Episodes

Join the ladies of Pursuit Jiujitsu as we discuss why we started BJJ and why we keep at it!

Join in a conversation about competition, life, and motherhood with Brown Belt Stephanie Williamson. She is a multi gold medalist in IBJJF events such as Worlds, Pans, and Nationals.

This week’s episode features Heather DeSalvo and Alexandra Mitchell. Join us as we discuss competing and doing jiu jitsu in the Master’s age divisions.

This episode features Jessica Buckner, a black belt from Flowood, MS. She has been practicing jiujitsu for over 12 years, competed at IBJJF Worlds, and fought on several super fight cards such as F2W, Submission Hunter Pro, and Summit Grappling. …

Join in a conversation with Alayna Lott, brown belt out of Excelsior Jiujitsu in Zachery, LA. She is a multi-gold medalist at IBJJF competitions, and we talk about family, competition, and the love of BJJ.

This episode features an engaging conversation on mental health and jiujitsu with Erin Herle and Kristina Barlaan. Erin Herle is an American born, Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Rubens Charles (Cobrinha) having also worked extensively with...

This episode features Valéry Brosseau. She is a BJJ purple belt and trains in Toronto, ON. In addition to her training, Valéry works in the mental health field as a speaker, writer, and mental health advocate. She combines her lived …

Join in a conversation with husband and wife Ben and Sarah Willis. On this episode, we discuss how jiu-jitsu played a major role in bringing us together and how it remains a major part of our lives. We also break …

Lisa Shackelford This episode features a conversation with Lisa Shackelford. Lisa is the owner and coach of Gulf Coast Jiu Jitsu in Biloxi, MS. She has been a student training under world-class Professor Erick Raposo since May 2016. She is …

This episode features a conversation with Prof. Erik Medlin from Pursuit Jiu-Jitsu. In this episode, we discuss creating a healthy gym culture that is welcoming for ladies and men alike which centers around mutual respect. Erik is a black belt …

This week is a little different! We are starting a book club! The first book we will cover is Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin. Here is a little excerpt from the about section: One of the most popular Fortune …

In this episode, we are joined again by Stephanie Williamson. Much has happened since her last appearance on the podcast, specifically receiving her black belt. We discuss what that experience was like – the emotions, the excitement, and the new...

This episode features a conversation with Shama Ko. She is black belt under Paulo Brandao on the Gracie Humaitá team. On this episode we discuss Shama’s experience within the Jiu-jitsu community over the years, competition, and involvement in the...

This episode features a conversation with Kendall Vernon. She is the founder and owner of Gaidama, a female Jiu-Jitsu company. She is also a co-owner with her husband of Primate Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Tusla OK. In this episode, we …

In this episode, I am joined by Jackie Shaeffer. She is a purple belt out of Elevate Jiu Jitsu in Midlothian, Texas. As avid competitors on the local and IBJJF scenes, Jackie and I break down the experience of competition …

In this episode, I’m joined by Sophia McDermott. Sophia is the first Australian female to receive a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She is a multi-time world champion (4 x Australian National Champion, 4 x Pan Pacific Champion, 4 x …

In this episode, we look at Geoff Colvin’s bestselling book Talent is Overrated. The book focuses on the concept of deliberate practice in a number of fields ranging from sports to business. Colvin highlights that top performers in their respective...

This episode features a conversation with a younger Jiu-jitsu female, Dakota Billiu. As a teenager, Dakota delves into how and why she started Jiu-jitsu. She explains how she conquered her initial nerves and how she gained confidence. Listen in for …

Today’s episode features a conversation with Anna Pirkl. She is a highly skilled and compassionate therapist (Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Registered Art Therapist) dedicated to...

This episode features a conversation with Becca Burkhart. Becca is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist who specializes in Jiu-Jitsu strength and conditioning. In this episode, we talk about the appli...

In today's episode, Katy Petty gives us insight into the world of photography. As both a jiu-jitsu practitioner and a jiu-jitsu photographer, she has a unique perspective on the art. We dive into the techniques that go into p...

Today's episode features a conversation with Amy Campo. Amy is a blackbelt under Eduardo Mori, with an impressive competitive career. With multiple IBJJF wins at Pans and Worlds, Amy has also won at ADCC. During this conversa...

This episode features a conversation with Sarah Swiatek, a purple belt training out of Flow State Jiu Jitsu in Falcon, Colorado. We discuss competing and the benefits of the right mentality in approaching matches.

Summary: In this solo episode, Sarah Willis kicks off Season 2 of Grace Under Pressure with a deep dive into the balance between traditional fundamental Jiu-Jitsu and the modern, flashier techniques seen in today’s competitio...