In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down again with Johan and Eliška to talk through Eliška’s second Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition and Johan’s role in coaching her through the process. We begin by catching up since their last appearance on the show, focusing on how Eliška’s training evolved, what motivated her to compete again, and how her mindset differed heading into her second tournament. From Johan’s perspective, we discuss how she has grown as an athlete and which areas of her game became priorities during preparation.

The conversation moves into a detailed look at the training camp leading up to competition day. Eliška explains the technical and conditioning adjustments she made, moments during training where things began to connect, and how her routine shifted compared to her first event. Johan breaks down how he structured her preparation, the balance between reinforcing existing strengths and addressing weaknesses, and how he used situational training to expose her to uncomfortable positions common in competition.

We also spend time on mental preparation, discussing nerves, confidence, and expectations for a second-time competitor. Eliška reflects on what she wanted to correct mentally from her first experience and what helped her stay composed this time. Johan shares how he approaches coaching mindset for newer competitors and the cues he emphasizes in the days leading up to a tournament.

We close by reflecting on the coach–athlete dynamic, post-match takeaways, and lessons learned from this experience. Both Johan and Eliška discuss what comes next, including areas of focus moving forward and thoughts on future competitions. The episode wraps with a short round of closing questions aimed at anyone preparing for their second Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament.

To follow Johan and learn what's next in his journey, you can find him at @johlor80 on Instagram.

And to follow Ellie's continue growth and adventures, head over to @prchalova.eliska on Instagram.

We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mahoney10 and you'll get 10% off.

Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI". Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma. Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify https://spoti.fi/3Jqrrxj The show is available on MANY PLATFORMS FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook.com/offthematspodcast Instagram @offthematspodcast Twitter @offthematspod1 TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAd WRITE INTO THE SHOW Email: offthemats2020@gmail.com

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Jenn Holmberg, co-host of the Chokeholds and Chill Podcast, to talk about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as more than just a sport. Jenn shares how she first found jiu-jitsu, what her early training years were like, and the mentors and experiences that helped shape her approach to life on and off the mats. We also talk about how she balances training, podcasting, and everyday responsibilities, and what jiu-jitsu has come to represent in her life.

We spend time unpacking the origin of Chokeholds and Chill—why Jenn and her co-host Mallory felt there was space for a different kind of conversation within the BJJ community, how they choose topics and guests, and how podcasting has influenced Jenn’s connection to grappling culture. From there, the conversation shifts to the ways jiu-jitsu intersects with mental health, self-awareness, motivation, and personal growth, especially during seasons when life outside the gym feels heavy.

We wrap up by talking about why honest conversations about life and jiu-jitsu matter, and what meaningful success looks like beyond medals and belt promotions, before closing out with a rapid-fire round focused on training, music, food, and lessons learned along the way.

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with returning guest and white belt, Robyn Henderson, to talk through her experience competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the first time. We look at when the idea of competing shifted from intimidating to achievable, how she prepared while balancing her training schedule with life, and what helped her manage nerves leading up to the event.

Robyn walks me through the full competition-day experience, from arriving at the venue and warming up to the moment the referee started the match to the adrenaline dump and emotions that followed. She shares what worked, what didn’t, what surprised her, and what she learned about her jiu-jitsu during and after the match.

We also discuss how competition exposed both strengths and gaps in her game, how the experience has changed the way she trains, and whether she plans to compete again. Robyn closes with practical advice for new competitors who may be hesitant to sign up for their first tournament.

Robyn's journey can be followed over on Instagram at @spoonfulofrobyn and also check out @robyns_kitchen also on Instagram.

And if you're in the Hamptons, visit @hamptonsjiujitsu

We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off.

Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI." Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma. Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify. https://spoti.fi/3Jqrrxj The show is available on MANY PLATFORMS. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook.com/offthematspodcast Instagram @offthematspodcast TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAd WRITE INTO THE SHOW Email: offthemats2020@gmail.com