Shows
Enter The Guard PodcastEP 33. Time For A BreakThis episode is one that we didn't see coming but we had to do...We decided that we need to put the breaks on the podcast for the time being. With Dre in school and starting his clinical internships in two months the guys decided that his attention really needed to be focused on that right now. This isn't a goodbye but it is a see you later. We hope that you have enjoyed the podcast and been able to get something out of it. Keep training, keep rolling, and we look forward to getting this going a...2023-07-2526 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 32. Is Craig Jones Right?In todays episode Dre and Alex debate whether Craig Jones was right when he said that BJJ has ruined more lives than it has saved! We all know that Craig is a world class troll but that doesnt mean there isn't some truth in his statements. Today we take a hard look at whether BJJ has a higher chance of saving or ruining your life. If you enjoy the show please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Follow us on instagram -@amattero@andresthegiantjj@entertheguardpod2023-07-0344 min
Enter The Guard PodcastOPEN MAT #16Welcome to OPEN MAT. The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, gear, culture, lifestyle and more share their opinions. Got a question? Send us a DM on Instagram @entertheguardpodTodays Questions - Is it wrong for an instructor to call out a student for their attire?Why is my confidence nosediving as a white belt?Should promotions be done on a specific day or at random?What are your pre-comp rituals?If you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and review the podcast!2023-06-3035 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 31. Gear TalkIf you've ever wondered what the difference between pearl weave and gold weave is this is an episode for you! In this episode Alex and Dre sit down and talk about training gear. With all of the different types of gi's, material, weaves etc. we thought it would be interesting to cover off on the different kinds and why they exist. We also discuss male protection aka 'cups' and mouth guards. If you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and review the podcast!Follow us on instagram at -@amattero@andresthegiantjj2023-06-2647 min
Enter The Guard PodcastOPEN MAT #15Welcome to OPEN MAT. The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, gear, culture, lifestyle and more share their opinions. Got a question? Send us a DM on Instagram @entertheguardpodTodays Questions - What constitutes rolling like a dick?Is it alright to tap if I am super gassed?Why does my gi stink after washing it?If you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and review the podcast!Follow us on Instagram -@andresthegiantjj@amattero@entertheguardpod2023-06-1647 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 30. Does BJJ make you a better person?In todays episode Dre and Alex try to answer the question - Does BJJ make you a better person? While neither of us think that it is a magical cure for being a sh*thead, there is no doubt that it transforms you if you surrender yourself to it. We explore what this means and how jiu jitsu has impacted each of us.If you enjoy the show please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Follow us on instagram -@amattero@andresthegiantjj@entertheguardpod2023-06-1239 min
Enter The Guard PodcastOPEN MAT #14Welcome to OPEN MAT. The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, gear, culture, lifestyle and more share their opinions. Got a question? Send us a DM on Instagram @entertheguardpodTodays Questions - How expensive is too expensive for your gym?Should I keep the cauliflower ear or drain it?Want to start training but I’m scared of being rejected…what should I do?*BONUS* Animal question at the end of the episode!If you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and r...2023-06-0934 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 29. Violence Of ActionIn todays episode Dre and Alex continue with the competition discussion. They talk a little about the IBJJF Worlds from this weekend and discuss what it means to execute with violence of action. This is important when it comes to competition and can be the difference between a W or L. If you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and review the podcast!Follow us on Instagram -@andresthegiantjj@amattero@entertheguardpod2023-06-0548 min
Enter The Guard PodcastOPEN MAT #13Welcome to OPEN MAT. The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, gear, culture, lifestyle and more share their opinions. Got a question? Send us a DM on Instagram @entertheguardpodTodays Questions - Is it weird to train at two gyms?Like a girl at the gym but dont want to be creepy, what should I do?How do you know when its time to take a break?If you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and review the podcast!Follow us o...2023-06-0244 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 28. Competition TrainingDre and Alex are back recording live after Dre had his midterms this week. The topic of today's episode is competition training. With IBJJF Worlds next week, the guys talk about the training camp going on at Six Blades HQ in Austin as the team prepares its competitors. Episode Highlights- Small victories check-in- Competition Training hits different- Changing the mindset a week out from competition- Focusing on what is useful- Tip of the week: Athlete performance profileIf you enjoy the show please take a s...2023-05-2949 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 27. Awakening ThumosTodays episode is a vaulted episode that we recorded when Alex first started on his jiu jitsu journey. We talk a little about how he is taking to the art and then we get into the ancient Greek concept of Thumos - what it is, how it is dying among men, and how to tap into it.Thumos doesn't translate well into english but essentially it is ones spiritedness. It encapsulates motivation, emotion, volition, desire - its the passion that drives us, it is the righteous rage. If you enjoy the show, please take a mi...2023-05-2253 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 26. State of the UnionIn todays episode Dre and Alex have a short state of the union where they discuss things going on in the sport - from tournament results, events, popular personalities and controversies and much more. If you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and review the podcast!Follow us on Instagram -@andresthegiantjj@amattero@entertheguardpod2023-05-1641 min
Enter The Guard PodcastOPEN MAT #12Welcome to OPEN MAT. The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, gear, culture, lifestyle and more share their opinions. Got a question? Send us a DM on Instagram @entertheguardpodTodays Questions - How do you deal with spazzy newbies that are bigger and stronger than you are?What's your go-to takedown - especially for the older guys?Effectiveness of BJJ in a streetfight?If you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and review the podcast!Follow us on Instagram -@a...2023-05-1242 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 25. The Task vs. Ego Oriented AthleteIn todays episode Dre and Alex look at sports pyschology and discuss the difference between being and Ego oriented athlete and a Task oriented athlete. The guys consider which way they lean more towards, the pros and cons of each, having a healthy dose of both and more. Episode HighlightsWhat is an athlete?Ego vs. task orientationWhy most people quit thingsHumble pieThe importnace of having a bit of bothIf you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and review the podcast!Follow us on Instagram -@andresthegiantjj@a...2023-05-0846 min
Enter The Guard PodcastOPEN MAT #11 - Guided Progressive Muscle RelaxationIn honor of May being Mental Health Awareness month I wanted to give you all a tool that you can use to help deal with stress and anxiety. PMR is a two-step relaxation practice to reduce stress and build awareness of sensations of tension and deep relaxation in various muscle groups. The first step in this practice is to create tension in specific muscle groups. The second step is to then release this muscle tension and begin to notice what a relaxed muscle feels like as the tension drains away. By moving through the body by alternately tensing and r...2023-05-0513 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 24. Comfortable Being UncomfortableIn this episode Dre and Alex talk about being in their worst positions and how to deal with it by preparing for the worst. It's all fun and games when you are in a good position but how do you fare when you are in your worst position? Do you panic? Give up? We wont always be on top and so we must prepare for the worst possible scenario. Episode Highlights:- Dre's worst position- Getting comfortable in uncomfortable situations- Avoiding a position isn't the best answer- Why you haven't b...2023-05-0142 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 23. Strength Vs. TechniqueIn this episode Dre and Alex debate the age old topic of strength versus technique in BJJ. On the one hand you definitely have to give it up to technique but on the other it would also be unrealistic to tell someone not to use their athletic abilities. Which reigns supreme?? The truth is probably somewhere in the middle but one thing is certain, and you'll have to listen to the episode to find out. Episode HighlightsShould you not use your strength?David v. GoliathAfter white belt its game on for athleticismAthleticism mismatches we have s...2023-04-2443 min
Enter The Guard PodcastOPEN MAT #10Welcome to OPEN MAT - The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, gear, culture, lifestyle and more share their opinions. In todays episode we are joined by Felipe Costa and Emma Reusing for their hot takes on the topics of the day! Got a question? Send us a DM on Instagram @entertheguardpodTodays Questions What is the most common/repeated injury you've had?What is your favorite/best recovery method?What's better for self defense - Judo or BJJ?Preparing for my first competition - what should I...2023-04-2140 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 22. Felipe CostaIn today's episode Dre and Alex sit down with professional BJJ athlete Felipe Costa. Felipe is in his debut year as a black belt competitor and is already ranked 3rd in the superheavy weight division after taking second at IBJJF Pans earlier in the year. Felipe shares his journey from childhood when he started training jiu jitsu to taking a leap of faith and coming to the US to train and compete full time under the tutelage of Xande Ribeiro and Victor Hugo. He also shares how he shaped his work ethic and mentality when it comes to training an...2023-04-171h 28
Enter The Guard PodcastOPEN MAT #9 - Jack Greener CaseWelcome to OPEN MAT - todays episode will be a slight deviation from the norm. We welcome back Chris Martin of JiuJitsuInsurance.com and discuss the Jack Greener case that has caught the attention of the entire BJJ community. We clear up some misconceptions about the case, discuss Rener's expert testimony, and we discuss what Jiu Jitsu schools need to be doing when it comes to insurance and protecting their business and students. Follow us on Instagram -@andresthegiantjj@amattero@entertheguardpod2023-04-141h 21Enter The Guard PodcastEP 21. Cult of Personality in BJJIn this episode Dre and Alex debate the topic of personalities in BJJ and whether it is a good or bad thing. It goes without saying that the BJJ as a sport is evolving at an extremely rapid pace. Within the growth of the sport we have also seen the rise of the cult of personality with social media so it was just a matter of time until the two clashed in what we are now seeing in BJJ with different personalities. Hightlights -- Does this taint the sport or is it a good thing? 2023-04-1038 min
Enter The Guard PodcastOPEN MAT #8Welcome to OPEN MAT. The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, gear, culture, lifestyle and more share their opinions. Got a question? Send us a DM on Instagram @entertheguardpodTodays Questions What age is too old to compete?What is your go to submission in a scramble?What should I bring to competition?Dealing with imposter syndrome after a long time away?If you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and review the podcast!Follow us on Instagram -@andresthegiantjj2023-04-0732 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 20. Learn FasterIn this episode Dre and Alex talk about the art of learning and how to accelerate your learning or break through plateaus in record time. These techniques are proven to increase the rate at which you learn and your ability to retain information. Episode highlights -- Debunking the 10,000 hr rule - Depth and Quality of practice- The Pareto principle aka 80/20 rule- The DSSS model- The CFE model- 3 absolute mustsIf you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and review the podcast. 2023-04-0346 min
Enter The Guard PodcastOPEN MAT #7Welcome to OPEN MAT. The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, gear, culture, lifestyle, and share their opinions.Got a question? Send us a DM on Instagram @entertheguardpodTodays Questions - Podium promotions - good or bad?Alcohol and training?Biggest gym pet peeves? Nails, gi smells etc. If you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and review the podcast!Follow us on Instagram -@andresthegiantjj@amattero@entertheguardpod2023-03-3137 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 19. Alex Got PromotedIn this episode the guys celebrate Alex's recent promotion and look back on his first year in BJJ. It's a milestone for anyone to achieve, and with it came a lot of moments of uncertainty and growth, and Alex shares what he has learned about himself throughout the process. Episode Highlights -- Promotion to green belt?- Biggest revelation since starting BJJ- Dre's beef with podium promotions- Biggest mental hurdle Alex had to overcome- Is it time to compete?2023-03-2758 min
Enter The Guard PodcastOPEN MAT #6Welcome to OPEN MAT. The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, gear, culture, lifestyle, and share their opinions. Got a question? Send us a DM on Instagram @entertheguardpodTodays Questions - Is it ok to apply a submission without giving time to tap?Are instructionals worth the investment?Does being a black belt make you an expert in BJJ?If you enjoy the show please take a second to rate and review the podcast!Follow us on Instagram -@andresthegiantjj@amattero@e...2023-03-2444 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 18. Women in BJJIn this episode Dre takes issue with a recent post where the BJJ bro’s say the silent part out loud and it brings about a conversation about women training in BJJ, respect for everyone, and the need for the gym to be a safe space for all practitioners. Episode HighlightsSaying the silent part out loudWhy Alex wont do Only FansLeaving sex at the door when you trainTraining with femalesMaking everyone feel comfortable when trainingBeing a good ambassador for the sportAlex’s mouth gets him in troubleIf you enjoy the show please take a sec...2023-03-2045 min
Enter The Guard PodcastOPEN MAT #5Welcome to OPEN MAT - The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, gear, culture, lifestyle and more share their opinions. Got a question? Send us a DM on Instagram @entertheguardpodTodays Questions - Any mental tips for dealing with injuries?Is starting from the knees bad?How do you slow down a spazzy white beltShould you record your rolls?If you enjoy the show, please take a second to rate and review the podcast!Follow us on Instagram -@andresthegiantjj@amattero@e...2023-03-1738 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 17. Takeaways on StrokesIn today's episode Dre and Alex go over their takeaways from last week's episode with Chris Martin on strokes in BJJ. With such a serious topic and one that they knew nothing about, they discuss the impact that this will have on their training and the key points they took from the conversation with Chris. If you like the show, please rate and review the podcast! Follow us on Instagram@amattero@andresthegiantjj@entertheguardpod2023-03-1352 min
Enter The Guard PodcastOPEN MAT #4OPEN MAT - The episode where Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, mindset , protocols, gear and more. Got a question? Send us a DM on instagram @entertheguardpod Episode Questions - Is there a benefit to flow rolling?- Do seminars provide a good ROI?- Can/should a colored belt be teaching?- How fast should you tap when rolling?If you enjoy the show please rate and review the podcast! Your support will help us to continue to grow and give back to th...2023-03-1034 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 16. Strokes In BJJ?In today’s episode we sit down and chop it up with BJJ athlete and stroke survivor Chris Martin. Chris suffered an ischemic stroke that immediately left him paralyzed and unable to speak. The stroke was brought on while training Jiu Jitsu and it almost took his life. Chris eventually made a full recovery and continues to train BJJ but he was one of the lucky ones. He shares the story of his recovery and the mental scars he deals with now along with the stories of countless others that have suffered a similar fate but not been so lu...2023-03-061h 31
Enter The Guard PodcastOPEN MAT #3Welcome to another installment of OPEN MAT - In this episode Dre and Alex take your questions and curiosities about BJJ - training, competition, mindset, protocols, gear and more. Want a question to be featured - send us a DM on Instagram! Episode Highlights - Should I keep a BJJ journal?How often do you go to the gym and what does your workout look like?What is your favorite part of jiu jitsu?An unknown danger of BJJ....?If you enjoy the podcast please take a second to rate and re...2023-03-0336 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 15. Hesitation KillsIn this episode Dre talks about an issue that he has faced on the mats for a long time and that has its way of sneaking into everyones training. HESITATION. It has a sneaky way of making its way into our training and light sparring and in the worst cases, competition where it can cost you everything. We discuss why it happens, the mentality behind it and how to avoid it.Episode Highlights - Using open mats the right wayFighting mentality archetypeDoubt versus confidence?Hesitation kills skillHave a well developed game planViolence of ActionIf yo...2023-02-2738 min
Enter The Guard PodcastOPEN MAT #2This episode of ETG is the second installment of our OPEN MAT. In this episode Dre and Alex take your questions relating to BJJ training, competition, mindset training, protocols and more and give you their perspectives.Episode Questions -What is the earliest point in a white belts progress that you would recommend getting into a competition for the first time? How to best handle nerves before competing?What is your apprach when injured? Rest? Train light?Best mobility drills?Overrated gi’s? What gi colors should be allowed?Got a question for us? Send us a...2023-02-2435 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 14. When Am I Getting Promoted?Dre and Alex address the mental dilemma we all go through when it comes to getting better in jiu jitsu and getting promoted. We typically don’t like to talk about when we are getting promoted - There is no ego in BJJ right?? The truth is that we all want that next stripe or next belt, especially when we feel that we are improving, but its a taboo topic to address and can pose a mental block to your own progress. Episode HighlightsShould we use tests in BJJ?Measuring yourself against other beltsBJJ Tip - R...2023-02-2040 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 13. What does OSS even mean?In this episode Dre and Alex take a stab at answering the ultimate question - What does OSS mean? We also dive into the gi vs. no-gi debate and which has more impact on the other. Episode Highlights -- Origins of OSS- Traditional Japanese culture - Does everyone say OSS?- Gi vs. No-Gi - Does Gi training help no-gi or vice versa?- Where no-gi gets it wrong- Mental fatigue while rollingFollow us on Instagram - @andresthegiantjj@amattero@entertheguardpod2023-02-1334 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 12. Supplements For BJJIn this episode Dre and Alex talk about supplementation and if it is necessary for BJJ athletes. Obviously, the pros have a strict supplement regime but does the average enthusiast need one? For the sake of longevity and performance we think so and we break down why and what we are currently taking and trying out. Episode highlights - Do BJJ athletes need to supplement? Alex’s experience with antibioticsProper hydration with supplements Thoughts on KratomBenefits of using creatineSARM’s - What are they and what do they doP...2023-02-0651 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 11. The Future of BJJIn this episode, Dre and Alex talk about the evolution and future of jiu-jitsu. It's unquestionable that the sport is growing every single year but where is it heading? Will it ever be in the ranks of the NFL, NBA, or MLB? Is it a real outlet for athletes to make an income? We discuss all this and more...Epsidoe Highlights - - Phenoms of BJJ - Public exposure to BJJ as a sport- Do you need a WWE personality to make money?- Outlets to make money in BJJ- Is...2023-01-3048 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 10. Weekend WarriorsDre and Alex give praise to the weekend warriors, the unsung heroes of the gym. The guys and gals that show up as often as they can and give it their all out of a pure love for the art and sport of Jiu-jitsu. They also talk about the ups and downs of being an irregular athlete including the physical and mental hurdles we all have to overcome. To support the podcast please leave a review and rate us!Episode Highlights Who are the weekend warriors?Being hard on yourself for not training like a...2023-01-2340 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 9. Xande RibeiroIn this episode, Dre and Alex sit down and talk jiu jitsu with one of the all-time greats and founder of Six Blades Jiu Jitsu, Alexandre “Xande” Ribeiro.Xande is one of the most winningest BJJ competitors ever, with multiple titles in every major organization. His guard game is the stuff of legends and he imposed his will on the BJJ world for over 30 years. Highlights- Training mentality and seeking perfection - Evolution in Xande's training- Timeless jiu jitsu vs. "modern" techniques- How BJJ has evolved from fighters to ath...2023-01-161h 25Enter The Guard PodcastEP 8. PED's in BJJWe are kicking off 2023 with a hot one!! In this episode Dre and Alex talk about the big juicy elephant in the room - PED's in BJJ...Highlights- The elephant in the room- Gordon Ryan vs. Nicky Rod- PED vs. Greasing allegations- Dre's Low T levels - Does taking PED's take away from your victories? Help support the podcast by subscribing and rating the show! Follow us on instagram:@andresthegiantjj@amattero@entertheguardpod2023-01-1054 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 7. Weed and BJJ CultureMerry Christmas! Can a little marijuana actually improve your BJJ? In this episode, Dre and Alex get into the intermingling of weed and BJJ culture and whether it is a good or a bad thing....- Weed in BJJ- Pet peeves - Smoking before rolling- Has jiu-jitsu embraced weed?- Comparing weed to other substances and why it's banned by USADA.- Benefits of smoking marijuana? Follow us on Instagram - @andresthegiantjj@amattero@entertheguardpod2022-12-2645 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 6. Creonte - The Unspoken RuleIn this episode Dre introduces Alex to the term "Creonte" and the unspoken rule against gym hopping in BJJ. - What does Creonte mean?- History behind the word- Does lineage matter?- Benefits of cross-training at other academies While you are here please rate the podcast and hit the subscribe button!Follow us on insta!!!@andresthegiantjj@amattero@entertheguardpod2022-12-1937 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 5. Open Mat #1First Installment of Open Mat - Dre and Alex scour the web for questions posed on BJJ forums and boards and discuss their thoughts on it.How hard should you roll with a visiting upper belt?Does size really matter?Should you train judo?What can I do to improve grip strength?idea! Gi open mat where everyone wears a white beltFollow us on Instagram@entertheguardpod@amattero@andresthegiantjj2022-12-0541 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 4. Blue Belt BluesDre and Alex talk about the long journey that is BJJ. Why do people quit BJJ?Losing your love for the sportTraining for longevity in the sportTraining for FUN vs. COMPETITIONBenefits of becoming acquainted with conflict JUST SHOW UP!!!Follow us on Instagram@entertheguardpod@amattero@andresthegiantjj2022-11-2853 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 3. This Isn't WrestlingDre and Alex talk about what Alex wishes he knew before going to his first class. No two belts are the same What do you wish you knew before your first class?Natural athleticism only gets you so farWhy do blue belts quit? Don’t train for the beltBeginner instinctsMeasure success in as many ways as possibleIt’s all worth it in the endFollow us on Instagram@entertheguardpod@amattero@andresthegiantjj2022-11-2158 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 2 - BJJ CardioToday we talk about the one thing that everyone gets humbled by in BJJ - CARDIO. Alex realizes that wrestling cardio is different from BJJ cardio.Explosive vs. long-haul cardioThe best way to build BJJ cardioUnreasonable expectations The keys to surviving long roundsTips for breathing and controlling mindsetFollow us on Instagram!@andresthegiantjj@amattero2022-11-1437 minEnter The Guard PodcastEP 1. Enter The GuardWelcome to the first episode of the ETG!!!In this episode, you get a quick intro to both Dre and Alex and then they dive into Alex's humbling experience so far in his BJJ journey. Follow the guys on Instagram - @andresthegiantjj@amattero2022-11-0339 min
FloState PodcastEpisode 32 - Alex MatteroIn this episode we meet our new co-host Alex Mattero. Alex gets into his background and going from having a million dollar business to losing everything and pivoting in life to find a new purpose and meaning. Make sure to subscribe and rate the podcast and follow us on Instagram! @Flostate_podcast @dre_muniz @amattero2021-06-071h 12FloState PodcastEpisode 31 - Nomalizing CultureIn this episode Andres is joined by new co-host Alex Mattero! We get into what normalizing culture is and why it isn't as helpful as you might think if you want to be the best version of yourself as possible. 2021-05-211h 17