Grappling Hour

NOTE: We’re re-releasing a remastered version of this episode in honor of our pal Kody Steele earning his contract in the UFC. This episode — recorded in May of 2024 — was released just after we discovered he would be fighting at the DWCS. Hear all about how it happened. Did you hear the big news? Our pal KODY STEELE will be on the upcoming season of DANA WHITE'S CONTENDER SERIES this fall. We were super stoked to be the first show to talk with him about this amazing news. We weren't, however, the first show he talked to after his last big win in the Fury Cage. That honor goes to some hooligans over in Texas. Nonetheless, we make up for lost time by finding out all about Kody's experience of watching ADCC on the sidelines and chatting about the way he's been able to acclimate to Vegas. Be sure to check out the TAPE STUDY that we did with Kody on our Premium Patreon channel.

Today we chat with Abraham La Montagne — namesake of "the Abe Lock" — a move that has a growing list of victims (myself included). In this episode, Abraham shares his journey from his early days in football and wrestling to becoming a professional grappler under the guidance of John Danaher at New Wave Jiu Jitsu. We discuss the value of mentorship, the development of his signature submission, and how his blend of wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu has shaped his rising jiu-jitsu career. Abe also tells us why he believes dance and jiu-jitsu are two sides of the same coin.——WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH: Head on over to https://www.rafesparza.com/merch You can purchase our BRAND NEW Grappling Hour HOODIES and T-SHIRTS.---- We’re on PATREON now!Head over to https://www.patreon.com/grapplinghourto become an EARLY ACCESS or PREMIUM Grappling Hour member. With early access, you'll see our interviews 30 days before everyone else and as a premium member, you'll get exclusive content (extra episodes, bonus episodes, technique breakdowns) that aren't available anywhere else. ----👾 - JOIN THE GRAPPLING HOUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hsePzUxZrA ----YOU CAN LISTEN TO OUR SHOW AT:🍏 - APPLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grappling-hour/id1437702200🎶 - SPOTIFY - https://open.spotify.com/show/28tKXEawj9SIwlr5fd1sx3?si=5415e680b0bc4fb5🛒 -AMAZON MUSIC - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/040e2ca4-e265-4be6-9477-3cd0e6474aeb/grappling-hour🗣 - AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/B09TYVGR51?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp&shareTest=TestShare🔎 - GOOGLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmFmZXNwYXJ6YS5jb20vZ3JhcHBsaW5naG91cj9mb3JtYXQ9cnNz?hl=enYOU CAN FOLLOW OUR SHOW’S SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES:📸 - INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/grapplinghour/📝 - THREADS - https://www.threads.net/@grapplinghour✍🏽 - TWITTER - https://twitter.com/grapplinghour👍🏽 - FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/grapplinghour👾 - TWITCH - https://www.twitch.tv/grapplinghour🕺🏽 - TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@grapplinghour

Welcome back to RUNNING THE GAUNTLET -- the show where BJJ and pop culture intersect. On today's show, we've got our pal BRYAN PETERSON joining us to take on the following topics: • FIRE • DOG • SUMMER • DOT • ASK • REBOOT——WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH: Head on over to https://www.rafesparza.com/merch You can purchase our BRAND NEW Grappling Hour HOODIES and T-SHIRTS.---- We’re on PATREON now!Head over to https://www.patreon.com/grapplinghourto become an EARLY ACCESS or PREMIUM Grappling Hour member. With early access, you'll see our interviews 30 days before everyone else and as a premium member, you'll get exclusive content (extra episodes, bonus episodes, technique breakdowns) that aren't available anywhere else. ----👾 - JOIN THE GRAPPLING HOUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hsePzUxZrA ----YOU CAN LISTEN TO OUR SHOW AT:🍏 - APPLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grappling-hour/id1437702200🎶 - SPOTIFY - https://open.spotify.com/show/28tKXEawj9SIwlr5fd1sx3?si=5415e680b0bc4fb5🛒 -AMAZON MUSIC - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/040e2ca4-e265-4be6-9477-3cd0e6474aeb/grappling-hour🗣 - AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/B09TYVGR51?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp&shareTest=TestShare🔎 - GOOGLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmFmZXNwYXJ6YS5jb20vZ3JhcHBsaW5naG91cj9mb3JtYXQ9cnNz?hl=enYOU CAN FOLLOW OUR SHOW’S SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES:📸 - INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/grapplinghour/📝 - THREADS - https://www.threads.net/@grapplinghour✍🏽 - TWITTER - https://twitter.com/grapplinghour👍🏽 - FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/grapplinghour👾 - TWITCH - https://www.twitch.tv/grapplinghour🕺🏽 - TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@grapplinghour

Meet Joshua Brown – a rising star in the world of MMA! In this episode, Joshua shares his incredible journey from Division One wrestling to mixed martial arts and training at King's MMA in Anaheim. His dedication to the sport is truly inspiring. We talk about Joshua's wrestling background and how it has shaped his approach to MMA, his challenges, and his future aspirations. Plus, we apologize for getting a small detail incorrect on the mic when he fought for SparStar. Tune in now to hear Joshua's story and get an inside look at the world of MMA through the unique perspective of a dedicated and talented fighter. Don't miss out! DISCLAIMER: My deepest apologies for the audio on this one. The audio got corrupted, and even my backups were unsuitable for air. I spent a great deal of time trying to salvage the emergency audio. So, if you're wondering why the audio quality drops so significantly around the 5-minute mark, that would be why. As many of you know, I have a certain standard that I try to hit with my interviews and I hate when it's not entirely up to par. We will definitely make it up to Joshua the next time we do this one in person.——WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH: Head on over to https://www.rafesparza.com/merch You can purchase our BRAND NEW Grappling Hour HOODIES and T-SHIRTS.---- We’re on PATREON now!Head over to https://www.patreon.com/grapplinghourto become an EARLY ACCESS or PREMIUM Grappling Hour member. With early access, you'll see our interviews 30 days before everyone else and as a premium member, you'll get exclusive content (extra episodes, bonus episodes, technique breakdowns) that aren't available anywhere else. ----👾 - JOIN THE GRAPPLING HOUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hsePzUxZrA ----YOU CAN LISTEN TO OUR SHOW AT:🍏 - APPLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grappling-hour/id1437702200🎶 - SPOTIFY - https://open.spotify.com/show/28tKXEawj9SIwlr5fd1sx3?si=5415e680b0bc4fb5🛒 -AMAZON MUSIC - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/040e2ca4-e265-4be6-9477-3cd0e6474aeb/grappling-hour🗣 - AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/B09TYVGR51?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp&shareTest=TestShare🔎 - GOOGLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmFmZXNwYXJ6YS5jb20vZ3JhcHBsaW5naG91cj9mb3JtYXQ9cnNz?hl=enYOU CAN FOLLOW OUR SHOW’S SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES:📸 - INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/grapplinghour/📝 - THREADS - https://www.threads.net/@grapplinghour✍🏽 - TWITTER - https://twitter.com/grapplinghour👍🏽 - FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/grapplinghour👾 - TWITCH - https://www.twitch.tv/grapplinghour🕺🏽 - TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@grapplinghour

In one of the wildest BJJ weeks in recent memory, I took some time to address two issues that came up in the community that identify the struggles we have as a sport as we court mainstream acceptance. You can find the full episode of this week's episode of THE BULLPEN with myself and TIM FREEMAN right here: https://www.youtube.com/live/X3ZQs9ABvMw——WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH: Head on over to https://www.rafesparza.com/merch You can purchase our BRAND NEW Grappling Hour HOODIES and T-SHIRTS.---- We’re on PATREON now!Head over to https://www.patreon.com/grapplinghourto become an EARLY ACCESS or PREMIUM Grappling Hour member. With early access, you'll see our interviews 30 days before everyone else and as a premium member, you'll get exclusive content (extra episodes, bonus episodes, technique breakdowns) that aren't available anywhere else. ----👾 - JOIN THE GRAPPLING HOUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hsePzUxZrA ----YOU CAN LISTEN TO OUR SHOW AT:🍏 - APPLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grappling-hour/id1437702200🎶 - SPOTIFY - https://open.spotify.com/show/28tKXEawj9SIwlr5fd1sx3?si=5415e680b0bc4fb5🛒 -AMAZON MUSIC - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/040e2ca4-e265-4be6-9477-3cd0e6474aeb/grappling-hour🗣 - AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/B09TYVGR51?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp&shareTest=TestShare🔎 - GOOGLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmFmZXNwYXJ6YS5jb20vZ3JhcHBsaW5naG91cj9mb3JtYXQ9cnNz?hl=enYOU CAN FOLLOW OUR SHOW’S SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES:📸 - INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/grapplinghour/📝 - THREADS - https://www.threads.net/@grapplinghour✍🏽 - TWITTER - https://twitter.com/grapplinghour👍🏽 - FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/grapplinghour👾 - TWITCH - https://www.twitch.tv/grapplinghour🕺🏽 - TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@grapplinghour

Welcome back to RUNNING THE GAUNTLET -- the show where BJJ and pop culture intersect. On today's show, we've got our pal ALEC BAULDING joining us to take on the following topics: • RULE • EDIT • BETTER • RID • CONFUSE • QUOTE——WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH: Head on over to https://www.rafesparza.com/merch You can purchase our BRAND NEW Grappling Hour HOODIES and T-SHIRTS.---- We’re on PATREON now!Head over to https://www.patreon.com/grapplinghourto become an EARLY ACCESS or PREMIUM Grappling Hour member. With early access, you'll see our interviews 30 days before everyone else and as a premium member, you'll get exclusive content (extra episodes, bonus episodes, technique breakdowns) that aren't available anywhere else. ----👾 - JOIN THE GRAPPLING HOUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hsePzUxZrA ----YOU CAN LISTEN TO OUR SHOW AT:🍏 - APPLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grappling-hour/id1437702200🎶 - SPOTIFY - https://open.spotify.com/show/28tKXEawj9SIwlr5fd1sx3?si=5415e680b0bc4fb5🛒 -AMAZON MUSIC - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/040e2ca4-e265-4be6-9477-3cd0e6474aeb/grappling-hour🗣 - AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/B09TYVGR51?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp&shareTest=TestShare🔎 - GOOGLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmFmZXNwYXJ6YS5jb20vZ3JhcHBsaW5naG91cj9mb3JtYXQ9cnNz?hl=enYOU CAN FOLLOW OUR SHOW’S SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES:📸 - INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/grapplinghour/📝 - THREADS - https://www.threads.net/@grapplinghour✍🏽 - TWITTER - https://twitter.com/grapplinghour👍🏽 - FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/grapplinghour👾 - TWITCH - https://www.twitch.tv/grapplinghour🕺🏽 - TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@grapplinghour

RYAN AITKEN is a two-time Combat Jiu Jitsu champ, but he knew he was in for an epic tournament at the EBI ABSOLUTES. Not only was he out there to continue showing out for his 10th Planet Atlanta crew, but he knew there would be eyeballs on his performance from major promotions that are taking place this August. What happened that night was a life-changing moment that culminated with Aitken being crowned the EBI ABSOLUTES champion on the 10th anniversary of the Eddie Bravo namesake. It was an incredible moment, and we've got the entire story behind his run. Be sure to check it out!——WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH: Head on over to https://www.rafesparza.com/merch You can purchase our BRAND NEW Grappling Hour HOODIES and T-SHIRTS.---- We’re on PATREON now!Head over to https://www.patreon.com/grapplinghourto become an EARLY ACCESS or PREMIUM Grappling Hour member. With early access, you'll see our interviews 30 days before everyone else and as a premium member, you'll get exclusive content (extra episodes, bonus episodes, technique breakdowns) that aren't available anywhere else. ----👾 - JOIN THE GRAPPLING HOUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hsePzUxZrA ----YOU CAN LISTEN TO OUR SHOW AT:🍏 - APPLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grappling-hour/id1437702200🎶 - SPOTIFY - https://open.spotify.com/show/28tKXEawj9SIwlr5fd1sx3?si=5415e680b0bc4fb5🛒 -AMAZON MUSIC - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/040e2ca4-e265-4be6-9477-3cd0e6474aeb/grappling-hour🗣 - AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/B09TYVGR51?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp&shareTest=TestShare🔎 - GOOGLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmFmZXNwYXJ6YS5jb20vZ3JhcHBsaW5naG91cj9mb3JtYXQ9cnNz?hl=enYOU CAN FOLLOW OUR SHOW’S SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES:📸 - INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/grapplinghour/📝 - THREADS - https://www.threads.net/@grapplinghour✍🏽 - TWITTER - https://twitter.com/grapplinghour👍🏽 - FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/grapplinghour👾 - TWITCH - https://www.twitch.tv/grapplinghour🕺🏽 - TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@grapplinghour

EDDIE BERNAL shocked audiences back at Lights Out Xtreme Fighting in May when he announced that he was retiring from MMA. At just 25, the announcement came as a shock to many of his family and friends. So in this interview, I wanted to give Eddie the opportunity to fully explain his reasoning for leaving the fight game -- as well as a chance to tell us what might be next for him. We also cover what happened in his last fight and I even start trying to brainstorm things he can start doing to help ease him into his post-retirement MMA life. Be sure to check this one out, as I think Eddie does a great job of talking about his impressive run as a mixed martial arts fighter. We've had a ton of fun covering his time in the cage over the years, but I'm quite certain this is far from his last time on the show. Cheers to a great career, Eddie.——WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH: Head on over to https://www.rafesparza.com/merch You can purchase our BRAND NEW Grappling Hour HOODIES and T-SHIRTS.---- We’re on PATREON now!Head over to https://www.patreon.com/grapplinghourto become an EARLY ACCESS or PREMIUM Grappling Hour member. With early access, you'll see our interviews 30 days before everyone else and as a premium member, you'll get exclusive content (extra episodes, bonus episodes, technique breakdowns) that aren't available anywhere else. ----👾 - JOIN THE GRAPPLING HOUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hsePzUxZrA ----YOU CAN LISTEN TO OUR SHOW AT:🍏 - APPLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grappling-hour/id1437702200🎶 - SPOTIFY - https://open.spotify.com/show/28tKXEawj9SIwlr5fd1sx3?si=5415e680b0bc4fb5🛒 -AMAZON MUSIC - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/040e2ca4-e265-4be6-9477-3cd0e6474aeb/grappling-hour🗣 - AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/B09TYVGR51?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp&shareTest=TestShare🔎 - GOOGLE PODCASTS - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmFmZXNwYXJ6YS5jb20vZ3JhcHBsaW5naG91cj9mb3JtYXQ9cnNz?hl=enYOU CAN FOLLOW OUR SHOW’S SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES:📸 - INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/grapplinghour/📝 - THREADS - https://www.threads.net/@grapplinghour✍🏽 - TWITTER - https://twitter.com/grapplinghour👍🏽 - FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/grapplinghour👾 - TWITCH - https://www.twitch.tv/grapplinghour🕺🏽 - TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@grapplinghour