Shows
BJJ Mental ModelsBONUS: Marcelo Garcia vs Lachlan Giles Analysis, feat. Drew FosterIn this episode of State of the Meta, Marcelo Garcia vs Lachlan Giles takes center stage as Drew breaks down ONE Fight Night 38’s generational clash. He explores each legend’s style, career arc, and signature weapons (from Marcelo’s pressure, wrestle-ups, and guillotines to Giles’ K-guard leg-lock traps), while examining age narratives, meta trends, and realistic paths to victory for both icons.This free bonus episode is from Drew Foster's excellent State of the Meta podcast, exclusively available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! Watch Marcelo Garcia vs Lachlan Giles on ONE Figh...
2025-12-0434 minBJJ Mental ModelsEp. 309: Submission Series: The Anaconda Choke, feat. Drew FosterThis week we're joined again by Drew Foster! Best known as u/darce_knight on Reddit and @drewdarce on Instagram, Drew is a black belt instructor at Elevate MMA in North Carolina, the host of The Neon Belly Podcast, and the host of the State of the Meta podcast on BJJ Mental Models Premium. In this episode, Drew breaks down the mechanics behind the anaconda choke.Follow Drew on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drewdarceListen to Drew on The Neon Belly Podcast:https://theneonbelly.buzzsprout.com/Buy Drew's instructionals on th...
2024-11-041h 04
The Neon Belly PodcastConvo w/ Fedor Nikolov (Eddie Bravo/10p Black Belt) (PGF Countdown Episode 2)https://www.instagram.com/fedor10p_/Toro BJJDarce Dynamics
2024-10-2229 minThe Neon Belly PodcastConvo w/ Chris Wojcik of Grappler's Diary & B-Team (PGF Countdown Episode 1)Please check out Chris' stuff!BJJ Fanatics Chris' SeriesChris' SubStack Sloth Style Leg LocksToro BJJDarce Dynamics Courses
2024-10-1856 min2024-10-1120 minThe Neon Belly Podcast'How do I measure my progress and make goals???'torobjj.com/discount/Darcedarcedynamics.com
2024-10-0724 min2024-10-0120 min2024-09-2344 min2024-09-1944 minThe Neon Belly PodcastConvo w/ Dave 'The Lanky Mongoose' Porterhttps://www.instagram.com/lanky_mongoose/https://www.youtube.com/@DPWEWHD
2024-09-171h 27The Neon Belly PodcastFun Ways to Hurt Yourself :PDon't be an idiot like me, and take these quick tips to avoid injuring yourself when rolling :)
2024-09-1217 minThe Neon Belly PodcastConvo with my bff Tim Freeman (Inside BJJ)You can find Tim on his OG podcast, Inside BJJ. Tim also owns 10th Planet Nashville and 10th Planet Stockton. He has a new Patreon as well: https://www.patreon.com/INSIDEBJJ/posts
2024-09-091h 242024-09-0340 minThe Neon Belly PodcastShooting the Breeze w/ Gil Alcocer on Guard Pulling, CJI, ADCC, Flograppling, and other random stuffGil is a Mendes Bros black belt, and owner of JJI in Wilmington, NC. You can find him on YouTube, and our discussion is based on his newest video, "If think guard pulling is stupid...you're stupid."
2024-08-281h 09The Neon Belly PodcastCJI/ADCC Afterthoughts Part 1Overall thoughts on the vibes, pros, and cons of CJI and ADCC. Part 2 will be tomorrow and will be more focused on results, techniques, breakdowns, etc.
2024-08-2133 min2024-08-1531 minThe Neon Belly Podcast5 Favorite Subs + Tips & Links to Study1. RNC2. Choi Bar3. Anaconda4. Outside Heel Hook5. Rear TriangleDeandre Corbe Rear Triangle Compilation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1MvPVCoQeQDeandre Corbe Rear Triangle Games to Practice: https://youtu.be/rJ5KkQuEI7Y?si=vZjVPLe5Xisdsg9O&t=5450
2024-08-0718 min2024-08-0534 minThe Neon Belly PodcastELO Instead of Belts? / Is Sandbagging Even Real?First time back in a while! I felt like ranting a bit on some proposed takes that JiuJitsu should switch to an ELO Ranking System instead of a belt system.
2024-07-3122 min
Inside BJJ Podcast#384 - Drew FosterIn this hilarious episode of Inside BJJ, host Tim is joined by producer Andrew and the ever-entertaining Drew Darce Knight Foster. They kick off with a laugh-out-loud recounting of their bunk bed fiasco, highlighting the quirky adventures of jiu-jitsu life on the road. The conversation then shifts to the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF), insights on Craig Jones' latest moves, and the dynamics of the jiu-jitsu community. Packed with humor, insider tales, and practical tips, this episode is a rollercoaster ride that jiu-jitsu enthusiasts won't want to miss!
2024-05-201h 19The Neon Belly PodcastDealing with Plateaus + Training GamesAfter a frustrating training day for myself, as well as one of my students, I thought it'd be great to talk about plateaus. We talk about how to deal with them in your training, as well as how to deal with them mentally, and when it's time to take a break. We also talk about how to introduce more fun into your training, and how live games can help make your training more fun!
2024-02-2223 minBJJ Mental ModelsEp. 254: Impostor Syndrome, feat. Drew "Darce_Knight" FosterThis week we're joined again by Drew Foster! Drew Foster is a black belt instructor at Elevate MMA in North Carolina, the host of The Neon Belly Podcast, and a frequent contributor on /r/bjj under the alias Darce_Knight.In this episode, Drew discusses a topic we've wanted to get into for a long time: impostor syndrome. Oxford Dictionary defines impostor syndrome as "the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills."Follow Drew Foster on Instagram:https://ww...
2023-10-1654 minThe Neon Belly PodcastADCC Dallas Open + 10p Austin & B-Team TrainingI spent the weekend in Dallas and Austin, coaching two athletes at the ADCC Open, and then visiting 10th Planet Austin and B-Team.
2023-06-2820 minThe Neon Belly PodcastTips for Higher Percentage Rear Naked Chokes & Back Control (+ studying Ethan Crelinsten & Keith Krikorian)NOTE: Slight background noise in the first couple minutes will clear up. Keith also has an incredibly affordable and great Patreon, linked below. - This week we're looking at a few key details for improving RNCs that don't rely on the straitjacket system, namely from Keith Krikorian and Ethan Crelinsten. Some of the matches referenced in the episode are linked below: FREE VIDEOS: - Ethan Crelinsten vs Fabricio Andrey - Ethan shows a 'go-to' arm switching RNC finish- Ethan showing his 'long arm' technique- Instructional Finish on the Back by Ethan
2023-06-1420 minThe Neon Belly PodcastThe Return!!! Love/Hate Relationship w/ Deep Half Guard & Upcoming InstructionalWe're back! It's been a long time. Life has been wild this past year, and things are starting to get easier--I didn't want to upload until things could be consistent. Thanks for being patient, and for the kind messages! In this episode I talk about my love/hate relationship with deep half guard, and why I'm currently staying away from it as a primary guard. I also talk a little bit about the instructional that I'll be filming this July. I think it'll be unique, something new to the table, and I hope that folks are able to enjoy...
2023-06-0615 min
The Grappling DiscourseDrew DarceIn this episode Drew and I talk about Adcc, future of grappling, can a clean athlete beat Gordon and much more.
2023-01-221h 18The Neon Belly PodcastRafa Mendes ADCC/NoGi Innovations + Cole Abate and ADCC 2022 -66kg (Part 1)We're back! On this episode we're talking about Rafa Mendes, his protege Cole Abate, and Rafa's contributions to the NoGi world. Below are some links from some of the techniques and rolling moments discussed in the episode. Thanks for bearing with me. I've had a summer filled with a lot of loss and illness; life goes on, and I'll continue to strive to make the best of life! I appreciate everyone's support so much! Shouts to Less Impressed More Involved's BJJ's Rafa Mendes video this week: Rafa Mendes vids: Anaconda Choke LessonGuillotine Choke LessonRafa anaconda vs An...
2022-09-0828 minThe Neon Belly PodcastThoughts on Tye Ruotolo vs Garry Tonon & Future ProjectsIn the aftermath of Tye Ruotolo vs Garry Tonon, I expect to see Tye being a strong favorite to make the 88kg finals at ADCC, and I see Garry Tonon going into ADCC potentially looking better than ever at 77kg. People not looking at Tye as one of the best pound-for-pound guys on the planet are insane, and people writing Garry off after this loss are also insane.
2022-05-3113 minThe Neon Belly PodcastHeel Hooks + How To Watch Tape & What Is Inside Position?We cover a lot in today's episode--heel hooks for recreational players, as well as a super simple tip to get heel hooked less often, as well as ideas on how to start breaking down rolling footage and competition footage for study. To close out, the basics of 'inside position' are discussed, and how this can be learned through studying tape. Links: The Andrew Wiltse heel hook video and 'Ballerina Foot' heel hook defense video by Craig Jones talked about, as well as a link to The Goldtown MMA YouTube Channel. Thanks to BMac/10th Planet...
2022-04-2734 minThe Neon Belly PodcastHot Take on The Mount vs The Back (and Mount Tips) + Ryan Hall Horror StoryThanks for being patient with me, everyone! Today's episode is all about the mount. BTW, thanks to BMac/10th Planet Decatur for sponsoring the podcast! Here's a link to BMac's Jedi Archive, updated weekly with content. The promo code JEDIDOLLAR will get you one month of access for $1, and it's $29 per month after that: https://bmac.mykajabi.com/a/18466/3rnpEzsVThe mount is criminally slept on until the upper levels of the game. Some huge tips to improve your mount are staying relaxed, because dead weight = heavy weight. Using your head to pin their head, u...
2022-04-2024 minThe Neon Belly PodcastThe Beautiful Strangeness of ADCC Part 1: (Ruleset and Points)ADCC has an incredibly unusual ruleset and point system. To help everyone get more familiar with these rules before the West Coast Trials this weekend on Flograppling (https://www.flograppling.com/events/7379684-2022-adcc-west-coast-trial) I wanted to talk about some of the unique aspects of this tournament. I've been watching ADCC live since 2009, and despite becoming very familiar with the rules over the years, there are even a couple new things I didn't know until recording this.For some footage of things referenced...here's the Craig Jones vs Mason Fowler match from 2019 where you can see multiple...
2022-03-3139 minThe Neon Belly PodcastWNO: Gordon Ryan vs Jacob Couch (Quick Debrief & Post Event Thoughts)Wanted to post some quick thoughts after last night's WNO event.
2022-03-2729 minThe Neon Belly PodcastInstructor vs Coach vs Mentor + New Passions Within the SportSorry for the brief hiatus! Out of town the past 2 weekends competing and coaching, as well as doing podcasts for BJJ Mental Models and The Grappling Discourse. This episode is a bit of a departure--I wanted to talk about a new interest that has developed for me within our sport, as well as the differences between the 3 hats that have to be worn by most upper belts and teachers in the art (instructor, coach, and mentor). I also would love to know if any of you have any new interests in the sport, or even outside of the sport...
2022-03-2430 minBJJ Mental ModelsEp. 169: Submission Series: The D'Arce Choke, feat. Drew FosterThis week we're joined by Drew Foster! Drew, also known as Darce_Knight on Reddit, is the host of The Neon Belly Podcast. In this episode, Drew breaks down one of his specializations: the D'Arce choke.Drew's podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1844219Drew on Reddit:https://www.reddit.com/user/Darce_KnightDrew on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drewdarce/Mental models discussed in this episode:Do What Workshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/Limb Coilinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/
2022-03-141h 04The Neon Belly PodcastHandling Terrible Training Sessions and Bad DaysWhen we have bad training sessions, they usually fall into 2 categories. In this episode, we break down these major categories and some approaches to handling these experiences. This is important not only to improve, but more importantly to keep us optimistic and from circling the drain with negative thoughts and feelings about this very demanding sport. Also, I was on my friend Mat Skaff's podcast yesterday talking about ADCC History, some of the best matches there, ADCC 2022, and some other ADCC trivia. If you want to listen to that, it's here: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6M...
2022-03-1023 minThe Grappling DiscourseADCC History with Drew DarceIn this episode I chat with drew darce about all things Adcc.
2022-03-071h 04The Neon Belly PodcastSimple Tips to Land More DarcesPeople have been asking for a Darce episode, so finally...here goes. I briefly cover a couple of the most common misconceptions that lead to sub-par (or even failed) darces, as well as a couple of simple drills that you can do with a training partner to land more of these techniques.Me explaining some benefits of the marce angle finish: https://youtu.be/Hc4b0YgOCUYMe showing the rolling darce to land in the marce angle: https://youtu.be/X8RMfkHra54One of the drills I referenced can be viewed here by Ryan H...
2022-03-0131 minThe Neon Belly PodcastExpand Your Offensive Toolkit by Keeping Your Opponent in a 'Submission Cycle'Today's episode is inspired by Ethan Crelinsten (B-Team athlete/instructor and John Danaher black belt). I had the opportunity to train with Ethan and get some rolls in during March of 2021. The thing that stood out the most was Ethan would fully lock up subs on everyone, and then let go and move to another submission or offensive transition.There are 3 critical skills for getting great at submissions, and here we are focused on #2.1. Moving from static positions into submissions.2. Moving from submissions to other submissions.3. Precise finishing mechanics for different submissions....
2022-02-2227 minThe Neon Belly PodcastThe Parable of Marcelo Garcia"I wasn't a good student, and even now I never say I am better than anybody, but I know I love jiu-jitsu more than anybody." - Marcelo Garcia. 2010. Flashback to May of 2007. The legendary Marcelo Garcia is a 2x ADCC champion, and more importantly is The People's Champ. He's on a quest to get double gold medals at his 3rd ADCC. 3rd time's the charm--he's submitted all 7 of 7 opponents in regulation on his way to the Absolute Finals, and he's the smallest man by 24 lbs / 11kgs to get this far (and to this day, no one else...
2022-02-1628 minThe Neon Belly PodcastGuillotine Deep Dive (Part 2) + Updates on the PodcastIn part 2 of our deep dive into the guillotine position, we cover 5 practical tips that you can use to hit more guillotines. Regardless of what style guillotine you prefer (high-wrist, high-elbow, arm-in, etc), you should be able to implement all 5 of these concepts to submit more people with the guillotine, as well as use it as a robust position to help you advance to other great movements, techniques, and positions. There is another Google Doc here as well as an Instagram and Reddit post with video examples of some of the concepts discussed here. If you didn't l...
2022-02-0731 minThe Neon Belly PodcastDeep Dive Into The Guillotine (Part 1)This week we dive deep into the world of guillotine chokes. On part 1 of this series, we'll examine each of the main styles of guillotine. We'll also take a look at the progression of each guillotine style's popularity within the art, the history behind the main styles of guillotine, and some of the best athletes to watch for each style. To view the matches and rolling footage discussed during the podcast, visit the Google Doc below, the link in my Instagram bio below, or the Reddit post below. DM me if you have any issues accessing the folder. If...
2022-01-3134 minThe Neon Belly PodcastVerbal Taps and Intelligent TappingThis week I make the case for verbal tapping (even when it might seem unnecessary) as well as the culture around tapping in BJJ, and how I think instructors could do a better job of teaching the skill of tapping to new students. I'm tired from a long road trip, so this episode is shorter than usual. The next episode will be a longer one focused on the pros and cons of various guillotine grips and finishes (low vs high wrist; arm-in vs arm-out, etc.) Everyone have fun training, and stay safe!
2022-01-2511 minThe Neon Belly PodcastTips for Training on the road/Training while TravelingTraining while traveling is one of the best experiences we can have during our BJJ journeys. Here are some tips on logistics and etiquette when training on the road, as well as some things to keep in mind for your the growth of your game and skills.
2022-01-1725 minThe Neon Belly PodcastJerk Moves (D-Moves)These days there are more and more questions about what moves are fair game and what moves are jerk moves. Let's go over some different categories of moves, and get an idea of what's fair game, what's rude, and what doesn't fly. This episode was recorded a while back, but it seemed appropriate to drop after some recent questions I've been seeing on this topic.
2022-01-1017 minThe Neon Belly PodcastOne simple hack to improve your game for the New Year (don't sit out rolls)One of the simplest and most rewarding ways to improve your game is to avoid taking rounds off. There's nothing wrong with taking rest rounds if you're truly exhausted, or nursing and injury, but there are lots of reasons to avoid it if at all possible. Finishing every round is a great way to diagnose your own game's strengths and weaknesses, boost confidence for rolling anywhere, help strengthen the mat culture at your own school, and give you a better sense of your rate of improvement. We all have a lot more in the tank than we realize, and...
2022-01-0317 minThe Neon Belly PodcastWhen we say Low Percentage, is that really what we mean?It's become very common on the BJJ scene to hear the terms 'high percentage' and 'low percentage'. Sometimes people end up misunderstanding these terms, and they use the term 'low percentage' to describe movements that are actually just niche, less common, or more specialized. Just because a technique isn't common doesn't mean that it's low percentage, and it doesn't mean it's not worth our time!
2021-12-3112 minThe Neon Belly PodcastThe North South ChokeFor many, the north south choke is one of the most frustrating movements to learn in the art. We talk a bit about some common issues surrounding the NS choke, why it fails for many people, so helpful troubleshoots, and some famous match examples of the technique being used. Some great live-use match examples are: Marcelo Garcia vs Pablo Popovitch (ADCC 2007) - https://youtu.be/JozmB8JZAFIMarcelo Garcia vs Francisco Mendes (Worlds 2010) - https://youtu.be/bMUduVl7_XsJosh Hinger vs Marcos Tinoco (NoGi Worlds 2018) - https://youtu.be/RQizNfEydi4
2021-12-2617 minThe Neon Belly PodcastFeeling Overwhelmed / Instructional OverloadIt's easier than ever in the current climate to feel overwhelmed with the amount of instructional material out there. If you're feeling overloaded with instructional content, or feeling like you aren't able to keep up with the community or your training partners--you aren't as behind as you might think! Here are some ideas to try and relax, and to understand that you'll progress at your own pace.
2021-12-2317 minThe Neon Belly PodcastLoving The ProcessOne of the best ways to improve at BJJ is to find a process of improvement that works for you, and to learn to love the process more than the specific outcomes of your rolling sessions. Doing this will keep BJJ fresh and enjoyable for you, and the low moments won't feel as low. Be patient and kind to yourself, and have fun!
2021-12-1915 min