Gordon Ryan: Joe Rogan Podcast Was The Worst Experience Of My Life

By
Filip Zanki
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Gordon Ryan Joe Rogan Podcast
The “King” of submission grappling Gordon Ryan recently shared on bodybuilder turned YouTuber Flex Lewis’ podcast how his first appearance (out of two so far) on the Joe Rogan Podcast was one of the worst experiences of his life.

From 2018 to 2022 Gordon Ryan was having extreme trouble with his stomach, due to an undiagnosed condition that made him nauseous after even the smallest bite of food. When he came on the Joe Rogan Podcast for the very first time, he was in one of the worst periods of struggling with his stomach conditions, but how do you say “no” to Joe Rogan?

At the time, Ryan was in Austin looking to buy a house. As the Joe Rogan Podcast had already relocated there from L.A., Ryan got the invite and did not want to reject the opportunity, despite eating restaurant food while hunting for a house made him endure the worst period of his life:

As Ryan told Flex Lewis:

“I remember like the worst experience like pretty much my life, I guess, it would probably be like uh, when uh I went on Rogan for the first time…

I just remember getting to Rogan and being like I am so nauseous, I’m gonna die. Like almost like an inch away from throwing up, but I’m like I can’t tell Joe Rogan that I can’t do his podcast right now. … I’m like I can’t like be a **** and just tell Rogan like ‘hey man, I really can’t do this podcast but the whole podcast’, I’m just struggling like sipping water.”

The stomach issues even sidelined Ryan for a year, forcing him into retirement. it was his discussion of the problem on that very first Joe Rogan Podcast appearance that eventually led Gordon to a proper diagnosis and resolution of the ailment as a result of the reach the JRE podcast has.

What Really Happened The Night Leandro Lo Was Shot?

By
Filip Zanki
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What Happened |the Night Leandro Lo Was Shot ?
2022 is going to be remembered in the BJJ world as a tragic year, when Jiu-Jitsu legend Leandro Lo needlessly lost his life in an incident in a night-club in Brazil, when an off-duty cop shot him in the head, killing him on the spot. Now, Dillon Danis sheds some more light on what happened that night.

In the latest episode of the “MMA Hour,” Dillon Danis had something interesting to say for a change. During the interview which focused mostly on his upcoming fight with YouTuber KSI, Danis told the story about Leandro Lo getting shot, adding some details about what happened.

Apparently, the two of them spent some time together not long before the inside. according to Dannis:

”I was with him not that long before he… what happened to him and it’s just like so crazy because something like that could happen to me too.”

When Ariel Helwani inquired further looking for the reason for the incident in which Leandro Lo was killed, Danis explained that:

“Apparently the guy was like uh jealous of him and he was outside and the Leandro had a bunch of girls they were hanging out, and then guy was just jealous.

So he took the bottle [of tequilla] like that and like drank it and Leandro took him down choked him out and like and then they got separated in there the guy is like ‘oh I’m good’ and then he was like pacing back and forth and just came up and shot him”.

Danis went on to say the cop that shot Leandro Lo is in prison, but he is in a special prison for cops, and as such is removed from the general population that could be looking to avenge Lo.

After all, the BJJ World adored Leandro, which was clear as protests in front of police stations were held after his death and his close friends went to his funerals wearing Gis to show their respect for the impact Leanro Lo had on Jiu-Jitsu.

Gordon Ryan Admits That Sambo Is Better Than BJJ…For MMA

By
Filip Zanki
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Gordon Ryan Admits Sambo si better than BJJ
Gordon Ryan recently went against the grain when replying to a fan on social media about the efficiency of Sambo over Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. the best grappler in the world supported the claim of Khabib, that Sambo is better than BJJ… But only when it comes to MMA.

Gordon Ryan loves stirring up trouble with his opinions, and his latest one goes completely against what was demonstrated so far in ONE Championship, where BJJ athletes have 4 wins over Sambo athletes. Namely, Ryan supported the claim of Dagestani grapplers like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Mahkachev that Sambo is better than BJJ when discussing the subject with one of his fans.

“Gordon. How come BJJ guys keep getting destroyed on the ground vs sambo guys the last few years??? Genuinely keen to hear your input on this. Do you think there are any BJJers that could stop guys like Khabib and Islam in MMA????” asked the fan.

Gordon replied, explaining very astutely why Sambo is better than BJJ when it comes to grappling for mixed martial arts:

“Sambo guys” are more well-equipped to wrestle under an MMA rule set. Meaning they dominate the pace and direction of the fight, and end on top. And make their opponents carry body weight, forming a discrepancy in the work rate that leads to fatigue over time. plus the guys they’re fighting aren’t, in my opinion, world-level jiu-jitsu that focuses on MMA, not specialists.”

The part of the answer that lacks, though is who would be able to deal with the superior grappling of Sambo athletes, and who those world-level Jiu-Jitsu fighters Gordon has in mind are.  Ryan’s teammate and friend Garry Tonon certainly qualifies as one, but he is currently on the roster of ONE FC.

With the likes of Kron Gracie and Rodolfo Vieira on the UFC roster though, it is not difficult to foresee a match where the debate about whether or not Sambo is better than BJJ for MMA is put to the test inside the octagon.

Sambo is better than BJJ for MMA explains Gordon Ryan

Steffen Banta, The Most Decorated Brown Belt In US History

By
Filip Zanki
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Steffen Banta, the most decorated brown belt in America

Steffen Banta, a 23-year-old student at SMU received his black belt just 3 days ago (on December 18, 2022. While this may sound just like any other jiu-jitsu belt promotion in any other gym, it is not. Namely, Steffen is the most decorated brown belt ever to compete representing the US (according to the IBJJF rankings), and managed to win every competition in Gi and No-Gi in 2022.

Steffen Banta managed to earn the number one spot in the IBJJF rankings this year (2022) after competing relentlessly at every Gi and No-Gi tournament he could get to. This not only earned him the historic achievement of being the most decorated brown belt in America to date but also resulted in his promotion to black belt after the No-Gi Worlds.

“#1 Ranked, pound for pound, NoGi Brown Belt in the world @ibjjf. This year I’ve been able to hold the #1 ranking (overall for Brown Belts) in both Gi, and now No-Gi,” declared Steffen.

 

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A post shared by Steffen Banta (@steffenbanta)

Banta started training as a teenager and has been training for only 6 years before making history at brown belt and earning his black. The most decorated brown belt in America is now going to have to prove himself in the “big leagues” with all his idols being his perspective rivals from now on.

According to his Instagram account, Steffen is grateful to his teammates and parents for his achievements. The most decorated brown belt, now turned black belt, trains under João Gabriel Rocha in the Alliance Jiu-Jitsu gym in Dallas, Texas.

“2022 has been a long, and fruitful year, with a lot of mountain-top moments. None of them possible without the incredible support team I have behind me. Namely my dad, Michael. (@cityboygardener) He has traveled the country, and the world, the last few years chasing dreams with me. And he’s selflessly sacrificed his time, sick leave days, and work (as a councilor saving lives) to come to support me.

I want to thank my teammates and team: @alliancedallas. The biggest pillars of this team are my Professor @jgrocha who has believed in me, and nurtured me since I was a 17-year-old Bluebelt who wouldn’t stop showing up to “pro training.”

 

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A post shared by João Gabriel Rocha (@jgrocha)

Grisly Murders Cause Surge Of New Students In Local BJJ Gym

By
Filip Zanki
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Idaho Murders Cause Surge in Local BJJ gym
A grisly quadruple murder in the small town of Moscow, Idaho has put residents in a state of fear, causing a huge spike in the interest in self-defense in a Local BJJ gym, as well as increased interest in firearm training.

Moscow, Idaho is a small town that was rocked by a gruesome quadruple murder on November 13, 2022. The brutal stabbing of four students in the vicinity of the University of Idaho has instilled fear in residents, and with police unable to identify or apprehend a suspect in more than a month, people are now surging to a local BJJ gym in the quest for self-defense training.

The gnarly murder happened in a house just yards away from the University of Idaho campus, where the bodies of four students, Kaylee Goncalves (21), Madison Mogen (21), Xana Kernodle (20), and Ethan Chapin (20) were discovered last month. According to the police, the murderer used a fixed-blade knife and is still at large.

Victims of Idaho murders draw people to local BJJ gym

Many students have decided not to return to the University of Idaho for the spring semester, and locals are reporting that they are rattled and concerned about getting to work or being alone. This has caused a massive interest in classes in a local BJJ gym.

WIth heavy snow preventing people from actively obtaining firearms training despite triple the usual interest, Jiu-Jitsu emerges as the people’s choice for regaining some control and safety in everyday life.

“What happened has certainly heightened interest in classes, but the trend towards more female participation has been on the rise for the past years. Having said that, I would say that the past month has led to even more calls about our striking classes,” Cathy Curry from local BJJ Gym “V7 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu” told Fox News Digital.

“During our classes we promote the importance of self-awareness and self-security to avoid situations, as well as teach the skills to address situations as they arise through a variety of drills and live training.”

So far, five weeks have passed with no results, but local police are pledging that they are doing everything possible to solve the case.

Idaho Murders cause interest in self defense

Danielle Kelly: 2022 Was The Best Year For Jiu-Jitsu!

By
Filip Zanki
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2022 was the best year for Jiu-Jitsu says Danielle Kelly
According to ONE submission grappling superstar and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Danielle Kelly, 2022 was the best year for Jiu-Jitsu in the history of the sport and expects 2023 is only going to bring more opportunities for grappling athletes.

Silverfox black belt Danielle Kelly really had a stellar 2022 in terms of her competition performances on the mats. She made history by competing in and winning, the first-ever female submission grappling match in ONE FC against MMA legend Mei Yamaguchi. That was not only a big moment for the 27-year-old grappler, but for female Jiu-Jitsu in general.

“It was probably the best year for jiu-jitsu and being a jiu-jitsu athlete. Looking back, I wasn’t expecting to be in that spot at all. It meant a lot to be able to be the first jiu-jitsu women’s grappling match for ONE. I worked really hard,” said Kelly in an interview for ONE FC.

 

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She went on to quickly submit Sambo World Champion Mariia Molchanova, getting the third win for Jiu-Jitsu in a feud between Sambo and BJJ fueled by ONE FC. In her reflections on 2022, Kelly is grateful for her chances so far, but remains hungry for titles:

“So I think what I got out of it this year is I think I’m a different grappler. So, yeah, I’m taking it seriously and I’m just really, really grateful to be here and be in a spot that I’m in.

I want to win that women’s World Title for 115 [pounds], for sure.”

There are two possible high-profile opponents for Danielle which would bring even more attention to female grapplers, creating opportunities for Jiu-Jitsu professionals on a global level:

“Angela Lee, I only called her out because she said she can submit me. I like easy matches. I said it before. No hard feelings. But you know, I mean, if I’m such an easy match then just take the match.

If ONE would do a women’s World Title, I would love to go against Jessa Khan. People think I’m dodging jiu-jitsu people, but I’ve been studying her, so I hope I get that match.”

Mikey Musumeci: I’m Never Not Thinking About Jiu-Jitsu

By
Filip Zanki
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Mikey Musumeci: I am never not thinking about Jiu-Jitsu

Mikey Musumeci is one of the universally loved characters in Jiu-Jitsu, who is both a beast when competing and the best human being on and off the mats when he is not. While we know a lot bout his crazy diet, competitive mindset, and his insane drilling habits, now Musumeci shares what got him into BJJ, what keeps him motivated, and what he’d like his legacy to be.

How It All Started

Musumeci moved a lot as a child, changing a total of 11 homes. That made making friends (and keeping them) hard for him, which resulted in a depression that follows him pretty much his entire life.

The way Mieky found to cope with it all was Jiu-Jitsu.

Through BJJ, Musumeci overcame many hardships, including controlling his depression and starting to enjoy life.

Initially, he did not feel like the other kids, he felt different, but on the mats, BJJ made him feel accepted and normal, it gave him an environment that valued him. Having the gift of hyperfocus helps Musumei as he says in a recent feature video for Fightlore Official:

“So if I focus on one thing, I can like focus on it a lot deeper than other people. So that’s a gift.”

Why He Completes

For Mikey Musumeci, the main reason he competes is easy – because he loves it.

He has been training since he was 4 years old, which brings the total time he spent on the mats to a whopping 22 years at the moment. That is a lot of experience and he still has many milestones to achieve.

Another reason Musumeci enjoys stepping on the competition mats is that he sees it as a way to make an impact on the next generation of competitive grapplers. He wants to inspire people through his performances on the mats, making them want to train more and achieve more after watching him grapple.

The high-level Musumeci is at is mainly due to the mindset he has adopted of being is own coach. Since the age of 14-15 (which is after a decade in the sport) Mieky started being his own coach, pushing himself further and always studying tape, instructionals, and rolling footage.

Of course, having a sister that is also a World Champion in Tammy Musumeci helps a lot, with the siblings often training in their garage.

“What keeps me going, I would say is my motivation and drive, I’m always trying to get better, and improve and I know how short our life is. I know how limited our time is. So I feel like every second that I am not working toward my goal, I feel like I’m wasting time.

I think what separates me is my obsession, I’m never not thinking about Jiu-Jitsu. Every hour in the day I am thinking of it.”

The Mikey Musumeci Legacy

While Mikey has one of the most attacking and aggressive styles in the sport, always looking for submissions, regardless if he gets them or not, he does not want his style of grappling to be his legacy.

Instead, he’d like people to remember him by the energy on the mats, and the respect and values he holds in high regard.

According to Musumeci, BJJ has a lot of amazing athletes that are horrible people. What he aspires is to be a good person on and off the mats.

Musumeci sees his legacy in giving back to the community, by showing that anyone can do BJJ, and people do not have to fulfill the stereotype of tough arrogant people which is the quintessential combat sports athlete image nowadays. Musumeci instead likes to pull people into Jiu-Jitsu by showing everyone can do BJJ.

His advice to people starting BJJ is to:

“Take it slow, don’t get completely obsessed with it and burn out. So I think a steady, long-distance mindset is the best for anyone starting Jiu-Jitsu. “

Benjamin Kunzle, Temporary Paralyzed Grappler, Gets Black Belt From Cyborg

By
BJJ World
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Benjamin Kunzle, paralyzed Grappler, Earns Black Belt From Cyborg
Benjamin Kunzle is a grappler from Miami, training in the FightSports headquarters under Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu who dislocated his neck 6 months ago while preparing for the IBJJF World Championship. The 23-year-old  got promoted to black belt by Cyborg while still being stuck in a wheelchair.

Benjamin Kunzle suffered a devastating injury while preparing for the 2022 World BJJ Championship, and was left temporarily tetraplegic (completely paralyzed). He suffered a freak injury in training, which left him without the ability to move his limbs:

“I remember I was fighting and I went to throw my friend and he fell on my neck and I felt a pop on my neck and I dropped to the floor and screamed ‘AH!’ as hard as I could and my body couldn’t work anymore,” said Kunzle to Fox4 at the time.

After emergency surgery, the prognosis for Benjamin Kunzle improved, with realistic hopes that the would be back on his feet and training again. However, despite regaining the ability to move parts of his body:

“As time goes by I can move more and more. I can’t move my legs or fingers too much yet but my core is moving and we are getting places.”

After going through  rigorous bouts of physical therapy, Benjamin Kunzle has managed to regain the movement in his arms as well:

“Since the injury, I’ve significantly improved my mobility through the constant help of my rehabilitation therapists (gradually gaining back the strength and control in my arms and core).”

The relentless champion now got an incredible new surge of motivation as his coach Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu promoted him to black belt yesterday (December 18, 2022), demonstrating faith that his student will be back on the mats sooner rather than later.

“For me, getting the Black Belt was never and if it was more of a question of when.

Almost 13 years ago I walked into a jiu-jitsu gym with hopes of beating up my big brother I had no idea the effect that the sport would have on my life.

Jiu-jitsu has taught me how to stand up for myself, how to keep going when times get tough, that, even on your worst days, you’re capable of greatness, and so much more.

I want to give a special thanks to my professors @cyborgbjj @deninhobjj @glaudiston_luiz_simczak for believing in me before I believed in myself, and for dedicating so much of the time and knowledge to me

I cannot wait to see what my black days have in store for me,” wrote Benjamin Kunzle on his Instagram account.

If you want to help Kunzle get back on his feet, there is a GoFundMe page where you can contribute.

Blind BJJ Black Belt: I Never Quit, It Took 7 Years For My First Title

By
Filip Zanki
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Blind BJJ Black Belt Terry Clinton: I Never Quit
Terry Clinton, a blind BJJ Black Belt from New Zealand shares his inspirational path to a black belt and his difficult road to progress in Jiu-Jitsu, making all usual excuses people use fade completely in comparison.

The first blind BJJ black belt from New Zealand, Terry Clinton recently shared how truly difficult his Jiu-Jitsu journey has been. BJJ is hard and challenging fro everyone, let alone people who have a specific impairment, like in the case of Terry.

As per a post on his Instagram account, the blind BJJ black belt lost 40 fights before ever tasting victory on the mats. He also had to compete for 7 years before winning his first National Title as well as go through 6 World Championships to end up on the podium.

“The question has been asked: how did I get my black belt as a blind person?

The answer is simple. I DID NOT QUIT.

I lost my first 40 fights and I did not quit. I had people telling me I could not make it and I did not quit. It took 7 years to get my first national title I did not quit.

It took me 6 world champs to get a medal but I did not quit.”

The relentless blind BJJ black belt also shared his hark tank experience from his promotion to black belt:

“90 seconds in to my shark tank Monday I was kneed in the face and started bleeding. I was asked if I wanted to stop but I did not because I hate quitting so rolled 19 minutes bleeding the whole time.”

Terry Clinton’s story is inspirational as it, but him sharing the details about the struggles he was facing and never gave up is exactly the wind some grappler need in their sails:

“If you have a big dream do not listen to doubters. Go chase it as hard as you can and do not quit!

As for my black belt I do feel like an impostor, but at the end of the day it was not my choice and I respect that three people who made that decision.

So, I am going to enjoy the ride keep learning and guess what I will not quit!”

Orlando Sanchez, GB Professor And ADCC Champion Dies At 40

By
Filip Zanki
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Orlando Sanchez Gracie Barra Professor and ADCC Champion dies at 40
The BJJ World has been struck by tragic news today, as the news emerges that Orlando Sanchez, a professor at Gracie Barra and an ADCC Champion competitor died at the age of 40.

Orlando Sanchez was a BJJ black belt very well known and respected worldwide. He was an excellent professor under the Gracie Barra banner and was the 2015 ADCC champion. He was also one of the staple names in many ADCC events during the past decade and had some memorable battels with the best of the best in Jiu-Jitsu.

The father of three was also an IBJJF world champion, Pan Ams winner, and Brazilan Nationals champion, as well as undefeated in professional MMA. Orlando got his black belt from Jose Olimpio (Ze Radiola).

The official Gracie Barra Instagram account had this to say about te tragic news:

“The news of the passing of Professor Orlando Sanchez profoundly saddens us.Thank you for being a great friend and one of our greatest athletes.

You leave a legacy of toughness, kindness, and loyalty through your efforts as a competitor, professor, school owner, and regional leader.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with others and spreading the Jiu-Jitsu legacy worldwide. Rest in peace, Professor Orlando Sanchez. We will always remember you.

The Gracie Barra team wishes comfort in the heart of his family and friends.”

The ADCC also mourned the loss of a great champion and competitor in Sanchez:

“ADCC would like to send its condolences to all the friends and family of ADCC champion Orlando Sanchez on the news of his passing.”

There is no more information available at the moment about the cause of death of Orlando Sanchez, who was only 40 years old. We will keep updating as information becomes available.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Orlando Sanchez’s family and friends.

Orlando Sanchez Dies at 40

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