Fighters Drinking Coffee

(Ep 45) Jiu-Jitsu as Jazz: Finding Creativity Between the Moves

In this episode we explore creativity and self-expression in jiu‑jitsu — using the "jazz" analogy and discuss utilizing the constraints led approach to bridge the space between techniques. We discuss how drills, repetition, and playful constraints help practitioners discover timing, leverage, and their own style on the mat.
The hosts cover coaching strategies, balancing competitive rigidity with fun experimentation, adapting over time, and practical ideas like goal-driven rolling and card-based drills to force creativity while still building competition-ready skills.
Please remember to follow, rate and review!Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee:Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXksGet some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSYUse code GETSUDSY at checkout

(Ep 44) New Year, New Game: Jiu-Jitsu Resolutions & Competition Plans

New Year’s episode where the hosts share concise jiu-jitsu resolutions: pursue greater professionalism as coaches and competitors, add new techniques and finishing mechanics, and build a training/competition calendar to peak for major tournaments.They also outline podcast goals — grow the audience, engage listeners via Discord and possible Patreon, revive archival episodes, and commit to consistent, higher-value content throughout 2026.
Please remember to follow, rate and review!Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee:Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXksGet some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSYUse code GETSUDSY at checkout

(Ep 43) 2025 Year End Review: How to Analyze Your Jiu Jitsu Year and Track Success

On this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee we walk through a practical year-in-review for the 2025 competition season: tracking matches, wins and losses, submission patterns, weight cuts, training timelines, and key turning points.We show how to turn those data points into actionable changes — adjusting training, mitigating injury and burnout, planning weight classes, and building targeted drills to reproduce strengths and fix weaknesses.Whether you compete or just want to measure your progress in class, this episode gives a simple process to analyze your year, set smart goals, and make a clearer plan for 2026.
Please remember to follow, rate and review!Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee:Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXksGet some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSYUse code GETSUDSY at checkout

(Ep 42) Worlds 2025 Recap: Bracket Busting Highlights

Hosts recap their trip to the 2025 IBJJF World No-Gi Championships in Las Vegas, sharing match breakdowns, surprising referee calls, upsets, and standout performances from friends and teammates.They discuss preparation, travel and weight-cut tips, lessons about avoiding leaving results to the referee, and takeaways for future competitions.
Please remember to follow, rate and review!Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee:Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXksGet some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSYUse code GETSUDSY at checkout

(Ep 41) How Wrestling’s Spectacle Can Supercharge Jiu-Jitsu w/ Raf Esparza of The Grappling Hour

Raf Esparza of the Grappling Hour joins Fighters Drinking Coffee to talk training, pro-wrestling influence, and how spectacle and fan experience can grow jiu-jitsu. He shares stories from Subversive and Survivor Series, media and performance coaching for athletes, and ideas for building entertaining grappling events.
They also discuss creative segments like Roast Raf and tape study, the importance of personality and promotion in combat sports, and where to find his work.
 
Support Grappling Hour here: https://www.patreon.com/grapplinghour
 
Buy Grappling Hour merch here: https://www.rafesparza.com/merch
 
Follow the show: 
 
🎥 - YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/grapplinghour
📸 - INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/grapplinghour/
🍏 - APPLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grappling-hour/id1437702200
🎶 - SPOTIFY - https://open.spotify.com/show/28tKXEawj9SIwlr5fd1sx3?si=5415e680b0bc4fb5
 
Thank you!
Please remember to follow, rate and review!Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee:Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXksGet some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSYUse code GETSUDSY at checkout

(Ep 40) Tapped Out? Smart Strategies to Stay on the Mat After Injury

This episode covers what to do after a jiu-jitsu injury: how to tell a tweak from a serious injury, when to seek medical help, and when to rest.The hosts share practical tips for training while hurt—modify your game plan, train around the injured side, use controlled drilling, stay present at the gym, and study footage or tutorials.They emphasize self-assessment, injury prevention (pace and tapping), cooperative training partners, and adapting your training so you can recover safely and return stronger.
Please remember to follow, rate and review!Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee:Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXksGet some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSYUse code GETSUDSY at checkout

(Ep 39) Fury Champion Sam Kilmer: Road to the UFC Begins Dec. 14

On this episode of Fighters Drinking Coffee, Fury welterweight champion Sam Kilmer breaks down his wrestling and jiu-jitsu roots, training at Kaizen and Crazy 88, and his preparations for the December 14 title defense against Mancher Khera.
Sam discusses strength and conditioning with coach Asim, sparring strategy, weight-class decisions, and his goal of earning a UFC call and high-profile matchups in the future.
 
Check Sam out on Instagram @sam_kilmer
Please remember to follow, rate and review!Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee:Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXksGet some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSYUse code GETSUDSY at checkout

(Ep 38) Blue Belt Blues: Why You Suddenly Suck After a Promotion

This episode explores the “blue belt blues”: the sudden drop in confidence and performance many feel after a promotion. Hosts discuss causes — targets on your back, merit-based expectations, comparison, and ego — and how coaches shape that experience.They offer practical advice: humble yourself, keep showing up, use competition constructively, focus on skill acquisition over status, and embrace the long-term journey. Tips include finding new goals, practicing weaknesses, teaching others, and remembering the belt is a checkpoint, not the reward.Overall, the episode is a pep talk to stay consistent, find challenges, and enjoy the process so you don’t quit when the honeymoon period ends.
Please remember to follow, rate and review!Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee:Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXksGet some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSYUse code GETSUDSY at checkout

(Ep 37) Tap Early, Learn Fast — White Belt Mentality & Survival Tips

This episode explores the white belt experience in jiu-jitsu — from signing the waiver and wearing a rental gi to learning to tap and leaving your ego at the door. Hosts share practical advice for new students on safety, mindset, and managing expectations.They cover concrete tips like using micro-goals, slowing down drilling, finding mentors, embracing losses as practice, and staying flexible when life or gyms change. The message: show up, be humble, enjoy being a beginner, and keep training.
Please remember to follow, rate and review!Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee:Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXksGet some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSYUse code GETSUDSY at checkout

(Ep 36) Unbreakable Women’s Grappling Camp — Strength, Sisterhood, and Jiu-Jitsu

This episode features Kari Summers and Mendi Carlson of Genesis Jiu-Jitsu, co-founders of the Unbreakable Women’s Grappling Camp in Fort Worth, Texas. They discuss how their program grew from moms watching their kids train into a supportive women-only community that builds confidence, retention, and competition readiness.
The episode covers their women’s classes and outreach, camp format (gi day and no‑gi day), seminar instructors, VIP lunch, swag and open mat time, and logistical details: Feb 6–7, 2026 at the Sheridan downtown Fort Worth with a 3,600 sq ft mat area and a 150-person cap.
For more information visit https://unbreakable-bjj.com/2026-dfw-womens-camp-1
Please remember to follow, rate and review!Want more from Fighters Drinking Coffee:Follow us on instagram: @fightersdrinkingcoffee   Join our discord: https://discord.gg/UPmxwuwXksGet some MADE IN THE USA gear:  https://cruzcmbt.com/GETSUDSYUse code GETSUDSY at checkout