Are influencer belts and fast-tracked promotions ruining Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? In this episode of the BJJ Balance Podcast, we dive into one of the most controversial conversations in modern grappling: the legitimacy of belt promotions in the social media era.With the rise of superfight invitations, PGF qualifiers, creator-led gyms, and viral competitors, we’re seeing more athletes promoted faster than ever — sometimes skipping the traditional grind under established professors. Is this evolution of the sport, or is it watering down what belts truly represent?We discuss:• How influencer promotions are changing belt legitimacy• Whether competition success should outweigh training time• Why lineage still matters in jiu-jitsu• The difference between real skill and perceived rank• How amateur superfights compare to pro events• PGF qualifiers and what they mean for modern competition• Why “fame belts” are becoming a controversial topicIf you’ve ever questioned how belts are awarded or wondered if jiu-jitsu promotions are losing credibility, this episode answers the hard questions no one wants to say out loud.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

From Christmas light disasters and gas station nachos to the real Jiu-Jitsu GOAT debate… this episode goes everywhere. Matt and Kenny talk about maxing out ladders for “forever lights,” free knives and Jordans, Kenny’s old DJ life, celebrity Jiu-Jitsu (Tom Hardy, AC Slater, Ashton Kutcher), and then dive into who actually belongs on the BJJ Mount Rushmore. Timeline-1They break down Hodger Gracie vs Buchecha resumes, ADCC finish rates, IBJJF world titles, and why the fourth “no-gi face” might still be up for grabs. Names like Marcelo Garcia, Andre Galvão, Leandro Lo, Eddie Bravo, Tom DeBlass, Craig Jones, B-Mac/PGF and more all get thrown into the mix as they talk impact versus just competition results. Timeline-1Listeners also sent in some wild questions:Which side should your belt bar/stripes sit on?Do big guys hate when small guys pull guard and spam triangles?Is it okay to switch gyms at purple belt?And Matt drops a legendary story about a team completely imploding from relationship drama at “team barbecues.” Timeline-1Plus: Thanksgiving food talk, gas station nachos, Starbucks baristas with moon tattoos, and which teammate Matt would choke unconscious in front of their significant other (with love). Timeline-1If you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, obsess over memes, or argue about GOATs in the gym lobby, this one’s for you.In this episode:Christmas light horror story & $800 “forever lights” mistakeFree knives, Black Friday Jordans & sponsor loveKenny’s DJ background, vinyl collection & one-ear headphone breakdownShaq, Carter Cruise and why people get obsessed with new identitiesHodger vs Buchecha and the BJJ GOAT conversationBuilding a Jiu-Jitsu Mount Rushmore (Helio, Royce, Hodger/Buchecha + a no-gi future?)Purple belt loyalty & when it’s okay to switch gymsGym relationship drama and how it nuked an entire teamListener Q&A: belt bar etiquette, smalls pulling guard on bigs, choking teammates in front of their familySupport the show & follow us:Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjjDrop your questions in the comments for a chance to be featured in the next listener Q&A!

Welcome back to Episode 113 of the BJJ Balance Podcast!This Thanksgiving special is PACKED — fatherhood lessons, jiu-jitsu parenting struggles, Super Cup competition stories, celebrity black belt debates, Gordon Ryan drama, and everything in between. Whether you're listening on the road to family dinner or trying to hide from your crazy uncles, we’ve got you.In this episode, we cover:🥋 How to help your kid bounce back after a tough jiu-jitsu loss🔥 Super Cup recap — Team No Sleep dominates again🤼 Ashton Kutcher’s black belt & the “celebrity jiu-jitsu” controversy💥 Moneyberg & Gordon Ryan discourse👊 Handling haters who say jiu-jitsu is “fake”🧠 Competition mindset, game-planning & leveling up your strongest moves🤖 AI’s future role as jiu-jitsu coaches😂 Back takes, Thanksgiving chaos, and uncles talking recklessIf you train BJJ, coach kids, compete, or love jiu-jitsu culture, this episode hits every angle — humor, real talk, advice, and technical gems.👍 LIKE if you’ve ever dealt with a family member talking trash about BJJ🔔 SUBSCRIBE to support the fastest-growing jiu-jitsu podcast🗣️ DROP A COMMENT: What’s your take on celebrity black belts?Please Follow BJJ Balance on all of our socials:IG: @BJJBalanceDiscord: discord.gg/bjjbalanceTik Tok: @BJJBalanceYouTube: YouTube.com/@BJJBalanceKenny IG: @FreakPartyBJJMatt IG: @oss_nation_bjj00:00 — Thanksgiving intro & gratitude message