I sit down with Phil post during the recent July24' Sydney tour. We discuss how to learn, how to train, and progress in the art of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. We explore the difference between Games based learning and more traditional approaches to learning. We question the importance of tradition in jiu jitsu. It's a pleasure to train, learn, and chat with …

And we're back! And what a guest to have on our first episode back than Big Phil Grapsas!In this episode we discuss ...Why do we strap up the belt and jump on the mats daily? Why do we persist with jiu jitsu amongst the injuries and busy lifestyles and every other trial and tribulation we encounter with jiu jitsu?Sure this is a sport, but more impo…

Coach John updates you on the progress of the HJJ Podcast! After at least a couple years creating podcasts, let's say Season 1 is done! A big thanks to Bradley Hamo at Art of Surrender, and co-host Matty Voger Mason, and all the students for helping to create these episodes so far. It's been lots of fun :) And to you, dear listeners, thanks for che…

In this episode Coach John chats with Morning class regular, HJJKids parent, and the man who keeps the Morning Moves class alive, Mr Gray Negrine. Gray was introduced to the martial arts early, starting with different styles before finding jiu jitsu. It's been a couple years at Higher with no end in sight. We've seen Gray progress to multiple strip…

Coach John is joined for another Stories show with none other than recently ordained Purple belt and all round nice guy Danny Willmott!In the four years that Danny has been training, he's experienced a transformation of sorts, in many areas of his life. He attributes lots of this to his jiu jitsu practice. In this chat, we speak about how he is cop…

Coach John is joined with HJJ purple belt Luke Whiffen. Luke is a dad, husband, lawyer, and devout student of jiu jitsu. He is in his second stint of jiu jitsu, and has been training at Higher Jiu Jitsu for over three years. Throughout his journey in the art, he has been faced with numerous challenges, and has appreciated the ups and downs for maki…

HJJ's very own Pat Osbourne has done the rounds of the martial arts. And he has applied his knowledge in the most stressful situations. We sat down to discuss his martial arts journey so far, as well as where he sees it all going in the future. It was a fun chat, and we thank Ozzy for jumping on!PS. In the name of simplicity, we will now be moving …

Coaches John and Matty come together to discuss life with no jiu jitsu. We discuss love hate relationships with the couch versus staying in the game and continuing the journey along the path. What is the path? The jiu jitsu path is the one to quality of life, or as Aristotle described it as 'Eudaimonia'. And it is this way to the Telos, our purpose…

Sure you do jiu jitsu because you love it. You also want to improve. So how do you measure this? To base your performance against these foes is unfair to yourself and your own progress. That's why the practice of jiu jitsu isn't best measured in terms of wins or loses or amount of submissions inflicted or eaten per class. Sure you tap but there are…

This is a discussion based on the legendary Higher crew's thoughts about what they wish they knew before starting jiu jitsu. It touches on many angles of the jiu jitsu experience, and you'd benefit from the listen no matter what level you're at. We love feedback too! So send over at least some of your thoughts. And if you're keen on giving jits a c…

Matty and I get together to discuss the complete beginner's process to getting started with JiuJjitsu. We talk about how to find different schools in your area. We discuss what to do to schedule in a trial, as well as what to expect. We then go into what happens on the day, when you show up, during class, and after class. There are so many aspects …

Around 7 years ago Higher Jiu Jitsu began as the Jiu Jitsu Commune. We were there to train, and learn together, and enjoy the fruits of jiu jitsu. There was no plan, or syllabus, but definitely lots of enthusiasm, and a vision of how I wanted things to be. Numerous years on, and it sure is a different place than how it started. Now we have curricul…

Matty and John come together and discuss how best to help a friend in a competition. "When one of us go to war, we all go to war" - Conor McGregor As a teammate, you help eachother day in and out in the training room. Now it's your buddy's turn to jump in the mix and test their skills. There are things you can do that can help, and or hinder. So be…

Aand we're back!It was an extended layoff, due to numerous reasons. From technical difficulties, to problems with the recording locations. Alas, we're here, and we have an exciting year of podcasting planned!This time around we chat about how to be a good 'Uke'. An uke when I wrote the article was the student the instructor would show technique on …

Coach John and Brad Hampson of Art of Surrender Podcast did this podcast at the beginning of the HJJPodcast days. There was a technical glitch which meant we took it back off but now we've repaired it, and it's a great chat. We talk about how to train with effectiveness and respect for yourself and others.How do we stay safe on the mats while maint…

Join coaches John and Matty as we discuss a contentious topic in the world of jiu jitsu. The Cart Goes Before the Horse It’s important to learn the ABCs before you move to your essay writing. That is, you need to learn the What of jiu jitsu before you learn about the How etc. Techniques are the basis of understanding what jiu jitsu is and how to ap…

Join John and Matty as we discuss how to get better sleep post jiu jitsu! Jiu Jitsu and Sleep In hard training and you’re fighting, or flying. It may not be either, but it’s how your body perceives the stress of someone trying to choke you, or catch your limbs, whether you’re playing or not. In this type of training you’re using your sympathetic ne…

They say pressure makes diamonds. So then are the joys of jiu jitsu locked in competition, now and forever? Or can we enjoy jiu jitsu and learn and flourish on the mats and off, without the rigours of competition? Join Matty and I as we discuss the pros and cons of competition, as well as how to do it safely and effectively, for long term benefits.…

Join John and Matty as we discuss a question sent in by an avid listener! So you were training jiu jitsu and you accidentally got choked out... You also know that tapping is a much more favourable option. You know that you should have tapped out earlier, and for this reason you may be a little upset, worried, or embarassed at what happened. As a de…

Higher Jiu Jitsu has been in the making for many years. The journey has been filled with ups and downs. There is so much more to be, and do. And yet every day, and in every way, we’re going higher and higher. Join John and Matty as we discuss the early days of Higher and how it all came about. Hope you all enjoy! Original article found here.…

In this special episode I'm joined by HJJ legend Sam Alderton Johnson. We introduce the exciting, new HJJ initiative known as the Spark Program. The Spark program is here to offer the opportunity of Gracie Jiu Jitsu to less privileged kids from around the Woolloomooloo area. We've created a sponsorship program with an application process to find th…

Does the trap go after the mouse or the mouse go after the trap? Join coaches Matty & John as we discuss a very important idea of jiu jitsu - strategy. Technique is ubiquitous, but there is an underlying strategy that is crucial if your jiu jitsu is to be effective. That strategy is exactly what we dicuss here! Be Aware of Yourself Use your own 4 l…

Coaches John and Matty discuss what it's like to be injured and how to do jiu jitsu better, meaning ... don't get injured!! You live and breathe jiu jitsu. You wake up doing technical stand ups out of bed. Co-workers say hi and your instinct is to respond with ‘oss’. Your Chrome is filled with jiu jitsu articles to read, and most waking moments of …

Matty and John have a conversation around BJJ and Gracie Jiu Jitsu and the idea of training for self defence. Why do we regularly discuss jiu jitsu from a standpoint of violence? It’s known as the gentle art for a reason, and you like it because you don’t need to get hurt while doing it. Learning the sweeps, and escapes, and submissions of grapplin…

As a blue belt I was visiting another school until I was told not to. I hadn't done anything wrong, but it wasn't working for my home school or the school I was visiting. I was upset, and a little offended, and I didn't know what I had done wrong. Fast forward numerous years, I am now a school owner and I can see both sides of the coin. Here is a c…

John and Matty return in a chat for the infidels of jiu jitsu! You know THOSE people, who think it's very weird and abnormal to be on top of other sweaty men and women trying to choke eachother. The ones that laugh at the thought of you training, because they'd rather be out doing normal things.Lots of us were there before we even started in this m…

Join Matty and I as we discuss why you need to come back to jiu jitsu!This is a timely reminder for those who are out of routine due to the pandemic, or previously injured, and/or jaded from a previous jiu jitsu experience. More than anything it's a fun discussion about why we train, and why we recommend it for all walks of life."Jiu jitsu this and…

Matty and John talk about 3 big reasons to do jiu jitsu, and they're very relevant today...Self Defence SuperpowersWhen you learn self defence, you practice how to act in the interests of wellbeing. You build situational awareness, and the ability to adapt in order to protect your life, and the lives of those around you. You will understand how to …

John and Matty discuss the importance of learning the basics and building your knowledge of jiu jitsu from the ground up. First a big thanks to the students who jump on Zoom and continue the learning. And a spray to those who haven't :) We chat about the history and progression of the Jiu Jitsu Commune into what we now know as Higher Jiu Jitsu. “If…

During our Covid19 lockdown, Matty and I meet up, whilst practicing social distancing of course, and discuss 10 of the most annoying things you can do on the jiu jitsu mats. We all know you’re a great person, and don’t intend to annoy your friends. But there are some things that are taboo on the jits mats. Avoid these and you'll be fine and ready t…

Welcome back to the HJJStories Show once again! Mr Brad Hampson was doing a great job with this feed until he decided to leave us and go home to Perth. Now, what better time to reboot it than Now! :) Our next guest is no other than Higher student and Kids assistant Ms Isabella Polines! It was a fun chat we had, discussing her rich history with diff…

Matty and John get together to talk about the early stages of jiu jitsu, and how to best organise, and think about your training right from the beginning.Just like every game you need to know the rules first before you can play properly. Without knowing the rules, and especially when up against other beginners, you run the risk of not having fun, a…

Join John and Matty, this time in the dojo as we discuss the essential jiu jitsu journey - from within yourself and throughout those around you. Study Yourself You decided to don the gi and take part in this journey. You make your way to jiu jitsu class, you tie your belt, and you train for hours. It’s your neck that’s on the line, and it’s your li…

Stop using your strength! Does this sound familiar? We're not judging. We're just here to help. --- You huff, and you puff, and you fight jiu jitsu. We tell you to 'go easy', relax, and not use your strength. You hear us, but you don't listen to us. You nod your head, and the moment you touch gloves, the bulldog is once again off the leach. We don’…

Join John and Matty as we discuss the Long Game of jiu jitsu and how to play it. ---When you play the long game, there isn’t a finish line. No end in sight. That isn’t a punishment, but a just reward for being a student of this martial art.The long game comes with it’s own rules of play.1. First things first, do not get injured.In the long game, le…

They say home is where the heart lies. And then there’s your jiu jitsu academy. John and Matty discuss what a third place is and why you need one too. "Members feel more like brothers and sisters. The mats feel just like the warmth and comfort of your own home. You feel a piece of yourself is rooted in the space, and you gain strength just by being…

John and Matty discuss the differences between sport BJJ and Gracie Jiu Jitsu as a way of life. Many people start in jiu jitsu with the goal to stay safe and compete in MMA. Very quickly I was pulled into the competitive realm, and the 'stay safe' part fell by the wayside to the focus of winning competitions. It isnt that competition jiu jitsu isn'…

John and Matty discuss the very common Imposter Syndrome amongst jiu jitsu students, and how it can wreak havoc on your ability to learn, as well as the enjoyment you derive from your practice of the gentle art. It's Self Awareness Being critical is a strength when you seek out what to improve on, and look to refine the parts and benefit the whole.…

The Leverage Camp of 2019 has come and gone, and with it has etched some of the most amazing jiu jitsu memories that the participants will never forget. It was as though the jiu jitsu Gods were looking down on us, for everything about this camp was nothing less than perfect. Below I will do my best to put this experience into words, which definitel…

John and Matty discuss the coaching process happening at Higher and what it takes to be a good coach. We chat about the importance of staying a learner for life, and being guided through the jiu jitsu journey in a way that offers structure and freedom at the same time. Points of Note: +The importance of the environment around you to maintain curios…

Matty and I recorded this two weeks ago and it was scheduled to be released at the end of August. In light of the recent Sydney Stabbing Attacks that occurred on the 13th August, I feel like it's important to bring up these points of discussion today. Yesterday Sydney's CBD was faced with a random act of violence by a knife yielding, mentally unsta…

Curiosity On the Mats Doesn't Kill the Cat.John and Matty as we discuss how to stay curious on the mats, and learn for a lifetime. If you want to do jiu jitsu well, you need to learn how to do it. So, what's the best way to learn? First, be curious.You're not curious when you're under pressure to perform, or when you're worried about being flattene…

"Beware the barreness of a busy life."- Socrates.Join Coach John and Matty as they talk about how to 'Stop Busy. Start Jiu Jitsu".The more attention you give to something, the more it will flourish.This is why you need to proactively plan your jiu jitsu time. A regular practice of jiu jitsu will not happen by accident. Time will not leap up and bit…

Join Coach John Smallios, Prof Phillip Grapsas, and purple belt extraordinaire Roger Dio as we discuss how to take your practice of jiu jitsu and turn it into a study of science. --- The beauty of jiu jitsu means that there are countless choices in any one moment in time. From each position, you can pick and choose many different options to move fo…

Injuries suck. I hate them. If you're a human being, you do too. Your training methods should be focused on improving your capacity to live, perform, and have fun. Not hurt you. If you're frequently getting injured, it may be time to consider your program. Join Coach John and Matty as we discuss the perils of injury, and what to do in order to mini…

Life is busy and you're a little under the weather. You're tired, a little bored of your current routine, and just want to do something fun and fresh. This is around the time that jiu jitsu can help. You do a trial at HJJ, you meet new friends, you learn self defence, and have fun, all at the same time. You're now hooked, you have the bug. You have…

Gracie Jiu Jitsu means self defence via leverage where smaller, weaker people can defend themselves against bigger, and stronger aggressors. So then why are the everyday people doing jiu jitsu predominantly men? The gentle art is the perfect martial art for women to learn because it doesn't rely on physical attributes. You don't need big muscles, o…

John and AJ sit to discuss the entire ethos of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. When you first start jiu jitsu, and your understanding is lacking, you see one move after the other. When you've been training for a while, you start to consider the strategy that connects all of these techniques together. The Perils of Poker - On the poker table, if you show your han…

AJ started at Higher Jiu Jitsu with the intention of building on what he already knew. Little by little, he realised this wasn't enough. He couldn't keep improving without giving in to the process. So he surrendered, adjusted his attitude to training, gave in to the learning, and everything changed. A brilliant conversation and hopefully one you en…

Coach John talks to HJJ student Jamil. Growing up in a rough part of Sydney, Jamil was encouraged into the martial arts by his dad. From Kung Fu to boxing to Kali, Jamil has done it all. Early on, he was asked - 'Why?' This stuck, and he searched, and he trained, and he questioned. Then he found Higher Jiu Jitsu. This is his story.…