• Episode 19: How to prepare to win competitions | How to train differently leading up to a competition | How to get comfortable standing
    Oct 21 2025

    Adam and Tim discuss how to use class time leading up to a competition to prepare to win. They discuss how to avoid getting robbed in a tournament, why and how to train differently with a competition coming up, and how to develop the foundations of skill in stand up if you're too afraid to pull guard.

    If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget we have an Instagram page at open.matpodcast! We post clips of upcoming episodes and actively engage with listeners.

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    40 mins
  • Episode 18: What you aren't told about passing the guard | How to approach passing the guard for consistent success
    Oct 14 2025

    In this conversation Adam and Tim dive into the deeply frustrating topic of passing the guard, and why much of the time we spend drilling passes is not useful. Tim lays out his views on how to truly improve at passing, including details on his particular framework on the foot positions of passing. Adam details some of the challenges his students have had in learning, and Tim gives advice to his blue belt self.

    If you enjoy this podcast, consider following us on Instagram at open.matpodcast! We would love to hear from you, whether you agree or disagree with our thoughts.

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    34 mins
  • Episode 17: Everything good for you is bad for opponents | How to improve your Jiu Jitsu as a zero sum game
    Oct 7 2025

    In this concise episode Adam and Tim hone in on the idea that Jiu Jitsu is a zero sum game, and what this means for us strategically and for our learning. They delve into how every movement increases or decreases control, and how to make sure that the small exchanges add up over time to huge advantages and inevitable submissions.


    If this podcast is helpful, don't forget we have an instagram at open.matpodcast where you can interact with us, ask questions, debate points and get sneak peaks into upcoming episodes!

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    29 mins
  • Episode 16: CJI | Better late than never - CJI 1 breakdown | Was standup a waste of time? | How CJI has forced BJJ to evolve
    Sep 30 2025

    Adam and Tim give commentary on the first Craig Jones Invitational that is as definitive as it is late. They discuss the matches, evaluating some major matchups in both the context of the tournament and how BJJ has continued to evolve since. Tim has very strong words for the strong focus on takedowns shown and the degree to which they influenced the outcome and progress of the matches. The two discuss how CJI has influenced the sport as a whole, from the time of CJI one to the present.

    If you enjoy this podcast or disagree with anything that has been said, don't forget to follow us on Instagram at open.matpodcast!

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    59 mins
  • Episode 15: Competition | How to gameplan effectively for competition | How important is competition in Jiu Jitsu?
    Sep 23 2025

    Tim and Adam have an in-depth conversation around competition, including its importance, how to gameplan effectively, and recounting some of their own competitive history. They discuss the specific advantages competition gives in the journey of jiu jitsu progress, as well as how to create and implement gameplans that actually make a measurable difference in performance.

    If you enjoy this podcast, make sure to follow us on Instagram @open.matpodcast! We are happy to respond to comments or messages with questions, disagreements, or any other observations.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Episode 14: How to get improve your Jiu Jitsu off the mats | How to study film | How to build conceptual frameworks
    Sep 16 2025

    In this episode Tim and Adam dive into the elusive skill of learning by reviewing Jiu Jitsu matches - whether those of top competitors or your own. While most top teams discuss their film study often, most hobbyists have never been taught how to bridge the gap between watching a match and gaining useful insights. Tim and Adam talk about how they do this, which competitors they have studied, the usefulness of filming yourself, and the difference between studying film and watching instructionals.

    If you enjoy this podcast, give us a follow in Instagram at @open.matpodcast. Let us know your thoughts, questions, disagreements, or requests for topics you'd like us to cover in the future - we love to interact with listeners!

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    54 mins
  • Episode 13: Gi vs No Gi | Which should you train? | How different are they really?
    Sep 9 2025

    Tim and Adam dive into the differences and similarities between Gi and No Gi Jiu Jitsu. They discuss the current state of the sport, the rising popularity of No Gi and the slow decline of the Gi. They discuss their personal preferences, and also whether practitioners need to choose whether to train one or the other to get better at Jiu Jitsu as a whole.

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Episode 12: What does it take to be a Black Belt? | Are there fake Black Belts? | What should Black Belts be able to do?
    Sep 2 2025

    Tim and Adam discuss one of the Jiu Jitsu community's most sensitive topics - the Black Belt. In this conversation they discuss when Tim felt he was "ready" for his black belt, what Adam feels he still needs to learn before he will be ready, and how each of them define the belt itself. They also discuss whether the black belt is as subjective as the other belts are, and what to work towards as you try to become a black belt yourself.

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    1 hr and 8 mins