Want to win more as a competitor—or build a room full of killers as a coach? This episode delivers the strategies, mindset shifts, and real stories that shaped three BJJ competitors-turned-coaches: Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) Kyle Watson(@watson_martial_arts) and Mark Vives(@mvivesbjj). From cornering tactics to creating game plans to trash talking other coaches(and many other forms of cheating), this is a masterclass for anyone who wants to build/be a champion—from blue belt to black belt.Y...
Jul 24, 2025•2 hr 17 min
What SHOULD BE Jiu-Jitsu's Belt Criteria?In this solo scorcher, Josh McKinney unloads his 25 spiciest Jiu-Jitsu hot takes — the kind that make you question your training, your teammates… and maybe even your whole gym. From why your cardio sucks (hint: it’s not your lungs, it’s your brain), to why you should have to compete to get promoted, this is a firestorm of uncomfortable hot takes, hard-earned insights, and full-on Dawg Pound gospel.No belt is safe. No habit goes unchecked. If you train BJJ...
Jul 17, 2025•1 hr 25 min
Is Jiu-Jitsu really a community—or just a bunch of cliques in gis pretending to be one? In this episode, Josh rants on the myth of unity in BJJ, calls out the gatekeepers, and makes a case for a more creative, open, and fun future for the art we all love. You’ll hear why the idea of “real Jiu-Jitsu” is holding us back, how the culture is becoming more rigid, and what we can do to keep Jiu-Jitsu weird, inclusive, and worth showing up for. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite ...
Jul 10, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Feel like your Jiu Jitsu hit a wall? Burn the wall down. In this episode, Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) gives you the no-nonsense, actually-useful strategies to keep leveling up—forever. No more spinning your wheels, no more "maybe I just suck" spirals. Just simple, smart ways to make sure your game keeps evolving, whether you're a clueless white belt or a bored black belt. This is how you unplateau your Jiu Jitsu and become dangerously good… permanently. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Men...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Ever roll with someone who seems impossibly fast or like they know what you're going to do before you do it? That’s not magic — it’s timing. In this episode of the I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show, Josh(@thejoshmckinney) breaks down how to master timing in your rolls, your training, and even your mindset. Learn how to slow things down, make better decisions, and feel like you're freezing time on the mats. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day Trial Datsusara 10% OFF with ...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 35 min
Welcome to the most brutally honest episode of ISAJJ yet. I(@thejoshmckinney) asked my listeners: What do you hate most about Jiu Jitsu? The answers were unhinged. From the tape mummies and smelly gi warriors to the spazzy white belts and the legend of the "let's roll light liar"—this is a full-on roast of the most annoying people in every BJJ gym. If you don’t laugh… you’re probably one of them. Buckle up. It’s about to get disrespectful. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksit...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 9 min
In this episode of I Suck at Jiu Jitsu, Josh(@thejoshmckinney) is joined by Devin Pirata(@devinpirata) to rant about the weirdest, cringiest, and most outdated BJJ traditions—like bowing to the mats, saying “oss,” and calling your coach “professor.” It’s honest, hilarious, and guaranteed to offend at least one person in your gym(probably your coach). Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day Trial Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK” Master ANY Position in 6 Week...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 32 min
You can drill berimbolos ’til your hips explode, but if your corner can’t guide a match you’ll still walk home with participation pics. In this episode of The I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show, I(@thejoshmckinney) flip the camera to the coach’s side: how to build a battle-ready team, run chaos-free tournament days, and yell the right words when everything’s on the line. Inside you’ll get: Pre-tourney prep: rule-set hacks, positional sparring that actually matters, and the “Hail-Mary” plan every squad nee...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Today, I sit down with James Driskill, a third-degree black belt under the legendary Rickson Gracie. James is not only Rickson’s trusted uke and teaching assistant but also a lifelong martial artist dedicated to preserving and sharing Rickson’s philosophy. We dive deep into James’s unique journey from training under Rickson in Los Angeles to becoming his full-time assistant in Florida. James shares insights on the art of being an uke, the priceless lessons learned from Rickson, and his philosoph...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 43 min
Stop doom-scrolling and start skill-scrolling. In this episode—the Ultimate Guide to Visual BJJ Learning —Josh(@thejoshmckinney) finally delivers on his promise to break down exactly how to watch tape, instructionals, class demos, and even TikTok clips so they translate into real-world taps. You’ll learn the “one-detail rule” that fixes a thousand mistakes, why 30 focused minutes beats a three-hour YouTube binge, and how to train your eyes to spot winning cues before they happen. From elbows-tig...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Today, I (@thejoshmckinney) sit down with Rickson Gracie black belt Jack Taufer (@jacktaufer) to explore the mindset and methods behind becoming a true master of the fundamentals. Jack shares his unique approach to training, emphasizing how to be black belt level at white belt moves. We dive deep into the learning process, discussing how to improve your jiu-jitsu skills and become a better student, regardless of your belt level. Jack also shares some incredible stories from his years training un...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 31 min
In this Q and A episode Josh answers some of your wildest questions ranging from gorillas fighting blue belts all the way to how to teach a Jiu Jitsu move.There is something for everyone in this episode. ISAJJ GEAR Presale ends May 14th Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day Trial Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK” Master ANY Position in 6 Weeks Join ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place) Join the Gi Gazette Follow the show on Instagram Check ou...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 26 min
Chris Burns has recently taken Jiu-Jitsu Teaching by storm. Not with new and flashy moves but with simple refined ideas that he has learned from his Professor, Rickson Gracie.Chris ( @the.BJJproject ) has used "Old School" Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Methods to protect his body, perfect his jiu-jitsu, and get back to the roots of the art and today he will help you do the same.Today I(@thejoshmckinney) sit down with Chris to have a wide ranging conversation on fatherhood, youtube fame, training method, brea...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 28 min
Today we’re diving headfirst into another round of spicy hot takes—where flow rolls turn violent, blue belts turn into prophets, and your coach is probably just winging it five minutes before class. From the culty undercurrents of mixing martial arts and religion to the shame of explaining why a teenager tapped you, this one pulls no punches and definitely won’t get us invited back to your gym. Whether you're a curriculum-free coach, a YouTube blue belt, or just someone still pretending flow rol...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 34 min
Today I (@thejoshmckinney) sit down with my friends Justin Kichler and Justin Huff to talk about the Jiu-Jitsu Journey.Huff, Kich, and I have been training together for over 15 years. Starting as students, evolving into purple belts training in my garage in the ghetto, til now where we all all coaches at the famous HeadnodHQ. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day Trial Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK” Master ANY Position in 6 Weeks Join ISAJJ PRO (ALL of...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 23 min
Ever wonder why your Jiu-Jitsu progress feels stuck? In this video, we’re exposing 16 painfully honest reasons you might still suck. Whether you’re training like you’re in the UFC but tapping like you’re auditioning for Riverdance, relying on binge-watching Cobra Kai instead of real tape study, or mysteriously appearing and disappearing from the mats so often your gym started a betting pool on your attendance, it’s time to confront the habits holding you back. Discover how to break through these...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 17 min
"Take us to your Leader" Today I am joined by podcaster Matt Kwan( @TheEverydayJiuJitsuPodcast ) to discuss what WWE is doing that BJJ could be doing too. Then the conversation takes a wild turn when we start talking conspiracy theories. From Greased UFC Legends, to the DDS Split, to a fake moon-landing, and even how aliens and religion go together like peanut butter and jelly. There is no way that this episode won't get us cancelled. Join us for probably the last time that Matt or Josh will g...
Apr 03, 2025•2 hr 25 min
This episode is a disaster—and that’s why you’ll love it. Josh answers YOUR most unfiltered, unhinged, and uncomfortable questions he’s ever gotten: Do stripes matter? Should socks be illegal on the mat? Would he rather delete every episode of the podcast or give up all his medals? From nut cups to purple belt philosophy, nothing is safe. Chaos, hot takes, and wristlocks—welcome to your new favorite episode. Master ANY Position in 6 Weeks Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 22 min
JOIN US.... For another episode of ISAJJ where host Josh McKinney goes through YOUR Hot Takes about jiu-jitsu. In today's episode we will be talking butt-scooters, bj penn, and cult like jiu-jitsu behavior! As we dig deeper into the episode we will all come to the conclusion that Josh is probably a cult leader himself. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day Trial Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK” Join ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place) Join the...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 28 min
🚨 Struggling with competition anxiety in BJJ? 🚨 In this episode, I break down exactly how to overcome imposter syndrome, stay calm under pressure, and perform at your absolute best—no matter who’s standing across from you. I just competed at the IBJJF Indianapolis Open and took gold 🥇, and I’m sharing every mindset shift, warm-up trick, and pre-fight routine I used to dominate on the mats. Whether you’re a white belt entering your first tournament or a black belt chasing big wins, this is you...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 41 min
Join Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) as he sits down with Stephan Kesting ( @StephanKesting )—jiu-jitsu black belt, kidney transplant survivor, and wilderness adventurer—who completed a grueling 1,000-mile canoe journey across the Canadian subarctic. In this conversation, Stephan reveals how he overcame brutal storms, near hypothermia, and countless rapids, all while balancing the demands of a transplanted kidney and an aging body. Discover the mindset, strategies, and hard-earned lessons that f...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 23 min
Today I am joined by OG Grappler Marc Ste-Marie. Marc has been on the mats for his whole life and has so many nuggets of wisdom to share!Marc is also father to one of the best female grapplers of today, Brianna Ste-Marie. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day Trial Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK” JoinISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place) Join the Gi Gazette Ask Questions/Suggest Topics for the show Follow the show on Instagram Check out th...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 26 min
Join host Josh Mckinney as he goes through his Jiu-Jitsu journey to break down what every belt should be focused on. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models Kicksite FREE 30 Day Trial Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK” Join ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place) Join the Gi Gazette Ask Questions/Suggest Topics for the show Follow the show on Instagram Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Chris Paines (@chrisvillainbjj) got tired of "how to defend everything" and recently decided to BAN Everything instead. Today I(@thejoshmckinney) get to talk to my favorite Englishman about a new training methodology that he is experimenting with that can prevent injuries, produce better grapplers, and even eliminate inner-gym conflict. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models FREE Copy of The 3 Lenses Join ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place) Join the Gi Gazette Ask Questi...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 49 min
In todays episode I (@thejoshmckinney) present you with 3 simple methods to "Complete" your jiu jitsu game. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models FREE Copy of The 3 Lenses Join ISAJJ PRO (“Master the Melt Pass”) Join the Gi Gazette Ask Questions/Suggest Topics for the show Follow the show on Instagram Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel...
Feb 06, 2025•55 min
I asked for offensive questions, then listeners decided to offend me instead. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models FREE Copy of The 3 Lenses Join ISAJJ PRO (“Master the Melt Pass”) Join the Gi Gazette Ask Questions/Suggest Topics for the show Follow the show on Instagram Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel...
Jan 30, 2025•56 min
My dad Steve and I have been training jiu-jitsu together for almost 17 years. In that time we have seen a lot of people who "are in it for the long haul" quit. Whether from injury, life changes, or simply being as soft as butter we have seen so many people give up on their dream of "training jiu jitsu forever." Today we reveal every secret of Steve's longevity AND we offend everyone in the process. Sign up for 50% of BJJ Mental Models Promo code “JOSH”: FREE Copy of The 3 Lenses Join ISAJJ PR...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 38 min
At just 21 years old, I took a huge leap and opened my own Jiu-Jitsu school. In this episode, I share the story behind the decision, the challenges I faced, and the lessons I learned along the way. Whether you're thinking about starting your own academy, chasing a dream, or just curious about what it takes to build something from scratch, this is for you. Let me take you behind the scenes of one of the craziest decisions of my life! ABCs of Running a Martial Arts School Sign up for 50% of BJJ Me...
Jan 16, 2025•54 min
Ever wonder what the difference between an average and an elite jiu-jitsu mindset? Today we have the pleasure of interviewing Jeremy Brick one of the most accomplished Masters Competitors ever! Learn the secrets to always progressing and learn how important the right coach is for the right athlete! Sign up for 50% of BJJ Mental Models Promo code “JOSH”: FREE Copy of The 3 Lenses Join ISAJJ PRO (“Master the Melt Pass”) Join the Gi Gazette Ask Questions/Suggest Topics for the sh...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Sign up for 50% of BJJ Mental Models Promo code “JOSH”: FREE Copy of The 3 Lenses Join ISAJJ PRO (“Master the Melt Pass”) Join the Gi Gazette Ask Questions/Suggest Topics for the show Follow the show on Instagram Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel...
Jan 02, 2025•1 hr 1 min
