Afleveringen
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Craig Jones joins BJJ Balance from Mexico for the biggest and wildest episode we have ever recorded.
Craig tells the unbelievable story of filming with cartel members in Mexico before opening up about CJI 3, what went wrong at CJI 2 and how he plans to bring the original Craig Jones Invitational âfever dreamâ energy back. He discusses athlete contracts, promotional politics, the future of professional grappling and why some of the sportâs biggest competitors do not understand the leverage they possess.
We also talk about the return of B-Team, his ongoing rivalry with Gordon Ryan, the genius of John Danaher, Gabi Garciaâs transformation into a CJI star and the Leandro Lo upset that completely changed Craigâs career.
Craig explains how heel hooks allowed him to defeat more technically complete grapplers, what really happened during his match with Chael Sonnen, his plans for the Gable Steveson matchup and why controlling his own content became one of the smartest decisions of his career.
Plus, Craig discusses sponsorships, Moneyberg, social-media censorship, rich friends, Masters Worlds, B-Team Mexico, the Zamaya training resort and several stories that probably should never have been told publicly.
This is Craig Jones completely unfiltered.
Explicit language and adult humor throughout.
Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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Episode 144 of BJJ Balance starts with Fourth of July chaos, AI photo edits, old-school road trip memories, Game Gear nostalgia, e-bikes, childhood stories, and the kind of random tangents only this podcast can produce.
Then the boys get into Craig Jones potentially building a jiu-jitsu destination in Mexico, whether it could become a BJJ retreat-style hub, what that might mean for CJI, and why now might be the perfect time to finally get Craig Jones on the podcast.
The episode also gets serious for a bit as Kenny talks about a recent health scare, what it felt like for the people around him, the reminder to appreciate family and the life you already have, and the nerves that can come with returning to jiu-jitsu after something scary happens.
From there, the listener questions take over: big guys avoiding other big guys, why smaller grapplers may have a harder road to black belt, calling out tough rounds, Gordon Ryan vs Kron Gracie in MMA, why the teepee choke and gogoplata comments are getting out of control, flow rolling, purple belts giving stripes, knee on belly escapes, traditional jiu-jitsu warmups, and more.
This one has everything: comedy, jiu-jitsu debates, life perspective, Craig Jones talk, Gordon Ryan talk, listener questions, and classic BJJ Balance chaos.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In Episode 143 of BJJ Balance, Kenny and Matt open with one of the most important questions in modern jiu-jitsu:
How long are you allowed to wear your medal after winning a tournament?
From there, the conversation goes exactly where youâd expect â gi vs no-gi, why Matt is officially âgi till I die,â Kick livestream plans, Craig Jones being back around the B-Team, ADCC/CJI rumors, internet criticism, Dana White on the mats with shoes, Sean Strickland being Sean Strickland, gym drama, relationships inside jiu-jitsu schools, fake glory from empty brackets, and why the respect of your training room matters more than social media followers.
This one gets wild, honest, uncomfortable, and very BJJ Balance.
Follow us on all socials and subscribe for more jiu-jitsu talk, podcast chaos, and weekly episodes.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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This week on BJJ Balance, Matt and Kenny start with the World Cup and somehow turn it into one of the most honest conversations about culture, America, jiu-jitsu, and why people are not as divided as the internet wants us to believe.
The guys talk about how the World Cup brings countries together, how jiu-jitsu does the same thing inside the gym, and why shared struggle can break down walls between people from completely different backgrounds.
Then the episode goes exactly where youâd expect: action movie legends, old video stores, N64 GoldenEye, magician riz, Fatherâs Day strategy, marriage, listener questions, wives training jiu-jitsu, beginner classes, live sparring, cutting weight, competing as a master, what it really means to be a world champion, and the emotion of watching someone receive their black belt.
This one has jokes, real talk, BJJ advice, and a lot of chaos.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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Episode 141 is a full BJJ Balance chaos session. Kenny and Matt talk purple belt promotions, what separates purple belts from brown belts, how to slow your game down, surviving huge training partners, tournament horror stories, pressure passing, half guard, and why jiu-jitsu always makes you feel better even on a bad day. Plus NBA referee rants, podcast growth talk, sponsor jokes, and Matt explaining why some sports are sports and some are just skills.Sponsored by Optiva Wellness
Use code BJJBalance10 at checkout.Follow BJJ Balance everywhere: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, and Discord.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @KennyDoesdBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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This week on BJJ Balance, we dive into something bigger than jiu-jitsu.
Mat opens up about hitting a point in life where being comfortable isn't enough anymore. With a great family, a successful career, and a growing podcast, why does the desire for more keep getting louder?
We talk about taking calculated risks, building something meaningful, finding the right people to grow with, and why chasing your potential becomes harder to ignore as you get older.
We also answer listener questions on:
When to move on from techniques that aren't working
Letting your blue belts "eat"
Why wrestlers often progress faster than hobbyists
Common mistakes that stall jiu-jitsu growth
Injuries at purple belt
TRT, recovery, and supplements
Social media drama in the BJJ world
Why giving your training partners credit matters
Plus, Kenny gets roasted once again.
If you've ever felt like you're capable of more, this episode is for you.
Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @KennyDoesBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj -
This week the boys break down a wild IBJJF competition experience, lessons learned from taking an L, why the pressure of competing is addictive, belt promotions, gym culture, patches on gis, building leaders through jiu-jitsu, and the future of the sport.
They also dive into Craig Jones speculation, CJI talk, UFC BJJ, promotion standards, and why blue belt is just the beginning. Plus: steroid jokes, giant ultra-heavies, rash guards, music playlists, and the usual chaos.
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This episode of After The Roll goes completely off the rails.
The boys break down the rise of UFC BJJ, whether the promotion is actually good for jiu-jitsu, and why fighters are chasing the UFC name. They also dive deep into Mikey Musumeciâs role as the face of UFC BJJ, why some fans love him, and why others think the âcringeâ factor is hurting the sport.Then things spiral into:
A2 gi slander
tournament prep
Bloodsport appreciation
belt tying etiquette
bathroom horror stories
Taco Bell debates
jiu-jitsu gym culture
and some of the wildest analogies ever said on this podcast
Classic BJJ Balance: equal parts jiu-jitsu discussion, comedy, chaos, and absolute nonsense.
Topics include:
UFC BJJ & the future of grappling
Mikey Musumeci controversy
PGF vs UFC BJJ
Bloodsport & martial arts movies
Tournament mindset
A2 gi jokes
Belt promotion etiquette
Grapple App discussion
Jiu-jitsu culture
Bathroom & Taco Bell stories
#BJJBalance #UFCBJJ #MikeyMusumeci #JiuJitsu #BJJPodcast #AfterTheRoll #PGF #CraigJones #Grappling #BloodsportPlease Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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Shawn Melanson joins the podcast for one of the most honest conversations weâve had about modern jiu-jitsu. We dive deep into the PGF season, the Phenom team controversy, social media strategy in BJJ, building a personal brand, BJJ Fanatics instructionals, competition culture, gym ownership, training philosophies, and why Sean believes most athletes are leaving money and opportunities on the table.
Shawn talks about being underestimated during the PGF draft, using controversy to build storylines, the realities of sponsorships in jiu-jitsu, why social media matters more than titles for most athletes, and how he built a loyal following by being authentic online.
We also get into old-school pressure passing, knee slice passing, route drags, competition training, hobbyist gyms vs competition gyms, coaching women in jiu-jitsu, seminars, building a gym culture, and the future of the PGF.
If youâre into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, no-gi grappling, BJJ culture, PGF, CJI, ADCC, gym ownership, instructionals, or social media growth for athletes â this episode is packed.
#BJJ #JiuJitsu #NoGi #PGF #shawnmelanson #BJJFanatics #Grappling #BrazilianJiuJitsu #ADCC #CJI #BJJPodcast #JiuJitsuLife #BJJTraining #MMA #SubmissionGrappling
Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:
IG: @BJJBalance
Discord: discord.gg/bjjbalance
Tik Tok: @BJJBalance
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalance
Kenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJ
Matt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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This episode of BJJ Balance After The Roll gets HEATED
.Matt returns from Vegas with stories about Morgan Wallen, gambling losses, and expensive concerts before the conversation completely shifts into one of the most passionate jiu-jitsu debates weâve had yet.
The guys dive deep into:
Are jiu-jitsu belts getting watered down?
Should âgym beltsâ be held to the same standard as competitors?
Attendance-based promotions in BJJ
Old-school gauntlets & shark tanks
Fake belts and gym politics
Why difficult training creates stronger teams
Sean Strickland vs Khamzat predictions
Open mats, competition mentality & proving yourself
This episode is funny, chaotic, brutally honest, and packed with strong opinions about the current state of jiu-jitsu culture. If you love raw BJJ conversations and uncensored gym talk, this one is for you.Subscribe for weekly episodes covering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, UFC, grappling culture, competition mindset, gym stories, and listener questions.#BJJ #JiuJitsu #BrazilianJiuJitsu #MMA #UFC #SeanStrickland #KhamzatChimaev #BJJPodcast #NoGi #Grappling #IBJJF #BJJBalancePlease Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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In this solo episode of the BJJ Balance Podcast, Kenny goes off-script and lets the audience run the show.From belt progression and imposter syndrome to dealing with wrestlers, shark tanks, and the realities of trainingâthis episode is raw, honest, and unfiltered.This is one of the most real conversations about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsuâcovering the struggles, mindset, and lessons that every grappler goes through.Whether you're a white belt, blue belt, or beyond⌠this one will hit.đĽ Topics Covered:Kennyâs journey into jiu-jitsuThe truth about the BJJ belt systemImposter syndrome at blue beltHow to deal with wrestlers in classGuard development & weaknessesShark tank & belt testing cultureMusic, lifestyle & training mindsetPlease Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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This episode of BJJ Balance starts off completely unfiltered⌠and somehow turns into one of our most relatable conversations yet.
We kick things off with a hilarious (and chaotic) debate about âWhite Boy of the Year,â dive into nostalgia from the 90s and early 2000s, and eventually bring it back to what really mattersâBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training, and growth on the mats.
From old-school iPods to childhood music memories, to real talk about injuries, training progression, and how long it actually takes to reach black belt⌠this episode covers it all.đŹ We also want YOUR input:
Whatâs the one song that defines your childhood?đĽ
In this episode:
Ranking âWhite Boy of the Yearâ candidates đ
Nostalgia: iPods, music, and growing up
Training updates + evolving your jiu-jitsu game
How long it REALLY takes to earn a black belt
Injuries, consistency, and staying on the mats
Should you follow your coach if they leave?
đ Subscribe for weekly episodes on:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ⢠Training ⢠Culture ⢠Real Lifeđ
Comment below:
Whatâs YOUR âsong of your childhoodâ? We might use it in a clip đPlease Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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In this episode of the BJJ Balance Podcast, things go completely off the rails early⌠but somehow circle back into real, valuable jiu-jitsu insight.
We talk about gym culture, early morning training sessions, competition prep, and what it really means to grow in jiu-jitsuâboth as a student and as a coach. Along the way, we get into some wild side tangents, old-school nostalgia, and the kind of conversations you only have with your training partners.
If youâve ever trained at 6AM, struggled to stay consistent, or wondered how to level up without burning outâthis oneâs for you.
Topics include:
The reality of early morning classes (4AM/6AM grind)How to keep students from falling through the cracks
Competition mindset & why signing up changes everything
Training intensity vs. learning as a white/blue belt
Gym culture, coaching responsibility, and retention
Why wrestling builds a different kind of toughness
Plus⌠a LOT of chaos in betweenPlease Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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Matt holds it down solo for Episode 132 while Kenny is stuck without internet after the move. This one turns into a full-on chaos episode: Matt recaps his trip to the PGF Finals in Las Vegas, talks about meeting people in the jiu-jitsu scene, tells the story of getting hit with a brutal sickness and ending up at urgent care, reacts to UFC action, and closes things out with some unfiltered listener questions.If youâre into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, PGF, MMA, UFC, grappling culture, jiu-jitsu podcasts, funny fight stories, and raw behind-the-scenes BJJ talk, this episode has all of it.In this episode:Matt breaks down the energy and athlete-first feel of the PGF FinalsVegas stories, content creator meetups, and why the weekend meant a lotThe 104-degree fever saga and how he still managed to recordThoughts on UFC and fight cultureGym owner priorities: MMA fighters vs jiu-jitsu competitorsWild listener questions to close the showSubscribe to BJJ Balance for more conversations on jiu-jitsu, MMA, life, current events in grappling, and listener Q&A every week.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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In this episode of BJJ Balance, we kick off our Purple Belt Series and break down what really changes once you hit purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
From the mindset shift after promotion, to the pressure (and freedom) that comes with the belt, to why purple belts are some of the most dangerous grapplers on the matsâwe cover it all.
We also dive into:
The difference between blue belt and purple belt skill levels
Why purple belts feel like âexpertsâ but still have gaps
The importance of slowing down your game
Building new weapons instead of relying on your A-game
Open guard struggles, passing development, and leg lock exploration
Coaching, feedback, and how to actually improve faster
Trusting your professor (even when you're frustrated)Plus, we answer listener questions centered around the purple belt journey and what it really takes to level up.
If you're a blue belt chasing purpleâor already thereâthis episode is a must.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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Craig Jones just lit the jiu-jitsu world on fire.In Episode 130 of the BJJ Balance Podcast, we break down the insanity of CJI 2.5, the rumored format, the $10,000,000 prize pool, why this feels like a direct shot at exclusive UFC BJJ contracts, and who could actually end up in an 8-man open weight tournament.We also talk about what this could mean for the future of professional grappling, whether Craig should run trials, what names like Nicky Rod, Victor Hugo, the Ruotolos, Mikey Musumeci, Andrew Tackett, and even MMA or wrestling crossover athletes could bring to the event, and why this might be one of the wildest moments the sport has ever seen.Later in the episode, we get into whether gi is harder than no-gi, how white belts should balance both, when your personal game starts to develop, and whether no-gi can sometimes make people feel better than they actually are.If youâre into Craig Jones, CJI 2.5, UFC BJJ, ADCC, gi vs no-gi, white belt advice, and the future of pro jiu-jitsu, this oneâs for you.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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In this episode of BJJ Balance, we break down one of the most misunderstood topics in jiu-jitsu:đ Should you cut weight for tournaments?
We dive into:
Why most people are cutting weight for the WRONG reasons
How bracket size actually matters more than strength
Why beginners shouldnât even be thinking about the scale
The difference between BJJ and MMA weight cutting
Then⌠as always⌠things completely go off the rails.
From birthday stories and Corvette dreams to couch debates, music nostalgia, and absolute chaosâthis is a full experience.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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In Episode 128 of the BJJ Balance Podcast, we dive deep into the rise of team-based professional grappling and why the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) may represent the future of the sport.
We discuss:⢠The rise of the Alabama Twisters team⢠Why PGF rules create more action than traditional tournaments⢠The contrast between PGF and other grappling leagues⢠Why stalling calls actually improve matches⢠How PGF athletes are building real careers in jiu-jitsu⢠The philosophy behind posting your losses online
We also talk about the difference between promotions that build brands around organizations versus promotions that build brands around athletes.
If you're interested in the future of professional grappling, this episode is a must watch.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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In this episode of the BJJ Balance Podcast, Kenny and Matt go deep into some wild topics across the jiu-jitsu world and beyond.
Matt kicks things off with one of his classic rants â covering fake martial arts instructors on social media, questionable self-defense content, and what actually makes a legitimate academy.
The guys also break down the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) season, discuss standout performances, and talk about the evolution of professional jiu-jitsu events.
Later in the episode they dive into real training philosophy:⢠Flow rolling vs hard rounds⢠Why coaches should control sparring matchups⢠How to improve when you're the best guy in the room⢠Why getting uncomfortable in training is essential for progress
They also touch on some bizarre stories in the grappling world â including controversy involving Gordon Ryan and discussions about respected figures like Renzo Gracie.
If you love honest jiu-jitsu conversation, gym culture, and grappling analysis â this episode is for you.đ LikeđŹ Comment your thoughtsđ Subscribe for more BJJ Balance episodesPlease Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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Is wrestling finally back⌠because of influencers?
In this episode of BJJ Balance, we break down the wild RAF fight drama, the influence of personalities like Muggsy and Giorgio, and whether traditional wrestling heads are missing the bigger picture.
We also dive into:⢠UFC BJJ exclusive contracts â smart business or bad for the sport?⢠Why influencers might be the key to growing wrestling & jiu-jitsu⢠Jordan Burroughs vs influencer superfights⢠Why grappling NEEDS personalities to survive⢠The problem with locking athletes into one organization⢠Should BJJ have a World Cup format instead of chasing the Olympics?⢠Gi vs No-Gi and why takedowns make events better⢠The business mistakes holding jiu-jitsu back⢠Plus: Mattâs $2,000 Best Buy âaccidentâ
If you care about the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, UFC BJJ, RAF, CJI, PGF, and the influencer era of combat sports â this episode is for you.
Combat sports are changing.
Just like Jake Paul helped revive boxing, influencer-driven matchups might be what wrestling and jiu-jitsu need to grow beyond niche audiences.
Traditionalists might hate it.
But eyeballs equal opportunity.
And without eyeballs, the sport dies.
If you train BJJ, follow wrestling, watch UFC, or care about the business side of grappling:đ LikeđŹ Comment your takeđ Subscribe for weekly episodes
New episodes every week.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj
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