The Grappling Podcast

Episode 24: Hunter Boe: Exploring Art & Jiu-Jitsu

In this engaging conversation, martial artist and tattoo artist Hunter Boe elaborates on his journey in both fields. He talks about how his experiences with wrestling and football shaped his approach to Jiu-Jitsu, the transitions from Gi to NoGi training, and provides practical advice for smaller practitioners combating larger opponents. The parallels he found between martial arts and tattooing are also explored in depth. A perpetual student, Hunter shares his mindset strategies and likens his Jiu-Jitsu journey to an octopus. This discussion is a poignant intersection of art and martial arts and a true insight into leveraging personal strengths.

Episode 23: Mastering The Mount: Top Tips for Dominance

In Episode 23 of our grappling journey, Matt and Levi delve into the world of Jiu-Jitsu's formidable position: The Mount. It's a deep dive into one of the most dominant positions on the mat, exploring its complexities, nuances, and the pivotal role it plays in jiujitsu success.
Join us as Levi and Matt each share their top three tips for mastering The Mount. From establishing unbreakable control to executing high-percentage submissions, they break down key strategies for both beginners and seasoned grapplers. They discuss the subtle art of maintaining the mount, capitalizing on opponents' mistakes, and transitioning seamlessly into winning moves.
Whether you're looking to refine your mount game or discover new ways to utilize this position to your advantage, this episode is packed with insights, personal anecdotes, and practical advice to elevate your grappling skills.

Episode 22: Exploring Goals: Success in the Grappling World

Join Levi and Matthew as they discuss successfully setting and achieving personal and martial arts goals, emphasizing the value of consistent training and targeting manageable milestones. Notably, links between goal-setting and martial arts are drawn, offering insights on leveraging skill development for success. Also, they provide tips for training and growth, illustrating invaluable advice for martial artists and readers alike.

Episode 21: Halloween Special: Jiu Jitsu, Mummies, Monsters, and Magic Tricks

In this fascinating episode, Levi and Matt dive into some unique, Halloween-inspired questions about Jiu Jitsu. From imagining submission techniques for famous horror movie characters, to pondering how they'd adapt in a match if a mummy's curse immobilized one of their limbs, the discussion takes an entertaining turn. They also discuss various topics like the usefulness of certain drills and training methods in expanding their skillset, as well as the importance of maintaining a 'game face' during competitive bouts. The duo reflects on how grappling differs from magic tricks, highlighting the joy of continuous learning in the sport. Tune in for this unique blend of Halloween fun and Jiu Jitsu insight!

Episode 20: Off the Mats: A Conversational Detour

In this lighter, more generalized episode, Matt and Levi dive into a variety of topics, sharing their thoughts and experiences on everything from the mundane to the extraordinary. It's a relaxed and entertaining session of banter where both hosts let their guards down and venture into new conversational territories. Yet, as always, their passion for Jiu-Jitsu manages to find its way back into the dialogue, reminding them of their roots and the listeners of the magnetic pull of this beloved martial art.

Episode 19: All’s Fair in Love and Jiu-Jitsu: The Controversial Tactics of Grappling

In Episode 19, Levi and Matt delve into the provocative world of sassy Jiu-Jitsu techniques that toe the line between cunning strategy and unsportsmanlike conduct. Ever had your mouth covered during a roll or felt the uncompromising pressure of a neck crank and wondered if it's all fair in love and war... or should we say, in grips and rolls?
Join the duo as they dissect these controversial, yet undeniably effective tactics, sharing personal experiences, ethical dilemmas, and the silent, often unspoken rules that govern these dark arts. We’re unraveling the enigma of moves that can win you matches but might cost you a handshake afterwards.
Prepare for a no-holds-barred conversation that exposes the gritty, less talked about strategies that lurk in the competitive shadows of Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you’re a purist or a pragmatist, this episode is set to challenge your views on the delicate balance between victory and valor, technique and tact.
Tune in, if you dare, to explore the sassy side of Jiu-Jitsu where ethics, effectiveness, and edginess intersect. Listener discretion: expect unfiltered opinions, real talk, and a grappling conversation that’s as confrontational as the techniques in question!

Episode 18: Beat the Game / Jiu-Jitsu’s Hidden Victory Paths!

Ever wondered if there’s a way to sidestep conventional Jiu-Jitsu techniques and still come out on top? Join Levi and Matt as they pull back the curtain on inventive strategies that are shaking up the competitive scene. Imagine being armed with tactics that are as effective as they are unexpected — it's about playing the game differently, and winning at it. Dive into a world where innovation meets technique, and discover your next move to secure that sweet victory! Prepare to have your mind blown, and your winning stats, boosted! You can’t afford to miss this - your opponents won't know what hit them!

Episode 17: A Wrestler’s Journey / Jordan Laster

Dive into Episode 17 as we sit down with Jordan Laster, an esteemed D1 Princeton grappler, and now leading the Wrestling Program at THEORY Jiu-Jitsu Studio. This episode promises a captivating journey through Jordan's multifaceted world of wrestling and beyond. It's not just about the holds, throws, and pinning combinations; it's about a narrative enriched with nuances that every wrestler, coach, and enthusiast will resonate with.
Our conversation navigates Jordan’s early initiations into the grappling world, marked by playful battles and formative experiences that would unknowingly lay the foundation for his future endeavors. Listen closely as he reflects on the transformative power of those early years and the ensuing journey that sculpted him into the skilled wrestler and insightful coach he is today.
Through candid anecdotes and reflections, Jordan sheds light on the art and soul of wrestling. He weaves through the complexities of weight classes, the pivotal transition points in his career, and the profound influences that anime, particularly the iconic Goku, have imparted upon his wrestling philosophy and approach.
In this enriching dialogue, you'll discover not just the technicalities of wrestling but also the intrinsic motivations, the battles against self and opponents alike, and the unwavering spirit that defines the journey of a wrestler. Each insight, every anecdote, paints a vibrant picture of a sport and art form that is as mentally engaging as it is physically demanding.
Join us for an episode that transcends the ordinary, offering listeners a glimpse into the dynamic intersection where passion, skill, and strategy converge to define the enigmatic world of grappling, as seen through the eyes of Jordan Laster.