In this episode of BJJ Balance, we kick off our Purple Belt Series and break down what really changes once you hit purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

From the mindset shift after promotion, to the pressure (and freedom) that comes with the belt, to why purple belts are some of the most dangerous grapplers on the mats—we cover it all.

We also dive into:

The difference between blue belt and purple belt skill levels

Why purple belts feel like “experts” but still have gaps

The importance of slowing down your game

Building new weapons instead of relying on your A-game

Open guard struggles, passing development, and leg lock exploration

Coaching, feedback, and how to actually improve faster

Trusting your professor (even when you're frustrated)Plus, we answer listener questions centered around the purple belt journey and what it really takes to level up.

If you're a blue belt chasing purple—or already there—this episode is a must.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

Craig Jones just lit the jiu-jitsu world on fire.In Episode 130 of the BJJ Balance Podcast, we break down the insanity of CJI 2.5, the rumored format, the $10,000,000 prize pool, why this feels like a direct shot at exclusive UFC BJJ contracts, and who could actually end up in an 8-man open weight tournament.We also talk about what this could mean for the future of professional grappling, whether Craig should run trials, what names like Nicky Rod, Victor Hugo, the Ruotolos, Mikey Musumeci, Andrew Tackett, and even MMA or wrestling crossover athletes could bring to the event, and why this might be one of the wildest moments the sport has ever seen.Later in the episode, we get into whether gi is harder than no-gi, how white belts should balance both, when your personal game starts to develop, and whether no-gi can sometimes make people feel better than they actually are.If you’re into Craig Jones, CJI 2.5, UFC BJJ, ADCC, gi vs no-gi, white belt advice, and the future of pro jiu-jitsu, this one’s for you.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

In this episode of BJJ Balance, we break down one of the most misunderstood topics in jiu-jitsu:👉 Should you cut weight for tournaments?

We dive into:

Why most people are cutting weight for the WRONG reasons

How bracket size actually matters more than strength

Why beginners shouldn’t even be thinking about the scale

The difference between BJJ and MMA weight cutting

Then… as always… things completely go off the rails.

From birthday stories and Corvette dreams to couch debates, music nostalgia, and absolute chaos—this is a full experience.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

In Episode 128 of the BJJ Balance Podcast, we dive deep into the rise of team-based professional grappling and why the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) may represent the future of the sport.

We discuss:• The rise of the Alabama Twisters team• Why PGF rules create more action than traditional tournaments• The contrast between PGF and other grappling leagues• Why stalling calls actually improve matches• How PGF athletes are building real careers in jiu-jitsu• The philosophy behind posting your losses online

We also talk about the difference between promotions that build brands around organizations versus promotions that build brands around athletes.

If you're interested in the future of professional grappling, this episode is a must watch.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

In this episode of the BJJ Balance Podcast, Kenny and Matt go deep into some wild topics across the jiu-jitsu world and beyond.

Matt kicks things off with one of his classic rants — covering fake martial arts instructors on social media, questionable self-defense content, and what actually makes a legitimate academy.

The guys also break down the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) season, discuss standout performances, and talk about the evolution of professional jiu-jitsu events.

Later in the episode they dive into real training philosophy:• Flow rolling vs hard rounds• Why coaches should control sparring matchups• How to improve when you're the best guy in the room• Why getting uncomfortable in training is essential for progress

They also touch on some bizarre stories in the grappling world — including controversy involving Gordon Ryan and discussions about respected figures like Renzo Gracie.

If you love honest jiu-jitsu conversation, gym culture, and grappling analysis — this episode is for you.👍 Like💬 Comment your thoughts🔔 Subscribe for more BJJ Balance episodesPlease Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

Is wrestling finally back… because of influencers?

In this episode of BJJ Balance, we break down the wild RAF fight drama, the influence of personalities like Muggsy and Giorgio, and whether traditional wrestling heads are missing the bigger picture.

We also dive into:• UFC BJJ exclusive contracts — smart business or bad for the sport?• Why influencers might be the key to growing wrestling & jiu-jitsu• Jordan Burroughs vs influencer superfights• Why grappling NEEDS personalities to survive• The problem with locking athletes into one organization• Should BJJ have a World Cup format instead of chasing the Olympics?• Gi vs No-Gi and why takedowns make events better• The business mistakes holding jiu-jitsu back• Plus: Matt’s $2,000 Best Buy “accident”

If you care about the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, UFC BJJ, RAF, CJI, PGF, and the influencer era of combat sports — this episode is for you.

Combat sports are changing.

Just like Jake Paul helped revive boxing, influencer-driven matchups might be what wrestling and jiu-jitsu need to grow beyond niche audiences.

Traditionalists might hate it.

But eyeballs equal opportunity.

And without eyeballs, the sport dies.

If you train BJJ, follow wrestling, watch UFC, or care about the business side of grappling:👍 Like💬 Comment your take🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes

New episodes every week.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

In Episode 125 of the BJJ Balance Podcast, Matt and Kenny go completely off the rails — and somehow still drop serious gems about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.We break down Sean Strickland’s latest fight and betting lines, why Vegas might be behind on MMA analytics, and how personal life can affect fight performance. Then we dive into real BJJ talk:• Why wearing a t-shirt under your gi is controversial• The evolution of the 6AM class and gym culture• How to use points strategy to improve submission finishes• Why you shouldn’t abandon your “money move”• Gi vs No-Gi growth trends• Student retention in modern academiesPlus sponsor talk, Level Black gear breakdown, and a few stories that probably shouldn’t be clipped.If you train jiu-jitsu, run a gym, bet on MMA, or just enjoy unfiltered grappling conversations — this episode is for you.Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj

In this episode of BJJ Balance Podcast, we dive deep into the realities of gym culture, purple belt behavior, and the responsibilities that come with leadership on the mats.From hilarious Valentine’s Day “purple belt lifestyle” jokes to serious conversations about gym safety, uncomfortable training partners, and how coaches should handle complaints — this episode covers the full spectrum of jiu-jitsu culture.We also break down:• Why purple belts get a reputation• Gym politics and promotion psychology• How coaches motivate students through belt rankings• When it’s time to switch academies• Leadership responsibility in mat safety• Handling uncomfortable situations in training rooms• Judo crossover curiosity and stand-up development• Wild off-the-rails “After the Roll” style banterWhether you’re a white belt trying to understand gym hierarchy or a seasoned grappler navigating academy culture — this episode gives real, unfiltered perspective from years on the mats.🎧 Listen / Watch BJJ Balance Everywhere:📺 YouTube: @BJJBalance🎙️ Spotify & Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram: @BJJBalance📸 Instagram: @FreakPartyBJJ📸 Instagram: @oss_nation_bjj📸 TikTok:@BJJBalance💬 Discord Community (Link Below)www.discord.gg/bjjbalance🔥 SponsorsThis episode is brought to you by Optiva WellnessUse Code: BJJBalance10 - Save 10% on all purchases Use Code: BJJBALANCE + mailing list to get BPC-157/TB-500 stack for 30% off.