172: Navigating Unsolicited Opinions: When Your Loved Ones Don't Support Your Jiu-Jitsu Journey

What do you do when you feel like your family, friends, or spouse are not supportive of you doing Jiu-Jitsu? From concerns about injuries to doubts about our abilities and choices, we've heard it all. Whether it’s a partner who doesn't appreciate your commitment, parents who don't understand why you do Jiu-Jitsu, or friends who think it's a waste of time, we’ve got some ideas to handle these situations with grace and confidence. We also explore the deeper reasons that sometimes hide behind the lack of support, like jealousy, or the discomfort of seeing you grow and become more confident.…

171: Should You Attend Jiu Jitsu Open Mats: The Benefits of Cross-Training

We have BIG opinions on cross-training and whether or not it’s a good idea to attend Jiu Jitsu open mats.  Picture It: You love going to open mats, but your coach seems to have some reservations. This is the situation that one of our listeners found herself in.  Now, that got the gears turning in our jiu-jitsu-obsessed minds. We dive deep into the topic of cross-training and open mats and explain why some coaches discourage cross-training. We discuss the red flags, the toxic mentality behind this, and why it's important to embrace the opportunity to learn and train with different…

170: If You Want to Get Better at Jiu-Jitsu, You’ve Got to be Coachable

What does being coachable mean to you, and how does that impact your Jiu-Jitsu success? We are talking about being coachable from everyday training to how to focus on what your coach is telling you when you’re out there competing. Remember in The Empire Strikes Back when Yoda was trying to drop some wisdom on Luke Skywalker, but he just wasn't having it? Well, let's just say we have some thoughts on Luke’s unwillingness to be coached! But this episode is not all lightsabers and cute droids. We get down to business and share our insight and experience on what…

169: Maintaining a Beginner’s Mindset: Why You Need it from White Belt All the Way Through Black Belt

We are exploring how adopting the mindset of a beginner can unlock your potential and help you improve at every level, from white belt through black belt. You will even hear how we are using this mindset with the podcast recording process. This practice goes way beyond the mat. Throughout the episode, we share insights from both the coach and student experience, along with practical ways to build confidence and skill while keeping a curious spirit. AJ reveals an eye-opening realization about the learning process! Whether you're a white belt hungry to learn or an experienced practitioner seeking new ways…

168: Grappling with Drama at the Gym

What do you do when team drama rears its ugly head at the gym or outside of it? Whether it’s the mean girls ganging up on you, or relationship drama between exes, we have some thoughts to share from both the coach and the student experience. You might not want to hear this, but it starts with communication. It is the key to resolving conflicts and maintaining a positive training environment for everyone. Nothing changes if you don’t voice your concerns and have open and honest conversations.  Highlights How to avoid the drama How to start the conversation with your…

167: Jiu-Jitsu, Shenanigans, a Dance Party, New Friends, and Abby’s Trail Mix – Highlights and Favorites from Roll Model Camp 2023

Why do AJ and Jen believe that this was the best Roll Model Grappling Camp yet? This is not your typical Jiu-Jitsu camp. Listen to learn why. And if you were lucky enough to be there, relive some of your favorite camp experiences with us. Roll Model camp is as much about what happens off the mats as on. Life-long friendships were made. Our Jiu-Jitsu circles and communities were expanded while we learned Jiu-Jitsu from Emily Kwok, Rachel Casias, Nattie Boss, and AJ Clingerman. AJ gives us some insight into what she has seen change over the years with female…

166: The Jiu Jitsu Coach – Student Relationship: What Does Your Coach Owe You as the Student?

What does a Jiu Jitsu coach owe their student? Rolls? Coaching at tournaments? Promotions? Unlimited Access? What is the obligation and where does it end? We are navigating the intricacies of what coaches owe their students in the world of Jiu Jitsu, or at least sharing our thoughts. You will get the student and the coach perspective during this episode. How does a coach balance being present for their own personal commitments and competitions, while also wanting to coach and support their students?  Do coaches owe their students coaching for every tournament? We touch on the fear of missing out…

165: The Jiu-Jitsu Coach – Student Relationship: What Do You Owe Your Coach?

Brace yourself! We are exploring the complex dynamics of the Jiu-Jitsu Coach - Student relationship. What do you owe your coach? Do you owe them anything more than just showing up when you’re paying to be there? Have you ever felt like your coach was too controlling? We are big fans of loyalty - but do you owe your Jiu Jitsu coach your undying loyalty? Where does it cross a line for you? Have you ever been told that you can’t cross train at another gym? Are you not allowed to attend seminars outside of your school? Do you feel…

164: Quiet Confidence – The Introverts Guide to Jiu Jitsu Camp and other Social Situations

How do you navigate the Jiu-Jitsu world, or any other large social gatherings, as an introvert? We are sharing our experiences and tips from our listeners for making connections and building relationships within the Jiu-Jitsu community. If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend! You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2 Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp https://rollmodelswanted.com/ Roll Model Radio Podcast https://pod.link/1561020212 New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906439f https://beautyandthegi.libsyn.com/category/Start+Here Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App https://link.chtbl.com/beautyandthegi…

163: Emily Kwok

This episode is packed full of wisdom for life on and off the mat because Emily Kwok is on the show! Emily talks about her experiences teaching Jiu Jitsu and the importance of creating a comfortable and trusting environment for her students. We also discusses the value of having multiple ecosystems in our lives and the dangers of defining ourselves solely by our Jiu Jitsu.  Emily's perspectives on teaching, ecosystems, and the world of martial arts are thought-provoking and inspiring. Listen up for an insightful conversation on the world of Jiu Jitsu and its impact on personal and professional growth.…