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.

In this episode Adam and Tim discuss the one challenge that faces both brand new students and instructors coaching brand new members: How do you start to learn Jiu Jitsu without having any idea where to start? They discuss how to define Jiu Jitsu and Jiu Jitsu skills, the first focus that will help new practitioners build skill immediately, and how to focus both your own learning and your students' learning through areas of familiarity as well as unfamiliarity.

If you like, dislike, agree or disagree with anything said in this podcast, make sure to let us know on Instagram @open.matpodcast - see you there!

Tim and Adam discuss the experience of being new to Jiu Jitsu, sharing tips and advice they wish they'd had for their first class. They discuss a variety of topics, including Jiu Jitsu culture, the differences between different types of gyms, and etiquette. This episode is indispensable for newer grapplers or those interested in starting in the sport, but also offers commentary on the state of Jiu Jitsu for more seasoned grapplers.

In this conversation, Tim and Adam look at where, if anywhere, the role of unresisted drilling and direct teaching lay on the road to improvement in Jiu Jitsu. They also look at how to create constraints for anyone new at creating games, and how far is too far in the pursuit of specific constraints on those games.

Tim is joined by guest Morgan Frazer in a discussion around optimizing classes for competitors. Morgan teaches at M Theory Martial Arts in Minnesota, where he runs an early morning weekend class which draws students from other academies, some of whom drive 3 hours to attend. Morgan discusses how he approaches these classes, his teaching methodology, and how he views training and coaching Jiu Jitsu to maximize his students' performance.

Train with Morgan at the Academy Eden Prairie in Eden Prairie, MN on Mondays (www.academyedenprairie.com), and if you feel brave ask him about his Sunday class!

Tim and Adam are joined by Hayden Buckner, competitor and owner/head coach of the Academy Eden Prairie. Hayden digs into what "Ecological Jiu Jitsu" is, and specifically why it isn't a term we should be using. Hayden gives one of the most accessible introductions to what Ecological Dynamics and the Constraint Led Approach are, and how he uses them to coach and train successfully in Jiu Jitsu.

Find more about Hayden and his gym on their website at https://academyedenprairie.com or on instagram at @academyedenprairie

Tim and Adam tackle leg locks: one of the original controversies of the Jiu Jitsu community. They discuss whether they are as dangerous as they're claimed to be, whether there should be restrictions on who can or should learn and use them, and dig into the deeper reasons why they seem to be so divisive in the first place.

Tim and Adam discuss how to get better at Jiu Jitsu if you are not able to increase your mat time. In this episode, they tackle what "mental engagement" looks like when put into practice, how to make the most of limited time on the mat, and also how to coach students with limited instruction time.