JIU JITSU LOU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou   JIU JITSU LOU is a UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett.   PRODUCTION Produced by Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource https://www.audiooutsource.co.uk/   MUSIC Maleki Ram - Just A Little Boy   Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elisabeth Clay is a Black Belt and one of the most accomplished competitors in Jiu Jitsu, having competed at the highest level of the sport from an incredibly young age. Her journey has taken her from winning ADCC Trials at just 16 years old to continuing to chase World titles today.   Elisabeth shares the story behind those early years of competition and the expectations she has always placed on herself. We talk about her journey through the belts, why blue belt remains one of her favourites and how her Jiu Jitsu has continued to evolve as the level of competition, and her own experience, has grown.   The conversation explores mindset and Elisabeth's approach to doing difficult things. Whether something takes five minutes or five years, the time is going to pass regardless. We talk about pushing through those moments when you want to stop, trusting the work you've already done and recognising that sometimes you simply have to do it anyway.   Elisabeth also shares the reality behind winning ADCC Trials at 16, including being told beforehand that there was little point in entering. What followed became a defining moment in her career, but also demonstrates the determination and self-belief that have continued throughout her journey.   We talk about family and motherhood, and how Elisabeth's partner and son have become part of her life in Jiu Jitsu and a source of support around competition. Elisabeth shares her experiences of pregnancy, returning to the mats and finding the balance between being an athlete and being a mum.   And ultimately, Elisabeth talks about having high expectations of ourselves whilst also giving ourselves grace. Being hard on yourself can drive progress, whether as an athlete, parent or hobbyist, but there also has to be space to recognise where you are and what you're already doing.   Topics: • Starting Jiu Jitsu • The belt journey • Blue Belt • Competition • ADCC Trials • Competing at 16 • Expectations • Mindset • Self-belief • Doing it anyway • World titles • Training and progression • Family • Motherhood • Pregnancy and Jiu Jitsu • Returning to training • Balance • Giving yourself grace   GO FOLLOW Elisabeth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisabethclaybjj/   Community Spotlight on Kingz https://kingz.com/   Official Partners of the podcast SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/   Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Clips on TikTok and Instagram TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou   UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett @jiu.jitsu.lou   PRODUCTION CREDIT: Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource MUSIC CREDIT: ARTIST: Maleki Ram | TRACK: Just A Little Boy   This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angie Vogel is a second degree Black Belt who has been training Jiu Jitsu for around 15 years. Alongside her husband Josh, Angie co-owns The Jiu Jitsu Company in Philadelphia and is also the creative force behind much of The Jiu Jitsu Company Fightwear.   Angie spent years watching Jiu Jitsu from the sidelines before eventually stepping onto the mats herself. What followed became much more than training, developing into a lifestyle, business and community. A significant injury during her journey also changed the way Angie approached Jiu Jitsu, moving her focus towards longevity, teaching and creating space for people to experience the sport in their own way.   The conversation explores belonging and the responsibility we have within our academies to bring people into the community, alongside the trust that exists between training partners, coaches and students. Angie shares her approach to coaching people through different stages of life, meeting them where they are rather than expecting everyone to train towards the same goal.   Angie also shares some brilliant thoughts around communication, learning to impose our own game on the mats and giving ourselves permission to want to win. Angie challenges the idea of leaving your ego completely at the door, instead making the distinction between the ego that prevents us from failing and the ego that drives us to learn, problem solve and become better.   And ultimately, Jiu Jitsu should be fun. That philosophy extends into Angie's creativity with The Jiu Jitsu Company Fightwear, from gummy bears and Bearoids to reversible rash guards and trying ideas simply to see what happens.   Topics: • Jiu Jitsu longevity • Injury • Belonging • Gym culture • Leadership • Trust • Coaching • Communication • Training intensity • Women in Jiu Jitsu • Wanting to win • Ego • Creativity • Jiu Jitsu Fightwear • Having fun   GO FOLLOW Angie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angfluencer/   JJCo Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/thejiujitsucofightwear/   Community Spotlight on The Jiu Jitsu Company https://www.instagram.com/thejiujitsucompany/   Official Partners of the podcast SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/   Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Clips on TikTok and Instagram TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou   UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett @jiu.jitsu.lou   PRODUCTION CREDIT: Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource MUSIC CREDIT: ARTIST: Maleki Ram | TRACK: Just A Little Boy   This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. GO FOLLOW Angie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angfluencer/   JJCo Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/thejiujitsucofightwear/   Community Spotlight on The Jiu Jitsu Company https://www.instagram.com/thejiujitsucompany/   Official Partners of the podcast SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/   Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Clips on TikTok and Instagram TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou   UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett @jiu.jitsu.lou   PRODUCTION CREDIT: Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource MUSIC CREDIT: ARTIST: Maleki Ram | TRACK: Just A Little Boy   This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy 'Hardy' Hardwick is Black Belt and has been competitive throughout his life. Taking part in every extracurricular sporting activity during childhood have given Andy his edge when it comes to getting to it and being the best he can be.   Owning and running a Jiu Jitsu gym with his best mate from school has been a way for Andy to direct his passion and commitment to sport and performance. He talks about the benefit of approaching performance from many different angles, for competition and longevity in training BJJ. Andy's drive to be the best he could be at every belt level and continues to advocate doing something that challenges each and every one of us.   Topics: RugbyBoxingHead injuriesCompetitive SportEntrepreneurFriendshipCoachingCompetition ReviewStrength TrainingContext of BJJ  GO FOLLOW Andrew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brotherhoodperformance/   Community Spotlight on Brotherhood Health & Performance: https://www.instagram.com/brotherhoodperformance/   Official Partners of the podcast SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/   Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Clips on TikTok and Instagram TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou   UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett @jiu.jitsu.lou   PRODUCTION CREDIT: Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource MUSIC CREDIT: ARTIST: Maleki Ram | TRACK: Just A Little Boy   This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mat Lane has a health & performance business and has brought his connection Frankie Ratford - Travelling Interior Designer, (BBC Interior Design Masters Season 7) in to support the continuation of Impact MMA, now known as Impact Martial Arts based in Salisbury.   Impact MMA has struggled making ends meet and the whole community are now pulling together to make a difference for the people that really need the support. Starting with a visual refresh both in the gym and online has been the first actions.   Hosting Royce Gracie in a recent seminar did great things for bringing exceptional self-defence and martial arts to the people in the community. Please keep supporting your local martial arts gyms to make sure they can continue supporting the wider community.   Topics: Saving Impact MMAInterior DesignCommunity GymImpactMMA InvitationalRoyce Gracie SeminarImpact BarbersMMAContact SportsADHDAccessibilityGym RefreshEntrepreneurship  GO FOLLOW Mat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redefyne_hpc   Community Spotlight on Impact MMA: https://www.instagram.com/impact.mma/   Official Partners of the podcast SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/   Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Clips on TikTok and Instagram TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou   UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett @jiu.jitsu.lou   PRODUCTION CREDIT: Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource MUSIC CREDIT: ARTIST: Maleki Ram | TRACK: Just A Little Boy   This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea Leah has been a Black Belt for 12 years and has stepped up to be outside of her comfort zone to become the Chair of the Women's Committee for the UKBJJA. Chelsea has thrived in other similar roles in her life and brings a significant level of all round Jiu Jitsu experience and knowledge to the role.   Chelsea started BJJ at age 12 in 1999, and was one of the only females on the mats. She found ways to become resilient and confidence which now plays into all areas of her life as a Mother. Coach, Club Owner and Referee.   The discussion moves onto developing more a robust safeguarding within Brazilian Jiu Jitsu where the Safeguarding Code is mentioned, link below. Growing and developing a coaching style is important for every coach in the sport, as is having open discussions around belt progression.   Topics: UKBJJA Women's ChairDiscomfortKids in BJJPhysical confidenceRefereeingBJJ ShowsVulnerable groupsSafeguardingCoachingBelt progression  GO FOLLOW Chelsea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelsea__leah/   The Safeguarding Code: https://www.safeguardingcode.com/   Community Spotlight on UKBJJA https://www.instagram.com/ukbjja/ https://www.ukbjja.org/   Official Partners of the podcast SoulTaker Fightwear: https://www.instagram.com/soultakerfightwear/   Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou Clips on TikTok and Instagram TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiu.jitsu.lou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou   UK BJJ Podcast hosted by Lou Temlett @jiu.jitsu.lou   PRODUCTION CREDIT: Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource MUSIC CREDIT: ARTIST: Maleki Ram | TRACK: Just A Little Boy   This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.