Jiu Jitsu Fieldnotes

Jui Jitsu Fieldnotes #4 John Collins

Recorded at Roger Gracie Academy MarlowHosted by Callum Medcraft and produced by Damien BidmeadJohn E. Collins is a British rower. He competed at the Olympics in the Double Sculls event at both the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Collins won a silver medal at the 2017 World Rowing Championships in Sarasota, Florida, as part of the quadruple sculls with Jack Beaumont, Jonathan Walton, and Graeme Thomas.00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk] Podcast Introductions00:29 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=29s] Finding Rowing Late04:49 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=289s] Early Races Breakthrough06:59 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=419s] Joining Team GB Pathway08:57 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=537s] Funding Athlete Reality12:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=720s] Olympic Training Grind16:26 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=986s] Boat Classes Double Focus17:39 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=1059s] Road to Rio Selection22:09 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=1329s] Kitting Out Village Life25:58 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=1558s] Rio Racing Chaos29:05 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=1745s] Final Aftermath Reset34:35 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=2075s] Tokyo Cycle Lessons36:57 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=2217s] Silver at Worlds37:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=2250s] Turbulent Boat Changes38:39 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=2319s] Tokyo Prep Chaos40:03 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=2403s] Tokyo Final Fine Margins41:39 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=2499s] Post Tokyo Struggles45:05 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=2705s] Retiring and New Start48:47 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=2927s] Why Jiujitsu Hooked52:46 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=3166s] Unpredictability and Strategy01:02:49 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=3769s] Competition Nerves Mindset01:08:48 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=4128s] Fatherhood and Training Balance01:11:39 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=4299s] Confidence From Training01:13:02 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=4382s] White Belt Intensity01:13:57 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=4437s] Getting Comfortable Grappling01:14:32 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=4472s] Spicy Rolls And Motivation01:16:35 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=4595s] Competition Mindset Tips01:18:22 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=4702s] Balancing Safety And Pressure01:20:24 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=4824s] Rowing Versus Jiu Jitsu01:20:55 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=4855s] How Jamie Got Me In01:22:23 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=4943s] Zone Two Rowing Experiment01:25:20 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=5120s] Metro Marathon Challenge01:28:07 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=5287s] Dinner With Bruce Dickinson01:30:25 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=5425s] Tandem Ride Chaos01:31:34 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=5494s] Fame And Olympic Hierarchy01:39:40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=5980s] Ray Stevens Judo Story01:41:19 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=6079s] Airport Paparazzi Punchline01:42:50 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc2BHm_8stk&t=6170s] Wrapping Up The Chat

Jui Jitsu Fieldnotes #3 Chris Ong

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2592498/open_sms] A village hall in Sheffield. Blue belts running the room. A law student who wasn’t sure where he fit. Fast forward twenty years and Ongy has lived a full arc: corporate sales burnout, a switch to no-gi sparked by aching fingers and EBI highlights, and a leg lock class that helped transform how our gym trains. What emerges isn’t a hype story about submissions—it’s a blueprint for learning, coaching, and staying on the mats for life. We dig into the details that actually keep you improving. Ongy breaks down why the great leap came from concepts over techniques—treat concepts as your operating system (frames, head position, hip lines, underhooks), then install techniques that match. We explore ecological and constraints-led drills, why study platforms like SubMeta accelerate skill, and how to split gi and no-gi games to protect your hands and joints without losing edge. From half guard and coyote mechanics to top pressure and when leg locks belong in your plan, this is practical, usable strategy. Beyond tactics, there’s the mental toolkit. Positive Intelligence gave Ongy a way to spot saboteurs and shift from frantic left-brain loops to calm, right-brain presence. Jiu-jitsu is presence on demand—you cannot doom-scroll in side control. We talk injuries, returning smart, and why hobbyists should follow what’s fun while coaches do the necessary hard drilling. We also tackle belts and identity: celebrate promotions, don’t become them. Competing at black belt revealed real gaps—seated guard, wrestle-ups, pace—that turned into a clear training plan instead of a story about nerves. If you care about leg lock evolution, no-gi strategy, concept-first learning, mental fitness, and how to train into your fifties and beyond, you’ll feel at home here. Stay for the small-world moments, the artist’s eye on the sport, and the honesty about burnout, community, and why defence ages well. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a training partner, and leave a quick review so more curious grapplers can find us. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2592498/support]

Jui Jitsu Fieldnotes #2 Cat Malik

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2592498/open_sms] Callum and Cat roll into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – where sweaty grappling meets surgical precision. They dig into the physical realities of BJJ, how often you should be training (and how often you actually do), and the particular challenges women face on the mats. Cat talks through her journey from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu into BJJ, sharing how it’s helped her navigate personal hurdles, find her people, and fall in love with the grind. Along the way, the conversation bounces between competition nerves, the mental chess match of grappling, and the simple joy of training with good humans. Cat also brings her day job into the mix, offering a behind-the-scenes look at sports injuries, recovery, and how being an orthopaedic surgeon shapes her approach to looking after her own body. With plenty of laughs, honest reflections, and shared enthusiasm for the sport, Callum and Cat explore how martial arts culture is changing – especially for women – and why an inclusive, supportive gym can make all the difference. It’s thoughtful, funny, and reassuringly human – whether you train every day or just like hearing smart people talk about hurting themselves in controlled environments. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2592498/support]

Jui Jitsu Fieldnotes #1 Vinny

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2592498/open_sms] Introduction:  In the world of martial arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) stands out not only for its self-defense techniques but also for the community it fosters. In a recent podcast episode, host, Callum Medcraft and his friend Vin delve into their shared experiences and insights about starting Jiu-Jitsu later in life, the importance of camaraderie, and the transformative power of this sport.  Section 1: Discovering Jiu-Jitsu  Vin's journey into Jiu-Jitsu began at the age of 30, sparked by his previous kickboxing experience and a growing curiosity fueled by online discussions and podcasts. He recalls the moment he stepped into the gym, feeling a sense of familiarity and comfort, especially upon bumping into an old friend, Al. This serendipitous encounter highlights one of the unique aspects of Jiu-Jitsu—it brings together individuals from various backgrounds, creating a diverse and supportive community. Section 2: The Challenges of Teaching and Learning  Marlow reflects on the awkwardness of teaching Jiu-Jitsu during the pandemic, where grappling was restricted. Despite the uncertainties, Vin's enthusiasm shone through, as he actively engaged with the material and asked questions—traits that many beginners often hesitate to exhibit. This eagerness to learn is crucial, as it not only benefits the individual but also enriches the learning environment for everyone involved. Vin emphasises that even though he often felt lost during practice, he found joy in the process, which kept him hooked. Section 3: Balancing Life and Training  As a tradesman with a physically demanding job, Vin shares how he manages to fit training into his busy schedule. He stresses the importance of accountability—having a training partner who motivates you to show up and enjoy the process. Vin's philosophy is simple: as long as he finds joy in training, he will continue to do it. This notion resonates with many who struggle to find motivation amidst the chaos of daily life. Section 4: The Shift to No-Gi Training  As Vin transitioned to exclusively training in no-gi, he noted the benefits it brought to his body, especially concerning his lower back. He appreciates the dynamic nature of no-gi, where techniques often lead to scrambling and quick adjustments. While both gi and no-gi have their challenges, Vin feels more at ease without the grips that the gi provides, finding freedom in the movement. Section 5: Advice for Newcomers  For those considering Jiu-Jitsu, Vin offers straightforward advice: just do it. He encourages potential practitioners to try it out and see if it resonates with them. The welcoming nature of Jiu-Jitsu means there is likely a community waiting to support newcomers, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to forge new friendships and enjoy physical activity. Takeaways * The gym is a place with diverse people and backgrounds. * Jiu-Jitsu can be a fun and engaging way to stay active. * Training can foster accountability and friendships. * Sobriety can be supported through engaging in positive activities like Jiu-Jitsu. * It's important to find enjoyment in physical activities to maintain motivation. * Jiu-Jitsu helps in building connections with others through shared experiences. * The journey of learning Jiu-Jitsu is ongoing and never truly complete. * Physical jobs can complement training in Jiu-Jitsu. * Finding a supportive community is crucial for personal growth and recovery. * Engaging in Jiu-Jitsu can provide a non-negotiable structure in life.  Chapters Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2592498/support]