The journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu often begins with unexpected catalysts. For Amanda Cowie, it was her three energetic boys that first brought her to the edge of the mats. After watching from the sidelines for two years, this talent acquisition professional finally stepped onto the mats herself, discovering a world that would transform both her physical capabilities and mental resilience.

Amanda's story resonates with anyone who's ever felt out of their element when starting something new. The intimate nature of BJJ initially created discomfort, and technique retention proved challenging. Yet the turning point came not from mastering a specific move, but from forming a genuine connection with a training partner who made the experience fun. This human element of jiu-jitsu—the community that forms around shared struggle—emerges as a powerful theme throughout our conversation.

Our discussion weaves between Amanda's recent competition experience (where she earned gold despite overwhelming pre-match nerves), her technical evolution from pressure passer to developing a more well-rounded game, and the fascinating parallels between talent acquisition and martial arts. Both worlds require adaptability when plans falter, patience through rejection, and the humility to acknowledge areas for improvement. Most surprising is how Amanda, like many practitioners, finds mental decompression through an activity that outsiders might view as stressful.

For parents juggling careers and family responsibilities, Amanda offers practical insights on fitting training into busy mornings, balancing multiple children's activities, and using jiu-jitsu as a space where work emails and household duties temporarily disappear. Her perspective as both a mother and competitor provides valuable wisdom for anyone struggling to maintain consistency in their training journey.

Ready to hear how a self-described non-competitive person transformed into a medal-winning grappler? Listen now and discover why Amanda believes that even when progress feels slow, the benefits of sticking with jiu-jitsu extend far beyond techniques learned on the mat.

Reach out to Amanda on IG @mandabears

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The difference between being welcomed on the mats and finding yourself on someone's "no-roll list" often comes down to understanding the unwritten rules of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu etiquette. This episode tackles the essential guidelines that make someone a respected training partner, regardless of belt color.

Drawing from personal experience—including a humbling story of unknowingly violating these codes— I share practical wisdom on navigating the social dynamics of BJJ. From the non-negotiables of personal hygiene to matching rolling intensity with your partner's capabilities, these principles form the foundation of a positive training environment.

You'll discover why tapping early prevents career-ending injuries, how proper mat awareness keeps everyone safe, and why respecting class structure demonstrates your commitment to the art. The episode delves into situations every practitioner encounters: when to ask questions, how to respond when someone declines to roll, and what to do if you're running late to class.

Beyond technical skills, your reputation on the mats is built through these daily interactions and decisions. Whether you're a day-one white belt or a seasoned black belt, these etiquette guidelines create the framework for everyone to train safely, improve consistently, and build lasting relationships within the BJJ community.

Want to share your own etiquette fails or triumphs? Connect with us on Instagram @caffeinated_jujitsu and join the conversation. Subscribe, leave a review, and remember—train smart, roll safe, and keep your passion brewing strong.

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What does a quarter-century of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience teach you about martial arts, personal growth, and life itself? Fourth-degree black belt DJ Farmer unwraps this question with remarkable clarity, walking us through his 27-year journey from martial arts-obsessed teenager to becoming a first-generation black belt under the legendary Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti.

DJ's story traces the fascinating evolution of BJJ in America—from the wild early days when techniques were measured in "hours with the Gracies" to the systematized curriculum approach that's transformed how we learn today. With refreshing humility, he shares how watching Royce Gracie in early UFC events sparked an obsession that eventually led him to move across states just to train at Alliance, where he witnessed the school's growth from grassroots beginnings to global powerhouse.

The conversation illuminates the profound transformation in teaching methodologies over the decades. Where new students were once "thrown to the wolves," modern approaches create accessible entry points for practitioners of all ages and abilities. DJ's insights on instructor responsibility, particularly his stance that teachers should observe rather than participate during class to ensure student safety, offer valuable guidance for anyone in a teaching role.

Beyond techniques and training methods, DJ reveals the deeper wisdom that only comes from decades on the mats. His approach to teaching encompasses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles, while his three simple post-class questions ("Did you learn something new?", "Did you have fun?", and "Did you get a good workout?") provide a framework for evaluating any training session. Perhaps most memorably, he shares colorful stories of Jacare's Brazilian sayings and teaching methods that have shaped multiple generations of practitioners.

Whether you're just starting your BJJ journey or already deep into it, DJ's parting advice resonates powerfully: maintain consistency, leave your ego at the door, and always approach learning with an open mind—because "a parachute works best when it's open, just like your mind." Ready to transform your approach to learning and training? This episode is your blueprint.

@dj.farmer on Instagram

https://alliancebjj.com/instructors/dj-farmer/

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