The Old Bastard's Guide to Surviving (and Thriving) on the Mats
OldBastardBJJ
5.0from 2 ratings
- 14
- Episodes
- 2
- Ratings
- Weekly
- Cadence
- 2026
- First episode
About The Old Bastard's Guide to Surviving (and Thriving) on the Mats
A primer on mat life for the 40+ yr old grappler, from an Old Bastard who has been there and survived and (mostly) thrived during his jiu jitsu journey.
- Publisher
- OldBastardBJJ
- Category
- sports
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- Yes
- First episode
- 22 May 2026
- Latest episode
- 14 Sept 2026
Latest episodes
14 episodes in the feed.
14 Sept 2026
Master Worlds - What to Expect as the Average Grappler
Hey Friends! This week we are joined again by my good buddy, my ride or die purple belt partner in crime, Zach Robinson! Zach and I and our spouses and the team from Magic BJJ just got back from Las Vegas last week, where we attended the infamous IBJJF Master World Championships/Jiu Jitsu Con. This event is the biggest IBJJF tournament in the world, with over 8000 competitors total - over 6500 of them were Masters level athletes over the age of 30. It's where older grapplers, full of acai and Jesus, come to meet each other in the desert to test their arthritic joints in a battle of wills to get to the podium (and hopefully walk out uninjured). We discuss almost all the things an average practitioner needs to know before attending this event (at least all the things we find important): how to mentally prepare for competition; the importance of having the support of a team; just how much walking you ACTUALLY have to do at the event; the vibe in Vegas when it is filled with so many jiu-jitsu people; why my coach now has me listed as "Creonte" in his phone; Josh McKinney's gorgeous hair; and do margarita flights REALLY help you compete or not? Join us for this fun conversation with two old tired guys who love pajama wrestling, and were in bed by 10PM each night in sin city, and learn the secrets for surviving at IBJJF Master Worlds! Happy rolling! Mike
31 Aug 2026
"Sambo Steve" Koepfer and the Search for Practicality
Hey friends! Today we have another awesome guest on the pod - Stephen Koepher - or, as many know him, "Sambo Steve". Steve is a life long martial artist and grappler, and one of the founders of New York Combat Sambo/Breakfall studios, where he trains both martial artists and stunt people for the film and entertainment industry. In this conversation we talk about his early years of training more traditional Asian arts and how this lead him to look for more and more practical ways to train; the influence of the first UFC on his training; the early days of the online Bullshido forums; how culture influences rulesets of combat sports; what his priorities are as a coach, and much, much more! So join us for this enlightening conversation with someone who has been a mainstay of the grappling community for decades, and also happens to be a really good human being! Thanks for listening, and happy rolling! Mike https://ussambo.com/ (https://ussambo.com/) On IG: @sambosteve
24 Aug 2026
"Don't Be The Reason Someone Quits Jiu-Jitsu" with David Figueroa-Martinez
This week we have my good friend David Figueroa-Martinez joining us for a great conversation spanning a ton of fun topics! We discuss: how he started training jiu-jitsu at the age of 30 in an undergraduate university class; the culture shock going from that class to an actual academy; coming up in the age of no cross-training; how he found himself coaching at three gyms at once; what he looks for in a supportive coach and how that has influenced his coaching style; experiences at BJJ Mental Models camps; putting jiu-jitsu content online, and more! David is an awesome human being and a ton of fun to be around. Please join us for this conversation, and learn a little about the man who has made a meme out of playfully mufflering his students AND inspired me to start reading the Dungeon Crawler Carl series! Happy Training! Mike David's IG: @dfm.2099 www.dfmcoachingbjj.com (https://www.dfmcoachingbjj.com) www.patreon.com/DFMcoachingBjj (https://www.patreon.com/DFMcoachingBjj)
17 Aug 2026
Lez Roll Radio visits the OBBJJ Studios!
Hey friends! Today we have another very special guest - my friend from the podcast Lez Roll Radio, Kelly Schoenegge! Kelly is a brown belt in BJJ out of Kru Fit in Fishers, Indiana, and one of the hosts of the podcast Lez Roll Radio with her wife, Andrea. Kelly shares her jiu-jitsu story with us, including: how the WWE inspired her to start training; meeting her partner on the mats; starting Lez Roll Radio; starting an annual LGBTQ+ grappling camp; creating the Lez Roll Foundation; finding time to train with a toddler in the house; and more! Please join us for a fun chat, and learn more about this super cool human! https://www.lezrollradio.com/ (https://www.lezrollradio.com/) https://krufit.com/ (https://krufit.com/) On IG @lezrollradio and @kellyschoenegge
3 Aug 2026
Gwen Roote and the Importance of Inclusivity in BJJ
Hey gang! I have a very special guest on today's show - Gwen Roote! Gwen is a brown belt in BJJ training out of the Pacific Northwest, an avid competitor, and an amazing advocate for the LGBTQ+ jiu-jitsu community. In this must-listen conversation, Gwen and I discuss: her introduction to jiu-jitsu; how jiu-jitsu helps us connect in meaningful ways to other people; why inclusive spaces in jiu-jitsu are so important; how to be a better LGBTQ+ ally in the jiu-jitsu space; and her insatiable thirst for competition. Give this episode a listen, and get to know this amazing woman and see what she is doing to make jiu-jitsu better for everybody! Thanks, and happy rolling! Mike Gwen's IG: @gwenjitsu Safe places to train BJJ for queer and trans people: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qj5jiarVAcAI83Q71GBolb6b1Lk5IAoGWrL9DY7a79w/edit?gid=0#gid=0 (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qj5jiarVAcAI83Q71GBolb6b1Lk5IAoGWrL9DY7a79w/edit?gid=0#gid=0)
20 Jul 2026
Episode 9: The Old Bastard of Bellingham
Hey Friends! Today we have another amazing guest - Jeff Shaw of Bellingham BJJ in Bellingham, Washington! Jeff is a black belt in jiu-jitsu, a professor of Journalism at Western Washington University, and one of my co-hosts on Fighting Matters. He is also a fascinating person with some great stories to tell, and lots of wisdom to share! In this conversation we discuss: his start in BJJ at the old age of 35; his early (and somewhat insane) competition career; his move across the country to his hometown and starting his own school; how he keeps the culture positive at Bellingham BJJ; his advice for the older grappler; the future of Bellingham BJJ's "Gi to Sea" event, and much more! So, traveler, stay a while and listen to this chat between two old bastards who happen to love jiu-jitsu! Thanks, and happy rolling! Mike Bellingham BJJ on the web: www.bellinghambjj.com (https://www.bellinghambjj.com) Bellingham BJJ on Instagram: @bellinghambjj Jeff Shaw on Instagram: @jeffmshaw
6 Jul 2026
The Newaza Podcast joins the Old Bastard!
Hey friends! Today I present to you a great conversation with my friend Craig Cordi, BJJ black belt under Ron Keslar at American Elite Grappling in San Jose, California. Craig is also the host of the Newaza Podcast, another fine offering in the jiu jitsu podcast space! Craig and I talk about a variety of topics, including: his start in the martial arts as a kid; his experiences in traditional Japanese martial arts; his time powerlifting and body building; starting BJJ at 43; how to recover well to stay on the mats as we age; and advice for a new podcaster in the jiu jitsu space! Tune in to learn more about Craig and enjoy this convo between two certified old bastards! Happy Rolling! Mike The Newaza Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_newaza_podcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== (https://www.instagram.com/the_newaza_podcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
29 Jun 2026
LA Open Mats is Old Bastard Approved!
Today we have my friend Paul Kim, from Southern California, who runs the Instagram account @losangelesopenmats. Paul has been training jiu jitsu on and off for years, and recently has been working to build community with his IG account that gives free information about open mats in the Los Angeles, California area. We discuss: Paul's jiu jitsu story; what lead him back to the mats after multiple breaks; how fatherhood impacts his training; what made him want to start building a database of local open mats; how he ensures the open mats he advertises are safe and inclusive; what his plans are for @losangelesopenmats in the future; and how community is the biggest benefit of training jiu jitsu. Please join us for a great discussion as I get to know this wonderful human being a little better. Thanks, and happy rolling! Mike
22 Jun 2026
"It's All Wrestling" With Robert Verdell
(This should fix the audio issue I experienced on the first upload where this episode was blended with the last episode for a couple of minutes at about the 1:10 mark) On today's episode I am joined by my good friend, coach, and training partner, Robert Verdell. Robert holds black belts in BJJ, Judo, Karate, and TaeKwonDo, and has been training combat sports for decades. He is a huge proponent of wrestling as a base for all grappling, and teaches BJJ, Judo, and Yoga at Magic BJJ in Lansing, MI. We discuss: his early fascination with martial arts and combat sports; his journey throughout his decades of training; how jiu-jitsu is both the most overrated and underrated martial art; how he teaches wrestling to older folks; and how maintaining strength and athleticism into old age is a great base for not only longevity on the mats, but leading a long and healthy life. Join us for this great discussion and learn some things about the combat sports you may not know about from a great coach and good human being! Happy Rolling! Mike If you want to contact Robert Verdell for training or private lessons, you can reach him on Facebook or via email at verdellnowaydo2@aol.com (mailto:verdellnowaydo2@aol.com).
15 Jun 2026
A Smooth Talk About Rough Hands
Today we are joined by a very close friend of mine, one of my cohosts at Fighting Matters, owner of Rough Hands Jiu-Jitsu in Louisville, Kentucky, and an all around wonderful human being, Jesse Walker. Jesse tells us about what brought him to training first Krav Maga, and then Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We talk about how Rough Hands came to be, starting as pop up classes in local parks, to the successful school it is today. He tells the story of the terrifying, life threatening health challenges he has faced, and gives insight into what helped him get through that dark time and back to the mats. We also talk about "California Rolls" - Jesse's methodology to "fix the problem with flow rolling." All in all, this is a great time spent with a great person. Tune in if you want some good stories, good advice, and good vibes. Happy rolling! Mike www.roughhandsbjj.com (https://roughhandsbjj.com/) www.patreon.com/OldBastardBJJ (https://www.patreon.com/OldBastardBJJ)
8 Jun 2026
Old Bastard Strength With Steph Gaudreau
Being an Old Bastard is great - until you realize you are getting weaker with age. Luckily for you, this week's guest drops some knowledge about how to stay strong as we enter our old bastard years and stay on the mats and active in life for as long as we can. Steph Gaudreau is not only a dear friend of mine, but she is one badass strength and conditioning coach who specializes in helping women over 40 stay strong and active in all aspects of their lives. She is also a BJJ black belt. In this conversation, we talk about: her jiu jitsu story; her athletic life before and after strength training became a central part of her fitness; why strength training is important for jiu jitsu athletes and hobbyists alike; hang ups around strength training still lingering in the jiu jitsu community; the current state of jiu jitsu culture and who needs to be involved to make it safe and inclusive for everyone; and drumming! So join us for this fun and enlightening chat and learn from a professional why you should lift weights long into your old age! Thanks for listening, and happy rolling! Mike Steph's website: www.stephgaudreau.com (https://www.stephgaudreau.com) On Instagram: @steph_gaudreau www.patreon.com/OldBastardBJJ (https://www.patreon.com/OldBastardBJJ) www.oldbastardbjj.com (https://www.oldbastardbjj.com)
1 Jun 2026
Zach's Corner Invades OBBJJ
Hey friends! ☺️ Today on the Old Bastard's Guide to Surviving (and Thriving) on the Mats, we are joined by my close friend and training partner, Zach Robinson! Zach is a purple belt in BJJ out of Magic BJJ in Lansing, MI, and the highest ranking Lansing student of the surely fictional Mahaffey Fighting Systems (lol). Zach is a Lansing Fuji BJJ giant ring winner, a local farmer, and all around wonderful human being. We enjoy a fun chat about: training as you get older and have injuries; what it was like training in the "good old days" pre 2010; training with your children as they grow up; imposter syndrome; competing as a Master's aged competitor; and most importantly - trash talking our mutual friend Josh McKinney! Join us for a fun chat and hear about some of the shenanigans that go on with the Magic BJJ folks, and maybe pick up some useful information too! Thanks for listening, and happy rolling! Mike @oldbastardbjj on Instagram Patreon.com/OldBastardBJJ (https://Patreon.com/OldBastardBJJ)
27 May 2026
Episode 2: Training Like You're Old Isn't Just For Old People
Hey friends! In this episode, I share my personal experience with chronic autoimmune disease and how it shaped my philosophy toward training for longevity on the mats. I also talk about how this can help grapplers of any age to reduce injury, keep training longer, and increase the enjoyment they get out of their practice. I talk about the nuts and bolts of how to do this day to day, and how this might translate to not only the casual grappler, but the practitioner who wants to keep competing as they get older. I also shout out a bunch of other friends and content creators who have influenced me along the way! As always, thanks for listening and happy rolling! Resources mentioned (none of these resources sponsor me in any way. They are friends and some content creators that inspire me and have influenced this episode and some of my work. Except for my own Patreon, of course.): https://www.stephgaudreau.com/strong-with-steph/ (https://www.stephgaudreau.com/strong-with-steph/) https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Fitness-Rational-Approach-Gracefully/dp/B0DRTJS5SD (https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Fitness-Rational-Approach-Gracefully/dp/B0DRTJS5SD) https://roughhandsbjj.com/ (https://roughhandsbjj.com/) https://magicbjj.com/ (https://magicbjj.com/) https://www.youtube.com/@isuckatjiujitsu (https://www.youtube.com/@isuckatjiujitsu) https://combatbase.com/ (https://combatbase.com/) patreon.com/OldBastardBJJ (https://patreon.com/OldBastardBJJ) https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/ (https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/) https://www.youtube.com/@FightingMattersHQ (https://www.youtube.com/@FightingMattersHQ) https://rickellis.com/ (https://rickellis.com/) https://www.thebjjproject.com/coach-profile-chris-burns (https://www.thebjjproject.com/coach-profile-chris-burns) https://www.roydean.com/ (https://www.roydean.com/)
22 May 2026
Episode 1 - Concepts Over Techniques
Hey gang! In this inaugural episode I talk about what I hope to achieve with my Patreon, and why I think that concepts trump techniques for the older grappler. Enjoy!
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