Graham Hill is a White Belt, and trains at Grow Jiu Jitsu in Bicester having transitioned from running, to focus on developing his strength now with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. His first introduction to martial arts was Muay Thai, which seemed to suit the first transition to growing strength. We talk about mindfulness as a practice to ground in the moment, and also meditation in the form of repeatedly drilling mindfulness, which does resonate with the practice of jiu jitsu.

Using techniques to improve our opportunity to achieve the best in competition, especially as Masters athletes is something that Graham has become an expert in helping others. Graham has a Masters in Performance Psychology and has a business supporting sports people. He talks in detail about training your body, your mind and your skills, however it is the mind that will really help us achieve excellence in any sport. Listen out for the tips to achieve much more in the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

We also talk about the challenges of being a parent supporting upcoming jiu jitsu competitors, and the joy of observing the growth in resilience in both our children, as well as ourselves. I hope you'll be inspired to do some hard things in life!

Topics:

• Strength
• Mindfulness
• Meditation
• Autism diagnosis
• Performance Psychology
• Aphantasia
• Neurodivergent Teams
• Difficult experiences

Sponsor of this episode is:

INSIO Mental Performance: https://insio.biz/bjj

Graham on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graham_hill/

INSIO on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insio.mental.performance/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jiujitsuloupodcast

JIU JITSU LOU Merch Collab with BRUIZEHAUS: https://bruizehaus.co.uk/search?q=jiu+jitsu+lou USE DISCOUNT CODE: JJL30

PRODUCTION CREDIT: Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource

MUSIC CREDIT:

ARTIST: Maleki Ram | TRACK: Just A Little Boy

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sula-Mae Loewenthal launches straight in to talk about her win at ADCC Trials in 2024. She shares her emotional challenges along the way to her recent Black Belt promotion, and is certainly not shy about being on the big stage. Sula-Mae talks about going from anxiety to pure flow state, and being completely focused to win.

The strategic mindset, and thinking that Sula-Mae shares is something to be admired, in addition to her overwhelming dream sense of winning. Be prepared to immerse yourself in a feeling of fun and flow throughout this episode. Listen out for the soul-taker conversation, it will be worth it. Changing the way you think, as you progress through the belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is something that has helped Sula-Mae get more into flow state, as she reflects on her journey.

Topics:

• ADCC Trials
• Flow State
• Pulling guard
• Standup game
• Polaris
• Teaching Jiu Jitsu
• Mentoring
• GB Ambassador
• Super Fights

Sula-Mae on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sula_maebjj/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jiujitsuloupodcast

JIU JITSU LOU Merch Collab with BRUIZEHAUS: https://bruizehaus.co.uk/search?q=jiu+jitsu+lou USE DISCOUNT CODE: JJL30

PRODUCTION CREDIT: Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource

MUSIC CREDIT:

ARTIST: Maleki Ram | TRACK: Just A Little Boy

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ange Taylor makes a second appearance on the show, and this time opens up about her competition and life experience in the last year. Taking steps to be independent can be a challenge later in life, and Ange shares how much she has achieved, and overcome.

Dealing with past trauma can be difficult for anyone, Ange shares how resilient she has been and her courage to work through the road of healing. Knowing that Jiu Jitsu is her safe space, gives Ange the ability to breakthrough her deep anxiety, and step outside of her home with ease. She is now able to find more focus, direction, peace and support, not just from the consistent practice of jiu jitsu but also team mates, friends and coaches. Battling with personal issues, has made Ange stronger, in mindset and winning attitude. Thank you for showing up and joining me again, this time to talk through some challenging topics Ange. x

Topics:

• Jiu Jitsu Con
• World Masters
• Competition Prep
• Meal Prep
• Anxiety & depression
• Healing
• Resilience
• Self Confidence
• Accepting help
• Positive self-talk

Ange on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ange.taylor_bjj/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jiujitsuloupodcast

JIU JITSU LOU Merch Collab with BRUIZEHAUS: https://bruizehaus.co.uk/search?q=jiu+jitsu+lou USE DISCOUNT CODE: JJL30

PRODUCTION CREDIT: Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource

MUSIC CREDIT:

ARTIST: Maleki Ram | TRACK: Just A Little Boy

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Chapman is a Black Belt and trains twice a day every day, and this has been the same for the last 10 years. Andy shares his competition mindset, and also the business growth of Team Ryano Limavady in Northern Ireland.

Andy talks with compassion for bringing BJJ hobbyists along with the club, and the importance of making everyone feel the energy where they feel welcome and wish to stay, and continue their own journey for a long time.

Finding similar grade, weight and age competitors to yourself, really offers the opportunity to progress with relative ease. Andy shares some great stories of individuals in his team. We talk of some useful analogies, that may well help with your mindset and thinking.

Topics:

• Training twice a day
• Serious surgery
• IBJJF Masters
• Competition
• Measuring a gym's performance
• Understanding the game
• Young Competitors
• Learning BJJ with ease
• Feedback
• Progress Goals

Sponsor of this episode is:

RGA Buckingham: https://rgabuckingham.com/trial/

Andy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andychapman_bjj/

Team Ryano Limavady: https://www.instagram.com/limavady_ryanos_bjj/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jiujitsuloupodcast

JIU JITSU LOU Merch Collab with BRUIZEHAUS: https://bruizehaus.co.uk/search?q=jiu+jitsu+lou USE DISCOUNT CODE: JJL30

PRODUCTION CREDIT: Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource

MUSIC CREDIT:

ARTIST: Maleki Ram | TRACK: Just A Little Boy

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cara Waller is a Purple Belt and talks of her experience in being part of competition team, and the value it brings, not just to her level of competition but also of her mental health and wellbeing. She is very reflective and mindful, observing and aware of her own performance, compassion and fighting spirit. We discuss the self-talk that can affect us as Jiu Jitsu practitioners, and those of us that experience anxiety.

Cara opens up about her growth and awareness around her own ADHD diagnosis, and her driving spirit to support and coach others to be the best they can be. Like many of us, she sees the BJJ gym as her happy place, and somewhere of acceptance, empathy and trust. Being an active individual throughout her life with sports, she now continues her passion with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Topics:

• Instagram friends
• IBJJF European Masters
• Default Medals
• Comparison
• Overthinking
• ADHD & Neurodiversity
• Teaching BJJ
• Ladies Classes
• Ideas, concepts and context

Sponsor of this episode is:

RGA Buckingham: https://rgabuckingham.com/trial/

Cara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cararosebjj/

RGA Buckingham: https://www.instagram.com/rgabuckingham/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jiujitsuloupodcast

JIU JITSU LOU Merch Collab with BRUIZEHAUS: https://bruizehaus.co.uk/search?q=jiu+jitsu+lou USE DISCOUNT CODE: JJL30

PRODUCTION CREDIT: Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource

MUSIC CREDIT:

ARTIST: Maleki Ram | TRACK: Just A Little Boy

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frankie Lee Monaghan is a Yellow Belt, and joins me with her Dad, Kevin. Frankie shares her lack of confidence before starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and the challenges with being bullied. It wasn't until a School Sports Week that Frankie was introduced to Jiu Jitsu, that her life changed for the better.

Kevin her Dad, echoes Frankie's resilience and tenacity for life, as well as the heartbreaking story of noticing Frankie's sadness during the period of bullying at school. Frankie now has high ambition, and big goals for her growth in Jiu Jitsu, travelling the world gaining more medals and achievements at every belt level.

Topics:

• Being bullied
• Lack of confidence
• School Sports Week
• Single Leg Takedowns
• Role Models
• Super Fights
• Confidence
• Dreams
• Goals

Help Frankie Compete at International BJJ Competitions:

https://gofund.me/25e8c22b

Frankie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu_jitsu_frankie16/

Primal BJJ: https://www.instagram.com/primal.bjj/

Attitude: https://www.instagram.com/attitudehq/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jiujitsuloupodcast

JIU JITSU LOU Merch Collab with BRUIZEHAUS: https://bruizehaus.co.uk/search?q=jiu+jitsu+lou USE DISCOUNT CODE: JJL30

PRODUCTION CREDIT: Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource

MUSIC CREDIT:

ARTIST: Maleki Ram | TRACK: Just A Little Boy

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lillie Marlow is a Yellow Belt, and joins me with her Mum, Kayley whom I first met when speaking to Olivia Marlow on Episode 20. Lillie shares the story of when she started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the age of 6, and how fun and cool it was, an how the last 7 years have progressed.

International competitions are common place for The Marlow's, and Mum Kayley is a pro at organisation, and is very well placed to support Lillie in her competitive growth. Lillie shares her guard game, in Worm Guard and Rubber Guard, and really enjoys joining adult classes, especially because of her expertise in the sport. Lillie continues to improve her game, and demonstrates her dedication to jiu jitsu.

Topics:

• Starting Jiu Jitsu
• International comps
• Training Plan
• Guard game
• Being a parent of active competitors
• Cross training
• Drilling fundamentals
• Jiu Jitsu sisters
• Confidence

Lillie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilliemarlowbjj/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jiujitsuloupodcast

JIU JITSU LOU Merch Collab with BRUIZHAUS: https://bruizehaus.co.uk/search?q=jiu+jitsu+lou USE DISCOUNT CODE: JJL30

PRODUCTION CREDIT: Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource

MUSIC CREDIT:

ARTIST: Maleki Ram | TRACK: Just A Little Boy

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taya Jones is a Yellow Belt, and a Gracie Barra Ambassador for 2025. Taya joins me with her Mum, Danielle who sounds like she does a great deal for Taya, together with her Dad. We talk about competition, and competing in a kids Absolute with all different weights and belts. Taya talks of the challenges in fighting competitors who are smaller and faster than her.

Danielle, her Mum shares the story of the application process, and the seminar when Taya was told that she had been selected to be a Gracie Barra Ambassador. Taya is so humble in her approach, not just for promotions but for life in general, she also has a great deal of determination. As a parent, one might feel some reservation around a child taking part in martial arts but when it is something that child talks about continuously, with passion and enthusiasm you can only support them following and wholeheartedly encouraging their dreams.

Taya talks of her love for wrestling, and watching title matches with her Dad. She also shares the joy she had at being able to master a double-leg takedown against him in her very first trial session of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. She shares her inspiration in Ffion Davies and Helena Crevar, and Taya also talks of training partners in Lillie Marlow and Frankie Lee Monaghan whose episodes are also upcoming in the Yellow Belt Series.

Topics:

• Competitions
• Kids Absolutes
• Belt Promotions
• Gracie Barra Ambassador
• WWE
• Wrestling
• Jiu Jitsu Family
• Future ambitions
• Inspiration
• Training Partners

Taya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayaj_bjj_tagb/

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JiuJitsuLou

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiu.jitsu.lou

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jiujitsuloupodcast

JIU JITSU LOU Merch Collab with BRUIZHAUS: https://bruizehaus.co.uk/search?q=jiu+jitsu+lou USE DISCOUNT CODE: JJL30

PRODUCTION CREDIT: Kerr Mathieson of Audio Outsource

MUSIC CREDIT:

ARTIST: Maleki Ram | TRACK: Just A Little Boy

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.