Rules of BJJ Ep 1: Guide to your first class

Off the Mats Ep #265 - Rules of BJJ

This week on the Off the Mats podcast [https://offthematspodcast.podbean.com/e/off-the-mats-podcast-265/], BJJ Wiki [https://www.instagram.com/bjj.wiki/?hl=en] sits down with David Riedman—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, writer, and creator of the Rules of BJJ [https://rulesofbjj.substack.com/] Substack [https://rulesofbjj.substack.com/]. In this episode, David breaks down key topics from his articles, including what every grappler should know before stepping onto the mats for the first time. We explore the dangers of mindless drilling and the difference between volume and intentionality in training. David also unpacks how analytics and data can shape the future of Jiu-Jitsu performance, offering a look at how elite teams already apply metrics (whether consciously or not). Plus, we dive into the parallels between surfing and BJJ, and how his time on the waves helped him better understand flow, pressure, and presence on the mats. Whether you're a white belt or a black belt, this episode delivers practical advice, nuanced discussion, and thoughtful reflections that will sharpen your training and deepen your appreciation for the art. Off the Mats socials: * Facebook.com/offthematspodcast * Instagram @offthematspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/offthematspodcast/] * Twitter @offthematspod1 [https://www.instagram.com/offthematspod1/] * TikTok @offthematspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@offthematspodcast?_d=secCgYIASAHKAESPgo8E7CnNREE1Xvm1a7iI/8a/2v4qNiaC5Qqq8tuVjlZBItSDXbzXvXUByJYu447oE38F/E6ao0CXVZl0//9GgA%3D&language=en&sec_uid=MS4wLjABAAAAmThQh2s_oq6dEsuRnnaTUES0_w17kZx4mkePNBpO_8hABZ8CWVIo4Pf0H4DwNuyN&sec_user_id=MS4wLjABAAAAmThQh2s_oq6dEsuRnnaTUES0_w17kZx4mkePNBpO_8hABZ8CWVIo4Pf0H4DwNuyN&share_app_id=1233&share_author_id=6974564782062027782&share_link_id=0343e73a-cc39-48b8-8a43-6b60a92b03d8×tamp=1634535028&u_code=dj5mlc4kjbfkbm&user_id=6974564782062027782&utm_campaign=client_share&utm_medium=android&utm_source=messenger&source=h5_m&_r=1] About the author: I’ve trained for +16 years and I’m a brown belt at Orlando BJJ [https://www.orlandobjj.com/] in Florida. You can listen to me talk about BJJ on the BJJ Wiki ‘Off the Mats’ podcast [https://rulesofbjj.substack.com/p/my-bjj-journey-from-off-the-mats] or my interview with the founder of non-profit Guardian BJJ [https://k12ssdb.substack.com/p/can-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-prevent-school]. Follow me at RulesofBJJ [https://www.instagram.com/rulesofbjj] and Who.Is.DAR [https://www.instagram.com/who.is.dar] on Instagram. Thanks for reading Rules of BJJ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rulesofbjj.substack.com [https://rulesofbjj.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

My BJJ journey (from Off the Mats Ep. 246)

The Off the Mats Podcast [https://offthematspodcast.podbean.com/] is hosted by Jake Dante, a jiu jitsu practitioner in Maryland and all around regular guy. On the show, various topics are discussed ranging from training to dealing with injury and mental health as it relates to martial arts. Episode 246: School Safety and Self-Defense [https://offthematspodcast.podbean.com/e/off-the-mats-podcast-246/] (uncut 90 minute interview) This week on the podcast, I welcome David Riedman, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and the creator of the K-12 School Shooting Database [https://k12ssdb.substack.com/], a critical tool in understanding and addressing school gun violence in the United States. David shares his journey in BJJ and how the discipline has shaped his approach to defensive training for educators. We dive into what measures should be taken to protect students in school and whether or not to arm teachers, practical applications of BJJ in real-world situations, and the invaluable lessons martial arts bring to high-stakes environments. This episode offers a unique blend of martial arts philosophy and actionable insights into pressing societal issues. See you on the mat. Oss (おうす)! About the author: I’ve trained for +16 years and I’m a brown belt at Orlando BJJ [https://www.orlandobjj.com/] in Florida. You can listen to me talk about BJJ on the BJJ Wiki ‘Off the Mats’ podcast [https://k12ssdb.substack.com/p/ep-33-let-kids-fight-safely-with] or my interview with the founder of non-profit Guardian BJJ [https://k12ssdb.substack.com/p/can-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-prevent-school]. Follow me at RulesofBJJ [https://www.instagram.com/rulesofbjj] on Instagram. Thanks for reading Rules of BJJ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rulesofbjj.substack.com [https://rulesofbjj.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Rules of BJJ Ep 1: Guide to your first class

Thinking about trying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Walking through the door for your first class takes courage, and it's a cool sport focused on ground control and getting submissions using leverage. You'll probably get challenged and feel humbled on day one, but showing up consistently is the secret to progress and joining a worldwide community. Read more: What to know for your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class [https://rulesofbjj.substack.com/p/what-to-know-for-your-first-brazilian] About the author: I’ve trained for +16 years and I’m a brown belt at Orlando BJJ [https://www.orlandobjj.com/] in Florida. You can listen to me talk about BJJ on the BJJ Wiki ‘Off the Mats’ podcast [https://k12ssdb.substack.com/p/ep-33-let-kids-fight-safely-with] or my interview with the founder of non-profit Guardian BJJ [https://k12ssdb.substack.com/p/can-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-prevent-school]. Follow me at RulesofBJJ [https://www.instagram.com/rulesofbjj] on Instagram. Thanks for reading Rules of BJJ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rulesofbjj.substack.com [https://rulesofbjj.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]