On this episode of *The GI Spot* Podcast, Rach and Kaz take a step back from the technical side of Jiu Jitsu and dive into what truly makes them passionate about the sport. Inspired by a Reddit Grappling thread where contributors were asked to share what they love about Jiu Jitsu, the episode explores the joy, fulfillment, and personal growth that comes from being a part of this unique martial art.

While scrolling through the thread, Rach realized that many of the sentiments shared by fellow grapplers resonated deeply with her own journey. From the camaraderie on the mats to the mental and physical challenges, the responses inspired Rach and Kaz to dedicate an episode to celebrating the sport that has become a central part of their lives.

The episode kicks off with Rach and Kaz reflecting on their own love for Jiu Jitsu—how it’s impacted their lives beyond the mat and shaped them as individuals. They talk about the sense of community that Jiu Jitsu fosters, where training partners become lifelong friends and even feel like family. The atmosphere in a Jiu Jitsu academy is unlike any other, where people from all walks of life come together with a shared goal of learning, improving, and supporting each other.

The duo discusses the unique mental benefits that Jiu Jitsu offers, from stress relief to building resilience. The sport has a way of stripping away the superficial and putting you in the present moment. Whether it's overcoming self-doubt, pushing through exhaustion, or figuring out a new technique, Jiu Jitsu teaches you to be adaptable and tenacious—both on and off the mats. For Rach, the mental game is just as important as the physical, and it’s something she’s grown to appreciate even more as her journey has progressed.

Kaz shares her perspective on the joy of continual learning that Jiu Jitsu provides. No matter how long you’ve been training, there’s always something new to discover. Whether it’s fine-tuning a familiar technique or learning a completely new submission, the process of growth is never-ending. Jiu Jitsu’s complexity and depth are what keep people coming back day after day, year after year. It’s a sport that challenges you not just to be strong, but to be thoughtful, strategic, and always open to learning from others.

Another aspect that they highlight is the empowerment that Jiu Jitsu provides, especially for women. In a traditionally male-dominated space, Rach and Kaz speak to the growing presence of women on the mats and the confidence that Jiu Jitsu instills. For them, it’s not just about self-defense; it’s about knowing your own strength and capabilities. The sport has given them both a sense of self-assuredness that they carry into all aspects of their lives.

They also delve into the importance of failure and struggle in the Jiu Jitsu journey. The mat is a place where egos are checked, and losses are inevitable. But it’s in those moments of defeat and frustration where the most growth happens. The beauty of Jiu Jitsu is that it’s not about winning every roll but about showing up, learning, and improving over time. Kaz and Rach share how they’ve learned to embrace the process, even when it’s tough, and how those lessons translate into resilience in everyday life.

As the episode wraps up, Rach and Kaz circle back to the Reddit thread and reflect on the shared experiences of grapplers around the world. The common themes of community, personal growth, and love for the art resonate deeply with them, reminding them why they fell in love with Jiu Jitsu in the first place.

This episode of *The GI Spot* is a heartfelt celebration of the sport that has shaped Rach and Kaz in profound ways. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting your Jiu Jitsu journey, this conversation will inspire you to reflect on what Jiu Jitsu means to you and why it’s a sport that so many people hold dear. Tune in for an uplifting and introspective episode that will leave you feeling connected to the broader Jiu Jitsu community and inspired to keep showing up on the mats.

On this episode of The GI Spot Podcast, the team mixes things up in a new way. Kaz turns the tables and puts co-host Rachael Bradshaw in the hot seat, along with fan-favorite guest Grant Bradshaw and the ever-present but rarely heard Producer Matt. Together, they dive deep into a topic that often sparks heated debates in the Jiu Jitsu community—the concept of a "Jiu Jitsu grading."

Jiu Jitsu schools across the globe have varying traditions and customs when it comes to belt promotions, with approaches ranging from the simple and straightforward to the complex and comprehensive. Some schools opt for an understated belt presentation, while others may have multi-day testing processes that push candidates to their physical and mental limits. Regardless of the approach, the significance of the grading process can vary wildly depending on the academy and its philosophy.

In this episode, Kaz, Rachael, Grant, and Matt break down what grading means to them, from both the instructor's and the student's perspectives. As seasoned practitioners and academy owners, Grant and Rachael take the opportunity to showcase the grading process at their own school, Iconic Jiu Jitsu. They dive into the core values and principles that shape their approach to promotions, highlighting why the spirit of what they do is so vital to the integrity of their academy and their students’ development.

Grant, as a second-degree black belt and long-time coach, offers insight into what instructors look for when deciding if a student is ready for the next level. He shares his thoughts on the delicate balance between maintaining high standards and recognizing individual progress, emphasizing that Jiu Jitsu is not just about physical techniques, but also about character, mindset, and personal growth. Rachael adds her perspective on how they strive to cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, ensuring that promotions are not just a formality but a meaningful milestone in each practitioner’s journey.

On the flip side, Matt brings a candid view from the candidate’s perspective, recounting his own experiences preparing for and undergoing the grading process. As someone who's recently leveled up in his Jiu Jitsu journey, Matt offers a raw and honest reflection on the physical and emotional challenges of working toward a belt promotion. From the grueling training sessions to overcoming self-doubt, he shares what it takes to push through the barriers and earn the respect of both his peers and instructors.

Throughout the episode, the group also tackles some of the most common debates surrounding Jiu Jitsu grading. Is a formal testing process necessary, or is time on the mat and instructor observation enough? How do you measure progress in a sport where individual journeys can be so varied? And perhaps most importantly, how do schools strike a balance between maintaining high standards and fostering an inclusive, growth-oriented culture?

This episode provides listeners with a well-rounded view of the grading process, offering insights from both the instructors’ and students’ perspectives. Whether you’re a white belt just starting out or a seasoned practitioner working toward your next rank, this conversation sheds light on the complexities and emotions involved in Jiu Jitsu grading. It’s an opportunity to see the thought and care that goes into these decisions from the people responsible for upholding the standards of their academy, while also getting an inside look at the candidate’s experience as they prepare for and ultimately achieve a new level in their training.

Tune in for a lively, insightful, and sometimes humorous discussion that digs deep into what it means to earn your stripes (or your belt) in the world of Jiu Jitsu. Whether you're a coach, a student, or simply someone curious about martial arts culture, this episode has something for everyone.

Welcome to The Gi Spot Podcast a Jiu Jitsu Podcast by Women for Everyone. Meet your host Rachael Bradshaw and Kaz Page, as they sit down weekly to discuss all things that Jiu Jitsu effects in Life, Family, Relationships, Business, and so much more. Each episode looks at life and where their individual Jiu Jitsu Journey has taken them and all the other amazing guests they will meet along the way. ⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook

On today’s episode of The GI Spot Podcast, Rach and Kaz sit down with Jerry Wetzel, a leading authority on real-time threat assessment and knife defense. Jerry has spent decades developing practical, reality-based methods for dealing with violence, and today, he shares his vast knowledge and experience with the listeners. As the founder of Centerline Gym in 1999, Jerry's mission has always been to research and understand the true nature of violence—not the Hollywood version, not the stylized combat techniques, but the raw, unpredictable, and often chaotic reality of self-defense situations.

Jerry’s approach goes beyond just physical techniques. He emphasizes the importance of integrating biological, psychological, emotional, and behavioral factors into training. During the episode, Rach and Kaz dig into these concepts with Jerry, exploring how real-world scenarios differ drastically from the controlled environments we often train in. They discuss the psychological impact of facing a real threat and how our natural instincts and emotional responses need to be addressed in training if we are to effectively defend ourselves.

Jerry speaks passionately about the need for realistic, pressure-tested training against resisting opponents—where the objective is not to perform a perfect technique, but to survive and escape dangerous situations. He shares insights into the development of his knife defense system, outlining how understanding human behavior and the physiology of violence has shaped his approach. Rather than relying on theoretical or traditional techniques, Jerry's methods are grounded in truth—what actually works in the chaos of a real confrontation.

The conversation also touches on Jerry’s extensive background in martial arts and combat sports, how he evolved his philosophy of self-defense, and his commitment to helping everyday people equip themselves with life-saving skills. He explains the common misconceptions surrounding knife defense, and why most traditional approaches fall short when faced with the unpredictability of an armed assailant.

Rach and Kaz dive into the practical side of Jerry’s training—what it looks like to prepare mentally and physically for real threats, how to recognize pre-attack indicators, and how to react under stress. They also discuss the broader implications of personal safety in today's world, emphasizing the importance of situational awareness and how everyday people can empower themselves through self-defense education.

Whether you're a seasoned martial artist or someone interested in learning about self-protection, this episode is packed with valuable insights from one of the most respected voices in the field of real-world violence and defense. Jerry’s no-nonsense approach offers listeners a deeper understanding of what it takes to confront violence effectively and, more importantly, survive it. Tune in for an enlightening and practical discussion that could make all the difference in a life-threatening situation.

Welcome to The Gi Spot Podcast a Jiu Jitsu Podcast by Women for Everyone. Meet your host Rachael Bradshaw and Kaz Page, as they sit down weekly to discuss all things that Jiu Jitsu effects in Life, Family, Relationships, Business, and so much more. Each episode looks at life and where their individual Jiu Jitsu Journey has taken them and all the other amazing guests they will meet along the way. ⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook

https://rzthreatmanagement.com/