Will Wilson is one of the most technically distinctive young athletes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and in this episode, we get into the details of what makes his game so different.

Will started training at just four years old in Maui, Hawaii, before eventually relocating to California to pursue jiu-jitsu at a higher level. But his path to the top didn’t involve moving to one of the sport’s powerhouse academies. Instead, he developed under coach André Alemão, training primarily with hobbyists, using competition as his pressure testing, and building a game that is uniquely his own.

We take a deep dive into Will’s signature deep-half-to-X-guard system, which he calls his “spiderweb,” and the philosophy behind building control before developing sweeps. He also breaks down how he has adapted his game following difficult matches, what opponents have exposed in his guard, and why he believes he’s only scratching the surface of his potential as a black belt.

We also discuss his submission defense, mental toughness, strength and conditioning, the importance of finding the right training environment, and why he believes you don’t need a powerhouse gym to become an elite competitor.

Plus, we get into the upcoming IBJJF Crown, his move down to featherweight, proposed IBJJF rule changes, the debate over guard pulling and match engagement, and his thoughts on what actually makes a great jiu-jitsu match.

Follow Will on socials @willwilsonbjj

This is a great conversation with one of the sport’s most interesting rising black belts. Don’t miss it!

Fresh off winning the 16-man Friday Night Lights Pro bracket and taking home the $10,000 prize, Jett Thompson joins us this week for a deep dive into his journey, his game, and an unforgettable night on the mats.

Jett takes us back to his beginnings in a shed in Oklahoma, shares stories from living with Giovanni Rubio at just 16 years old, and whether being known for one submission can actually hold you back. We also get into the details of his very unique high body lock passing system, including the stapler-style grip, trapping the arm, and how to counter the sweep.

We break down his Friday Night Lights run match by match, discuss why PGF is his favorite competition format, and get his perspective on UFC BJJ exclusivity and what it would take to make signing an exclusive deal worthwhile. Jett also shares the opponents he’d love to face, his approach to training and competition, and why focusing on getting better matters more than preparing for one specific tournament.

Another great conversation with one of the most exciting young athletes in the sport. Don’t miss this one!

Follow Jett on Instagram: @jetthompsonbjj

Elijah Dorsey has been doing jiu-jitsu since he was six years old, and he’s built a career that goes far beyond the mats. From ADCC to a Pans title run, international seminars, and a UFC BJJ main event opportunity, Elijah joins Weslee and Bailey to talk about the highs, the setbacks, and what’s next.

In this episode of Weslee Weighs In, we get into the ADCC match that still stings, why Elijah believes gi competition is harder than no-gi, and what went into his UFC BJJ title fight opportunity against Andrew Tackett. We also discuss Daniel Deeder’s callout, whether Elijah is ready to take that fight, and why a trip to Brazil might be in his future.

But jiu-jitsu is only part of the story. Elijah and his brother turned childhood odd jobs into a power washing business, grew it to its first $10K month during COVID, and figured out how to balance entrepreneurship with training twice a day. He also shares his plans for a mat-cleaning business and the surprising story behind a sponsor he almost left off his rash guard.

Plus, we tackle listener questions about dating at the gym, navigating barriers as an African American in jiu-jitsu, and what to do after a bad experience at a gym. And, of course, we finish with Disney rides and the ultimate post-tournament breakfast.

From the competition scene to building a business outside the gym, this episode is all about what it takes to make jiu-jitsu work in the real world.

Follow Elijah: @bigbreakfastbjj