Megan Timler visits the podcast this week! Connect with Megan Timler on Instagram @nuttmeg012 If you love the Podcast, share it with a friend! You can also leave us a 5 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts. https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2 Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp https://rollmodelswanted.com/ New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcT...
Jul 03, 2025•29 min•Ep. 218
What are the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu traditions and etiquette you need to know? If you love the Podcast, share it with a friend! You can also leave us a 5 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts. https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2 Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp https://rollmodelswanted.com/ New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si...
Jun 22, 2025•25 min•Ep. 217
This episode is all about building up the Jiu-Jitsu community. If you love the Podcast, share it with a friend! You can also leave us a 5 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts. https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2 Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp https://rollmodelswanted.com/ New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906...
Jun 05, 2025•18 min•Ep. 216
What is the secret sauce for building a thriving women’s Jiu-Jitsu team, along with a culture that keeps women on the mats for years, not just through their 30-day trial? If you’ve ever felt like jiu-jitsu gyms are more about rivalry than real connection, this episode will flip that script. We’re talking about how genuine collaboration, not cutthroat competition, transforms the Jiu Jitsu experience for women. Our guest is Alannah Reeves. She’s a black belt, co-owner of Vital Combat Team, and a f...
May 22, 2025•29 min•Ep. 215
Have you ever walked into a room and wished you felt as strong on the inside as you try to look on the outside? Whether you’re stepping onto the mats, into a leadership role, or just trying not to spiral after a tough roll, developing a commanding presence is more than posture and projection—it’s mindset in action. And the good news? It’s a skill you can train, just like your jiu-jitsu. We’re digging into what it means to have a commanding presence—and why it matters far beyond jiu-jitsu competi...
May 08, 2025•59 min•Ep. 214
Have you ever wondered if you might be the one slowing down your Jiu-Jitsu progress? Yeah, we’ve been there too. In this episode, we explore the ways we unintentionally sabotage our own progress in jiu-jitsu and how we can start to shift out of those patterns. From skipping warm-ups and rolling half-heartedly to full-on downward spirals and “oops, I ate waffles before weigh-ins,” we’re calling ourselves out (with a bit of laughter) in hopes it helps you, too. We talk about the mind games we play...
Apr 24, 2025•20 min•Ep. 213
Have you ever reached a goal, only to skip the celebration and immediately focus on what's next? We are challenging you to slow down and revel in even your small Jiu-Jitsu accomplishments. Jiu-Jitsu is hard. There are days when just getting on the mat is a victory. We’re using AJ's recent experience at Pans as an example of what to celebrate and why. It’s about more than just getting your hand raised; it's about acknowledging personal growth and improved performance. Whether you've executed a fl...
Apr 10, 2025•22 min•Ep. 212
Feeling like you're trapped under a mountain of pressure both on and off the mats? Ever wondered what to do when you're wrestling with exhaustion, frustration, and a whirlwind of self-doubt? We’re here to help you navigate those rollercoaster days when Jiu-Jitsu imitates life just a little too well. Imagine walking into a class, already battling the heavyweight pressures of life, only to face the physical might of super heavyweights on the mats. Do you tap out, or do you find a way to roll throu...
Mar 27, 2025•25 min•Ep. 211
We put you, our Jiu-Jitsu community, in charge of questions for this episode. We answer an array of listener questions about jiu-jitsu, promotions, dealing with different body types (boobs included), competition, and even a break dance battle scenario. Whether you're curious about belt promotions, starting a women's BJJ class, or just want to feel like you’re hanging out with a couple of your Jiu-Jitsu friends after class, this episode has it all. (00:00) Ask Us Anything (01:54) Who can give Jiu...
Mar 13, 2025•33 min•Ep. 210
Are you ready to step up and coach your teammate at a Jiu-Jitsu competition even when you're not officially a coach? Regardless of your rank, there are a number of ways to support your teammates during competition season. Learn practical tips on timing, point calling, and strategically supporting your teammates, not only in competitions but also during training sessions. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just starting your journey, this episode promises to transform how you perceive suppor...
Feb 27, 2025•26 min•Ep. 209
Have you ever been told you need to be "more aggressive" on the mats, only to find yourself awkwardly trying to manufacture anger toward your competition or training partners? Or maybe you've been labeled "too aggressive" at work when being direct about your boundaries, expectations, or needs. The line between assertive and aggressive is often blurry for women in BJJ and beyond. It’s time for a mindset shift. Assertiveness isn’t aggression; it’s clarity, confidence, and control. Let’s reframe ho...
Feb 13, 2025•26 min•Ep. 208
Have you ever had to fight one of your friends or a training partner in a competition? Has the thought of fighting your friend ever kept you from registering for a competition? In this episode, we're helping you navigate that situation with what to do before the match, day of, and after. We’re sharing our insight and experiences from competing against our own teammates and friends. Chapters (00:00) How do you feel about competing against friends and teammates? (03:21) The dynamics of fighting yo...
Jan 30, 2025•25 min•Ep. 207
How often do you feel FOMO, the fear of missing out, when it comes to Jiu-Jitsu? It can come up when you're scrolling your phone and you see a new camp or seminar pop up that you can't go to, you might be recovering from an injury, but you're afraid you'll lose ground or get passed by if you have to take time off the mat, and sometimes life, work, and family need to be your top priority instead of Jiu-Jitsu. Jiu-Jitsu is hard enough without FOMO sneaking in and sucking more fun out of it. We've ...
Jan 16, 2025•24 min•Ep. 206
BJJ promotions bring a lot of big feels with them. We're discussing the gamut of Jiu Jitsu feelings in this episode from imposter syndrome to feeling passed over. Promotions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are more than just milestones; they are reflections of personal growth, dedication, and your unique journey. Embracing the process and finding value beyond the belts creates a happier Jiu-Jitsu experience. The Highlight Reel (00:00) Intro and the feels that come along with BJJ belt promotions (01:02) B...
Jan 02, 2025•23 min•Ep. 205
Did you do what you set out to do in 2024? Have you taken the time to review and reflect on the goals you set for 2024? Did you do any resets during the year? Who do you want to be in 2025? Do you have a gameplan to become the person you want to be a year from now? Did unexpected setbacks keep you from achieving your Jiu-Jitsu goals this year? AJ’s reflects on how her battle with a shoulder injury impacted her ability to reach one of her big goals and how she adjusted. Struggling with consistenc...
Dec 19, 2024•31 min•Ep. 204
Does your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey have an expiration date? How can we ensure a lifelong journey with Jiu-Jitsu? We lay out the core elements of achieving longevity in Jiu Jitsu, from injury prevention to smart recovery strategies in this episode. AJ reflects on navigating injuries and the importance of listening to your body. Jen shares her perspective on starting Jiu Jitsu at 47 and the deliberate decisions she makes to sustain her practice. We also discuss complementary practices like yoga...
Dec 05, 2024•27 min•Ep. 203
How important is your Jiu-Jitsu community? On a bad day, it might be the one thing that gets you to come back. On a good day, your teammates are there to cheer you on and celebrate your victories. Community forms the backbone of our Jiu Jitsu journey, whether it's the encouragement from a favorite training partner or the magnetic pull of the friendships we've formed along the way. This episode is packed with actionable advice on building and sustaining community, whether it’s being intentional a...
Nov 21, 2024•29 min•Ep. 202
When it comes to Jiu-Jitsu, our biggest opponent isn’t always the person across from us on the mat. It’s often our own ego. Whether you’re training for competition, personal growth, or the mental and physical health benefits, ego can be both a hidden asset and an invisible obstacle. So, how do you know if your ego is helping you push forward or holding you back? In this episode, we’ll explore the role ego plays in Jiu-Jitsu, how it impacts your growth and relationships on the mat, and practical ...
Nov 07, 2024•30 min•Ep. 201
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is transformational. Why did you start training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Is this the same reason that keeps you coming back, week after week, year after year? Contrary to what you might expect, AJ didn’t immediately become obsessed with Jiu-Jitsu. It wasn't until much later, after over a decade of on-and-off training, that she truly fell in love with Jiu-Jitsu. She dives deep into how the physical empowerment and sense of community eventually fueled her passion for the sport. ...
Oct 24, 2024•24 min•Ep. 200
We say funny things to each other when we're rolling around on the mat with our Jiu-Jitsu friends. This episode is all about the head-scratching, giggle-worthy quirks that only Jiu-Jitsu folks truly understand. From proudly showing off bruises to the odd bowing when stepping from carpet to mat-like surfaces, we explore the endless scenarios that make our Jiu-Jitsu culture so uniquely its own. We’ve had some reflective and intense episodes recently, but today we’re steering towards pure Jiu-Jitsu...
Oct 10, 2024•14 min•Ep. 199
How can you get a realistic sense of how much skill you COULD get in jiu-jitsu over the years if you stick with it? This question comes to us from one of our listeners! Let's talk a bit about setting realistic expectations in your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey. We know it's tricky, but we're here to give you some guidance. You might be feeling overwhelmed, thinking about how much skill you can realistically develop over the years in BJJ. You're not alone – it’s a broad and subjective topic. One of...
Sep 26, 2024•28 min•Ep. 198
Let’s turn those setbacks into springboards and disappointments into determination. This is the final episode in our series inspired by the book The Mental Edge: Maximize Your Sports Potential with Mind-Body Connection by Kenneth Baum with Richard Trubo. Highlights (00:00) Introduction (03:51) How long do you celebrate a win or wallow in disappointment (07:49) How can losses be launching pads for improvement? (10:17) What can be learned from losing (12:37) What are you giving meaning (25:09) A r...
Sep 12, 2024•35 min•Ep. 197
How is your mental Jiu-Jitsu game? We continue our discussion of the book The Mental Edge: Maximize Your Sports Potential with the Mind-Body Connection. It’s one thing to just read the book. Tune in to learn how we plan to implement what we’ve learned from the book to make our Jiu-Jitsu better. The Highlight Reel (00:00) Why you should listen to Pt 1 of the discussion in the previous episode (01:33) What surprised us most about visualization (04:51) What to do if you can’t think of 5 good things...
Aug 28, 2024•32 min•Ep. 196
Sometimes you just need a cheerleader as the voice in your head. Go get 'em! If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend! You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2 Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp https://rollmodelswanted.com/ Roll Model Radio Podcast https://pod.link/1561020212 New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes h tt ps:...
Aug 23, 2024•15 sec
Here's another affirmation you can use to replace the negative voice in your head! Get out there and get your medal. You've got this! If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend! You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2 Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp https://rollmodelswanted.com/ Roll Model Radio Podcast https://pod.link/15610202...
Aug 23, 2024•24 sec
Shut down the negative voice in your head about your Jiu-Jitsu or anything else. Replace it with this message instead. Listen and repeat as needed! The video versions are also available on our YouTube channel as shorts. If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend! You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2 Learn More about Roll Model Grappling...
Aug 23, 2024•21 sec
How much time have you spent working on the mental side of your Jiu-Jitsu game? Do you have practices in place to strengthen your mind and keep your focus? "The Mental Edge: Maximize Your Sports Potential with the Mind-Body Connection" by Kenneth Baum and Richard Trubo is the book that has inspired this episode. Coach Rachel Casias recommended this book, so of course, we’re reading it! In this episode and the next, we’ll share what we’ve learned and how we’re applying it to our Jiu-Jitsu and lif...
Aug 16, 2024•27 min•Ep. 195
What do you do when your coach asks you to teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the first time? Are you ready to run the class? The Highlight Reel (02:26) What makes a good Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor (08:15) Teaching to different skill levels, ages, and body types (10:52) Advice for teaching your first class (14:58) What if a higher rank is in class (16:57) What if you don’t feel confident in your own Jiu-Jitsu (23:51) On and Off the Mat Tips Watch the full video episode on YouTube! https://youtu.b...
Aug 01, 2024•28 min•Ep. 194
We share our big takeaways and lessons from this year’s Roll Model Grappling Camp. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the camp was curated to foster both Jiu-Jitsu skill development and a strong sense of community among women practitioners. This year’s theme was "A rising tide raises all ships," a phrase AJ often employs to emphasize the power of collective improvement. This theme resonated throughout the weekend as attendees and instructors uplifted one another, reinforcing the idea that when ...
Jul 18, 2024•18 min•Ep. 193
How can you elevate your Jiu-Jitsu faster? Take notes! This episode is packed with actionable practices to enhance your retention, refine your skills, and improve your overall Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We are big believers in the power of taking notes and keeping a Jiu-Jitsu journal to improve your Jiu-Jitsu. This episode was inspired by a recent blog post from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Ray Casias. He shares seven critical points on why note-taking is indispensable for any BJJ practitioner. Whether y...
Jul 04, 2024•20 min•Ep. 192
