Mat Rats Podcast: Choked Out Chats

Episode 12 | MMA After 42, BJJ Longevity & Real Fighting

On this episode of the Mat Rats Podcast, we sit down with longtime martial artist and BJJ black belt DJ Wegesin. From wrestling since childhood to stepping into MMA competition after the age of 42, DJ shares what keeps him training, competing, and evolving decades into the martial arts journey. We dive into: • Starting MMA later in life • Fear, pressure & mindset • Wrestling into BJJ • Striking & Muay Thai • Real fighting vs sport jiu-jitsu • Longevity, recovery & training smart • Coaching philosophy & gym culture DJ also talks about helping guide the development of the Muay Thai program at Deep Water Jiu Jitsu and what makes a strong martial arts community. If you train, compete, coach, or just love combat sports—this episode has something for you. Like, comment, subscribe, and share with the crew. Deep Water Jiu Jitsu [https://saraivabjjroswell.com/] 11660 Alpharetta Hwy [https://saraivabjjroswell.com/] Suite 100 [https://saraivabjjroswell.com/] Roswell, Ga [https://saraivabjjroswell.com/] #MatRatsPodcast #BJJ #MMA #MuayThai #JiuJitsu

Episode 11 | White Belt Enters First BJJ Tournament... and Wins! (Tap Out Cancer)

Most people talk about competing…Very few actually sign up.In the Season 2 premier episode of the Mat Rats Podcast, we sit down with our teammate Victor Williams — a white belt who stepped onto the competition mat for the first time at Tap Out Cancer… and walked away a champion.But this isn’t just about winning.We break down:The fear of signing up for your first tournamentWhat it actually feels like before your first matchThe nerves, doubt, and pressure of competingWhat matters (and what doesn’t) at white beltHow team culture at Deep Water Jiu Jitsu plays a roleIf you’re a white belt thinking about competing — this episode is for you.🎧 Listen. Learn. Then go test yourself.👍 Like, Subscribe & Share with your training partners💬 Drop a comment — would you compete? Why or why not?#MatRatsPod [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/matratspod] #BJJCompetition [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bjjcompetition] #WhiteBeltLife [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/whitebeltlife] #TapOutCancer [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/tapoutcancer] #JiuJitsuJourney [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/jiujitsujourney]

Episode 10 | Season Finale | Black Belt Wisdom & NFC Super Fight Breakdown

In the Season 1 Finale of the Mat Rats Podcast, we sit downwith Black Belt Professor Jason Scohier to talk about the real journey throughBrazilian Jiu Jitsu — from white belt struggles to black belt leadership. We also break down Jae’s recent NFC Super Fight, including: • Fight week mindset • Super fight pressure vs tournament brackets • Technical growth and lessons learned • How to process competition emotionally This episode dives deep into: • What a black belt really represents • Guard evolution in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu • Fixing weak positions • Gym culture and leadership • Competition mindset and performance Whether you’re a white belt, competitor, coach, or lifelonggrappler — this episode delivers real mat wisdom. Subscribe for weekly conversations on: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu BJJ competition Grappling culture

Episode 9 | Jae’s NFC Super Fight + Our Favorite Guards & USA Wins Gold

In Episode 9 of the Mat Rats Podcast, we break down: 🔥 Jae’s upcoming NFC Super Fight 🥋 Our favorite BJJ guards and positions 🧠 Guards we need to improve 🚀 Team USA’s gold medal hockey win We talk super fight pressure, competition mindset, guard strategy in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and championship mentality. Whether you train gi, no-gi, compete in tournaments, or just love combat sports culture — this episode brings high-level grappling talk and real locker-room energy. Topics include: * NFC Super Fight preparation * Best guards in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu * How to build your BJJ game * Improving weak positions * USA hockey gold medal reaction * Competition mindset Subscribe for weekly conversations on: - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - BJJ competition - Grappling culture - Martial arts mindset - Combat sports #matratspod #bjj #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsupodcast #superfight #grappling #nogi #gi #usagold

Episode 8 | Should Everyone Compete in BJJ? (Hobbyist vs Competitor Mindset)

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 JitsuBJJ cultureGrappling mindsetCompetition psychologyMartial arts lifestyle #matratspod #bjj #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsupodcast #bjjcompetition #grappling #martialarts #bjjlife #nogi #gi N4V1QrVTEFovJLZehSFF