Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Matt Thornton is the founder of Straight Blast Gym.  He was introduced to BJJ in 1991.  In 2001 Chris Hauete awarded Matt his black belt.  He can be found running his own Academy in Portland, Oregon, when his is not traveling.

This episode we talk about:

• His personal training history
• We go deep into what are the fundamentals of BJJ
• Why he recommends not teaching your style, just teaching fundamentals
• How to find your own game after you get the fundamentals
• The process of becoming a black belt in BJJ
• Why many people make the “all you can eat buffet” mistake when studding martial arts
• Conor McGregor’s striking style and movement
• Fundamentals are not style specific
• The principal of Aliveness
• The iMethod (introduction, isolation, integration)
• Why it is important to make BJJ simple
• The SBG kids program Growing Gorillas
• Some advantages for kids to do BJJ vs other sports
• Advice for students competing for the first time
• Staying calm during competition
• His early BJJ techniques
• Why learning to relax is a key to beginner BJJ
• Conor McGregor getting his brown belt
• Having passion for the martial arts

Contact Matt Thornton by Email here sbginfo@yahoo.com or visit the website http://www.straightblastgym.com/

Quote of the week: “I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.” Abraham Lincoln

Article of the week: “How To Be A Douche In Jiu-Jitsu” by http://jiujitsutimes.com/

We end the podcast with Ultimate dancing with Byron’s Mom talking about Randy Couture on dancing with the stars.

BjjBrick gi patch in action

Details of how you can get a free gi patch at the end of the podcast. sorry US only