Beauty and the Gi: Gripping Conversations about Jiu-Jitsu and Life

Beauty and the Gi is a podcast about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that explores the intersection of life on and off the mat. Whether you are a new white belt, or a seasoned grappler, this podcast offers a blend of personal experiences, challenges, and breakthroughs. In each episode, you get the perspectives of the ever-curious Blue Belt Jen Edds, along with Black Belt and coach AJ Clingerman. Episodes are usually 30 minutes or less because we would rather be rolling than talking about it.

188: Brown Belt Jennifer Risser! 05/09/2024

187: Taking Time to Look Back and Celebrate Milestones 04/25/2024

186: Do You Feel Pressure to Bring Value When Rolling with a Higher Rank? 04/11/2024

186: Do You Feel Pressure to Bring Value When Rolling with a Higher Rank? Do you feel pressure to bring “value” when rolling with a higher rank? From brand-new white belts to experienced black belts, we all bring unique value to the mat. Seeing the value we bring can be especially tricky when you’re new to grappling. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re learning a move for the first time, then you go to drill it, and your mind goes blank. We’ve been there and lived to podcast about it. For upper belts, rolling with a less experienced partner is a chance to refine their game. Meanwhile, lower belts have the opportunity to receive guidance and learn from the higher ranks. Every roll or drill has value when you approach it with intention. It’s your responsibility, no matter the color of your belt, to find or create value for yourself. This is your journey. The Highlights (00:00) Do you feel pressure to bring “value” when rolling with a higher rank? (03:04) Rolling with new white belts (08:51) Encouraging lower belts (14:47) We all belong on the mats and bring unique value to every roll If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend! You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp Roll Model Radio Podcast New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Audible Beauty and the Gi on Audible Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp Roll Model Radio Podcast Connect with Jen and AJ @beautyandthegipodcast @brassybroadjen @brassybroadjen @ajclingerman @roll_model on Instagram Links and Resources Recording, Theme Music, Editing, and Production of this podcast by Jen at Disclaimer: The Beauty and the Gi podcast and content posted by Beauty and the Gi is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. /episode/index/show/beautyandthegi/id/30768278

185: Rachel Casias on Jiu-Jitsu, Coaching, and Navigating Alzheimer's 03/28/2024

184: Communication, Competition, and Your Jiu-Jitsu Community 03/14/2024

183: Small Victories, Big Impact: Nurturing an Upward Spiral in Your Jiu Jitsu 02/29/2024

182: The Rise of Women’s Jiu-Jitsu and Our Thoughts on the American Jiujiteira Documentary 02/15/2024

182: The Rise of Women’s Jiu-Jitsu and Our Thoughts on the American Jiujiteira Documentary Have you watched the American Jiujiteira documentary? We watched it and have some thoughts to share with you in this episode. (00:00) Episode Intro (01:29) The American Jiujiteira Documentary Explore the impact of the American Jiujiteira documentary and its significance in showcasing women’s experiences in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From personal training experiments to the representation of women in the sport, we’re sharing our thoughts on the documentary and the sense of community it fosters. (04:32) Why We Go to Jiu-Jitsu When We Don’t Feel Like It Have you ever felt the dread of going to Jiu-Jitsu class? There are some days you don’t feel like showing up. We’ve all been there. Then we remember why we do it. (11:57) Creativity Under Pressure Jiu-Jitsu provides the opportunity for creative problem-solving in real time! (14:11) Where Jiu-Jitsu Helps Us in Life Off the Mat Taking the lessons we learn in Jiu-Jitsu and applying them to life off the mat (16:09) The Growth of Women Led Classes in Jiu-Jitsu Changing perceptions of women in the sport and how their representation as leaders is reshaping the Jiu-Jitsu community. (24:01) Jiu-Jitsu Will Change Your Life The Jiu-Jitsu survey stat that jumped out at us! Watch American Jiujiteira Follow @ If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend! You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp Roll Model Radio Podcast New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Audible Beauty and the Gi on Audible Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp Roll Model Radio Podcast Connect with Jen and AJ @beautyandthegipodcast @brassybroadjen @brassybroadjen @ajclingerman @roll_model on Instagram Links and Resources Recording, Theme Music, Editing, and Production of this podcast by Jen at /episode/index/show/beautyandthegi/id/29977593

181: When Life Throws You Off Your Jiu-Jitsu Game and Vice Versa 02/01/2024

180: BJJ Black Belt Sarah Chamberlain 01/18/2024

179: New Year Reset: Intention, a Shift in Perspective, and Announcing the Theme for Roll Model Camp 2024 01/04/2024

178: Rolling into 2024: Creating Your Yearly Game Plan for Life On and Off the Mat 12/21/2023

177: What to do When You Think Your Jiu Jitsu is Garbage 12/07/2023

176: Wrestling with the Decision to Compete and the Emotional Rollercoaster of a Jiu Jitsu Competition 11/23/2023

175: What Do You Do When You Want to Quit Jiu Jitsu? 11/09/2023

174: Always Getting Paired with the New Girl in Jiu Jitsu Class - Frustration or Opportunity? 10/26/2023

174: Always Getting Paired with the New Girl in Jiu Jitsu Class - Frustration or Opportunity? Picture it: you're the only woman in your Jiu-Jitsu class. You’ve shown up consistently, you work hard, you’re training for your next tournament, but now there's a new twist. Your coach expects you always to be the one to train with every new woman who walks through the door. Your frustration builds, and you wonder, “Am I the jerk for feeling this way?”. We have big thoughts on this topic because everyone has something at stake. You want more women doing Jiu-Jitsu because you would like to compete with someone in your age and weight class, but you need to focus on your training, and it feels like your coach is taking you for granted. Your coach wants more students, and he knows you’re like the Mister Rogers of the Mat. You make everyone feel safe and welcome, so he picks you. And then…there’s the new girl who wants to learn a new skill and build her self-confidence. What do you? We are exploring the nuances of this balancing act for everyone. The Highlight Reel (06:49) Tips for making everyone feel welcome at their first class (09:24) How to create an inviting and welcoming culture in your gym (16:23) How to roll with the new person so they will want to come back (23:03) Seeing the opportunity to mentor and mold your ideal training partner If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend! You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp Roll Model Radio Podcast New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Audible Beauty and the Gi on Audible Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp Roll Model Radio Podcast Connect with Jen and AJ @beautyandthegipodcast @brassybroadjen @brassybroadjen @ajclingerman @roll_model on Instagram Links and Resources Recording, Theme Music, Editing, and Production of this podcast by Jen at /episode/index/show/beautyandthegi/id/28430477

173: What do you look for in a Jiu-Jitsu Coach and Gym Culture 10/12/2023

172: Navigating Unsolicited Opinions: When Your Loved Ones Don't Support Your Jiu-Jitsu Journey 09/28/2023

171: Should You Attend Jiu Jitsu Open Mats: The Benefits of Cross-Training 09/15/2023

171: Should You Attend Jiu Jitsu Open Mats: The Benefits of Cross-Training We have BIG opinions on cross-training and whether or not it’s a good idea to attend Jiu Jitsu open mats. Picture It: You love going to open mats, but your coach seems to have some reservations. This is the situation that one of our listeners found herself in. Now, that got the gears turning in our jiu-jitsu-obsessed minds. We dive deep into the topic of cross-training and open mats and explain why some coaches discourage cross-training. We discuss the red flags, the toxic mentality behind this, and why it's important to embrace the opportunity to learn and train with different people. And guess what? We not only encourage cross-training at other gyms but also in your own gym! AJ drops some serious wisdom on why mixing it up with different training partners can level up your game and keep things fresh. We explore the topic of competing against someone you've rolled with at an open mat. Is it a disadvantage or just another exciting challenge? Our brains are churning with thoughts and insights on this one. We're also sprinkling in some cool stories about AJ's experiences training at gyms while traveling and the incredible connections and friendships she's made along the way. Hit that play button, and let's roll! What You Need to Know (02:06) Red flags for a toxic Jiu-Jitsu environment (04:02) What are the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu cross-training (08:21) Why it doesn’t really matter if someone knows your game (10:31) How cross-training and open mats build the women’s Jiu-Jitsu community If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend! You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp Roll Model Radio Podcast New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Audible Beauty and the Gi on Audible Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp Roll Model Radio Podcast Connect with Jen and AJ @beautyandthegipodcast @brassybroadjen @brassybroadjen @ajclingerman @roll_model on Instagram Links and Resources Recording, Theme Music, Editing, and Production of this podcast by Jen at /episode/index/show/beautyandthegi/id/28046493

170: If You Want to Get Better at Jiu-Jitsu, You’ve Got to be Coachable 08/31/2023

170: If You Want to Get Better at Jiu-Jitsu, You’ve Got to be Coachable What does being coachable mean to you, and how does that impact your Jiu-Jitsu success? We are talking about being coachable from everyday training to how to focus on what your coach is telling you when you’re out there competing. Remember in The Empire Strikes Back when Yoda was trying to drop some wisdom on Luke Skywalker, but he just wasn't having it? Well, let's just say we have some thoughts on Luke’s unwillingness to be coached! But this episode is not all lightsabers and cute droids. We get down to business and share our insight and experience on what it means to be coachable in the world of jiu-jitsu. From listening to your coach's advice and opinion to implementing their guidance on the mats and even in tournaments, being coachable truly fuels your growth on and off the mat. The full video recording of this episode is also available on the Beauty and the Gi YouTube channel. Check it out and May the Gi be with you! Watch the full video here! The Highlight Reel (06:59) How to respectfully ask your coach questions (08:50) What does it mean to be coachable (10:52) Why you still want to try what your coach is teaching (even if you think you will never use it) (13:10) How to make your coach mad when you’ve asked them for coaching (14:30) How to be coachable during a Jiu-Jitsu tournament If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend! You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp Roll Model Radio Podcast New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Audible Beauty and the Gi on Audible Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp Roll Model Radio Podcast Connect with Jen and AJ @beautyandthegipodcast @brassybroadjen @brassybroadjen @ajclingerman @roll_model on Instagram Links and Resources Recording, Theme Music, Editing, and Production of this podcast by Jen at /episode/index/show/beautyandthegi/id/27903198