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 that divide.

We discuss the idea that promoters may be manufacturing controversy (WWE-style), or that the split has been masterminded by a hooded evil figurehead looking to control the entire sport. We also discuss the role of social media in growing jiu-jitsu’s pop culture, and the simple takeaway: it’s a goofy sport, so have fun and don’t take it too seriously.

We ask you the listeners: Who is jiu-jitsu's Obi-Wan Kenobi? Who is Mikey Musumeci in this analogy?

Join us on this fun ride through the silliness of our sports pop culture scene.

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, and playful constraints help practitioners discover timing, leverage, and their own style on the mat.

The hosts cover coaching strategies, balancing competitive rigidity with fun experimentation, adapting over time, and practical ideas like goal-driven rolling and card-based drills to force creativity while still building competition-ready skills.

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 for major tournaments.

They also outline podcast goals — grow the audience, engage listeners via Discord and possible Patreon, revive archival episodes, and commit to consistent, higher-value content throughout 2026.

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 points.

We show how to turn those data points into actionable changes — adjusting training, mitigating injury and burnout, planning weight classes, and building targeted drills to reproduce strengths and fix weaknesses.

Whether you compete or just want to measure your progress in class, this episode gives a simple process to analyze your year, set smart goals, and make a clearer plan for 2026.

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, travel and weight-cut tips, lessons about avoiding leaving results to the referee, and takeaways for future competitions.

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 and performance coaching for athletes, and ideas for building entertaining grappling events.

They also discuss creative segments like Roast Raf and tape study, the importance of personality and promotion in combat sports, and where to find his work.

Support Grappling Hour here: https://www.patreon.com/grapplinghour

Buy Grappling Hour merch here: https://www.rafesparza.com/merch

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Thank you!

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, train around the injured side, use controlled drilling, stay present at the gym, and study footage or tutorials.

They emphasize self-assessment, injury prevention (pace and tapping), cooperative training partners, and adapting your training so you can recover safely and return stronger.

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 Mancher Khera.

Sam discusses strength and conditioning with coach Asim, sparring strategy, weight-class decisions, and his goal of earning a UFC call and high-profile matchups in the future.

Check Sam out on Instagram @sam_kilmer