In this episode, Emil and I sit down with Naomi Wolford and Cheri Sandford to discuss women in jiu jitsu, self defense, and all things Girl Power!  Enjoy!

Happy Grappler

HGP Episode 10

Today our special guest is Peter Giannetti.  Pete is a teacher, gym owner, and true martial artist.  We discuss everything from what got him involved with martial arts, to how he became a Krav Maga instructor, to capturing his thoughts on self-defense.  It was a great show.  Enjoy!

HGP Episode 9

In this episode, Emil and I are back at it – recording from Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu Academy NoVA…talking about his promotion to black belt under the Jiu Jitsu legend Saulo Ribeiro, and a host of other topics related to The Gentle Art, and our gym.  Enjoy!

HGP Episode 8

In this solo episode, I give you a quick update on what’s happening with the podcast as we turn the corner on the new year, and describe some ideas that I’m tinkering with for the show.  Enjoy!

HGP Episode 7

In today’s episode of the HGP, the team and I record a late night podcast addressing fan questions.  A pretty chill vibe for this one.  I hope you enjoy!

HGP Episode 6

Welcome to the Happy Grappler Podcast, Episode 5. In today’s episode, Emil, Veronica, and I discuss the kids class, our Grand Opening with Xande Ribeiro, and a host of other topics like rolling with the opposite sex.  Shout out to Gameness for making amazing Gis, and The Rememberables for letting me incorporate their awesome music into each show.  Cheers!

HGP Episode 5

Happy Grappler Podcast, Episode 4.  In today’s episode, I do a solo discussion about the following 14 points of just starting Jiu Jitsu: Pick your gym well. Gear up. Have an open mind. Embrace the fire hydrant. First rules first. Consistency matters. Injury (maybe) matters. Love seminars. Value competition. Get your stripes. Approaching blue. It’s a marathon. Living the lifestyle. Blue–now what? I hope you enjoy.  Cheers!

HGP Episode 4

HGP, Episode 3.  In this round-table discussion, we talk about jiu jitsu competition.  Show notes below: What types of jiu jitsu federations are there?  Description of IBJJF. Philosophy of competition.  Is it a must? Talk us through your process for preparing for competition. Do you have any stress or anxiety during competition? Someone is trying to kill you, but afterwards everyone hugs it out. The camaraderie of competition….also drop some names….in the past two IBJJF competitions, you’ve met Xande, Marcelo Garcia, Renzo Gracie. Discuss the competition itself.  How many in your bracket?  How many matches? How did your match go…your perspective When you watch your match afterwards, what goes through your mind? Results – bringing home the bling. IBJJF Rankings? Getting injured during competition. For those out who shy away from competition, what are the benefits of competing? How often should you compete? I hope you enjoy.  Cheers!

HGP Episode 3

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Happy Grappler Podcast.  In this episode, we sit down with Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu Academy NOVA Owner/Instructor Emil Takeuchi.  Show Notes below: What are your jiu jitsu credentials and teaching style? What got you started in jiu jitsu?  Any other sports or martial arts preceding jiu jitsu? What was the hardest aspect when you first started?  Any particular thing that was hardest for you? Did you ever think of quitting in those first few months?  If so, why?  If not, why do you think that is? You’re nearly a black belt.  So far, what was your hardest belt?  The most fun?  Why? As an instructor, what is the best kind of student?  The worst kind of student? You taught combatives at a police academy.  What are the similarities and differences between that, and teaching jiu jitsu? What is your favorite technique? What is your proudest moment to date? What are your views on injury?  Both minor (IE, jammed finger) and major (torn acl, broken arm, etc.).  What do you do during those times? Do you cross train?  What types of workouts do you do? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?  10 years? I hope you enjoy!  Cheers!

HGP Episode 2

Welcome to the Happy Grappler Podcast.  In this first solo episode, I introduce myself, discuss the origins of the podcast, and talk a little about what you can expect when you subscribe.  This is a short one – only 13 minutes – but a great way to kick off the podcast.  I hope you enjoy!  Cheers!

HGP Episode 1

Jiu Jitsu | Transformation | Discovering Life

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Happy Grappler

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