Grapple Asia Interview Ep. 41 | Haris Matsakas | BTC Head Coach - People first

Grapple Asia Pod Ep. 45: Nick 'The Tooth' | Writing, Meditation, Mushin Mind & The Zen Protocol

Nick's Socials:https://www.instagram.com/nickdgullo/The Zen Protocolhttps://www.instagram.com/thezenprotocolhttps://www.thezenprotocol.comSponsors:Fight Aesthetic is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brand founded in the UK by Malaysian British visionaries of the Gentle Art in 2012. Get 10% OFFCode: GRAPPLEASIAhttps://www.fightaesthetic.asia Soft Spot Açaíhttps://www.instagram.com/softspot.acai/Creontes.comThe memetic lifestyle brand in grappling and performance sports. They create stylish Jiu-Jitsu apparel with a twist of humour. They've got quite the cult community and following. Use the discount code GRAPPLEASIA for 10% on all orders. Give them a follow on instagram at @chiefcreonte.Your one-stop shop for high quality Jiu-Jitsu gear!Bangkok BJJhttps://bkkbjj.comInstagram: BKK.BJJ.ShopRecorded and Edited by Modal Creative Studio: https://www.modalstudio.coOur mission here at Grapple Asia is to show case the hard work Jiujiteros in Asia doing what they love and making an impact through the power of Jiu-Jitsu. ===========================Connect with us! =============================IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/grplasia/IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/grappleasiapod/ FB: ➡︎ https://www.facebook.com/grplasia/===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Grapple Asia Podcast HERE===========================➡︎YT: https://www.youtube.com/@GRPLASIA ➡︎Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/grapple-asia-podcast/id1717848251➡︎Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XC4Ct28MhyxJRHe8dpP0j?si=4893974dfb24499fDescription:We welcome guest Nick “The Tooth” Gullo connected via Kamil Wilku. Nick describes himself as a writer first, shaped by obsessive reading (Tarzan, Conan, Sherlock Holmes), and recounts a troubled youth, reform school, and becoming a lawyer as a personal challenge. He explains starting meditation at age 10 after witnessing his cousin’s death and maintaining a daily practice since 17, using it to handle law school. Nick shares his path into Jiu-Jitsu through Dana White, early exposure with John Lewis, and later committing at Art Of Jiu-Jitsu after meeting Rafa and Gui Mendes. Nick outlines his book The Zen Protocol as a modern martial-arts manual built on body, mind, and spirit, inspired by Mushin Mind and refined through Blue Zone living in Sicily and client work, emphasizing consistency, mind training, gym hygiene, and gratitude to his coaches and the global jiu-jitsu community.Timestamps-----------------------------0:00 Sponsor Shoutouts1:34 Meet Nick 'The Tooth' Gullo2:44 Writer Origins3:25 Books That Shaped Nick4:57 Why Law School8:08 Meditation Practice11:13 Finding Jiu-Jitsu12:51 UFC Access And AOJ18:10 What Is The Zen Protocol20:44 Body Mind Spirit Pillars23:19 Mindset & Subconscious28:01 Martial Arts History Debate31:59 Who 'Owns' Jiu-Jitsu34:23 Scotland & Early BJJ Days34:52 Cross Training Politics36:20 Asia Travel Plans36:47 Passports & Dual Citizenship37:43 Society Beneath the News38:56 Motorcycles Sicily vs LA42:40 UK Gyms & London Grapple44:06 Carlson Gracie Old School45:56 Phuket MMA Scene46:48 Jiu-Jitsu Changed Everything50:25 Host Journey Thailand & Myanmar51:34 Training in Japan: Niwa Brothers54:05 Life Lessons: Consistency57:27 Rapid Fire Jiu-Jitsu Hot Takes59:32 Gym Red Flags & Staph1:01:53 Reinvention & Miyamoto Musashi1:03:37 Black Belt Responsibility1:04:24 Gratitude-----------------------------===========================Here are the ways to work with us here at Grapple Asia: ===========================⚡️For Support inquires, or Business inquiries, please email ➡︎ mac@grappleasia.com#BJJ #JiuJitsu #nogi #GRAPPLING #podcasting #podcast #nogi #grappler #brazilianjiujitsu #bjjlifestyle #grappleasia #grappleasiapodcast #grappleasiapod #justforcreators #modalbkk #zenprotocol #mushinmind

Grapple Asia Interview Ep. 44: Nick Chapman | Making Myanmar's National Sport: Lethwei, Global

Nick's Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickheadhunter/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nick.h.chapman/Lethwei Fighting Championship: https://www.facebook.com/bkfclethweihttps://www.instagram.com/lethweifightingchampionshipSponsors:Fight Aesthetic is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brand founded in the UK by Malaysian British visionaries of the Gentle Art in 2012. Get 10% OFFCode: GRAPPLEASIAhttps://www.fightaesthetic.asia Soft Spot Açaíhttps://www.instagram.com/softspot.acai/Creontes.comThe memetic lifestyle brand in grappling and performance sports. They create stylish Jiu-Jitsu apparel with a twist of humour. They've got quite the cult community and following. Use the discount code GRAPPLEASIA for 10% on all orders. Give them a follow on instagram at @chiefcreonte.Your one-stop shop for high quality Jiu-Jitsu gear!Bangkok BJJhttps://bkkbjj.comInstagram: BKK.BJJ.ShopRecorded and Edited by Modal Creative Studio: https://www.modalstudio.coOur mission here at Grapple Asia is to show case the hard work Jiujiteros in Asia doing what they love and making an impact through the power of Jiu-Jitsu. ===========================Connect with us! =============================IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/grplasia/IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/grappleasiapod/ FB: ➡︎ https://www.facebook.com/grplasia/===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Grapple Asia Podcast HERE===========================➡︎YT: https://www.youtube.com/@GRPLASIA ➡︎Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/grapple-asia-podcast/id1717848251➡︎Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XC4Ct28MhyxJRHe8dpP0j?si=4893974dfb24499fDescription:Grapple Asia interviews UK MMA pioneer Nick Chapman, a prolific student of both Combat and Business now based in Thailand and working with the Myanmar Sports Federation to make the sport of Lethwei Global.Chapman recounts early influences (judo at five, taekwondo, Bruce Lee and Rocky), discovering early UFC, and training in the UK’s developing MMA scene, including time training with Roger Gracie and GSP. Nick educates us on how he consistently secured major sponsorships by pitching value, and how sports psychology and arousal control shaped his performance and business approach. Chapman stresses MMA is show business: fighters must market themselves, sell tickets, and engage audiences. Nick describes building Fight Science gyms, moving to Thailand, working with Fairtex and One, and pursuing Lethwei after officiating events, including bringing Burmese fighters to Thailand and organizing the Buakaw vs Saenchai bare-knuckle fight. He details efforts to launch a global Lethwei organization with traditional and international rules, we discuss our mutual experiences in Myanmar building a rapport with federation, outlines his disciplined learning routine, and shares advice on self-awareness, discipline, and improving weaknesses.War & Business This is Nick Chapman's Story.Timestamps-----------------------------00:00 Sponsors Shoutouts01:33 Guest Introduction: Nick Chapman02:08 Early Combat Roots03:06 Discovering UFC & MMA04:26 Training & Roger Gracie06:25 Sponsorship Masterclass: Adding Value08:57 Fighter Meets Businessman11:15 Mindset & Combat Sports Psychology14:56 "It's Show Business" - Reality Check21:46 Post Fight Career & Thailand24:06 Why Thailand Won Him Over26:09 Fairtex to One Championship28:59 Finding Lethwei a 2000 year tradition31:41 Burmese Fighters Arrive33:04 Thailand Support Push33:55 Winning Over Federation37:34 Myanmar First Impressions39:06 Making Buakaw vs Saenchai Deal45:42 Yangon: A hope for Love & Unity49:32 International Lethwei Rules55:44 Discipline an&d Study Routine59:17 Gratitude-----------------------------===========================Here are the ways to work with us here at Grapple Asia: ===========================⚡️For Support inquires, or Business inquiries, please email ➡︎ mac@grappleasia.com

Grapple Asia Interview Ep. 43: Kieran Kichuk | Navigating Global Jiu-Jitsu

Kierans Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockandstrangle/?hl=enInstructionals: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/all/fighter_kieran-kichukPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/LockandstrangleSponsors:Fight Aesthetic is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brand founded in the UK by Malaysian British visionaries of the Gentle Art in 2012. Get 10% OFFCode: GRAPPLEASIAhttps://www.fightaesthetic.asia Soft Spot Açaíhttps://www.instagram.com/softspot.acai/Creontes.comThe memetic lifestyle brand in grappling and performance sports. They create stylish Jiu-Jitsu apparel with a twist of humour. They've got quite the cult community and following. Use the discount code GRAPPLEASIA for 10% on all orders. Give them a follow on instagram at @chiefcreonte.Your one-stop shop for high quality Jiu-Jitsu gear!Bangkok BJJhttps://bkkbjj.comInstagram: BKK.BJJ.ShopRecorded and Edited by Modal Creative Studio: https://www.modalstudio.coOur mission here at Grapple Asia is to show case the hard work Jiujiteros in Asia doing what they love and making an impact through the power of Jiu-Jitsu. ===========================Connect with us! =============================IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/grplasia/IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/grappleasiapod/ FB: ➡︎ https://www.facebook.com/grplasia/===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Grapple Asia Podcast HERE===========================➡︎YT: https://www.youtube.com/@GRPLASIA ➡︎Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/grapple-asia-podcast/id1717848251➡︎Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XC4Ct28MhyxJRHe8dpP0j?si=4893974dfb24499fDescription:Team Canada, the No-Gi Meta, and Self-Coaching: Our podcast is with Kieran Kichuk, who is in Thailand with the Canadian national team while traveling for a Southeast Asian Seminar Tour. Kieran explains being selected to help Canada win medals, coming fresh off IBJJF No-Gi Euros in Rome, and why he shifted from gi to no-gi after his Black Belt. (Due to narrow-margin matches, body wear / tear and lockdown training that pushed him into studying leg locks for hours daily) Kieran describes his submission-focused philosophy, notes Europe’s rapidly rising no-gi level, fast-shifting meta, and compares IBJJF, JJIF and ADCC rules. He discusses training at B-Team versus structured gyms, self-coaching, hybrid ecological training, class structure, athlete development, weight-cut mistakes, and closes with rapid-fire questions, future plans to open a club and what his Black Belt meant to him.Timestamps-----------------------------0:00 Sponsor Shoutouts1:34 Guest introduction: Kieran Kichuk2:09 Canadian National Team Selection2:46 No-gi Euros & Travel3:58 Jiu-Jitsu Origins5:52 Kieran's Gi to No-gi Shift8:00 Kieran's 'Submission First' Style8:42 Europe's No-gi Meta10:09 JJIF National Team Ruleset10:36 Myanmar & Politics16:04 JJIF vs IBJJF18:18 B-Team Training20:20 Self Coaching System23:13 Travel in Nepal & Bhutan25:32 Impressions of Nepal's BJJ 27:51 Phuket's Gym Boom29:13 Coaches & Business32:53 Coaching Workload Limits35:47 Teaching Gi Without Passion36:20 Warmups Wrestling Focus36:48 Games Before Technique37:57 Hybrid Training Debate41:01 Building Better Games43:20 Coaching Versus Competing45:43 Global Jiu-Jitsu Growth46:58 Future of Professional Jiu Jitsu50:32 Weight Cuts Hydration57:31 Events, Meta & Advice59:29 Rapid Fire Gym Red Flags1:03:39 Gratitude-----------------------------===========================Here are the ways to work with us here at Grapple Asia: ===========================⚡️For Support inquires, or Business inquiries, please email ➡︎ mac@grappleasia.com#BJJ #JiuJitsu #nogi #GRAPPLING #podcasting #podcast #nogi #grappler #brazilianjiujitsu #bjjlifestyle #grappleasia #grappleasiapodcast #grappleasiapod #justforcreators #modalbkk #bjjfanatics #falsreap #bteamjiujitsu

Grapple Asia Interview Ep. 42: Joseph Henle II | Training Philosophies and Personal Growth

Joseph's Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonidasmma/Sponsors:Fight Aesthetic is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brand founded in the UK by Malaysian British visionaries of the Gentle Art in 2012. Get 10% OFFCode: GRAPPLEASIAhttps://www.fightaesthetic.asia Soft Spot Açaíhttps://www.instagram.com/softspot.acai/Creontes.comThe memetic lifestyle brand in grappling and performance sports. They create stylish Jiu-Jitsu apparel with a twist of humour. They've got quite the cult community and following. Use the discount code GRAPPLEASIA for 10% on all orders. Give them a follow on instagram at @chiefcreonte.Your one-stop shop for high quality Jiu-Jitsu gear!Bangkok BJJhttps://bkkbjj.comInstagram: BKK.BJJ.ShopRecorded and Edited by Modal Creative Studio: https://www.modalstudio.coOur mission here at Grapple Asia is to show case the hard work Jiujiteros in Asia doing what they love and making an impact through the power of Jiu-Jitsu. ===========================Connect with us! =============================IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/grplasia/IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/grappleasiapod/ FB: ➡︎ https://www.facebook.com/grplasia/===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Grapple Asia Podcast HERE===========================➡︎YT: https://www.youtube.com/@GRPLASIA ➡︎Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XC4Ct28MhyxJRHe8dpP0j?si=4893974dfb24499fDescription:We reunite with Mr. Henle for part-two roughly a year after our last episode. We discuss Bangkok’s growth in combat sports, discussing training decisions: when to tap, the difference between risking chokes versus joint locks, and the importance of partners finishing submissions safely without injuring teammates. We discuss gym culture and business realities—keeping people on the mats, balancing hobbyists and competitors, and how it feels when students leave for other gyms or return after long breaks.We revisit the infamous guard pulling clips and explore sandbagging in competition and the reputational consequences of unprofessional conduct in Thailand’s tight-knit scene. Timestamps-----------------------------0:00 Sponsor Shoutouts1:30 Part 2 with Henley + Reactions to the Last Episode2:44 Big Update: Evolve Opening Bangkok Gym & Landing the Coaching Role6:12 What Makes MMA Fighters Win8:34 When You Freeze in a Bad Spot: Tapping, Escaping, and Training Smart12:15 Catch-and-Release Rolling & Building Movement Patterns13:58 Training Without Injuring Partners20:25 Gym Culture & Business: Keeping Students Safe While Developing23:12 When Students Leave or Return: Trust, Comfort & Challenges30:00 Gym culture & why stable coaching staff matter30:21 Passing on techniques: Kimura trap chats with George31:31 Guest coaching etiquette: don’t overstep33:05 Giving feedback without being ‘that guy’ (ask first)34:01 Size & strength realities—how to coach around them37:24 PTI format tweaks: timing, end questions, emotional moments39:18 Motorcycle safety tangent41:54 CJI 2 takes: drama, athlete pay, & judging controversy43:24 UFC/CBJJ & exclusivity contracts44:57 B-Team scandal: Zero-tolerance culture46:57 Problem students & gym safety48:10 Instructor vs student dating50:53 Sandbagging in competition56:19 Gi vs No-Gi for MMA58:55 Phuket vs Bangkok/Chiang Mai: Why Training Partners Matter1:00:34 Takedowns vs Pulling Guard1:02:38 When Rolling Turns Ugly: Kicks, Ego & Making It Hurt1:04:05 Ecological Training: Play, Experimentation & Building a Base1:07:19 Fear of Losing, MMA Lessons & The Oliveira Evolution1:15:17 New Coaching Role + Running Weekend Camps (Khao Yai BJJ)1:19:40 What a Black Belt Really Means1:24:32 Gratitude-----------------------------===========================Here are the ways to work with us here at Grapple Asia: ===========================⚡️For Support inquires, or Business inquiries, please email ➡︎ mac@grappleasia.com

Grapple Asia Interview Ep. 41 | Haris Matsakas | BTC Head Coach - People first

Haris's Socials: BTC Website: https://bkktraining.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/haris__btc/?hl=en BTC IG: https://www.instagram.com/btc.sukhumvit/?hl=en Sponsors:Fight Aesthetic is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brand founded in the UK by Malaysian British visionaries of the Gentle Art in 2012. Get 10% OFF Code: GRAPPLEASIA https://www.fightaesthetic.asia Soft Spot Açaí https://www.instagram.com/softspot.acai/ Creontes.com The memetic lifestyle brand in grappling and performance sports. They create stylish Jiu-Jitsu apparel with a twist of humour. They've got quite the cult community and following. Use the discount code GRAPPLEASIA for 10% on all orders. Give them a follow on instagram at @chiefcreonte. Your one-stop shop for high quality Jiu-Jitsu gear! Bangkok BJJ https://bkkbjj.com Instagram: BKK.BJJ.Shop Recorded and Edited by Modal Creative Studio: https://www.modalstudio.co Our mission here at Grapple Asia is to show case the hard work Jiujiteros in Asia doing what they love and making an impact through the power of Jiu-Jitsu. =========================== Connect with us! ============================= IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/grplasia/ IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/grappleasiapod/ FB: ➡︎ https://www.facebook.com/grplasia/ =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Grapple Asia Podcast HERE =========================== ➡︎YT: https://www.youtube.com/@GRPLASIA ➡︎Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/grapple-asia-podcast/id1717848251 ➡︎Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XC4Ct28MhyxJRHe8dpP0j?si=4893974dfb24499f Description: In this episode of the Grapple Asia Podcast, we speak with Haris Matsakas, a strength coach and co-owner of Bangkok Training Center (BTC) in Thailand. The gym culture is one of uplifting each other and as a coach his biggest piece of advice for coaches is "focus on the people." Haris shares his journey from Greece to Bangkok, his transition from competitive powerlifting to Jiu-Jitsu and his insights on training, nutrition, and competition. He discusses the importance of mobility, injury prevention, and the mental aspect of competition. Haris also offers practical advice for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners on strength, conditioning and injury management with keeping Jiu-Jitsu at the forefront. Thank you Haris for your time and wisdom. People first. Timestamps ----------------------------- 0:00 Introduction & Sponsor Acknowledgements 1:33 Guest Intro: Haris Matsakas 1:58 Haris's Journey from Greece to Bangkok 3:15 Early Fitness & Martial Arts Background 4:36 Transition to Powerlifting & Coaching 8:17 Discovering & Starting Jiu-Jitsu 12:20 First Jiu-Jitsu Competition Experience 17:12 Comparing Powerlifting & Jiu-Jitsu Training 27:36 Training Regimens & Recommendations 33:22 Strength Cycle Duration 34:31 Foundational Exercises for Jiu-Jitsu 35:51 Common Injuries in Jiu-Jitsu 37:06 Training Gaps in High-Level Athletes 38:28 Nutritional Advice for Athletes 40:03 Essential Supplements for Jiu-Jitsu 41:35 Skill Acquisition in Jiu-Jitsu 44:10 Advice for Aspiring Coaches 45:09 Personal Reflections & Client Experiences 48:59 Challenges & Regrets in Coaching 50:07 Red Flags in Strength Coaching 51:32 Social Media Misconceptions 53:21 Favorite Jiu-Jitsu Techniques 56:58 Gratitude-----------------------------===========================Here are the ways to work with us here at Grapple Asia: =========================== ⚡️For Support inquires, or Business inquiries, please email ➡︎ mac@grappleasia.com #BJJ #JiuJitsu #nogi #GRAPPLING #podcasting #podcast #nogi #mma #bangkoktrainingcentre #bjjlifestyle #grappleasia #grappleasiapodcast #grappleasiapod #justforcreators #modalbkk #BTCbangkok