#23 John Barry: How To Build A BJJ Brand, No-Gi Mastery in Ireland & Crank Cashout!

#23 John Barry: How To Build A BJJ Brand, No-Gi Mastery in Ireland & Crank Cashout!

In this episode of the Emerald Grappling Podcast, Aaron is joined by John Barry, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and the founder of the brand, Crank. John shares from his early days in the sport to his evolution into a black belt. The centrepiece of our discussion is the entrepreneurial hustle behind building Crank. John pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to manage gear design, branding, and web development single-handedly, and identifies the pivotal "wins" that proved his vision was working. We explore his philosophy on athlete sponsorship, including his recent signing of Erik Souza, a highly decorated BJJ Black Belt competitor here on the Irish BJJ scene, and what he looks for in a representative beyond just a winning record.We also dive into the competition side of the brand with the Crank Cashout. John breaks down the origins of the event, the lessons learned from the inaugural Crank Invitational show, and why he chose a submission-only, straight-elimination format to test the grit of the competitors. He shares his vision for the future of these platforms and what's next on the horizon for Crank.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 - 01:18 Introduction & John Barry's Origin story01:19 - 03:05 Jiu Jitsu is the challenge that keeps giving03:06 - 05:25 Feeling Jiu Jitsu Concepts with Dima Murovanni & Scramble Camps05:26 - 07:30 Closed Guard & K- Guard Evolution07:31 - 08:43 NoGi Jiu Jitsu training & Irish Talent08:44 - 10:02 When Jiu Jitsu became more than a hobby10:03 - 14:53 Crank BJJ origins & Crank Invitational14:54 - 17:05 Running Crank BJJ17:06 - 18:44 Erik Souza Signs with Crank BJJ18:45 - 20:01 What brands look for when sponsoring athletes20:02 - 22:50 Working with Sponsored Athletes22:51 - 23:02 Reach out Crank23:03 - 23:51 Opening the Crank Academy23:52 - 26:55 Crank Invitational 26:56 - 28:30 Running Future Events28:31 - 34:44 Crank Cash Out Event34:45 - 35:56 Changes to Future Events35:57 - 37:19 Come out to the Crank Cash Out37:20 - 39:19 Getting Comfortable Running Competitions39:20 - 41:37 What's next for Crank?41:38 - 43:20 John's Vision for Crank43:21 - 44:21 Where to find Crank BJJ Online44:22 - 44:44 Shout Out Longford Jiu Jitsu44:45 - 45:09 Like Share & Subscribe, Outro🟢 FOLLOW CRANK ONLINEInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/crank_bjj/ [https://www.instagram.com/crank_bjj/]⁠Website → https://crank.ie/ [https://crank.ie/]----------------------------------------------------------------------------🟢 FOLLOW LAKELAND JIU JITSUFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/LakelandJiuJitsu [https://www.facebook.com/LakelandJiuJitsu]Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lakelandjiujitsu/ [https://www.instagram.com/lakelandjiujitsu/]Website → https://lakelandjiujitsu.eu [https://lakelandjiujitsu.eu]----------------------------------------------------------------------------🟢 FOLLOW EMERALD GRAPPLINGInstagram → @emeraldgrapplingTikTok → @emeraldgrappling👍 Like, Share & Subscribe for more Irish Jiu-Jitsu conversations!#EmeraldGrappling #CrankBJJ #JohnBarry #CrankCashout #NoGi #BJJBlackBelt #SubOnly #BJJIreland #IrishBJJ #BJJEntrepreneur #JiuJitsuBrand #FightGear #Grappling #SubmissionOnly #BJJLifestyle #JiuJitsu #BJJ #MartialArts #CombatSports #NoGiGrappling

#22 Rory McCann & Keith Jordan: Inside The Money Pit, 10th Planet BJJ & EBI Overtime!

In this episode of the Emerald Grappling Podcast, Aaron is joined by the minds behind Ireland's newest invitational, The Money Pit: Rory McCann and Keith Jordan. Rory, a 10th Planet Black Belt, and Keith, a Brown Belt and founder of Jordan Fitness Tullow, catch us up on their respective journeys through the mats - from Rory’s pursuit of the 10th Planet system to Keith’s journey from bodybuilding to Wimp 2 Warrior. The centre piece of our discussion is their new invitational, The Money Pit. We delve into the origins of the idea and discuss why they believe Ireland is ready for a specialised "Pit" format. Rory and Keith offer a fascinating breakdown of the Sub-only philosophy, explaining why they chose to stick with a continuous match format over the three-round scoring systems popularised by CJI. They offer insight into why they chose to highlight the Blue Belt -99kg division for their inaugural event, their search for Ireland's best Blue Belt and what "X-factors" they look for when hand-picking athletes for an invitation-only bracket. Finally, Rory and Keith offer critical advice for aspiring competitors on how to get noticed for future cards and discuss the Bet Matches you can make to get featured on the show. Talk is cheap, prove yourself on The Money Pit! ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 - 05:57 Intro & how Rory and Keith got started in Jiu Jitsu 05:58 - 07:06 Never Back Down movies 07:07 - 11:11 Building the Jiu Jitsu community at Jordan Fitness Tullow 11:12 - 16:49 The Benefits of Jiu Jitsu for all ages 16:50 - 22:35 Engaging Kids in Jiu Jitsu & Fostering a Team Spirit 22:36 - 27:12 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu in Ireland, Rory is anti-gi 27:13 - 30:00 Adapting your Game as you get older 30:01 - 34:31 Competition & Team Work in Jiu Jitsu 34:32 - 36:52 Is there too many jiu jitsu competitions at the moment? 36:53 - 45:57 What is The Money Pit? 45:58 - 47:25 Why Blue Belts for the first event? 47:26 - 48:58 10 Minute Matches & EBI Overtime 48:59 - 50:15 Why is it -99kg? What about the small guys? 50:16 - 52:35 Sub Only Format makes it more exciting 52:36 - 59:08 How to get on The Money Pit & Bet Matches 59:09 - 1:00:55 Tag the lads to get The Money Pit's attention 1:00:56 - 1:01:34 Aaron's Trial Idea for the next Money Pit event 1:01:35 - 1:03:42 Make a name for yourself at The Money Pit 1:03:43 - 1:06:57 Where to contact The Money Pit & Their Sponsors 1:06:58 - 1:07:41 Outro, Like Share & Subscribe 🟢 FOLLOW RORY & KEITH ON INSTAGRAM Rory's Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/rorymccann10p/ [https://www.instagram.com/rorymccann10p/]⁠Keith's Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/k.jordan13/ [https://www.instagram.com/k.jordan13/] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🟢 FOLLOW THE MONEY PIT FOR UPDATES Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/themoneypit.ire/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🟢 FOLLOW JORDAN TULLOW FITNESS Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jordanfitnesstullow/ Website → https://www.jordanfitnessireland.ie/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🟢 FOLLOW LAKELAND JIU JITSU Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/LakelandJiuJitsu Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lakelandjiujitsu/ Website → https://lakelandjiujitsu.eu ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🟢 FOLLOW EMERALD GRAPPLING Instagram → @emeraldgrappling TikTok → @emeraldgrappling 👍 Like, Share & Subscribe for more Irish Jiu-Jitsu conversations! #EmeraldGrapplingPodcast #TheMoneyPit #10thPlanet #RoryMcCann #KeithJordan #IrishBJJ #BJJIreland #SubOnly #JiuJitsu #Grappling #10thPlanetIreland #JordanFitness #NinjaCubs #BJJInvitational #NoGi #BJJLifestyle #JiuJitsuLifestyle #BJJTraining #BJJCommunity #IrishGrappling #LegLocks #Wrestling #SubmissionOnly #BJJCoach #MartialArts #BJJPodcast #BlueBelt #HeavyweightBJJ #10P4L #ThePit

#21 Shane Sweeney: World Class Competition, Inside Daisy Fresh Laundromat & The PSF Ireland Takeover!

In this episode of the Emerald Grappling Podcast, Aaron is joined by Shane Sweeney, the Head Coach of PSF Limerick and a purple belt under the legendary Heath Pedigo. As an IBJJF No-Gi World Champion and AJP Gi World Champion, Shane has medalled at nearly every major international tournament. He catches us up on his transition from a high-level rugby background into Jiu Jitsu.We discuss Shane’s time training at the world-renowned Pedigo Submission Fighting headquarters in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He takes us behind the scenes of the "Daisy Fresh" laundromat, describing the unique team spirit that the cameras didn't always catch. Our conversation delves into the "PSF Surge" currently taking over Ireland and Shane’s mission to dismantle the "lone wolf" mentality often found in the BJJ community. He explains how he is implementing field-sport camaraderie at PSF Limerick, prioritising the team trophy over individual glory, and why building a "team-first" culture is the key to long-term success. He also highlights the massive impact of having a world-class black belt like Josh Murdock in the room to sharpen the daily intensity of the Irish scene.Finally, Shane shares his five-year vision for PSF Limerick and the Irish competitive landscape, offering essential advice for listeners on why embracing a team-centric mindset is the ultimate "cheat code" for reaching the top of the podium.🟢 FOLLOW SHANE ON INSTAGRAM⁠Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/runningbacktopsf/ [https://www.instagram.com/runningbacktopsf/]----------------------------------------------------------------------------🟢 FOLLOW THE LIMERICK SLIDE BYInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/psflimerickcity/ [https://www.instagram.com/psflimerickcity/]Linktree → https://linktr.ee/psflimerickcity?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9cec66e0-882a-4a8f-84ac-d82b743d8616 [https://linktr.ee/psflimerickcity?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9cec66e0-882a-4a8f-84ac-d82b743d8616 ]----------------------------------------------------------------------------🟢 FOLLOW LAKELAND JIU JITSUFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/LakelandJiuJitsu [https://www.facebook.com/LakelandJiuJitsu]Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lakelandjiujitsu/ [https://www.instagram.com/lakelandjiujitsu/]Website → https://lakelandjiujitsu.eu [https://lakelandjiujitsu.eu]----------------------------------------------------------------------------🟢 FOLLOW EMERALD GRAPPLINGInstagram → instagram.com/emeraldgrappling [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXZaN200eUc5Z2E1VHJ0bkxraGpFRzZpdV9Zd3xBQ3Jtc0ttNV9TOUJQSWMwMnZFc0o1MjhuNllfSy1VdERJTUlXUVlpeEw5UU9NcDNQeFpOZDRtb1VhRlZpNnVnTGlLQnVfY3FHaUxyU212Qy1DOVpSTE5FZ3k0dzh3V2J2Yl9ILVhnd2ZIN1A4QlItandpeVI0Yw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Femeraldgrappling%2F]TikTok → tiktok.com/@emeraldgrappling [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVA3S2F1cURWVzFmUG8xUDJjWmpvZXNpYmhkUXxBQ3Jtc0trdFlpckZHMDB6MXdQZHhSSnE1VFV0a0ptMGg4RUpXRTNobjRFbkF6b2NaQlRHTVZxaWZ2dENTS3hYOWRjcjhfaW1LOHRscWdqWkFpZ0tqQ3pJRHAwaVNybWxURmlEWkpNT1g0N0FfcktDMmZhYTVfaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40emeraldgrappling]👍 Like, Share & Subscribe for more Irish Jiu-Jitsu conversations!#EmeraldGrapplingPodcast #ShaneSweeney #DaisyFresh #PSFLimerick #PedigoSubmissionFighting #HeathPedigo #IrishBJJ #BJJIreland #BJJ #JiuJitsu #Grappling #NoGi #BJJWorldChampion #LimerickBJJ #JiuJitsuLifestyle #BJJTraining #GrappleFest #PSF #TheLimerickSlideBy #RugbyToBJJ #BJJRecovery #IBJJF #AJP #NoGiWorlds #IrishGrappling #BJJCommunity #MartialArtsPodcast #BJJCompetition #SubmissionGrappling #BJJCoach

#20 Aaron Murphy: Taking Ownership of your Training, Preparing for Competition and Cross Training!

In this episode of the Emerald Grappling Podcast, Aaron takes the mic for his first ever solo episode, offering a behind the scenes and honest look at how he is approaching training and competition in 2026. He reflects on a tough return to competition last year, stepping onto the mats on just a few days’ notice after a two and a half year layoff and losing in under 20 seconds. Rather than avoiding the experience, Aaron explains how it reshaped his mindset and fuelled a decision to compete far more consistently in the year ahead. Drawing on advice from previous guest Oisin McCabe, he discusses the value of high match volume events like Grappling Industries and Grapple City, where round robin formats can give athletes dozens, even hundreds, of matches over time. Aaron outlines why these competitions are now a priority. They provide more mat time, more live data, and the ability to record matches and bring them back to his coaches to identify gaps and make targeted improvements. The conversation then shifts to training. Aaron speaks candidly about feeling directionless in previous years, showing up to sessions without a clear goal and seeing that lack of intent affect his development. This year, he is taking full ownership of his progress by entering each session with purpose, studying instructionals through platforms like The Art of Jiu Jitsu, and building a more structured learning approach outside the gym. He also breaks down new Sunday training sessions with teammates focused on games, positional sparring, and system building. The aim is to create controlled, uncomfortable situations that develop confidence, problem solving, and sharper performances in competition. Aaron closes the episode by thanking everyone who has supported the podcast over the past two years and showing appreciation to the guests who have welcomed him into their gyms and shared their time, knowledge, and experience. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 - 01:00 Intro 01:01 - 02:34 My Last Competition Experience 02:35 - 05:50 Round Robin Competitions for More Experience! 05:51 - 08:58 Taking Ownership of My Training 08:59 - 10:52 Ecological Approach to Jiu Jitsu Training Sessions 10:53 - 12:58 Benefits of Cross Training in Jiu Jitsu 12:59 - 13:55 Thanks for all the Support & Like Share and Subscribe 13:56 - 14:30 Outro ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🟢 FOLLOW LAKELAND JIU JITSU Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/LakelandJiuJitsu [https://www.facebook.com/LakelandJiuJitsu] Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lakelandjiujitsu/ [https://www.instagram.com/lakelandjiujitsu/] Website → https://lakelandjiujitsu.eu [https://lakelandjiujitsu.eu] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🟢 FOLLOW EMERALD GRAPPLING Instagram → @emeraldgrappling TikTok → @emeraldgrappling 👍 Like, Share & Subscribe for more Irish Jiu-Jitsu conversations! #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJ #JiuJitsu #Grappling #NoGi #GiJiuJitsu #BJJTraining #JiuJitsuTraining #BJJCompetition #CompetitionPrep #GrapplingTournament #BJJLifestyle #BJJMindset #MartialArts #CombatSports #JiuJitsuLife #BJJMotivation #TrainWithPurpose #PositionalSparring #GrapplingIndustries #GrappleCity #MatchExperience #BJJPodcast #GrapplingPodcast #EmeraldGrappling #BJJCommunity #JiuJitsuJourney #BJJImprovement #BJJGoals #JiuJitsuAthlete #Podcast #BJJPodcast

#19 Oisin McCabe: Building Champions, Judo for BJJ & The Art of Coaching!

In this episode of the Emerald Grappling Podcast, Aaron is joined by Oisin McCabe, the owner and Head Coach of Compound Martial Arts and a rare "triple threat" in the combat sports world. As a triple Black Belt in Karate, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (under Andy Ryan), Oisin brings a unique, multidisciplinary perspective to the mats. He catches us up on his martial arts origins, explaining how his background in Karate eventually led him to the grappling arts and how the Judo-heavy influence of Team Ryano shaped his overall style.We discuss the crossover between Judo and Jiu Jitsu, with Oisin identifying specific concepts, such as kuzushi timing and footwork patterns - that he believes BJJ athletes often overlook. He argues that the understanding of pinning in Judo is miles ahead of standard Jiu Jitsu control.Our conversation delves into the science of skill acquisition, with Oisin breaking down the critical power of repetition and technical drilling. He shares his ambitious goal of becoming the best coach in the world and details the specific methods he uses to ensure he is constantly evolving, from deep study to cross-training. He offers insight into his role at Compound Martial Arts, explaining the common principles he applies to build champions, whether the student is training for BJJ, MMA, or striking.Finally, Oisin offers critical advice for listeners on the values and habits necessary for long-term success and highlights the specific mindset required to evolve from a student into a high-level martial artist.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 - 05:42 Intro & Oisin's Origin Story05:43 - 07:55 Becoming a Beginner Again07:56 - 11:53 Seeing Judo as a Superpower11:54 - 14:13 Pinning in Judo is Elite14:14 - 15:48 Judokas hitting Triangles from EVERYWHERE15:49 - 18:34 Leg Grabs in Judo18:35 - 20:58 The Power of Kuzushi / Off Balancing20:59 - 23:37 Getting the Takedown or Setting up the Guard Pull23:38 - 27:02 Competing in Judo to get your next belt27:03 - 35:40 Quality Control in Martial Arts35:41 - 39:51 Weight is what Matters, Not Belts39:52 - 42:02 Not taking BJJ so Serious42:03 - 43:51 Belts as Seasons43:52 - 53:52 Developing as a Coach53:53 - 56:47 Chase Skills Not Belts56:48 - 01:07:00 What is the Hardest Part of a Coach's Job?01:07:01 - 01:09:44 Fionn's Performances at ADCC Ireland And IBJJF NoGi Euros 202501:09:45 - 01:12:36 Having Confidence in Yourself at Competitions01:12:37 - 01:16:42 Performance is when Preparation and Comfort Meets01:16:42 - 01:20:48 Helping Students to Reach Their full Potential01:20:49 - 01:26:36 Building Champions at Compound Martial Arts01:26:37 - 01:28:29 Connect with Oisin Online01:28:30 - 01:28:57 Like, Share & Subscribe & Outro🟢 FOLLOW OISIN ON INSTAGRAM⁠Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/coach_oisin_mccabe/ [https://www.instagram.com/coach_oisin_mccabe/]----------------------------------------------------------------------------🟢 FOLLOW COMPOUND MARTIAL ARTSFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/CompoundMartialArts/ [https://www.facebook.com/CompoundMartialArts/]Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/compoundmartialarts/ [https://www.instagram.com/compoundmartialarts/]Website → https://compoundmartialarts.com/ [https://compoundmartialarts.com/]----------------------------------------------------------------------------🟢 FOLLOW LAKELAND JIU JITSUFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/LakelandJiuJitsu [https://www.facebook.com/LakelandJiuJitsu]Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lakelandjiujitsu/ [https://www.instagram.com/lakelandjiujitsu/]Website → https://lakelandjiujitsu.eu [https://lakelandjiujitsu.eu]----------------------------------------------------------------------------🟢 FOLLOW EMERALD GRAPPLINGInstagram → @emeraldgrapplingTikTok → @emeraldgrappling👍 Like, Share & Subscribe for more Irish Jiu-Jitsu conversations!#IrishBJJ #BJJ #Judo #EmeraldGrapplingPodcast #OisinMcCabe #CompoundMartialArts #JiuJitsu #JudoForBJJ #MartialArtsCoaching #Grappling #TeamRyano #BJJTraining #BJJDrills #SkillAcquisition #BJJLifestyle #Kuzushi #Newaza #BJJBlackBelt #JudoBlackBelt #MMA #CombatSports #JiuJitsuIreland #BJJTechnique #WrestlingForBJJ #MartialArtsPhilosophy