On this episode of *The GI Spot Podcast*, Rach and Kaz dive into a lively discussion about the different styles and formats of Jiu Jitsu and grappling available to today’s practitioners, exploring how these approaches have evolved and shifted over time. From traditional Gi training to the fast-paced world of No-Gi, and from self-defense-focused systems to competition-ready techniques, they break down how each style offers unique benefits and experiences.

As dedicated practitioners themselves, Rach and Kaz share their personal philosophy on training in both Gi and No-Gi, emphasizing how each format brings its own set of skills and challenges. They touch on how, as life gets busy—with injuries, family commitments, and countless other responsibilities—the flexibility of Jiu Jitsu’s varied approaches is a huge advantage. For them, the decision is simple: train in both! This variety not only keeps them engaged but also helps keep them adaptive, learning to appreciate the nuances of each style without feeling like they're sacrificing their growth as grapplers.

Rach and Kaz also delve into the broader landscape of Jiu Jitsu, looking at how trends have shifted in recent years. They discuss how sport-oriented grappling has influenced the art, what’s happening in the ever-evolving world of submission-only competitions, and how the increased emphasis on No-Gi is impacting training methods worldwide. They share insights on how Jiu Jitsu communities now embrace a wider range of techniques, encouraging practitioners to develop well-rounded skills that are effective across different settings, whether for personal development, self-defense, or high-level competition.

Tune in for an episode filled with humor, valuable insights, and a fresh perspective on balancing different Jiu Jitsu styles. Whether you’re a new practitioner figuring out where to start or an experienced grappler navigating your training options, Rach and Kaz offer advice, encouragement, and a reminder that there's no "one right way" to enjoy and grow in Jiu Jitsu.

Welcome to The Gi Spot Podcast a Jiu Jitsu Podcast by Women for Everyone. Meet your host Rachael Bradshaw and Kaz Page, as they sit down weekly to discuss all things that Jiu Jitsu effects in Life, Family, Relationships, Business, and so much more. Each episode looks at life and where their individual Jiu Jitsu Journey has taken them and all the other amazing guests they will meet along the way. ⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook

On this episode of *The GI Spot* Podcast, Rach and Kaz take a step back from the technical side of Jiu Jitsu and dive into what truly makes them passionate about the sport. Inspired by a Reddit Grappling thread where contributors were asked to share what they love about Jiu Jitsu, the episode explores the joy, fulfillment, and personal growth that comes from being a part of this unique martial art.

While scrolling through the thread, Rach realized that many of the sentiments shared by fellow grapplers resonated deeply with her own journey. From the camaraderie on the mats to the mental and physical challenges, the responses inspired Rach and Kaz to dedicate an episode to celebrating the sport that has become a central part of their lives.

The episode kicks off with Rach and Kaz reflecting on their own love for Jiu Jitsu—how it’s impacted their lives beyond the mat and shaped them as individuals. They talk about the sense of community that Jiu Jitsu fosters, where training partners become lifelong friends and even feel like family. The atmosphere in a Jiu Jitsu academy is unlike any other, where people from all walks of life come together with a shared goal of learning, improving, and supporting each other.

The duo discusses the unique mental benefits that Jiu Jitsu offers, from stress relief to building resilience. The sport has a way of stripping away the superficial and putting you in the present moment. Whether it's overcoming self-doubt, pushing through exhaustion, or figuring out a new technique, Jiu Jitsu teaches you to be adaptable and tenacious—both on and off the mats. For Rach, the mental game is just as important as the physical, and it’s something she’s grown to appreciate even more as her journey has progressed.

Kaz shares her perspective on the joy of continual learning that Jiu Jitsu provides. No matter how long you’ve been training, there’s always something new to discover. Whether it’s fine-tuning a familiar technique or learning a completely new submission, the process of growth is never-ending. Jiu Jitsu’s complexity and depth are what keep people coming back day after day, year after year. It’s a sport that challenges you not just to be strong, but to be thoughtful, strategic, and always open to learning from others.

Another aspect that they highlight is the empowerment that Jiu Jitsu provides, especially for women. In a traditionally male-dominated space, Rach and Kaz speak to the growing presence of women on the mats and the confidence that Jiu Jitsu instills. For them, it’s not just about self-defense; it’s about knowing your own strength and capabilities. The sport has given them both a sense of self-assuredness that they carry into all aspects of their lives.

They also delve into the importance of failure and struggle in the Jiu Jitsu journey. The mat is a place where egos are checked, and losses are inevitable. But it’s in those moments of defeat and frustration where the most growth happens. The beauty of Jiu Jitsu is that it’s not about winning every roll but about showing up, learning, and improving over time. Kaz and Rach share how they’ve learned to embrace the process, even when it’s tough, and how those lessons translate into resilience in everyday life.

As the episode wraps up, Rach and Kaz circle back to the Reddit thread and reflect on the shared experiences of grapplers around the world. The common themes of community, personal growth, and love for the art resonate deeply with them, reminding them why they fell in love with Jiu Jitsu in the first place.

This episode of *The GI Spot* is a heartfelt celebration of the sport that has shaped Rach and Kaz in profound ways. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting your Jiu Jitsu journey, this conversation will inspire you to reflect on what Jiu Jitsu means to you and why it’s a sport that so many people hold dear. Tune in for an uplifting and introspective episode that will leave you feeling connected to the broader Jiu Jitsu community and inspired to keep showing up on the mats.

On this episode of The GI Spot Podcast, the team mixes things up in a new way. Kaz turns the tables and puts co-host Rachael Bradshaw in the hot seat, along with fan-favorite guest Grant Bradshaw and the ever-present but rarely heard Producer Matt. Together, they dive deep into a topic that often sparks heated debates in the Jiu Jitsu community—the concept of a "Jiu Jitsu grading."

Jiu Jitsu schools across the globe have varying traditions and customs when it comes to belt promotions, with approaches ranging from the simple and straightforward to the complex and comprehensive. Some schools opt for an understated belt presentation, while others may have multi-day testing processes that push candidates to their physical and mental limits. Regardless of the approach, the significance of the grading process can vary wildly depending on the academy and its philosophy.

In this episode, Kaz, Rachael, Grant, and Matt break down what grading means to them, from both the instructor's and the student's perspectives. As seasoned practitioners and academy owners, Grant and Rachael take the opportunity to showcase the grading process at their own school, Iconic Jiu Jitsu. They dive into the core values and principles that shape their approach to promotions, highlighting why the spirit of what they do is so vital to the integrity of their academy and their students’ development.

Grant, as a second-degree black belt and long-time coach, offers insight into what instructors look for when deciding if a student is ready for the next level. He shares his thoughts on the delicate balance between maintaining high standards and recognizing individual progress, emphasizing that Jiu Jitsu is not just about physical techniques, but also about character, mindset, and personal growth. Rachael adds her perspective on how they strive to cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, ensuring that promotions are not just a formality but a meaningful milestone in each practitioner’s journey.

On the flip side, Matt brings a candid view from the candidate’s perspective, recounting his own experiences preparing for and undergoing the grading process. As someone who's recently leveled up in his Jiu Jitsu journey, Matt offers a raw and honest reflection on the physical and emotional challenges of working toward a belt promotion. From the grueling training sessions to overcoming self-doubt, he shares what it takes to push through the barriers and earn the respect of both his peers and instructors.

Throughout the episode, the group also tackles some of the most common debates surrounding Jiu Jitsu grading. Is a formal testing process necessary, or is time on the mat and instructor observation enough? How do you measure progress in a sport where individual journeys can be so varied? And perhaps most importantly, how do schools strike a balance between maintaining high standards and fostering an inclusive, growth-oriented culture?

This episode provides listeners with a well-rounded view of the grading process, offering insights from both the instructors’ and students’ perspectives. Whether you’re a white belt just starting out or a seasoned practitioner working toward your next rank, this conversation sheds light on the complexities and emotions involved in Jiu Jitsu grading. It’s an opportunity to see the thought and care that goes into these decisions from the people responsible for upholding the standards of their academy, while also getting an inside look at the candidate’s experience as they prepare for and ultimately achieve a new level in their training.

Tune in for a lively, insightful, and sometimes humorous discussion that digs deep into what it means to earn your stripes (or your belt) in the world of Jiu Jitsu. Whether you're a coach, a student, or simply someone curious about martial arts culture, this episode has something for everyone.

Welcome to The Gi Spot Podcast a Jiu Jitsu Podcast by Women for Everyone. Meet your host Rachael Bradshaw and Kaz Page, as they sit down weekly to discuss all things that Jiu Jitsu effects in Life, Family, Relationships, Business, and so much more. Each episode looks at life and where their individual Jiu Jitsu Journey has taken them and all the other amazing guests they will meet along the way. ⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook