Podcast

Hosted by Sonny Brown, The Sonny Brown Breakdown is an MMA & BJJ podcast that explores the training, teaching and health of martial arts. In each episode, Sonny is joined by a guest expert to discuss a different aspect of the sport. From Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, Catch Wrestling & MMA, they cover everything you need to know to be a successful fighter.

But it’s not just about the technical side of things. They also touch on the importance of mental preparation and focus, as well as the importance of proper nutrition for fighters. With Sonny’s experience and knowledge, and with experts from all over the world, The Sonny Brown Breakdown is essential listening for anyone interested in martial arts.

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The Sonny Brown Breakdown
Podcast Episodes & Show Notes

Chris Paines On Unconventional Growth in Grappling & A Universal Theory of Guard

I talk to Chris Paines, a Staffordshire-based black-belt who built a “concept first” style while running an isolated club with no senior coach, about reverse-engineering Jiu-Jitsu by asking why each sweep, choke, and guard exists. Forced to learn...

Priit Mihkelson On The BJJ Clapping Ritual & Self Determination Theory

I talk to Priit Mihkelson about reshaping Jiu-Jitsu rituals with evidence-based coaching, the psychology of motivation and his “defensive BJJ” teaching framework. We dig into why he objects to the ubiquitous “3-2-1 clap”, how he designs...

Vlad Koulikov Interview On Sambo Fusion & Unity Over Division In Grappling

I talk to Vlad Koulikov about his lifelong quest to blend the best of Sambo with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We cover the martial art’s military origins, rule-sets, leg-lock culture and ranking system, then dig into Vlad’s coaching philosophy, his time at...

Robert Degle On Pragmatism & Philosophy In Jiu-Jitsu

I spoke with Robert Degle, a BJJ Black Belt from New York who trains under John Danaher and is also a philosophy major. We discuss how he started BJJ in the blue basement with Danaher, His start with philosophy and existentialism and how this led...

Ruadhán MacFadden On The History of Folk Wrestling Styles

I talk to Ruadhán MacFadden who runs a project titled The Hero with a Thousand Holds, which looks at the culture and practice of folk wrestling styles worldwide. In particular, the people and places that the styles have emerged from and not just...

Robert Drysdale On The Good, Bad & Beautiful Truth Of BJJ History

I talk to Robert Drysdale, ADCC Champion, Mundials Champion and has also coached many other legends of the sport. Also a History major, he has spent his recent time delving into the history of the sport for a documentary entitled Closed Guard: The...

Steve Kwan On Efficiency in Learning Techniques & Mental Models for BJJ

I talk to Steve Kwan, black-belt co-host of BJJ Mental Models and tech-sector efficiency expert, about using mental models to fast-track Jiu-Jitsu learning, why setting tight parameters accelerates skill acquisition and how to filter the flood of...

Matt Thornton Interview On The Art of Aliveness & Fundamentals

I talk to Matt Thornton. Matt is the founder of Straight Blast Gym International or SBG and is a 4th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Chris Hauter. We discuss how coming up in the 90s lead him to emphasise training against resisting...

Rob Biernacki On Pedagogy, BJJ Concepts & Gamification of Jiu-Jitsu

I talk to Rob Biernacki, Head Instructor at Island Top Team and owner of BJJ Concepts. We talk about Rob’s gamification teaching strategy, how being isolated has helped him develop his unique style, how he structures his classes, and how he decided...