Episodes

In this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee the hosts discuss how gyms can welcome newcomers and help them become long-term jiu-jitsu students, and how new members—whether white belts or experienced visitors—can fit into a ne...

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...

On today’s episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee we wrap up our Dallas trip, share the "rules of the road" for competing and traveling for jiu-jitsu, and trade practical tips on weight management, pre- and post-competition meal...

Recorded in the hotel lobby after day one of the IBJJF Dallas Open, Scott and Mike talk tournament rituals, pre- and post-competition meals, hotels, restaurants and the road life around jiu-jitsu events — including a deep div...

On this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee we unpack sandbagging — when someone hides their true skill to enter lower divisions or downplay experience in the gym. The hosts share real stories, why people do it, and how it af...

We celebrate the one-year anniversary of Fighters Drinking Coffee with reflections on weekly consistency, improvements in editing and sound, favorite guest episodes (Big John, Tim Dawson, Raf), and the show’s stronger focus o...

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...

On this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee, Nakapan Phungeforn from Beta Academy joins the hosts to discuss three decades in the D.C. martial arts scene, blending stories from jiu-jitsu, judo and kudo with candid takes on co...

Adam Forster joins Fighters Drinking Coffee to talk European competition experiences, creative brand building, and his unique, often viral submission style known as "Adam Forster Bullshit". He shares stories from the London O...

Tim Dawson of High Noon BJJ joins Fighters Drinking Coffee to talk jiu-jitsu culture through Star Wars metaphors, rivalries like Gordon Ryan vs. Craig Jones, and wild conspiracies from Jar Jar Sith theories to MKUltra. They a...

In this episode we ask whether jiu-jitsu takes itself too seriously, exploring the two cultural camps: the hyper-serious, macho side, and the silly, meme-driven side; and how figureheads like Gordon Ryan and Craig Jones fuel ...

In this episode we explore creativity and self-expression in jiu‑jitsu — using the "jazz" analogy and discuss utilizing the constraints led approach to bridge the space between techniques. We discuss how drills, repetition, a...

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 ...

Hosts recap their trip to the 2025 IBJJF World No-Gi Championships in Las Vegas, sharing match breakdowns, surprising referee calls, upsets, and standout performances from friends and teammates. They discuss preparation, trav...

Raf Esparza of the Grappling Hour joins Fighters Drinking Coffee to talk training, pro-wrestling influence, and how spectacle and fan experience can grow jiu-jitsu. He shares stories from Subversive and Survivor Series, media...

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...

On this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee, Fury welterweight champion Sam Kilmer breaks down his wrestling and jiu-jitsu roots, training at Kaizen and Crazy 88, and his preparations for the December 14 title defense against...

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...

This episode features Kari Summers and Mendi Carlson of Genesis Jiu-Jitsu, co-founders of the Unbreakable Women’s Grappling Camp in Fort Worth, Texas. They discuss how their program grew from moms watching their kids train in...

Hosts sit down with BJ and Alex from Capital MMA to discuss their journeys in jiu-jitsu, strength and conditioning, and even Highland Games, plus their coaching and teaching philosophies developed through years of competition...