Level Up Grappling Podcast (Level Up Grappling)

In this LUG Episode, Coach Bryan goes in depth with MMA Coach Maxamilian Demian. They discuss teaching grappling for fighting, MMA and the current state of sport jiu jitsu.

This week we sit down with Legendary Coach - The Pit Master John Hackleman. Get ready to learn from a legend! Coach Bryan is available for seminars and camps worldwide. Email: levelupgrappling@gmail.com for details.

Coach Bryan, Val and Grapplezilla are back with another exciting episode. They discuss the difference between No Gi jiu jitsu and Catch Wrestling, results from the olympics and so much more.

Coach Bryan and Tony sit down with BJJ Black Belt and Internationally renowned DJ - Art Ruiz (DJ Dewada), to discuss, MMA and all things grappling.

Are you a submission grappler and confused about wrestling rule sets? Are you a law enforcement officer that has been scammed by the "100 Second Rule"? This episode is for you.

Coach Bryan is available for Seminars and Private Lessons world wide. Email: levelupgrappling@gmail.com

Another variety show episode with Coach Bryan and Ed! In this episode Ed talks about his journey down the YouTube rabbit hole of Kazushi Sakuraba aka the Gracie Hunter.

In this episode, we sit down with BJJ Black Belt, Retired Marine, Retired LEO and REAL Combatives Instructor Cliff Byerly. You can find Cliff Byerly at hillcountrycombatives.com.

Also - for any PRP, Hormone Replacement or Stem Cell needs please check out Russald Medical in Tijuana. Coach Bryan is an active patient there and has been able to get a special deal for all listeners. Head over to russaldclinic.com and fill out their information forms. Tell them you want the Level Up Grappling special!

We pick up from last week’s interview with 3x Masters no-gi world champion, Steve Silvers. We start with with why Steve went full no-gi and work our way through on what it takes to level up in grappling and what it means to be brave. Please don’t forget to subscribe! You can find Steve Silvers on Instagram @thegaudiyaguardpuller. DM him for information about his high-performance leadership training! Also, follow us on IG @levelup_grappling!

In this episode, Coach Bryan and the Crippler sit down with The Catch Cowboy John Potenza. Great insight and big laughs with the Catch Cowboy!

In this episode we interview ACWA champion Steven Ramos! Not many people impress Coach Bryan but Steve caught Coach’s eye at the last ACWA. Listen in as we talk about the benefits of wrestling, how to improve your jiujitsu, and more!

On this weeks episode, Coach Bryan goes deep inside Jay Pages, following up with probing questions, training secrets, controversies, and the best way to agitate Jay Pages in public! Don't miss this.

Yes, you read that title right. In this episode Coach Bryan and Ed interview guitarist and jiujitsu practitioner - Megadeth's Kiko Loureiro! What's it like to go from head banging on stage to hundreds and thousands of fans of one of the most infamous metal bands to rolling on the mats? We interview Kiko on what he's learned through his music and learning jiujitsu. And what was it like growing up in Brazil during the jiujitsu renaissance.

Are you getting the proper training? Coach Bryan and Coach Val discuss the ins and outs of proper training and uncovering the kinetic chain.

In this episode we sit down with 3rd degree Black Belt Jason Hughes. Jason has been training for over 20 years and also runs an anti aging clinic in OC - https://rejuveantiaging.com/

Coach Bryan is available for Seminars and Camps Worldwide. Email us for details! levelupgrappling@gmail.com

Getting injured is part of the journey. We, as grapplers, accept it as something that will happen. Coach Bryan and Ed discuss why it's crucial to understand how to deal with and prevent injuries and continue to train with injuries. And it might not be exactly what you'd expect!

In this episode, Coach Bryan goes in depth with a BJJ pioneer in Mexico, Fabio Santos Black Belt, Horacio Lopez. In addition to being one of the key developers of BJJ in Mexico, Horacio is an accomplished Catch Wrestler.

Are you cross training? If not, why not?

Ready for some controversy? Coach Bryan and The Crippler Val Childs go in depth with the Ultimate Gracie Ronin - Evandro Nunes. What happens when a warrior with honor and integrity falls into a trap filled with lies, deception and fraud? Stay tuned and find out!

How do you get better at grappling? What is grappling experience? Coach Bryan and Tony talk about what it means to develop “GQ”. No, not the magazine…

In this episode Coach Bryan and Ed talk about what it means and how to ask intelligent questions to get the most out of your training.

On this episode, the boys sit down with Iron Faith Wrestling Head Coach Ebed Jarrell. Learn the secrets of developing your functional wrestling. Please like and subscribe to this podcast so we can continue to bring you exciting content each week to Level Up YOUR Grappling. Join us in Orange County, CA February 8 and 9 2025 for the Snake Pit USA Winter Camp.

Check out https://www.russaldclinic.com/contact/

for stem cells, prp and more!

Also, DM Coach Bryan for clinics worldwide!

The Master of Pain - Joel Bane returns! Check it out, right here, on the Level Up Grappling!

In this episode, Ed and Coach Bryan talk about concepts vs. movements in the learning process of grappling. Ed takes the student's position and Coach Bryan as the coach! What's the difference between concepts and movements? Why are concepts more critical than movements? And why most grappling schools teach movements rather than concepts. Listen and learn! This may change your perspective on how you learn, train, and grow. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on IG - @levelup_grappling! Use code PCIJIUJITSU at Sanabul for 10% off!

Join Coach in another exciting episode where we interview Ray “Raghunath” Cappo!

Well, we needed to give it some kind of title... In this episode, Coach Bryan and Coach Val, discuss many topics including the wrong training environment, injuries in BJJ vs injuries in other grappling arts, Gracie Delusion Syndrome and so much more!

In this episode, Coach Bryan, Coach Val and Grapplezilla sit down with Legendary Sensei Erik Paulson. Be prepared for a wild ride, and yes, there will definitely be a follow up interview.

In this episode we sit down with The Red Queen: World's First Women's Bare Knuckle Boxing Champion, Catch Wrestler and Extreme Bad Ass! Coach Bryan is available for seminars world wide. Also for all PRP and Stem Cell needs please reach out to https://www.russaldclinic.com/contact/

In this episode, Coach Bryan and Chuck discuss hanging out with Coach's favorite band, going back stage and rolling with world champions.

What really works in BJJ? Why is BJJ so complex? Or is it? Coach Bryan interviews BJJ 5th Degree Black Belt Javier Vasquez of JVTV on how BJJ developed, evolved, and in a sense - is devolving! Check it out!

Well, it's been an adventure to say the least for Coach Bryan and Ed starting up this podcast. Coach and Ed reflect on the year and past episodes, and guests. We'll see you in 2024!

What is your why? Why do you do what you do? Why is this concept of understanding your “why” so crucial to your grappling, your training, and your life? Coach Bryan and Ed talk through this concept in this episode.

We've all heard it, 80% of fights go to the ground. Or whatever percentage you want to put. But let's be real, 100% of fights start standing. On this episode of Level Up Grappling we talk with Judoka and ex-bandmate of Coach Bryan (you have to listen to to find out) - Mike Toren. We talk about the power and beauty of Judo and why it's so crucial to understand and train your standing techniques. In this episode we also go in why you can't just go to a Judo school for a few lessons thinking that it will improve your stand-up game, rather what it involves to truly start standing and why you really should just stay home if you don't. Don't forget to follow us on IG @levelup_grappling! And as always, save 10% all day every day at Sanabul with our code: PCIJIUJITSU!

We finally got him on! “Master” Chris Haueter one of the original Dirty Dozen. Why is “Master” in quotes? You’ll have to listen to this amazingly deep and philosophical discussion with the living legend to find out! Also, there were technical hiccups, please excuse the dust!

Coach Bryan, Val Childs and Grapplezilla sit down to discuss the CJI event, ADCC, and so much more.

BJJ Black Belt - Check,

Catch Wrestling World Champion - Check

Collar and Elbow Wrestling - Check

Tom the Headhunter Higgins - You may know him from his incredible skills, or incredible beard. Either way, check it out~

For all of your PRP and Stem Cell needs please check out Russald Medical: https://www.russaldclinic.com/contact/

Tell them Level Up Grappling Podcast Sent you.

Coach Bryan is Booking Clinics World Wide for 2025 - DM @levelup_grappling or @pcijiujitsu

Wrestling still dominates MMA for many good reasons. Find out how and why.

Tom Higgins is back to discuss Wrestling Wars 9; Collar and Elbow Wrestling and so much more! Email Coach Bryan for Seminars and Distance Coaching: levelupgrappling@gmail.com

In this episode we sit down with Hungarian Judoka/MMA Fighter and Power Slap Queen Francesca Szabo! Don't miss out on this very enlightening episode.

In this episode we sit down with Music Icon and BJJ Black Belt Harley Flanagan. Harley discusses the new documentary coming out about his life: Wired for Chaos, being a student of Renzo Gracie, the Cro Mags and so much more!

Coach Bryan is available for Seminars and Camps worldwide. Email: levelupgrappling@gmail.com

In this episode Coach Bryan and Tony sit down with BJJ Black Belt and Catch Wrestler Gabriel Godoy. They discuss training Catch vs BJJ, building your style and Jay Pages success.

In this episode we sit down with one of Australia's OG Grapplers. BJJ Black Belt, Catch Wrestler, Master of Sport in Sambo - Adam Tibbitts. Tremendous amount of wisdom shared in this episode!

For PRP and Stem Cell needs hit up Russald Medical Clinic: https://www.russaldclinic.com/contact/

Coach Bryan is available for Clinics worldwide DM for info: @pcijiujitsu. @levelup_grappling

Welcome back for another episode of the Level Up Grappling Podcast! In this episode Ed discusses with Coach Bryan about the journey to earning a black belt and what it means to earn it. Ed started his grappling journey from scratch when joining PCIJJ and as a white belt with no stripes, he wants to undertand what he can expect, but the journey the black belt isn't so straight forward in the grappling arts as it may be in other "mainstream" martial arts. This is fun and meaningful conversation and we hope you are able to reflect on your journey.

In honor of Memorial Day, Ed and Coach Bryan would like to express their gratitude for all those who serve, have served, and have gone before us in service to our country.

In this episode we sit down with Catch Wrestling Coach Val Childs to learn about the fascinating history of North American Catch Wrestling and various grappling styles. Don't miss this!

In this episode we sit down with Fury FC Welterweight Champion Sam Kilmer. What does it take to be an MMA fighter? What is and isn't important in grappling for MMA?

Coach Bryan is available for Clinics Worldwide. DM @pcijiujitsu or @levelup_grappling for details.

For stem cells, PRP or HRT please hit up Russald Medical in Tijuana. https://www.russaldclinic.com/contact/

In this Episode, Coach Bryan sits down with legendary Judoka and 2004 Olympian Dr. Rhadi Ferguson. Dr. Ferguson shares his opinions on training, Judo/Jiu jitsu controversies and so much more!

On this episode, Coach Bryan and Grapplezilla sit down with Tom Billinge of War Yoga. Tom is a Muay Thai coach, BJJ Practitioner and Author. Amazing insights don't miss out!

Coach Bryan finds a ridiculous article online and goes point for point as to why its arguments are absurd and listener questions.

Coach Bryan and Ed recap the Snake Pit USA Catch Wrestling seminar. It was a fantastic turnout. Ed gives a brief update on his training progress for Josh Barnett’s Catch Wrestling tournament in August.

We are super excited to present this episode with our interview with Sambo Master Vlad Koulikov! In this episode we talk with Vlad about Sambo, hybrid grappling, the value of wrestling, national psyche, and so much more! For more info about Vlad Koulikov, please visit www.SamboFusion.com and follow @sambo_fusion!

As the year comes to an end, Coach Bryan and Ed reflect on the experience of putting this podcast together. But the juicy news is that we've got a troll... Coach Bryan has been challenged. Sort of. You'll have to listen to the episode to find out what happened!

Yes, you read that right. Ed is going on hiatus. He’s still involved with the show, more on the backend for now. He’ll be back! In this episode, Coach introduces another PCI student, Tony.

Sorry for getting this out a little late! It's a special episode! Coach Bryan and Ed went to visit with the Haueters! Professors Melissa and Chris Haueter sit down with Coach Bryan and Ed after a private lesson and well, all sorts of stuff came up - BDSM, OnlyFans, philosophy, and more! You gotta listen to all the funny, deep, and controversial stuff! Wishing everyone a very happy holidays!

Grapplezilla is finally back and he has some questions? What the hell is going on with people rejecting drilling in BJJ?

Coach Bryan is available for Clinics and Camps worldwide. Email for details: levelupgrappling@gmail.com

On this episode we sit down with grappling expert Grapplezilla. Check it out!

We continue our interview with the master of pain - Snake Pit USA Head Coach Joel Bane!

Your intentions and goals for your grappling are crucial to your outcomes. In this episode Coach Bryan and Ed discuss why it’s so important to not just take your grappling at face value.

Who’s Eric Couch? Possibly LUG’s #1 fan! Join us as we interview Eric on his insanely awesome story and journey of weight loss, life transformation, and even a little coaching from Coach Bryan. Please follow Eric @bamabass78 on IG!

On this Episode, Coach Bryan and Tony recap the Double Wristlock Seminar, discuss some old controversies and talk about the future seminars.

In this episode we sit down with BJJ Black Belt and international competitor Avi Ibragimov. Originally from the country of Georgia, Avi relocated to Israel as a kid and as been on the mats with some of the most terrifying grapplers on the planet!

What do you get when you take a monk and give him a gi? You get the latest episode of LUG with Fr. Demetrius Thomas aka The Martial Arts Monk!

In this episode we sit down with legendary MMA fighter and Superstar Grappler Javier Vasquez. Get ready for one of the most electrifying conversations regarding the current state of grappling.

Coach Bryan is available for Clinics and Camps worldwide. DM @levelup_grappling or @pcijiujitsu for inquiries.

In this episode we sit down with BJJ Black Belt and Grindhouse Grappling Academy Owner Denise Henry. She is pioneering new education models in her academy and shares her experiences and students successes.

Why is history so important? Furthermore, why is jiujitsu history so important? We explore this with our guest, Robert Drysdale! Robert Drysdale is the author of Opening Closed Guard: The Origins of JiuJitsu in Brazil. Join Coach Bryan and Ed as we dive deep into the history of BJJ and why it’s so important for us to understand this history.

On this episode of Level Up Grappling we have our first guest - 3x Masters NoGi World Champion and former Gaudiya Vaisnava monk - Mr. Steve Silvers! Coach Bryan and Steve have a wonderful conversation about Steve's grappling journey and other fascinating topics like superstitions and sweaty gis. This is part one of two of this awesome conversation on jiujitsu, submission grappling, and everything else in between. So make sure you're subscribed to catch the second part!

You can find Steve Silvers on Instagram @thegaudiyaguardpuller. DM him for information about his high-performance leadership training!

Also, follow us on IG @levelup_grappling!

On this Episode Coach Bryan and Tony discuss the benefits of focusing on micro improvements and the kaizen method. How much better can you get if you focus on incremental daily development?

On this episode, we discuss Vlad's upcoming camp and tournament he will be hosting in Texas, skill development and much more!

How do you apply concepts to your attributes? Are you ready for a new seminar series? ACWA tournament coming up again soon!

On this episode, we sit down with BJJ Black Belt and MMA Fight Coach Jeff Robison. Not only does he have a thriving gym, but he has a very successful affiliation program and MMA stable.

Woah. Woah. Woah. LUG is interviewing a "Gracie"?! Yes. When it comes to BJJ history, you can't really get any closer to the source than with Richard Bresler - Rorion Gracie's first American student. Coach Bryan and Ed talk with 6th Degree BJJ Black Belt and author of "Worth Defending: How Gracie Jiujitsu Saved My Life".

To purchase Richard Bresler's book visit: https://richardbresler.com/.

As always, use code PCIJITJITSU at Sanabul Sports for 10% off!

The listeners asked and we delivered! On this episode, Coach Bryan has a round table discussion with Grapplezilla and Val Childs! Fasten your seatbelts, this is a wild one.

In this episode we sit down with UK BJJ Black Belt and Catch Wrestler Mick Shore. What was it like training under the Legendary Larry Hartsell? How to keep authenticity and grit in grappling arts and so much more!

Coach Bryan is available for Clinics and Seminars Worldwide! DM for booking requests and details.

You go to class every week and you go through the motions of the class. But are you being taught or coached? Or are you just being fed information? In this episode of Level Up Grappling, Coach Bryan and Ed discuss the differences between being told, taught, and coached. And why it matters in your training and grappling journey.

Coach Bryan goes in depth with Father Mike, The Martial Arts Monk. They discuss all things grappling, and a new segment emerges - Mat Confessions with Father Mike! Will Coach be forgiven for his antics on the mat? Listen in and find out!

Here it is! This is part 1 of our interview with the MASTER OF PAIN and head coach of Snakepit USA - Joel Bane! Join us as we explore with Coach Bane - catch wrestling, what it means to really get better in grappling, and the influence of Catch Wrestling legend Billy Robinson.

In this episode Ed and Coach Bryan share about their little adventure at Scottish Fest! And also talk about trying to learn too much and all the moves you can learn on Instagram. Is it worth it? Does it help? What does it mean to collect moves without learning concepts? Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on IG - @levelup_grappling! Use code PCIJIUJITSU at Sanabul for 10% off!

Show Note: Prior to publishing this episode, the Snake Pit Catch Camp was canceled due to circumstances beyond our control. We will be rescheduling the camp for 2025, in the mean time, we will still be hosting the Catch Wrestling Concepts Camps at PCI.

What is the connection between grappling and chess? Is it really just the old jiujitsu saying of "it's human chess"? Or could it be more? Coach Bryan and Ed discuss what it means to know the chessboard and why it's so important to the art and game of grappling.

We talk about stand-up, takedowns, ground game, etc. But what is so crucial in each of these "phases" of fighting or grappling? The hand fight! You might think you hand fight, but Coach presents why you may not be as effective as you think you may be. Join us in this conversation with Coach Bryan and Ed as they talk about the lost art of hand fighting.

We had Kiko on a few episodes back, now we’ve got the instructor - Megadeth’s BJJ professor, Reginaldo Almeida. In this episode we talk with Professor Reggie about what it’s like to be on tour with Megadeth, his experiences growing up in Brazil, and why after so many years he decided to add no-gi to his school.

Why is youth and high school wrestling so valuable? We have a fun and meaningful conversation with Head Coach Juan Dominguez of the Mission Viejo High School wrestling team.

In this episode we go deep with Gene LeBell Black Belt and BJJ Black Belt Silverado. Currently living back in Brazil, Silverado was one of the pioneers of the 90s grappling scene in the U.S.A.

In this episode, Coach Bryan goes in depth with grappling superstar Russ Miura. They discuss what can be done better, training and much more!

It's Ed's birthday! Which means a good old fashioned birthday beating is in store for him at PCI! In this episode Coach Bryan and Ed talk about what it means to become a coach and the value reasons to have an open mind about learning. So sit back, relax, and listen!

In this episode, the boys sit down with Submission Grappling's #1 Bad Boy Pat Downey. Get the inside scoop, behind the scenes info and never before told stories from this one of a kind grappler!

This week we sit down with UK MMA Pioneer Les Allen - BJJ Black Belt, Catch Wrestler, Kickboxer and innovator. Les Allen has been one of the leaders in the UK MMA scene for over 25 years. Coach Bryan is available for Clinics and Seminars world wide. Email: levelupgrappling@gmail.com for info.

In this episode Coach Bryan sits down with Judo Black Belt, Hypnotist and International Magician Superstar - Grappling Eric. Relax, sit back and enjoy this highly engaging conversation.

Whatever happened to the rawness of fighting? When did rules start coming into the picture? Well, obviously, we have rules and have curbed the edge of death as humans became more "civilized". But how has the sportification of grappling arts impacted how we train? In this week's episode, Coach Bryan and Ed discuss the sportification of grappling!

The boys talk about key take aways from the NCAA Finals, insights on how to watch wrestling matches for submission grapplers, and answered a very interesting listener inquiry.

Coach Bryan is available for Seminars and Camps world wide. Email: levelupgrappling@gmail.com

In this episode Coach Bryan goes in depth with Catch Wrestling Coach Luis Ojeda. They discuss memories of Billy Robinson, training take aways and the benefits of learning wrestling.

Coach Bryan’s best friend finally makes it on the show! In this episode we go into the grappling adventures and origin stories of Chuck and Coach as well as exploring the purpose of the pursuit.

How come so many wrestlers just dive for the legs? Ever wondered why? This question gets discussed and a whole lot more. Jump in and take notes.

In this episode the boys sit down with Idaho badass, BJJ Black Belt AJ Larson. AJ has a growing school in Northern Idaho and teaches gi, no gi and mma.

Coach Bryan is available worldwide for Catch Wrestling Clinics. Bring value to your school and learn some new concepts! DM for details.

For Stem Cell or PRP please check out Russald Medical: https://www.russaldclinic.com/contact/

On this episode, Coach Bryan has an in depth discussion with Catch Wrestling Coach and UK grappling superstar Chris Crossan.

Part two with the Master of Pain Coach Joel Bane! Check it out!

Coach Bryan's best friend and longest training partner is back for another round of discussion and story telling!

Welcome to our first episode of Level Up Grappling! A podcast from PCI Jiujitsu in Mission Viejo, CA with PCIJJ white belt and newbie Ed along with PCIJJ's Professor... [scratch that]... Coach Bryan Roig. In this episode, Ed and Coach introduce themselves and their journeys in the martial arts. Join us in our conversation to be offended, to challenge your preconceptions, and laugh about leveling up your grappling. We warned you, no offense.

We finally got him on the show! The Warmaster himself - Josh Barnett! Coach Bryan and Ed talk with Josh Barnett about catch wrestling, the relationship between catch wrestling and BJJ, and about the ACWA!

One...two...three... DONE! What just happened? You got pinned! What the heck is a pin? Coach Bryan and Ed discuss what the pin is and why it's so important in grappling and in self-defense. What was removed in BJJ, still exists in many other grappling arts. It's crucial and can mean the difference between life and death.

Don't forget to subscribe to our IG @levelup_grappling! And as always, use code PCIJIUJITSU at Sanabul Sports for 10% off!

We've got another FANTASTIC guest for you on this episode. The First Lady of Jiujitsu - Melissa Haueter! Melissa Haueter is the wife of Master Chris Haueter one of the original Dirty Dozen. Melissa goes into her jiujitsu journey, how her struggles turned into empowerment, and shares about Combat Base. We hear from Melissa about her perspectives on women in the grappling arts and how that has impacted her and how she impacts others. It's a wonderful episode and as always full of fun, rawness, and at times offensive - you're going to love it.

A quick note: We apologize for some of the audio quality as we were having some technical issues getting this episode recorded! We're learning!

To learn more about Melissa Haueter follow her on IG @melissahaueter. For more information on training with Melissa and/or Chris Haueter check out Combat Base! Don't forget to follow us on IG @levelup_grappling!

Happy Mother's Day Melissa Haueter and to all our grappling moms!

Well, it happened! Ed competed. Unfortunately, no medals, but a lot was learned. In this episode of Level Up Grappling, Coach Bryan and Ed reflect and debrief his competition. It was a fun event, with great grappling, and even greater competitors.

Follow us on IG @levelup_grappling! And as always, use code PCIJIUJITSU at Sanabul Sports for 10% off!