Mindset & Motivation Episodes

In this episode Scott and Mike dive into the psychology of training; why we started jiu‑jitsu, why we keep going, and how to find motivation when it fades. They share origin stories, talk about competition as a tool for learn...

Welcome back to the Fighters Drinking Coffee podcast. In this episode we focus on how to restructure your training to get past sticking points in your jiu-jitsu progression. Hosts discuss practical steps like increasing frequ...

In this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee the hosts return from a long road trip and dive into the thin line between productive control and unhealthy obsession around training, competition, and habits. They discuss weight c...

On today's episode we are joined by a few fellow competitors as we were on the road to Chicago. We focused on the topic of managing your weight cut during travel. Using our plan for the ten hour drive we were on. We also get...

On this episode David Bergida joins the show to discuss his transition from Division I wrestling to MMA, his training and fight-week rituals, and how he balances competition with family life. They also dig into health and opt...

Welcome back to Fighters Drinking Coffee with guest John Christian — double gold Masters World champion and licensed clinical psychologist. In this episode John discusses how jiu-jitsu hooks athletes, the role of community an...

Hosts Mike and Scott dive into how jiu-jitsu becomes an all-consuming passion in this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee: Jiu-Jitsu Anonymous. They share personal confessions about quitting jobs, chasing competition highs, a...

This episode examines cult-like behavior in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms: how hierarchy, leader worship, cliques, and business practices can create unhealthy dynamics, and how humility, mutual respect, and cross-training act as g...

New Year’s episode where the hosts share concise jiu-jitsu resolutions: pursue greater professionalism as coaches and competitors, add new techniques and finishing mechanics, and build a training/competition calendar to peak ...

On this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee we walk through a practical year-in-review for the 2025 competition season: tracking matches, wins and losses, submission patterns, weight cuts, training timelines, and key turning ...

This episode covers what to do after a jiu-jitsu injury: how to tell a tweak from a serious injury, when to seek medical help, and when to rest. The hosts share practical tips for training while hurt—modify your game plan, tr...

This episode explores the “blue belt blues”: the sudden drop in confidence and performance many feel after a promotion. Hosts discuss causes — targets on your back, merit-based expectations, comparison, and ego — and how coac...

This episode explores the white belt experience in jiu-jitsu — from signing the waiver and wearing a rental gi to learning to tap and leaving your ego at the door. Hosts share practical advice for new students on safety, mind...

Scott and Michael recap their recent competitions — PANS in New York (coaching, medals and tough losses), a quick turnaround to the London Open with redemption and a win, and what’s coming next: VGI, Euros in Rome, Worlds, lo...

In this episode, the hosts discuss how smaller fighters can handle size discrepancies in training and competition. They cover tactical adjustments (leverage, timing, space management), target selection (neck and ankles), and ...

Mike recaps his two recent pit super fights at 145 lbs, sharing match highlights—back takes, submission attempts, a near armbar, and a guillotine—as well as weigh-ins, what he would do differently, and match-day preparation. ...

In this thrilling episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee, join us as we dive into the exhilarating world of jiu-jitsu competitions and triumphs. Broadcasting from the NoVa Barbell Club, hear firsthand how Mike achieved double go...

Join us on the latest episode of "Fighters Drinking Coffee" as we welcome our good friends Nate Craig and Asim Faez from the Strong AF Podcast for a lively discussion. We embark on an engaging journey exploring the world of m...

Welcome to another insightful episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee. Today, we delve into the intricate world of competitive jiu-jitsu, exploring how rule sets and personal goals shape the martial artist's journey. Join us as w...

Welcome to another episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee where today we sit down with the remarkable RJ Nealon, a world silver medalist in Jiu-Jitsu and a sports journalist for Special Olympics North America. RJ shares his insp...

In this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee, hosts Mike and Scott sit down with Khaldon Roukie, an MMA fighter, coach, and the son of a butcher; based out of District Martial Arts in Arlington, Virginia. Khaldon shares his in...

Join us for an engaging episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee, where we sit down with Andrea Tang, a renowned author, passionate BJJ competitor, and host of the BJJ Today podcast for BJJ Mental Models. Andrea shares insights fr...

On this episode, we highlight the ups and downs of competition. Mike shares his experience with a super fight at Copa Elite 4 and participation in the Virginia Open for IBJJF. We reflect on returning to competition after a l...

Scott breaks down his lead up and competition at the IBJJF Chicago open. We discuss takeaways, changes from prior competitions, as well as his focuses and how he approached competition day. Scott and Mike also delve into the ...