Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you train, you’re never quite “enough?” There’s a fine line between pushing to be your best and letting the pressure to be “excellent” suck the joy right out of Jiu-Jitsu. This week, we’re grappling with what excellence actually means, why perfection is a trap, and how you can make progress) no matter how much time you’ve got on the mat.

If you find yourself replaying mistakes on your drive home or wondering whether you’re improving fast enough, this episode is for you. We share stories about our own struggles with expectations, how to spot real progress, and what happens when you let go of perfection and focus on getting a little better every day.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have new ways to measure success (even when class feels tough), tips for enjoying the journey, and a fresh perspective on what really matters—both on and off the mat. This is about finding what lights you up and building a practice that makes you proud.

Highlights

(00:00) How would you define excellence in Jiu-Jitsu?

(01:25) How your attitude, expectations, and coachability shape every class

(03:11) The battle: Perfection vs. Progress in your Jiu Jitsu journey

(05:47) Tiny wins count: Tracking progress no matter what

(09:02) How to keep moving forward—even when you can only train a little

(11:02) Wrestling with slow Jiu-Jitsu progress and plateaus

(12:49) Why journaling and video can totally change your perspective on your Jiu-Jitsu

(16:29) Creating a culture of growth (not perfection) in your gym

(18:34) Making progress on and off the mat

(20:05) Our Jiu-Jitsu community challenge

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You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

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🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here

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🥋 Learn More About Roll Model Grappling Camp

rollmodelswanted.com

📱 Connect with Jen & AJ on Social Media

Instagram – @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen: @brassybroadjen on Instagram | @brassybroadjen on TikTok

AJ: @ajclingerman on Instagram |

Do you ever catch yourself downplaying how much you care about Jiu-Jitsu just because you don’t compete?

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “serious enough” about your training as a non-competitor, this episode is for you. What does it mean to take your Jiu Jitsu seriously—even when chasing gold medals isn’t your focus?

We dig into what purposeful training looks like for recreational practitioners, how to balance goal-setting with busy grown-up life, and why “serious” Jiu Jitsu is more about intention than intensity.

This episode is about helping you create a meaningful, purpose-driven path in Jiu-Jitsu that fits your life.

Chapter Highlights

(00:00) Why Do So Many Hobbyists Downplay Their Jiu Jitsu Commitment?

(01:28) Jiu-Jitsu Training with Purpose: How to Create Meaningful Goals Without Competing

(03:35) Simple Ways to Add Intention and Focus to Your Rolling

(04:50) Healthy Expectations: Finding Balance Between Fun and Progress in Jiu-Jitsu

(05:51) Navigating Busy Seasons: How to Prioritize Jiu Jitsu When Life Gets Hectic

(07:30) Can You Be a “Serious” Practitioner If You Don’t Compete?

(08:31) How to Be Taken Seriously by Your Coaches and Teammates (Without Competing)

(09:41) Size, Strength, and Technique: When Does It Really Matter?

(12:47) Tips for Smaller Grapplers—Using Your Unique Attributes on the Mat

(13:47) How To Support and Communicate With Training Partners

(15:05) Boosting Confidence: What If Your Technique Doesn’t Work Against Bigger Opponents?

(16:19) Managing Expectations—So You're Not Crying in the Car Post-Roll

(17:32) On & Off the Mat Tips for Setting Realistic, Personalized Jiu Jitsu Goals

We’d love to hear about your own experience—drop a comment or DM us on Instagram @beautyandthegipodcast and let’s keep this conversation rolling!

If you love the podcast, share it with a friend!

You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Audible

Episodes.fm

YouTube

🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here

Start Here Spotify Playlist

Start Here on Our Website

🥋 Learn More About Roll Model Grappling Camp

rollmodelswanted.com

📱 Connect with Jen & AJ on Social Media

Instagram – @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen: @brassybroadjen on Instagram |

We're answering your Jiu-Jitsu questions in this episode. Thanks for sending your questions in!

If you love the podcast, share it with a friend!

You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Audible

Episodes.fm

YouTube

🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here

Start Here Spotify Playlist

Start Here on Our Website

🥋 Learn More About Roll Model Grappling Camp

rollmodelswanted.com

📱 Connect with Jen & AJ on Social Media

Instagram – @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen: @brassybroadjen on Instagram | @brassybroadjen on TikTok

AJ: @ajclingerman on Instagram | @roll_model on TikTok

Roll Model Grappling: @rollmodelgrappling on Instagram

🎶 Production

Recording, theme music, editing, and production by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

⚠️ Disclaimer

The Beauty and the Gi podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or coaching advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for any condition.

What are the Do's and Don'ts of including women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

If you love the podcast, share it with a friend!

You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Audible

Episodes.fm

YouTube

🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here

Start Here Spotify Playlist

Start Here on Our Website

🥋 Learn More About Roll Model Grappling Camp

rollmodelswanted.com

📱 Connect with Jen & AJ on Social Media

Instagram – @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen: @brassybroadjen on Instagram | @brassybroadjen on TikTok

AJ: @ajclingerman on Instagram | @roll_model on TikTok

Roll Model Grappling: @rollmodelgrappling on Instagram

🎶 Production

Recording, theme music, editing, and production by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

⚠️ Disclaimer

The Beauty and the Gi podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or coaching advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for any condition.

What should you know when starting Jiu-Jitsu, restarting Jiu-Jitsu after being out for a while, or changing gyms?

Camp Promo code mentioned in the episode: BG100

If you love the podcast, share it with a friend!

You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Audible

Episodes.fm

YouTube

🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here

Start Here Spotify Playlist

Start Here on Our Website

🥋 Learn More About Roll Model Grappling Camp

rollmodelswanted.com

📱 Connect with Jen & AJ on Social Media

Instagram – @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen: @brassybroadjen on Instagram | @brassybroadjen on TikTok

AJ: @ajclingerman on Instagram | @roll_model on TikTok

Roll Model Grappling: @rollmodelgrappling on Instagram

🎶 Production

Recording, theme music, editing, and production by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

⚠️ Disclaimer

The Beauty and the Gi podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or coaching advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for any condition.

What is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt?

If you love the podcast, share it with a friend!

You can also leave us a 5-star rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite App

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Audible

Episodes.fm

YouTube

🎯 New to the Podcast? Start Here

Start Here Spotify Playlist

Start Here on Our Website

🥋 Learn More About Roll Model Grappling Camp

rollmodelswanted.com

📱 Connect with Jen & AJ on Social Media

Instagram – @beautyandthegipodcast

Jen: @brassybroadjen on Instagram | @brassybroadjen on TikTok

AJ: @ajclingerman on Instagram | @roll_model on TikTok

Roll Model Grappling: @rollmodelgrappling on Instagram

🎶 Production

Recording, theme music, editing, and production by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

⚠️ Disclaimer

The Beauty and the Gi podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or coaching advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for any condition.