Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu
Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu: Fuel for Your Roll, On and Off the Mats
Whether you're fresh into your white belt journey or deep into black belt life, Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu is brewed for you. This podcast explores the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through the lens of curiosity, community, and a strong cup of coffee.
We dive into the topics that matter training plateaus, competition prep, injury recovery, gym culture, mental toughness, belt progression, and yes, even that first awkward day on the mats. Each episode is crafted to help new practitioners find their footing and give long-time grapplers something fresh to think about.
You’ll hear:
- Real conversations with teammates, coaches, and special guests from all belt levels
- Honest takes on the highs, lows, and lessons of BJJ
- Fuel and flavor because what’s training without good coffee?
Join us for episodes that blend technical insights, off-the-mat stories, and community shoutouts. It’s a podcast that respects the grind, celebrates the journey, and keeps your mind as sharp as your game.
Roll with us. Sip with us. Welcome to Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu.
Let's Connect
caffeinatedjiujitsu@gmail.com
Join the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Community!!
@caffeinated_jiujitsu
Episodes
35 episodes
Episode #35 - Caleb Holland and The Iron Wolf Tale
A lot of schools say, “iron sharpens iron.” Few build an entire culture around it. We sat down with Professor Caleb Holland, owner and head coach of Iron Wolf Academy in Braselton, GA, to unpack how a humble school without a sign on the door gr...
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Episode 35
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1:53:14
Episode #34 - Why We Keep Showing Up
Coffee in hand, gi on the chair, and a question that won’t let go: why do we keep showing up to jiu-jitsu long after the first aches fade? I’m back after travel, training in Manila and Vegas, and a much needed reset to unpack the hidden reasons...
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Episode 34
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32:39
Episode #33 - Maximizing Your Mat Time Through Strategic Note-Taking
Ever walked out of BJJ class feeling like you've just learned the perfect technique, only to completely forget it by the next day? You're not alone. This episode dives into the game-changing practice of strategic note-taking for jiu-jitsu pract...
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Episode 33
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39:52
Episode #32- The Other Side of the Mat & The Betrayal: The Return of Bad Jackie
What does it truly mean to be a woman in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Multiple-time IBJJF champion and brown belt Jacqueline "Bad Jackie" Young returns to Caffeinated Jiu-Jitsu to explore this question with raw honesty and hard-won wisdom.From ...
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Episode 32
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1:06:36
Episode #31 - Is Jiu Jitsu for Me? I'm Glad You Asked!
Considering stepping onto the jiu-jitsu mats for the first time but feeling hesitant? This episode is your complete roadmap to beginning your BJJ journey with confidence and clarity.After returning from a brief hiatus, I'm diving into e...
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Episode 31
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50:04
Episode #30 - White Belt Chronicles: Amanda Cowie's Journey and Beyond
The journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu often begins with unexpected catalysts. For Amanda Cowie, it was her three energetic boys that first brought her to the edge of the mats. After watching from the sidelines for two years, this talent acquisit...
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1:32:41
Episode #29 - BJJ Mat Manners: Essential Etiquette for Every Belt
The difference between being welcomed on the mats and finding yourself on someone's "no-roll list" often comes down to understanding the unwritten rules of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu etiquette. This episode tackles the essential guidelines that...
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Episode 29
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44:22
Episode #28 - Black Belt Chats : Professor DJ Farmer
What does a quarter-century of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience teach you about martial arts, personal growth, and life itself? Fourth-degree black belt DJ Farmer unwraps this question with remarkable clarity, walking us through his 27-year journ...
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Episode 28
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1:20:02
Episode #27 - From The Mat To The Stage: Kaitlyn Crokers BJJ and Country Music Journey
What happens when country melodies meet the mats of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Kaitlyn Croker, a rising star in the world of country music and BJJ enthusiast, joins me during this episode to reveal her unique journey. From singing ...
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Episode 27
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1:05:42
Episode #26 - White Belt Chronicles: Yakov Kolan
Ever faced the nerve-wracking intensity of stepping onto the mat for your very first jiu-jitsu competition? Join us in the latest episode of Caffeinated Jiu-Jitsu, where we capture the exhilaration and chaos of a white belt's inaugural contest ...
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Episode 26
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1:00:22
Episode #25 - The Art of Mentorship and Growth in Jiu-Jitsu with Rick JungKuntz
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rick Junkuntz, a seasoned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and instructor at the Alliance Jiu-Jitsu headquarters. Discover how Rick's journey from childhood wrestling to becoming a dedicated Jiu-Ji...
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Episode 25
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1:41:05
Episode #24 - Inside the Academy: Professor Joey Dean, Carolina Family Jiu Jitsu
What if the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu could transform your life in ways you've never imagined? Discover this and more in our captivating conversation with Professor Joey Dean, the esteemed owner of Carolina Family Jiu-Jitsu. With his rich tape...
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Episode 24
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1:39:59
Episode #23 - Building Your Jiu-Jitsu Future One Goal at a Time
Start your year with inspiration and direction as we explore the art of goal setting in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and beyond. Imagine transforming your training from a routine grind to a purposeful journey filled with small victories and ultimate ach...
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Episode 23
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56:55
Episode #22 - The Legacy of a Jiu Jitsu Pioneer: Romero'Jacaré' Cavalcanti
Master Romero "Jacare'" Cavalcanti, an iconic figure and member of the BJJ Hall of Fame in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, joins us to share his extraordinary journey from training alongside the legendary Rolls Gracie to founding the powerhouse Alliance J...
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Episode 22
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1:40:38
Episode #21 - Jiu Jitsu and Mental Positivity with Rachel Neubauer
Ever wondered how jiu-jitsu can transform your life? Meet Rachel Neubauer, a purple belt powerhouse from Alliance Roswell, who shares her astonishing journey through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From clinching titles at the 2024 PANS Championship and t...
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Episode 21
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1:02:18
Episode #20 - Lessons From The Masters: Ian McPherson
Experience the inspiring journey of Ian McPherson, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from the renowned Alliance Jiu-Jitsu team, as he shares his path from wrestling in Atlanta to achieving mastery under one of the most influential figures in all...
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Episode 20
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51:51
Episode #19 - Sidestepping Pitfalls: Essential Tips for Beginner Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners
Want to turbocharge your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey and sidestep the most common beginner pitfalls? Tune in to this episode of Caffeinated Jiu-Jitsu where we promise to equip you with the essential tips and insights needed to sharpen your game...
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Episode 19
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16:56
Episode #18 - From Homeless to World Champion: The Rise of Bad Jackie
Imagine finding yourself homeless, addicted, and almost out of hope, only to rise and become a two-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion. That's the extraordinary journey of Jacqueline Young. Beginning with Jacqueline's life before jiu-jitsu,...
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Episode 18
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1:23:02
Episode #17 - Finding Balance, Round Two: Jiu-Jitsu Training and Daily Commitments
Ever wondered how to keep your passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu alive amidst a sea of responsibilities? Join me on this special episode of Caffeinated Jiu-Jitsu where we tackle the intricate dance of maintaining a balanced life while staying com...
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Episode 17
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52:09
Episode #16 - Mastering Jiu-Jitsu Later in Life: John Mandato's Inspirational Tale
What ignites a passion for martial arts at an age when most people are thinking about retirement? Join us for an enlightening conversation with John Mandato, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who embarked on his journey at 44. John’s transition ...
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Episode 16
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46:32
Episode #15 - Lessons From the Masters: Leo Nogueira
In this episode of Lessons from the Masters I have the distinct honor of speaking with Leo Nogueira. Leo Nogueira is not only the head professor at Alliance Headquarters in Dunwoody, GA, he is a multi-champion and BJJ Legend and Icon.&nb...
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Episode 15
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1:08:10
Episode #14 -Top Tactics for Larger Practitioners with The Leg Locking Giant - Dylan Smith
Join us in this thrilling episode of Caffeinated Jiu-Jitsu as Dylan Smith, a dedicated BJJ enthusiast, shares his incredible journey from facing obesity and a tough personal challenge to achieving his upcoming promotion to purple belt at Iron W...
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Episode 14
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1:09:45
Episode #13 - Rocking the Mats: Mike Reilly and the GenXRefined Journey.
When Mike Reilly, founder of Gen X Refined, graced the mats of TFTC Academy, little did he know his life was about to change. Join us as Mike recounts his late bloom into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, detailing the challenges and triumphs t...
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Episode 13
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43:02
Episode #12 -Lessons From the Masters: Professor Rodrigo Maciel
Journey with us as we sit at the feet of , Rodrigo Maciel, soaking in the wisdom that transcends the mats. In this episode, Rodrigo takes us through the pivotal moments that shaped his path from an MMA fighter to a Jiu-Jitsu maestro, revealing ...
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Episode 12
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31:39
Episode #11 - Cross-Training for Life: How Jiu-Jitsu Empowers the Business Mindset
As I tie on my newly-earned blue belt, I can't help but reflect on the myriad of ways jiu-jitsu parallels the boardroom battlegrounds. Today, we weave together the fibers of discipline and resilience from the mats to the office, illustrating th...
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Episode 11
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33:25