Episode 8 – Larissa Diaz: From Underdog to Two-Time Black Belt World Champion 🥇🇧🇷

In this inspiring episode of The Jiu Jitsu Crucible, we sit down with Larissa Diaz, a two-time IBJJF Black Belt World Champion, to explore the mindset, work ethic, and journey behind her meteoric rise in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Larissa opens up about:

• Her beginnings in Brazil and early struggles on the mats 🇧🇷
• The transition from competitor to elite world champion
• Training strategies, routines, and mental preparation 🧠💪
• Lessons learned from victory—and defeat
• Advice for women in Jiu-Jitsu and anyone chasing big goals

Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, coach, or fan of the sport, this episode delivers powerful insights into what it takes to reach the top.

🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

#JiuJitsuCrucible #LarissaDiaz #BJJChampion #BJJWomen #IBJJFWorlds #BJJPodcast #RECsuccess

Description:

In Episode 7 of The Jiu Jitsu Crucible, we sit down with the legendary Rolles Gracie, a direct descendant of the iconic Gracie family, to discuss what it was really like growing up Gracie. From stories of early training in Brazil to the pressures of carrying the Gracie name, Rolles opens up about life, legacy, and the ever-evolving world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

We explore:
✅ The roots of the Gracie family's influence on BJJ
✅ Rolles’ personal journey in MMA and grappling
✅ The importance of lineage and modern training methods
✅ What it means to uphold tradition in today’s Jiu-Jitsu world

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive conversations with top figures in the world of Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts.

🎙️ Episode 6: Inside the Matchmaking Mind with Riccardo Ammendolia
The Jiu Jitsu Crucible Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by WNO Matchmaker Riccardo Ammendolia for an in-depth conversation covering many aspects of professional Jiu-Jitsu. From the inner workings of event production to athlete development and the growth of the sport, Riccardo offers valuable insights drawn from decades in the game.

Whether you're a competitor, coach, or dedicated fan, this episode delivers a rare look behind the scenes of high-level grappling.

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout.

📺 Watch on YouTube: [All Things Jiu Jitsu]

#JiuJitsuCrucible #AllThingsJiuJitsu #RiccardoAmmendolia #WhosNumberOne #WNO #BJJPodcast #NoGiJiuJitsu #BJJCommunity #ProfessionalJiuJitsu #GrapplingPodcast #BJJMedia #JiuJitsuLife #JiuJitsuMindset #MartialArtsPodcast #BJJMatchmaking

Passion to Professional with Cameron LePage

In this episode of The Jiu Jitsu Crucible, we sit down with Cameron LePage to talk about his path from passionate student to full-time Jiu-Jitsu professional. Cameron opens up about the mindset, challenges, and decisions that helped him build a career on the mats.

This episode is packed with practical advice for students, competitors, and coaches alike who are looking to turn their love for Jiu-Jitsu into something more.

🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms.

🎙️ Episode 4 – Elijah “Big Breakfast” Dorsey
In this episode, we sit down with rising black belt star Elijah “Big Breakfast” Dorsey to talk about his training mindset, competition strategy, and what it takes to break through on the world stage. From early days on the mat to major wins in the black belt ranks, Elijah shares real insight into the grind, the discipline, and the fuel (yes, breakfast) that drives his success. 🥋🍳

🎙️ Jiu Jitsu Crucible Podcast – Episode with Dave Kovar
Hosted by Pat Cooligan | All Things Jiu Jitsu

If you own a martial arts school — or dream of opening one — this episode is essential listening.

In this powerful conversation, Pat Cooligan sits down with Dave Kovar, one of the most respected martial arts instructors and business leaders in the world. With decades of experience running successful academies and mentoring school owners, Dave shares timeless insights into what it really takes to lead a school that thrives.

🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• ✅ How to build a martial arts school that lasts — with purpose and stability
• ✅ Key leadership habits every instructor should develop
• ✅ How to grow your academy without burning out or selling out
• ✅ Systems and mindsets that create long-term success in business and on the mat
• ✅ Mistakes most school owners make — and how to avoid them

Whether you’re just starting your journey as an instructor or looking to scale your academy with integrity, this episode offers real-world wisdom that can change your path.

Dave brings the kind of perspective that only comes from decades of teaching, coaching, and serving the martial arts community.

📺 Watch the full episode now:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@patallthingsjiujitsu

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to the channel for more episodes featuring industry leaders, competitors, and passionate martial artists.

🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

#JiuJitsuCrucible #DaveKovar #MartialArtsBusiness #GymOwnerLife #AllThingsJiuJitsu #BJJPodcast #BlackBeltMindset #MartialArtsLeadership #MartialArtsInstructor

In this episode of the Jujitsu Crucible podcast, hosts Pat and Andre Porfirio recap the highlights of the 2025 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships. They discuss standout performances from various divisions, including the dominance of Mia in the light feather category, the rise of the Funegra sisters, and Larissa Diaz's inspiring journey to her second world title. The conversation also explores the tactical choices made by competitors, the impact of crowd energy on refereeing, and the challenges faced by athletes within the Jiu-Jitsu community. Andre shares insights on the evolving landscape of Jiu-Jitsu, the importance of team dynamics, and the inspiring story of Roosevelt Souza, who transitioned from selling water to becoming a world champion. The episode concludes with a discussion on the IBJJF's ruleset and suggestions for improvement.

In the premiere episode of The Jiu Jitsu Crucible, hosts Pat Cooligan and André Porfirio provide an in-depth analysis of the 2025 IBJJF World Championships. Pat Cooligan, a 4th-degree black belt under Renzo Gracie and the first Canadian to receive this honor, brings decades of experience to the discussion—having attended every World Championship since 2004, starting with the iconic Roger Gracie vs. Jacaré match. André Porfirio, a distinguished competitor with multiple IBJJF titles across various belt levels, including the 2021 Pan Championship, offers insights from his extensive competitive background. Together, they dissect standout performances, unexpected upsets, and the evolving dynamics of the sport, setting the stage for an engaging journey through the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.