Do you have to compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to be considered “serious”?

In Episode 9 of the Mat Rats Podcast, we break down one of the most debated topics in BJJ culture — whether everyone should compete.

We discuss:

• The pressure to compete in Jiu Jitsu gyms

• The benefits of competition

• The risks of competing

• Hobbyist vs competitor mindset

• Injury concerns and family balance

• Is avoiding competition fear… or wisdom?

Whether you’re a white belt thinking about your first tournament or a seasoned hobbyist who’s never stepped on the competition mats, this episode will challenge your perspective.

Follow the Mat Rats Podcast for real conversations about:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
BJJ culture
Grappling mindset
Competition psychology
Martial arts lifestyle

#matratspod #bjj #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsupodcast #bjjcompetition #grappling #martialarts #bjjlife #nogi #gi

Have you ever felt burned out from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

In this episode of the Mat Rats Podcast, we talk about what happens when BJJ stops being fun — and how to get your motivation back.

From the blue belt blues to training plateaus, competition pressure, ego struggles, and burnout, every grappler goes through seasons where Jiu Jitsu feels more like a job than a passion.

We break down:

• Why burnout happens in BJJ

• How plateaus actually signal growth

• The mental side of losing motivation

• How ego kills enjoyment

• Practical ways to make training fun again

• How to reconnect with why you started training

Whether you’re a white belt, blue belt, or black belt, this conversation will hit home.

If you train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, compete in grappling tournaments, or just love the art, this episode is for you.

🔥 Follow Mat Rats Podcast for real conversations about:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
BJJ mindset
Grappling culture
Competition psychology
Training motivation

In this episode of the Mat Rats Podcast, we keep it looseand talk about the random side of Jiu Jitsu — the things that happen on and offthe mats that no one plans for but everyone experiences.

We cover:
🥋 Weird and unspoken gym moments
🧠 How BJJ follows you outside the gym
🔥 Techniques you always end up using
💭 Rapid-fire BJJ hot takes
🏆 Jae’s mindset heading into his upcomingcompetition
🔁 Tapped In / Tapped Out to close it out

This one’s for anyone living the mat life — planned ornot.

New episodes weekly.
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Disclaimer 1: Discussion of Allegations (ATOS Topic)

This podcast includes discussion of publicly reportedallegations and community conversations within the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu space.We are not making factual claims, accusations, or legal conclusions about anyindividual or organization. All commentary reflects personal opinions based onpublicly available information and is shared for discussion purposes only.Listeners are encouraged to seek primary sources and verified reporting and toform their own conclusions.

Disclaimer 2: Todd’s Non-Affiliation Statement

Todd has no personal, professional, or trainingrelationship with André Galvão and has never trained with or been affiliatedwith him or his organization. Any discussion referencing public figures ororganizations does not imply personal knowledge, endorsement, or insiderinformation.