
Open Mat Podcast
A deep dive into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu where coaches Adam and Tim cut through cliches to uncover practical insights on training, coaching, competing and jiu jitsu culture.
Episodes
18 episodes
Episode 18: What you aren't told about passing the guard | How to approach passing the guard for consistent success
In this conversation Adam and Tim dive into the deeply frustrating topic of passing the guard, and why much of the time we spend drilling passes is not useful. Tim lays out his views on how to truly improve at passing, including details on his ...
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33:37

Episode 17: Everything good for you is bad for opponents | How to improve your Jiu Jitsu as a zero sum game
In this concise episode Adam and Tim hone in on the idea that Jiu Jitsu is a zero sum game, and what this means for us strategically and for our learning. They delve into how every movement increases or decreases control, and how to make sure t...
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28:37

Episode 16: CJI | Better late than never - CJI 1 breakdown | Was standup a waste of time? | How CJI has forced BJJ to evolve
Adam and Tim give commentary on the first Craig Jones Invitational that is as definitive as it is late. They discuss the matches, evaluating some major matchups in both the context of the tournament and how BJJ has continued to evolve since. Ti...
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58:46

Episode 15: Competition | How to gameplan effectively for competition | How important is competition in Jiu Jitsu?
Tim and Adam have an in-depth conversation around competition, including its importance, how to gameplan effectively, and recounting some of their own competitive history. They discuss the specific advantages competition gives in the journey of...
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1:02:17

Episode 14: How to get improve your Jiu Jitsu off the mats | How to study film | How to build conceptual frameworks
In this episode Tim and Adam dive into the elusive skill of learning by reviewing Jiu Jitsu matches - whether those of top competitors or your own. While most top teams discuss their film study often, most hobbyists have never been taught how t...
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53:33

Episode 13: Gi vs No Gi | Which should you train? | How different are they really?
Tim and Adam dive into the differences and similarities between Gi and No Gi Jiu Jitsu. They discuss the current state of the sport, the rising popularity of No Gi and the slow decline of the Gi. They discuss their personal preferences, and als...
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1:03:25

Episode 12: What does it take to be a Black Belt? | Are there fake Black Belts? | What should Black Belts be able to do?
Tim and Adam discuss one of the Jiu Jitsu community's most sensitive topics - the Black Belt. In this conversation they discuss when Tim felt he was "ready" for his black belt, what Adam feels he still needs to learn before he will be ready, an...
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1:08:03

Episode 11: How to begin to learn Jiu Jitsu | How to coach completely new students | How to think about skill in Jiu Jitsu
In this episode Adam and Tim discuss the one challenge that faces both brand new students and instructors coaching brand new members: How do you start to learn Jiu Jitsu without having any idea where to start? They discuss how to define Jiu Jit...
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1:07:22

Episode 10: What we wish we knew before our first class | Choosing the right gym | What to expect starting jiu jitsu
Tim and Adam discuss the experience of being new to Jiu Jitsu, sharing tips and advice they wish they'd had for their first class. They discuss a variety of topics, including Jiu Jitsu culture, the differences between different types of gyms, a...
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1:14:07

Episode 9: Is there a use for static drilling? | How to create useful constraints
In this conversation, Tim and Adam look at where, if anywhere, the role of unresisted drilling and direct teaching lay on the road to improvement in Jiu Jitsu. They also look at how to create constraints for anyone new at creating games, and ho...
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53:03

Episode 8: How to coach excellent competitors | How to optimize competition classes | Guest: Morgan Frazer
Tim is joined by guest Morgan Frazer in a discussion around optimizing classes for competitors. Morgan teaches at M Theory Martial Arts in Minnesota, where he runs an early morning weekend class which draws students from other academies, some o...
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1:12:42

Episode 7: What is Ecological Dynamics? | Constraints led approach | Guest: Hayden Buckner
Tim and Adam are joined by Hayden Buckner, competitor and owner/head coach of the Academy Eden Prairie. Hayden digs into what "Ecological Jiu Jitsu" is, and specifically why it isn't a term we should be using. Hayden gives one of the most acces...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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1:04:06

Episode 6: Why are we afraid of leg locks | Should leg locks be legal everywhere for everyone?
Tim and Adam tackle leg locks: one of the original controversies of the Jiu Jitsu community. They discuss whether they are as dangerous as they're claimed to be, whether there should be restrictions on who can or should learn and use them, and ...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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1:07:07

Episode 5: How to get better without needing more mat time | coaching with limited mat time
Tim and Adam discuss how to get better at Jiu Jitsu if you are not able to increase your mat time. In this episode, they tackle what "mental engagement" looks like when put into practice, how to make the most of limited time on the mat, and als...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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1:13:14

Episode 4: How to get better at Jiu Jitsu using AI and Data Analytics | SubStats
Tim and Adam sit down with Abe, the creator of SubStats. Abe is using technology typically available to Fortune 500 companies to analyze and provide insights from recordings of jiu jitsu matches, giving competitors insights into what goes right...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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52:57

Episode 3: How to become a great blue belt | Earning Purple Belt | Creating Specialties
Tim and Adam discuss how to become a great blue belt after overcoming initial insecurities. They discuss the difference in understanding between new blue and new purple belts, how to develop skills that you felt you could not before, and the mo...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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1:01:27

Episode 2: Blue Belt | What does blue belt mean | Dealing with insecurities
Adam and Tim discuss their thoughts on the challenges of the Blue Belt, ranging from defining what one is to how to deal with the various insecurities that come along with it. They talk about promotion criteria, whether someone is a real blue b...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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58:38

Episode 1: Introductions | How to measure progress | How to focus training
Hosts Tim and Adam kick the podcast off. They give brief introductions before discussing how to focus as you learn jiu jitsu, from measuring your progress to how and why to focus your attention as you train.
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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50:08
