Shows
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#042 Master Pedro Sauer - On The Philosophy of Self DefenceMaster Pedro Sauer was in Sydney for a couple days and we were fortunate enough to record a podcast.I had a bunch of questions prepared, and got to none of them!Instead, it was a fantastic conversation centered around the philosophy and lifestyle of self defence.Self defence isn't just a bunch of moves on the wall. It is a philosophy to live by. I did my best to delve deep into this unique approach of Master Pedro. It was an honour to have this chat, was so much fun...
2025-12-0252 min
ROLL OR DIERoll or Die Episode #249 - John SmalliosJohn is a first degree black belt and the owner and head coach at Higher Jiu Jitsu in Sydney. He had dreamed of an MMA career and being a serious competitor, until a shoulder injury nearly derailed him and almost prevented him from continuing. Take a listen to learn how John used his misfortune to turn it into an opportunity and led to bigger and better things. In this episode, we learn about finding leverage using your bones and how to develop a game that will stay with you eternally.
P.S. Did you...
2025-01-0649 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#041 Is it Games or Techniques? On Tradition in BJJ with Phillip GrapsasI sit down with Phil post during the recent July24' Sydney tour.
We discuss how to learn, how to train, and progress in the art of Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
We explore the difference between Games based learning and more traditional approaches to learning.
We question the importance of tradition in jiu jitsu.
It's a pleasure to train, learn, and chat with Big Phil.
Phil will be around again in December 2024.
@Leverage Jiu Jitsu Thomastown
graciejiujitsuthomastown.com.au
@Higher Jiu Jitsu Woolloomooloo
2024-07-291h 08
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#040 The Jiu Jitsu Long Game Pt2 w/ Phil GrapsasAnd we're back! And what a guest to have on our first episode back than Big Phil Grapsas!
In this episode we discuss ...
Why do we strap up the belt and jump on the mats daily? Why do we persist with jiu jitsu amongst the injuries and busy lifestyles and every other trial and tribulation we encounter with jiu jitsu?
Sure this is a sport, but more importantly it's a martial art that we pursue for self improvement, for life.
We talk about the process of getting started with jiu jitsu, the benefits of the art, the early days of...
2024-03-0652 min
Art of Surrender#067 AOS John Smallios | Higher Jiu JitsuOn this episode I sat down with the head coach of Higher Jiu Jitsu, John Smallios. We haven't had a chat on the podcast for 2 years so it was good to catch up on this format. John's a legend, I owe him a lot and appreciate his guidance, friendship and loyalty over the years!
Hope you all enjoy.
Follow us:
@artofsurrenderpodcast
@higherjiujitsu
2023-05-281h 08
Higher Jiu Jitsu PodcastOss and Out, for Now ...Coach John updates you on the progress of the HJJ Podcast!
After at least a couple years creating podcasts, let's say Season 1 is done!
A big thanks to Bradley Hamo at Art of Surrender, and co-host Matty Voger Mason, and all the students for helping to create these episodes so far. It's been lots of fun :)
And to you, dear listeners, thanks for checking in and being a part of it!
Please note this is just a break for the time being. We'll be back for an action packed Season 2.
2021-11-0506 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu PodcastStories Show #025 As Real as it Gets w/ Jack CoxThe big man Jack Cox joins us on this episode!
Jack is the head coach and owner of Northern Beaches Jiu Jitsu Academy in Cromer, Sydney.
We discuss his early years and grappling experience firstly as a Pro Wrestler, and then onto Gracie Jiu Jitsu. After training at numerous schools, Jack took his passion to the next level by deciding to start an academy of his own. Raising a family, running a kickass school, and focusing on his own learning are some of the topics we cover throughout the chat.
While both of our schools are shut, Jack does his bes...
2021-10-051h 05
Higher Jiu Jitsu PodcastStories Show #024 Agony and Ecstacy w/ Gray NegrineIn this episode Coach John chats with Morning class regular, HJJKids parent, and the man who keeps the Morning Moves class alive, Mr Gray Negrine.
Gray was introduced to the martial arts early, starting with different styles before finding jiu jitsu. It's been a couple years at Higher with no end in sight. We've seen Gray progress to multiple stripes on the white, and on the doorstep to the blue belt, all the while having fun and keeping the smile on his face the whole time.
It's not just Gray that enjoys himself on the Hi...
2021-09-2859 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu PodcastStories Show #023 - Missing the Mats w/ Danny WillmotCoach John is joined for another Stories show with none other than recently ordained Purple belt and all round nice guy Danny Willmott!
In the four years that Danny has been training, he's experienced a transformation of sorts, in many areas of his life. He attributes lots of this to his jiu jitsu practice.
In this chat, we speak about how he is coping with this current NSW lockdown, the joys of the mats, what he's learned, his competition experience, travels with jiu jitsu and so much more.
Of note: Although Danny is an audio engineer, he thought recording a po...
2021-09-2149 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu PodcastStories Show #022 Anti Fragile Jiu Jitsu w/ Luke WhiffenCoach John is joined with HJJ purple belt Luke Whiffen.
Luke is a dad, husband, lawyer, and devout student of jiu jitsu. He is in his second stint of jiu jitsu, and has been training at Higher Jiu Jitsu for over three years.
Throughout his journey in the art, he has been faced with numerous challenges, and has appreciated the ups and downs for making him stronger off the mats too.
It was an inspiring chat, and I'm happy to share it with you!
Thanks for tuning in.
Catchya on the mats!
Coach John
PS. Don't forget about our library of H...
2021-09-141h 01
Higher Jiu Jitsu PodcastStories Show #021 - Mental Toughness w/ Pat OsbourneHJJ's very own Pat Osbourne has done the rounds of the martial arts. And he has applied his knowledge in the most stressful situations. We sat down to discuss his martial arts journey so far, as well as where he sees it all going in the future.
It was a fun chat, and we thank Ozzy for jumping on!
PS. In the name of simplicity, we will now be moving all future HJJ Stories Shows onto this HJJPodcast feed. And with the current situation in NSW, we're hoping for a few more episodes like this one so stay tuned!
All t...
2021-08-231h 10
Art of Surrender#051 AOS John Smallios & Matt PanzaOn this episode of the podcast I sat down with the head coach of Higher Jiu Jitsu, John Smallios and one of the purple belt coaches, Matt Panza.
We recorded this episode right before the lock down here in Sydney and only a month or so after my return to Sydney.
These are two of my favourite people, they are great mates of mine and have had a huge influence in my jiu jitsu style and growth on and off the mats. It is a pleasure to be back on the mats at Higher and I...
2021-07-2250 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#039 To the Telos - When There is No Jiu JitsuCoaches John and Matty come together to discuss life with no jiu jitsu.
We discuss love hate relationships with the couch versus staying in the game and continuing the journey along the path.
What is the path? The jiu jitsu path is the one to quality of life, or as Aristotle described it as 'Eudaimonia'. And it is this way to the Telos, our purpose in life. So when there is an obstacle along the path, we can shift directions and move around it, but we don't stop.
So what are some ways we can shift directions on the path to a...
2021-07-051h 07
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#038 You Can't Manage What You Can't MeasureSure you do jiu jitsu because you love it. You also want to improve. So how do you measure this?
To base your performance against these foes is unfair to yourself and your own progress. That's why the practice of jiu jitsu isn't best measured in terms of wins or loses or amount of submissions inflicted or eaten per class. Sure you tap but there are also many other ways of determining progress in jiu jitsu.
How can we do it better?
In this podcast we discuss three ways:
+ # Consistent sessions p...
2021-06-1950 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#037 What We Wish We Knew Before Starting Jiu JitsuThis is a discussion based on the legendary Higher crew's thoughts about what they wish they knew before starting jiu jitsu.
It touches on many angles of the jiu jitsu experience, and you'd benefit from the listen no matter what level you're at.
We love feedback too! So send over at least some of your thoughts.
And if you're keen on giving jits a crack, no matter where you're at, get in contact at higherjiujitsu.com.au and let's chat.
Oss and out.
Coaches John & Matty.
2021-04-161h 08
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#036 Getting Started with Jiu Jitsu - The Higher GuideMatty and I get together to discuss the complete beginner's process to getting started with JiuJjitsu.
We talk about how to find different schools in your area. We discuss what to do to schedule in a trial, as well as what to expect.
We then go into what happens on the day, when you show up, during class, and after class.
There are so many aspects to getting into it, and we hope this chat gives you a better idea, and some more confidence to go in and make the right decision for yourself.
If you'd like the Getting Started with...
2021-03-2758 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#035 The Higher Mission and our Jiu Jitsu VisionAround 7 years ago Higher Jiu Jitsu began as the Jiu Jitsu Commune. We were there to train, and learn together, and enjoy the fruits of jiu jitsu. There was no plan, or syllabus, but definitely lots of enthusiasm, and a vision of how I wanted things to be.
Numerous years on, and it sure is a different place than how it started. Now we have curriculums, and more classes, and so many new faces. But the ethos that the Commune was built on still stands to this day.
In this poddy, Matty and I discuss our Higher Jiu Jitsu mission 't...
2021-03-2149 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#034 How To Help a Friend in CompetitionMatty and John come together and discuss how best to help a friend in a competition.
"When one of us go to war, we all go to war" - Conor McGregor
As a teammate, you help eachother day in and out in the training room. Now it's your buddy's turn to jump in the mix and test their skills. There are things you can do that can help, and or hinder. So be sure to be on the right side of this.
In a nutshell...
Be calm, and be there to Sup...
2021-02-2756 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#033 Be a Good Uke. Here's HowAand we're back!
It was an extended layoff, due to numerous reasons. From technical difficulties, to problems with the recording locations. Alas, we're here, and we have an exciting year of podcasting planned!
This time around we chat about how to be a good 'Uke'. An uke when I wrote the article was the student the instructor would show technique on during the demonstration part of the class. Upon further review, we can say an Uke is anyone who is receiving a technique, so that will include when you are practicing what the teacher has shown.
Either way it's a v...
2021-02-1443 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#033 Be a Good Uke. Here's HowAnd we're back for our first release of 2021!
Sorry for the delay. Matty and I were busy with HJJ's new timetable and so much more.
But yes, we return to the mic for another interesting chat about ... 'How to be a good Uke!'
An Uke is someone who is receiving the technique. The article was written for the Instructor's uke, but it also applies when you're off doing technique and helping your training partner.
In a nutshell:
+ Listen up. You don't need to be prompted to move in the right direction. You ought to be following the lesson and an...
2021-02-1400 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#032 On Cranking Necks and Cracking JointsCoach John and Brad Hampson of Art of Surrender Podcast did this podcast at the beginning of the HJJPodcast days. There was a technical glitch which meant we took it back off but now we've repaired it, and it's a great chat. We talk about how to train with effectiveness and respect for yourself and others.
How do we stay safe on the mats while maintaining the integrity of our art?
The risk of injury keeps so many people away from the jiu jitsu mats. This is an unfortunate reality considering just how beneficial the practice can be. This applies e...
2020-12-131h 07
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#031 So is it Concepts or Techniques?Join coaches John and Matty as we discuss a contentious topic in the world of jiu jitsu.
The Cart Goes Before the Horse
It’s important to learn the ABCs before you move to your essay writing. That is, you need to learn the What of jiu jitsu before you learn about the How etc. Techniques are the basis of understanding what jiu jitsu is and how to apply it.
Of course you need more than technique eventually. But nothing else will make sense until you have some understanding of wha...
2020-11-2740 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#030 Help! I Can't Sleep Post Jiu JitsuJoin John and Matty as we discuss how to get better sleep post jiu jitsu!
Jiu Jitsu and Sleep
In hard training and you’re fighting, or flying. It may not be either, but it’s how your body perceives the stress of someone trying to choke you, or catch your limbs, whether you’re playing or not.
In this type of training you’re using your sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for these high stress situations. It’s like a car revving in order to keep up with the traffic.
Slow Do...
2020-11-1353 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#029 To Compete or Not to Compete?They say pressure makes diamonds.
So then are the joys of jiu jitsu locked in competition, now and forever? Or can we enjoy jiu jitsu and learn and flourish on the mats and off, without the rigours of competition?
Join Matty and I as we discuss the pros and cons of competition, as well as how to do it safely and effectively, for long term benefits.
The Need to Win vs Learn.
Sure pressure can be fun if that's what you enjoy. But when you are competing you are there to wi...
2020-10-2757 min
Martial Arts Media™ Business Podcast104 – John Smallios – Aligning Your Jiu Jitsu School With A Higher Mission & PurposeEvery student at Higher Jiu Jitsu knows their mission statement. John Smallios shares how a clear purpose simplifies their message.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:The mission statement that John upholds in his Jiu Jitsu academyThe critical factors that influenced the close-knit culture in Higher Jiu JitsuThe one thing that John avoided which now guides his students on the same path to learningAristotle’s philosophy of learningAnd more*Need help growing your martial arts school? Learn More Here.TRANSCRIPTIONWith regards to the mission, hopefully if you ask any Hig...
2020-10-2641 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#028 Help Me I Got Choked OutJoin John and Matty as we discuss a question sent in by an avid listener!
So you were training jiu jitsu and you accidentally got choked out...
You also know that tapping is a much more favourable option. You know that you should have tapped out earlier, and for this reason you may be a little upset, worried, or embarassed at what happened.
As a devout learner, and a good student you will take this experience and you’ll learn from it, in order to do things better the next time th...
2020-10-1453 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#027 So You Want to Start a Jiu Jitsu AcademyHigher Jiu Jitsu has been in the making for many years. The journey has been filled with ups and downs. There is so much more to be, and do. And yet every day, and in every way, we’re going higher and higher.
Join John and Matty as we discuss the early days of Higher and how it all came about.
Hope you all enjoy!
Original article found here.
2020-09-2852 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#S026 Spark Program w/ Sam Alderton JohnsonIn this special episode I'm joined by HJJ legend Sam Alderton Johnson. We introduce the exciting, new HJJ initiative known as the Spark Program.
The Spark program is here to offer the opportunity of Gracie Jiu Jitsu to less privileged kids from around the Woolloomooloo area. We've created a sponsorship program with an application process to find the right students to provide mat skills, and guidance along the martial arts journey.
With so much on offer in our Jits4Kids class, we see this as the next step forward to help our local community and em...
2020-09-2138 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#025 Predator vs Prey: The Strategy of Gracie Jiu JitsuDoes the trap go after the mouse or the mouse go after the trap?
Join coaches Matty & John as we discuss a very important idea of jiu jitsu - strategy.
Technique is ubiquitous, but there is an underlying strategy that is crucial if your jiu jitsu is to be effective. That strategy is exactly what we dicuss here!
Be Aware of Yourself
Use your own 4 limbs and your entire self to connect to the environment around you. Feel the ground, and scan your opponent. Know where you are in space, and ac...
2020-09-1453 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#024 You're Sidelined. Now What?Coaches John and Matty discuss what it's like to be injured and how to do jiu jitsu better, meaning ... don't get injured!!
You live and breathe jiu jitsu. You wake up doing technical stand ups out of bed. Co-workers say hi and your instinct is to respond with ‘oss’. Your Chrome is filled with jiu jitsu articles to read, and most waking moments of your life are dedicated to the gentle art.
So when you find yourself out injured with no chance of doing jiu jitsu, that world can easily come crashing down.
Phys...
2020-08-2852 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#023 Where Did All the Love Go? A Reflection on Self DefenceMatty and John have a conversation around BJJ and Gracie Jiu Jitsu and the idea of training for self defence.
Why do we regularly discuss jiu jitsu from a standpoint of violence? It’s known as the gentle art for a reason, and you like it because you don’t need to get hurt while doing it.
Learning the sweeps, and escapes, and submissions of grappling is also so much fun, and plenty of work in and of themselves. So why then are kicks, and punches, and eye gouges, and headbutts still relevant in the conve...
2020-08-1454 min
Art of Surrender#015 AOS John SmalliosOn this episode of the podcast I sat down and had a chat with my good friend, mentor and MY very first jiu jitsu coach, John Smallios. John is a Professor Pedro Sauer/Phillip Grapsas (episode 10) black belt and the head coach of Higher Jiu Jitsu in Sydney, Australia.
John shares his martial arts story and how jiu jitsu quickly became a passion that seemed to take priority over other aspects of his life (like many of us). We chat about how he came up through the ranks and was motivated heavily by competition...
2020-08-102h 32
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#022 How To Visit Another School and Feel Good About ItAs a blue belt I was visiting another school until I was told not to. I hadn't done anything wrong, but it wasn't working for my home school or the school I was visiting. I was upset, and a little offended, and I didn't know what I had done wrong.
Fast forward numerous years, I am now a school owner and I can see both sides of the coin.
Here is a chat about how to visit another school and feel good about it instead of guilty or disloyal or anything else.
Feel fre...
2020-07-281h 06
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#021 Infidels of Jiu Jitsu - Listen UpJohn and Matty return in a chat for the infidels of jiu jitsu! You know THOSE people, who think it's very weird and abnormal to be on top of other sweaty men and women trying to choke eachother. The ones that laugh at the thought of you training, because they'd rather be out doing normal things.
Lots of us were there before we even started in this martial art. Then we got into it for one reason or another, and suddenly we find ourselves having drunk the Kool Aid. Now we're hooked. And it's awesome in so many ways.
Well, t...
2020-07-1459 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#020 Come Back! Jiu Jitsu Loves YouJoin Matty and I as we discuss why you need to come back to jiu jitsu!
This is a timely reminder for those who are out of routine due to the pandemic, or previously injured, and/or jaded from a previous jiu jitsu experience. More than anything it's a fun discussion about why we train, and why we recommend it for all walks of life.
"Jiu jitsu this and that. You’ve been there, and done that. The academy served you for some time. You were having fun. And then you got injured. You were out for some time, and sa...
2020-06-2853 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#019 Get Higher with Jiu JitsuMatty and John talk about 3 big reasons to do jiu jitsu, and they're very relevant today...
Self Defence Superpowers
When you learn self defence, you practice how to act in the interests of wellbeing. You build situational awareness, and the ability to adapt in order to protect your life, and the lives of those around you. You will understand how to nullify aggression with avoidance, control, & submission.
... Possessing this superpower brings about greater confidence. The ability to do what you think is right, without hesitation, or fear of retaliation - this is freedom. It doesn't mean you can be rude...
2020-06-141h 01
Art of Surrender#010 AOS Phillip GrapsasBrad is joined by Phillip Grapsas of Leverage Jiu Jitsu in Melbourne. Phil is a second degree black belt under Professor Pedro Sauer and he has a wealth of knowledge and expertise jiu jitsu and self defence. If you are ever privileged enough to attend one of his seminars, you will be absolutely blown away. Phil is also the coach and mentor of John Smallios from Higher Jiu Jitsu and helped guide John along the journey of building his academy and attaining his black belt along the way.
Phil is known for his philosophical rants and students are quite fond o...
2020-06-091h 49
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#018 On Repetition and Re-Learning of BasicsJohn and Matty discuss the importance of learning the basics and building your knowledge of jiu jitsu from the ground up.
First a big thanks to the students who jump on Zoom and continue the learning. And a spray to those who haven't :)
We chat about the history and progression of the Jiu Jitsu Commune into what we now know as Higher Jiu Jitsu.
“If a man knows not to which port he sails no wind is favourable
— Seneca
2020-05-2854 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#017 10 Ways to Annoy Your Jiu Jitsu BuddiesDuring our Covid19 lockdown, Matty and I meet up, whilst practicing social distancing of course, and discuss 10 of the most annoying things you can do on the jiu jitsu mats.
We all know you’re a great person, and don’t intend to annoy your friends. But there are some things that are taboo on the jits mats. Avoid these and you'll be fine and ready to enjoy jits and keep friends, on the mats and off.
Thanks for listening!
Any ones to add to the list? Let us know!
PS. The a...
2020-04-2858 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#016 From Start to Struggle: The Process of Starting Jiu JitsuMatty and John get together to talk about the early stages of jiu jitsu, and how to best organise, and think about your training right from the beginning.
Just like every game you need to know the rules first before you can play properly. Without knowing the rules, and especially when up against other beginners, you run the risk of not having fun, and getting injured, and building bad habits.
Considering the nature of jiu jitsu, there are serious consequences if you don't do it safely.
When you go about learning the fundamentals step by step first, you can build a...
2020-03-2856 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#015 Know Thyself - The Essential Jiu Jitsu JourneyJoin John and Matty, this time in the dojo as we discuss the essential jiu jitsu journey - from within yourself and throughout those around you.
Study Yourself
You decided to don the gi and take part in this journey. You make your way to jiu jitsu class, you tie your belt, and you train for hours. It’s your neck that’s on the line, and it’s your limbs that are sought.
It sounds just like a personal endeavour. But that’s far from true - all of this is f...
2020-02-2841 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#014 'Go Easy' They Say - For Those Who Can't RelaxStop using your strength!
Does this sound familiar?
We're not judging. We're just here to help.
---
You huff, and you puff, and you fight jiu jitsu. We tell you to 'go easy', relax, and not use your strength. You hear us, but you don't listen to us. You nod your head, and the moment you touch gloves, the bulldog is once again off the leach.
We don’t blame you. Your intentions are pure, and it's not your fault.
Your skeleton is your strength, not your impos...
2020-01-2853 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#013 The Jiu Jitsu Long Game - Here's How to PlayJoin John and Matty as we discuss the Long Game of jiu jitsu and how to play it.
---
When you play the long game, there isn’t a finish line. No end in sight. That isn’t a punishment, but a just reward for being a student of this martial art.
The long game comes with it’s own rules of play.
1. First things first, do not get injured.
In the long game, letting your limbs snap, and your neck crank isn’t an intelligent thing to do because you’ll need those joints fresh and healthy to train till the end...
2019-12-271h 09
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#012 The Third Place and Why You Need One TooThey say home is where the heart lies. And then there’s your jiu jitsu academy.
John and Matty discuss what a third place is and why you need one too.
"Members feel more like brothers and sisters. The mats feel just like the warmth and comfort of your own home. You feel a piece of yourself is rooted in the space, and you gain strength just by being there.
These are the feelings that come via your dojo. It's how you learn and grow in all other areas of your life. It's why...
2019-11-2841 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#011 When There's No Choice But to ChangeJohn and Matty discuss the differences between sport BJJ and Gracie Jiu Jitsu as a way of life.
Many people start in jiu jitsu with the goal to stay safe and compete in MMA. Very quickly I was pulled into the competitive realm, and the 'stay safe' part fell by the wayside to the focus of winning competitions.
It isnt that competition jiu jitsu isn't an opportunity to learn, or lots of fun. It's just that there is so much more to this martial art than the sport based competitive side.
T...
2019-10-2758 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#010 The Jiu Jitsu Imposter - Are You One of Them?John and Matty discuss the very common Imposter Syndrome amongst jiu jitsu students, and how it can wreak havoc on your ability to learn, as well as the enjoyment you derive from your practice of the gentle art.
It's Self Awareness
Being critical is a strength when you seek out what to improve on, and look to refine the parts and benefit the whole. In this way there is no limit to how good you can be. With the right effort in the right areas you can do anything you like.
B...
2019-09-281h 07
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#EXTRA Leverage Camp Lefkada 2019 ReviewThe Leverage Camp of 2019 has come and gone, and with it has etched some of the most amazing jiu jitsu memories that the participants will never forget.
It was as though the jiu jitsu Gods were looking down on us, for everything about this camp was nothing less than perfect.
Below I will do my best to put this experience into words, which definitely won’t demonstrate that tingly sense of satisfaction deep in our hearts that we all felt daily.
2020 was looking like a special part 2, but it looks like 2021 will be the r...
2019-08-3126 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#009 The Expert vs the SupercoachJohn and Matty discuss the coaching process happening at Higher and what it takes to be a good coach.
We chat about the importance of staying a learner for life, and being guided through the jiu jitsu journey in a way that offers structure and freedom at the same time.
Points of Note:
+The importance of the environment around you to maintain curiosity and stay safe as you explore the lands of jiu jitsu.
+ Why we organise regular jiu jitsu camps and seek knowledge from everywhere.
+ How...
2019-08-281h 13
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#008 Self Defence: Preparation, or Paranoia?Matty and I recorded this two weeks ago and it was scheduled to be released at the end of August.
In light of the recent Sydney Stabbing Attacks that occurred on the 13th August, I feel like it's important to bring up these points of discussion today.
Yesterday Sydney's CBD was faced with a random act of violence by a knife yielding, mentally unstable man. It resulted in the loss of a life, multiple injuries, and innumerable trauma amongst those who were amongst it, and beyond.
It's another example of how unlikely situations can arise from normal circumstances.
Key Points
You...
2019-08-1455 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#007 Curiosity on the Mats Doesn't Kill the CatCuriosity On the Mats Doesn't Kill the Cat.
John and Matty as we discuss how to stay curious on the mats, and learn for a lifetime.
If you want to do jiu jitsu well, you need to learn how to do it.
So, what's the best way to learn? First, be curious.
You're not curious when you're under pressure to perform, or when you're worried about being flattened or broken.
You're curious when you play with possibilities, and differentiate between each of their outcomes. It's how you can determine the most effective, and efficient way forward, and that's how you fi...
2019-07-2855 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#006 Stop Busy. Start Jiu Jitsu."Beware the barreness of a busy life."
- Socrates.
Join Coach John and Matty as they talk about how to 'Stop Busy. Start Jiu Jitsu".
The more attention you give to something, the more it will flourish.
This is why you need to proactively plan your jiu jitsu time.
A regular practice of jiu jitsu will not happen by accident. Time will not leap up and bite you in the butt. Nobody will give it to you, they'll only try to take it away.
That's why you need to anticipate, plan, and strategise. Seek out time, snatch it, and hold ont...
2019-06-2757 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#005 Study the Science of Jiu JitsuJoin Coach John Smallios, Prof Phillip Grapsas, and purple belt extraordinaire Roger Dio as we discuss how to take your practice of jiu jitsu and turn it into a study of science.
---
The beauty of jiu jitsu means that there are countless choices in any one moment in time. From each position, you can pick and choose many different options to move forward. And with every second of motion, these choices change.
Dissect the parts, uncover the patterns, test the results, do it for life.
This is also how the marti...
2019-05-301h 04
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#004 Injuries Suck. Prehab Says No.Injuries suck. I hate them. If you're a human being, you do too.
Your training methods should be focused on improving your capacity to live, perform, and have fun. Not hurt you. If you're frequently getting injured, it may be time to consider your program.
Join Coach John and Matty as we discuss the perils of injury, and what to do in order to minimise the risks of them, on the mats and off.
Shit Happens - Some things are out of our control. Living in a bubble would be 0 fun. But this doesn...
2019-04-3049 min
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#003 Jiu Jitsu Saves the DayLife is busy and you're a little under the weather.
You're tired, a little bored of your current routine, and just want to do something fun and fresh.
This is around the time that jiu jitsu can help.
You do a trial at HJJ, you meet new friends, you learn self defence, and have fun, all at the same time.
You're now hooked, you have the bug. You haven't been this excited in a long time.
And there you have it, jiu jitsu has saved the day.
Join J...
2019-04-231h 01
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#002 Ladies, It's Time. Gracie Jiu Jitsu means self defence via leverage where smaller, weaker people can defend themselves against bigger, and stronger aggressors. So then why are the everyday people doing jiu jitsu predominantly men? The gentle art is the perfect martial art for women to learn because it doesn't rely on physical attributes. You don't need big muscles, or lots of fitness to make it work.
Ladies, with jiu jitsu you no longer need to feel defenceless against anyone, fearful of your safety, or scared of being yourself in confrontation. It's how the women of our community can rise from...
2019-03-251h 05
Higher Jiu Jitsu Podcast#001 The Strategy of Survival First then Counter Attack. John and AJ sit to discuss the entire ethos of Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
When you first start jiu jitsu, and your understanding is lacking, you see one move after the other. When you've been training for a while, you start to consider the strategy that connects all of these techniques together.
The Perils of Poker - On the poker table, if you show your hand to your opponent, you'll get burned. The same thing applies on the mats. It's best to make your opponent show his hand to you first, so that you c...
2019-02-251h 07
Higher Jiu Jitsu Stories Show#016 Leverage Jiu Jitsu w/ Phil Grapsas & John SmalliosBrad and John sit down with Phil Grapsas, the head instructor of Leverage Jiu Jitsu to discuss his jiu jitsu journey.
Phil has been training jiu jitsu since February 1999 and is a black belt under Pedro Sauer.
Phil Grapsas has been instrumental with helping John get Higher Jiu Jitsu off the ground. He has been a coach, confidant and friend of John's for several years now and his jiu jitsu and coaching ability is respected by everyone invovled with Higher Jiu Jitsu and the Pedro Sauer Association.
Enjoy.
2019-01-181h 36
Higher Jiu Jitsu Stories Show#013 Roots of Higher w/ John SmalliosBrad sits down with the head instructor and owner of Higher Jiu Jitsu, John Smallios.
This episode explores the journey of John's path to starting Higher Jiu Jitsu and becoming affiliated with the Pedro Sauer Association.
It includes all things Higher Jiu Jitsu and is absolutely one episode that every listener of this podcast should tune into.
Oss.
2018-12-071h 53
Higher Jiu Jitsu Stories Show#011 Antediluvian Times w/ Oscar LoudonOscar Loudon has been training jiu jitsu since 29 January 2009. Coincidentally the date of death of the one and only, GM Helio Gracie. Since that time jiu jitsu has played a large part in Oscar's life. He has experience with training, competing, coaching and refereeing and a world of knowledge to go with it all. Being the very first student of Higher Jiu Jitsu, along with good friend Matthew Voger-Mason, Oscar gives us a glimpse into what motivated coach John Smallios to start Higher Jiu Jitsu and the journey traveled to date. Please listen and then share and subscribe. You can...
2018-11-231h 28
Higher Jiu Jitsu Stories Show#004 Joys of Higher Jiu Jitsu w/ Brendan & MattBrad gets together with HJJ aficionados Matt Voger Mason & Brendan Byrne.
First part is a talk all things jiu jitsu including the experience of learning together at Higher under John Smallios.
In the second part, we discuss the McGregor vs Khabib match up and reflect on the Eagles winning the AFL grand final moments beforehand.
2018-10-121h 15
The Impaired Grappler PodcastPodcast Episode 6 - John Smallios RollcastThis Rollcast is with John Smallios from Higher Jiu-Jitsu in Sydney.
John is a Brown Belt in the Pedro Sauer Association.
We talk about what he is working on at his school.
We get into the weeds about my purple belt presentation, validation and dealing with ego.
He also discuses his affiliation with Precision Nutrition.
Check out John's website at:
higherjiujitsu.com.au
If you are ever in Sydney and looking for a place to train Jiu-Jitsu in a friendly atmosphere check out his gym.
If you like this podcast hit the like button and subscribe to my channel. Feel...
2017-07-281h 07