JiujitsuGeeks Year One

Wow, what a fun year this has been for us at JiujitsuGeeks. The podcast and blog was not even a thing when we rang in 2012. The whole idea to do a podcast came from a conversation Aaron and I had in a parking lot after a jiu-jitsu class. Both of us are huge podcast listeners and were discussing the growing medium when Aaron proposed we start one ourselves. Then, and now, the idea sounds totally crazy. Two guys who are not personal bloggers or overly tech savvy starting their own blog and internet program? It took a lot of figuring out for the both of us. Although it remains a work in progress, I am pretty proud and impressed with what we have accomplished. Not only do we have a good product but the number of downloads and page views is a testament that we are on the right track.

After a few months it became clear that the JiujitsuGeeks had to expand its ranks. We choose to recruit our friend and training partner, Brian. Being young with zero attachments in this world, Brian brought forward a crazy enthusiasm for hearing his own voice as well as unique insights into how to expand our brand.  He is also a talented photographer which is always handy to have on staff. Brian is similar to one of those armless Bob punching bags…he may mean mug but he takes a lot of abuse.

The JiujitsuGeeks are also very fortunate to have a good support network in our inner BJJ circle. We would not have grown the way we have if we were not allowed access to the talented friends of our mentor, Gustavo Machado. Gustavo has been very supportive of us since the beginning and has helped arrange many of our best interviews.  If you are reading this, Gustavo, thank you VERY much.

Also, I have to thank Chris Mahan. Chris is our primary instructor and is gracious enough to lend us his mat space to record many of our episodes. He is also the best go-to guest we could ask for.  His knowledge and understanding of jiu-jitsu makes for some interesting conversations. Thanks, Chris!  

I am pretty excited for what we have planned for the future. We are lining up a few interesting interviews and are formulating ideas for some good articles. We have figured out a way to do distance interviews and have already begun scheduling time with some leading figures in the BJJ world.  Our goal is not just to produce a podcast for the sake of putting out a product but to deliver something interesting and entertaining.  Weather it is talking to the world renowned Renzo Gracie or the owner of a local yoga chain who happens to love BJJ, we aim to showcase the spectrum of the arte suave. Enjoy…the best is yet to come.

E.T.   

Review of Scramble Spats

If I could travel back in time 5 years there would be a list of a few things that I would guess I would never have in my future.  That list would include:

A child

Health Insurance

A Freddy Mercury style mustache

Grappling spats

Here in the present day, I have all of those except for the mustache. It’s not that I don’t want to look like the lead singer of Queen…it is just that I don’t have that type of facial hair growth ability hardwired in my DNA.

Owning the grappling spats takes even me by surprise. I have seen them advertised and worn by the BJJ and MMA elite but could never see me wearing a pair. At first glance they look like just a pair of tights. If you readers are anything like me then you got your fill of wearing tights when you unsuccessfully tried to become a super hero in your mid-teen years. Our buddy Aaron at www.martialartssupplies.com asked the Jiu-jitsu Geeks to review a pair for his website and I am the one that got the assignment.

Vital Stats:

Brand:  Scramble

Style:  Basic

Color:  Black / White

Retail Price:  $59.99 (www.martialartssupplies.com)

Size:  XL – This is at least a size 36inch pants.

Number of times worn:  14

Number of times washed:  14

Review:

It is pretty obvious to state, but the Scramble grappling spats are a rashguard for your legs. They are thin enough to be worn with grappling shorts or even under your gi. I used them in both nogi and gi classes. The best use was in nogi. Wearing them under a gi can get pretty heat intensive. After an intense warm up, I had to hit the changing room to take the off from under my gi pants.

Nogi, however, was a different story. They breathed nicely and did not bunch up at all. Usually, with a long sleeve rashguard, after a few washes the sleeve area becomes loose. It would only make sense that the same would happen to the ankle part of the Scramble spats, right? It didn’t. The material help its elasticity after several warm ups, drilling and sparring sessions, and washes. That is the highest compliment I can give the Scramble spats. Because we are in such a physically demanding activity, durability or our attire is always a concern. I can safely say the Scramble spats will last a long time and many washes.

The designs on the Scramble spats are minimal at best. Scramble makes a rainbow or multicolored spats but the pair I reviewed had minimal art design. The famous Scramble logo is on the lower right leg and the “Original and Best Ganso” logo is on the right hip. The pants are black and the seams are white. For someone like myself who never considered owning a pair, minimal design is much preferred. After repeated use and washes, the artwork has not faded or chipped a bit.

Conclusion:

The Scramble spats are great product. They are made of the highest quality and were designed with great attention to detail. I have taken to keeping them in my gym bag for days when unwashed newbies come to class or when I am rolling on foreign mats. When I do finally wear through the Scramble spats, I will be ordering another pair. Of course, from www.martialartssupplies.com

Final Grade - A

Where to order? www.martialartssupplies.com

E.T.

JiujitsuGeeks Podcast / Mauricio Tinguinha Mariano

In this episode of the podcast, JiujitsuGeek Aaron and Brian talk to Mauricio "Tinguinha" Mariano. Tinguinha is a living legend of BJJ and close friend to our own Gustavo Machado. Whenever Tinguinha comes into VA he always makes a stop in Va. Beach to teach a seminar at Gustavo's academy. How could we miss the opportunity to talk BJJ royalty? Enjoy!

JiujitsuGeeks Podcast / Mauricio "Tinguinha" Mariano Interview V.2

E.T.

Tinguina's Bio at BJJ Heros

www.tinguinha.com

Tinguinha

L to R - Gustavo Machado, Tinguinha, Aaron, Brian

The last thing you want to see on your opponent gi at a competition. 

The nicest bad dudes you will ever meet.