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Episodes

How Wrestling’s Spectacle Can Supercharge Jiu-Jitsu w/ Raf Esparza of The Grappling Hour (Episode 41)
Dec. 9, 2025

How Wrestling’s Spectacle Can Supercharge Jiu-Jitsu w/ Raf Esparza of…

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...

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Tapped Out? Smart Strategies to Stay on the Mat After Injury (Episode 40)
Dec. 2, 2025

Tapped Out? Smart Strategies to Stay on the Mat After Injury (Episode…

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...

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Fury Champion Sam Kilmer: Road to the UFC Begins Dec. 14 (Episode 39)
Nov. 25, 2025

Fury Champion Sam Kilmer: Road to the UFC Begins Dec. 14 (Episode 39)

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...

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The Blue Belt Blues: Why You Suddenly Suck After a Promotion (Episode 38)
Nov. 18, 2025

The Blue Belt Blues: Why You Suddenly Suck After a Promotion (Episode…

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...

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Tap Early, Learn Fast — White Belt Mentality & Survival Tips (Episode 37)
Nov. 11, 2025

Tap Early, Learn Fast — White Belt Mentality & Survival Tips (Episode…

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...

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Unbreakable Women’s Grappling Camp — Strength, Sisterhood, and Jiu-Jitsu (Episode 36)
Nov. 4, 2025

Unbreakable Women’s Grappling Camp — Strength, Sisterhood, and Jiu-Ji…

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...

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Movember Super Fights: Takedowns & Raising Awareness for Men's Health (Episode 35)
Oct. 28, 2025

Movember Super Fights: Takedowns & Raising Awareness for Men's Health…

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...

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London Calling: Redemption after Disappointment (Episode 34)
Oct. 21, 2025

London Calling: Redemption after Disappointment (Episode 34)

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...

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Size Isn't Everything — Mindset and Tactics for Overcoming Size Differences (Episode 33)
Oct. 14, 2025

Size Isn't Everything — Mindset and Tactics for Overcoming Size Diffe…

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 ...

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Fighters Drinking Whiskey with Will Bullock pt 2 (Episode 32)
Oct. 7, 2025

Fighters Drinking Whiskey with Will Bullock pt 2 (Episode 32)

Welcome back to Fighters Drinking Coffee — special edition with whiskey and guest Will Bullock. They dig into supplements, diet debates (including the "vegetables" argument and carnivore trends), weight cuts and recovery, and...

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Sitting down with Will Bullock of the Dreams Not Fame Podcast pt 1 (Episode 31)
Sept. 30, 2025

Sitting down with Will Bullock of the Dreams Not Fame Podcast pt 1 (E…

Will Bullock joins Fighters Drinking Coffee to debate gas-station coffee and food (Wawa vs. 7-Eleven vs. Buc-ee’s), share his early-morning training routine and strength gains, and discuss his prep with coach Asim. They cover...

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Pit Tested: First Super Fights in the NGA Pit (Episode 30)
Sept. 23, 2025

Pit Tested: First Super Fights in the NGA Pit (Episode 30)

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. ...

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Pedagogy on the Mat: Building Classes, Coaches, and Jiu-Jitsu Games (Episode 29)
Sept. 16, 2025

Pedagogy on the Mat: Building Classes, Coaches, and Jiu-Jitsu Games (…

In this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee we break down BJJ pedagogy and curriculum design — how coaches plan month-to-month themes, teach fundamentals for each belt, and align multiple instructors around a clear roadmap. W...

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Undefeated Run: AndyGames' Rise from White‑Collar Fights to Champion (Episode 28)
Sept. 9, 2025

Undefeated Run: AndyGames' Rise from White‑Collar Fights to Champion …

AndyGames joins Fighters Drinking Coffee to share his unexpected boxing journey — starting as a white‑collar novice, climbing into semi‑pro ranks, and leaving undefeated as a heavyweight champion. He breaks down training, key...

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Quintet Chaos: Sub Controversies, UFC Deals & Australasia’s Dark Horse (Episode 27)
Sept. 2, 2025

Quintet Chaos: Sub Controversies, UFC Deals & Australasia’s Dark Hors…

Hosts break down the first night of CJI, debating UFC BJJ exclusivity deals, reactions from Mikey & Craig’s Mighty Cast appearance, and the risks and rewards for competitors. They recap Quintet-style matchups, controversial s...

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Dimitri Chrisos, Organizer of the Copa Virginia Tournament Series (Episode 26)
Aug. 26, 2025

Dimitri Chrisos, Organizer of the Copa Virginia Tournament Series (Ep…

On this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee, host interview Dimitri Chrisos about his journey as an academy owner and third-degree black belt, and the creation and growth of Copa Virginia. They discuss tournament logistics, S...

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Recent Events, Big Money and Taking Jiu-Jitsu Mainstream (Episode 25)
Aug. 19, 2025

Recent Events, Big Money and Taking Jiu-Jitsu Mainstream (Episode 25)

Two hosts break down Scott's no-gi win at the IBJJF Chicago Open — describing the match, the finishing inverted armbar, and the medal moment. As well as the post tournament meals. They also discuss a nearby medical emergency ...

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The Balancing Act of Life and Jiu Jitsu (Episode 24)
Aug. 12, 2025

The Balancing Act of Life and Jiu Jitsu (Episode 24)

Join hosts Mike and Scott on this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee as they delve into the delicate balancing act between life and jujitsu. Inspired by a listener's question, they explore their unique dynamics off the mats,...

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The Jiu Jitsu Cowboy: Caleb Knepley of High Noon and Lariat Jiu-Jitsu (Episode 23)
Aug. 5, 2025

The Jiu Jitsu Cowboy: Caleb Knepley of High Noon and Lariat Jiu-Jitsu…

Welcome back to Fighters Drinking Coffee! In this exciting episode, we sit down with Caleb Knepley, a passionate coach and athlete from High Noon Jiu-Jitsu, who is soon to open Lariat Jiu-Jitsu in Pentagon City, Arlington, Vi...

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Navigating Success in Competitions and Weight Cuts (Episode 22)
July 29, 2025

Navigating Success in Competitions and Weight Cuts (Episode 22)

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...

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Finding Community and Strength through Jiu-Jitsu with Alex Garipay (Episode 21)
July 22, 2025

Finding Community and Strength through Jiu-Jitsu with Alex Garipay (E…

Join us on Fighters Drinking Coffee as we dive into the world of jiu-jitsu with Alex Garipay, a seasoned brown belt, head instructor at Oden Jiu-Jitsu, and NGABJJ commentator. With a passion that ignited upon discovering the ...

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Setting Micro-goals, Burnout and Resourcefulness w/ The Strong AF Club (Episode 20)
July 15, 2025

Setting Micro-goals, Burnout and Resourcefulness w/ The Strong AF Clu…

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...

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From Mat to Mindset: The True Game of Jiu-Jitsu (Episode 19)
July 8, 2025

From Mat to Mindset: The True Game of Jiu-Jitsu (Episode 19)

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...

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The Origins of Fighters Drinking Coffee: A Blend of People, Places, and Passion (Episode 18)
July 1, 2025

The Origins of Fighters Drinking Coffee: A Blend of People, Places, a…

Welcome to an engaging episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee, where hosts Michael Sutherland and Scott take you on a retrospective journey through the origins and evolution of their podcast. From their humble beginnings in 2015...

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