The BjjBrick Podcast is in iTunes, and Stitcher radio

Matt Thornton is the founder of Straight Blast Gym. He was introduced to BJJ in 1991. In 2001 Chris Hauete awarded Matt his black belt. He can be found running his own Academy in Portland, Oregon, when his is not traveling.

This episode we talk about:

His personal training history

We go deep into what are the fundamentals of BJJ

Why he recommends not teaching your style, just teaching fundamentals

How to find your own game after you get the fundamentals

The process of becoming a black belt in BJJ

Why many people make the “all you can eat buffet” mistake when studding martial arts

Conor McGregor’s striking style and movement

Fundamentals are not style specific

The principal of Aliveness

The iMethod (introduction, isolation, integration)

Why it is important to make BJJ simple

The SBG kids program Growing Gorillas

Some advantages for kids to do BJJ vs other sports

Advice for students competing for the first time

Staying calm during competition

His early BJJ techniques

Why learning to relax is a key to beginner BJJ

Conor McGregor getting his brown belt

Having passion for the martial arts

Contact Matt Thornton by Email here sbginfo@yahoo.com or visit the website http://www.straightblastgym.com/

Quote of the week: “I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.” Abraham Lincoln

Article of the week: “How To Be A Douche In Jiu-Jitsu” by http://jiujitsutimes.com/

We end the podcast with Ultimate dancing with Byron’s Mom talking about Randy Couture on dancing with the stars.