About this episode

This episode explores the evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA across Asia through various perspectives.

Jiu-Jitsu in Asia: From Japan’s Early Days to Thailand’s Growth and China’s First ADCC Trials WinnerThis episode explores how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA evolved across Asia through multiple perspectives. A longtime martial artist in Japan recounts being drawn to more “complete” fighting, discovering shoot-style MMA, and witnessing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu go from unknown and dismissed to a boom in gyms, while prioritizing entertaining, understandable matches over winning at all costs. Jason “Sparky” Burnworth, a coach training in Thailand since 2012, describes building programs in Chiang Mai and Pattaya with Fairtex, teaching Stamp in the gi, and reflecting on how Thailand’s scene differs from old-school BJJ. Another segment follows the founding of Lock & Roll after the pandemic and a partnership with an Nepali pro MMA fighter. Jozef Chen discusses China’s rapid growth, his friend being the first Chinese ADCC Trials winner from China, competing for financial reasons, and his post-CJI matches, seminars, and upcoming competition plans.Chapters:0:00 Mystique and Discipline1:40 Origins of MMA in Japan3:47 Making Jiu Jitsu Exciting5:12 Building BJJ in Thailand7:26 Stamp and Buffalo…

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