Emerald Grappling

About Emerald Grappling

Welcome to the Emerald Grappling Podcast, a monthly podcast dedicated to the people, stories and culture of grappling in Ireland. Each episode features conversations with coaches, competitors, hobbyists, referees and rising talents, exploring their journeys through grappling and the experiences that have shaped them. Irish grappling has a story to tell. This is where we tell it.

Publisher

Emerald Grappling

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

28 Apr 2024

Latest episode

7 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

29 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Sept 2026

   #26 Mick Aldridge: The Man Who Helped Bring Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to Ireland!

   How did Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu go from almost unknown to a thriving sport in Ireland?In this episode of the Emerald Grappling Podcast, Aaron is joined by Mick Aldridge, a black belt and head coach of Athy Jiu-Jitsu, and one of the men who helped establish Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Ireland.Mick takes us right back to the beginning of his Jiu-Jitsu journey, recalling how he first discovered BJJ and his experiences travelling to California to train with the legendary Rickson Gracie. Mick shares stories from his time training with Rickson and recalls how the Gracie family welcomed the Athy men into their gym and treated them like family during their visits.We then explore what the Irish martial arts scene looked like when BJJ was still in its infancy. Mick shares some brilliant stories from those early days, including the time a martial artist walked into the gym and challenged one of his students because he believed his own martial art was "better" than Jiu-Jitsu.Stories like these give a fascinating insight into just how different the Irish martial arts and BJJ landscape was before the explosion of social media, online instructionals and the modern grappling scene.We look at the growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Ireland and how the scene has evolved over the decades. Mick reflects on the changes he's witnessed, from the early days of Irish BJJ to the huge growth of the sport, and shares his thoughts on how the standard of Irish grappling today compares with when he first started.Mick also explains one of the philosophies that has become synonymous with his approach to Jiu-Jitsu: "No Space. No Peace." He breaks down what he means by using pressure, angles and positional control to systematically take away space from an opponent, leaving them with nowhere to move and, ultimately, "no peace."We also discuss the importance of longevity in Jiu-Jitsu. Rory McCann once described Mick as the "king of staying on the mats", and Mick explains the mindset and mentality that have allowed him to keep training for decades while so many others have come and gone.Finally, we look towards the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Ireland. Where is the sport heading? How will the next generation shape Irish grappling? And what does Mick think the future holds for BJJ in Ireland?A conversation about the history of Irish Jiu-Jitsu, Mick's experiences with Rickson Gracie and the Gracie family, the characters and stories from the early Irish scene, the evolution of the sport, pressure and control, longevity, and what it takes to stay on the mats for the long haul.⏱️ CHAPTERS🟢 FOLLOW MICK ALDRIDGE / ATHY JIU-JITSUInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/athyjiujitsu/https://www.instagram.com/athyjiujitsu/ (https://www.instagram.com/athyjiujitsu/)🟢 **FOLLOW EMERALD GRAPPLING**Instagram → @emeraldgrapplingTikTok → @emeraldgrappling👍 **Like, Share & Subscribe for more Irish Jiu-Jitsu conversations!**#EmeraldGrapplingPodcast #MickAldridge #AthyJiuJitsu #RicksonGracie #GracieJiuJitsu #NoSpaceNoPeace #IrishBJJ #BJJIreland #BJJ #JiuJitsu #Grappling #IrishGrappling #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJHistory #BJJCommunity #BJJCoach #BJJBlackBelt #JiuJitsuMindset #BJJTraining #PressurePassing #PositionalControl #MartialArts #CombatSports #SubmissionGrappling

2. 

   27 Jul 2026

   #25 Kacper Sawicki: The Sacrifices Nobody Sees Behind Becoming a Great Martial Artist!

   What would you sacrifice to become a great martial artist?In this episode of the Emerald Grappling Podcast, Aaron is joined by Kacper Sawicki, a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, black belt in Kickboxing, striking coach at Lakeland Jiu Jitsu and an active competitor on the Irish grappling scene.Kacper takes us through his journey from boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, discussing how his striking background continues to influence his grappling today. We explore his original MMA ambitions, the moment BJJ became more than just preparation, and how the sport became a lifelong pursuit.We discuss the ACL injury that tested his mindset, how setbacks have changed his approach to training, and the discipline required to balance multiple training sessions, coaching, work and life while continuing to chase improvement.Kacper also shares his evolution as a coach, his calm approach to teaching, and why constantly learning is essential for becoming better on and off the mats. From travelling to train in Thailand, Poland and Scramble camps, to learning from different coaches and environments, he explains how seeking new perspectives has shaped his development.We dive into the importance of training partners, competing through adversity, and the lessons that come from both winning and losing. Finally, we look towards the future - his goals as a competitor, coach and the legacy he hopes to build within Irish Jiu-Jitsu.A conversation about discipline, sacrifice, resilience and the mindset required to keep improving.⏱️ CHAPTERS🟢 FOLLOW KACPER SAWICKIInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/ghost_grappling/ (https://www.instagram.com/ghost_grappling/)🟢 FOLLOW LAKELAND JIU JITSUFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/LakelandJiuJitsu (https://www.facebook.com/LakelandJiuJitsu)Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lakelandjiujitsu/ (https://www.instagram.com/lakelandjiujitsu/)Website → https://lakelandjiujitsu.eu (https://lakelandjiujitsu.eu)---🟢 FOLLOW EMERALD GRAPPLINGInstagram → @emeraldgrapplingTikTok → @emeraldgrappling👍 Like, Share & Subscribe for more Irish Jiu-Jitsu conversations!#EmeraldGrapplingPodcast #KacperSawicki #LakelandJiuJitsu #IrishBJJ #BJJIreland #BJJ #JiuJitsu #Grappling #NoGi #Kickboxing #MuayThai #Striking #BJJCoach #BJJCompetition #PurpleBelt #MartialArts #CombatSports #BJJLifestyle #GrapplingPodcast #IrishGrappling #GhostGrappling #BJJTraining #JiuJitsuMindset #BJJCommunity #SubmissionGrappling #IBJJF #NoGiJiuJitsu #MartialArtsPodcast

3. 

   29 Jun 2026

   #24 Ruairi Keena & Dave Hynes: The Story of Lakeland Jiu Jitsu, Injury & Legacy!

   In this special 2-year anniversary episode of the Emerald Grappling Podcast, Aaron is delighted to be joined by two of his own coaches from Lakeland Jiu Jitsu: Ruairi Keena and Dave Hynes. Ruairi, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, and Dave, a Brown Belt, share the story of their journeys through the sport. We explore the origins of Lakeland Jiu Jitsu, tracing its roots from the early days of Mullingar Grappling to the thriving club it has become today. Ruairi and Dave reflect on the challenges of building a club from the ground up, the uncertainty of those formative years, and the moments that tested their commitment to the mats. They discuss what kept them moving forward when progress was slow and success was far from guaranteed. Dave opens up about his return from a serious ACL injury and the lessons learned through recovery, resilience, and adapting his training approach. Together, they discuss the role of strength and conditioning in longevity, why so many grapplers neglect it, and how setbacks can often become the catalyst for growth. The conversation also explores the realities of balancing family life, coaching responsibilities, and personal development. Ruairi and Dave share how parenthood has shaped their perspective both on and off the mats, the life lessons they hope to pass on to their children, and the challenges of managing multiple responsibilities while continuing to grow within the sport.We also dive into competition, the evolution of their jiu jitsu over the years, and why both have remained committed to a pressure-heavy, gi-focused style in an era increasingly dominated by no-gi grappling. Ruairi reflects on what earning his black belt meant to him, while both coaches discuss the techniques, concepts, and philosophies that have stood the test of time. Finally, Ruairi and Dave share their coaching philosophies, what they look for in students who have the potential to go all the way to black belt, and the legacy they hope Lakeland Jiu Jitsu leaves behind for future generations.Some clubs produce competitors. Others build communities. Lakeland Jiu Jitsu has spent years building both. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 🟢 FOLLOW RUAIRI & DAVE ON INSTAGRAM Ruairi's Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/ruairi_keena/⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/ruairi_keena/⁠) Dave's Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/david_hynes_/https://www.instagram.com/ruairi_keena/⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/ruairi_keena/⁠) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🟢 FOLLOW LAKELAND JIU JITSU Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/LakelandJiuJitsu (https://www.facebook.com/LakelandJiuJitsu) Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lakelandjiujitsu/ (https://www.instagram.com/lakelandjiujitsu/) Website → https://lakelandjiujitsu.eu (https://lakelandjiujitsu.eu) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🟢 FOLLOW EMERALD GRAPPLING Instagram → @emeraldgrappling TikTok → @emeraldgrappling 👍 Like, Share & Subscribe for more Irish Jiu-Jitsu conversations! #EmeraldGrapplingPodcast #IrishBJJ #BJJIreland #LakelandJiuJitsu #JiuJitsuPodcast #BJJPodcast #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJCommunity #BJJCoach #BJJLife #Grappling #SubmissionGrappling #GiJiuJitsu #NoGiJiuJitsu #PressurePassing #BJJTraining #MartialArtsPodcast #JiuJitsuJourney #ACLRecovery #SportsInjuryRecovery #StrengthAndConditioning #CombatSports #WrestlingAndGrappling #JiuJitsuLifestyle #BJJBlackBelt

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

4,657,791,561

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

48 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 65 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

72

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

51

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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