Robert Drysdale

Jamison Cummings

I'm back after a bit of a hiatus with a two hour sit down with some awesome guests. Jamison Cummings is an undefeated Fight 2 Win competitor. He's black belt under Dave Camarillo from Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu with an amazing story. Robert Drysdale is a legendary Jiu Jitsu competitor and instructor with too many accolades to list. He's in the Bay Area so I had to take this opportunity to sit down with him once again. Big thanks to How Healthy Wellness Center in Cupertino, CA and Want Vs Need. Much Love - Clint

Robert Drysdale and Jamison Cummings

Derek Okahashi

I finally had the opportunity to sit down with the original mind, blood, sweat and tears behind the 31Fifty Brand, Derek Okahashi. Derek produced some extremely cool apparel and jiu jitsu gear in the 2010's. Derek has some great stories so be sure to check out this episode.  As always thank you to Want Vs Need @wantvsneed for all of the support and for helping to make what I do possible.

Derek Okahashi - 31fifty Brand Original Founder 

Clint Cronin

Nima Moridi

Jiu Jitsu lifestyle talk with myself and my good friend and One World Jiu Jitsu blue belt Nima Moridi. Always a good time talking about martial arts and the recent Fury / Wilder heavyweight boxing title fight.

Clint Cronin & Nima Moridi Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle Speak

Michael Hillebrand

Michael Hillebrand is a 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Black Belt. He can be found at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu in Oakland, California. It has been a minute since I last put out an episode. I'm looking forward to putting shows out weekly from here on out so happy holidays, and enjoy. I've been trying to do a show with Michael from quite some time now so I'm very happy to finally be able to put out this episode.

Michael Hillebrand - 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu

Tom Lawlor

This week I'm on location at the HQ of Team Filthy in Las Vegas, NV with none other than Filthy Tom Lawlor. We talk about our time cornering Onnit.com Director of Human Optimization Kyle Kingsbury as he battled Jason Ellis at Ellis Mania 15 in Las Vegas, NV as well as lots of other fun stuff. Catch Filthy Tom Lawlor every week on MLW Wrestling ( mlw.com ) . Find Tom at @filthytomlawlor on instagram and twitter.

This week I'm on location at the HQ of Team Filthy in Las Vegas, NV with none other than Filthy Tom Lawlor. We talk about our time cornering <a href="http://Onnit.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Onnit.com</a> Director of Human Optimization Kyle Kingsbury as he battled Jason Ellis at Ellis Mania 15 in Las Vegas, NV as well as lots of other fun stuff. Catch Filthy Tom Lawlor every week on MLW Wrestling ( <a href="http://mlw.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mlw.com</a> ) . Find Tom at @filthytomlawlor on instagram and twitter.

Filthy Tom Lawlor Returns ! 

Kaine Kong

On site with Kaine "Kong" Marzola" once again as he gets ready for his latest battle on September 8th at WFC . To support Kaine and purchase the official Kane Kong walkout shirt check out KAINEKONGLIVE.com for more info  Come see Kaine Marzola fight next Saturday at WFC 95 Cage Fights Sept 8th,2018 at the Avi in Laughlin. Get your tickets from your favorite fighter or WFCFights.com.

On site with Kaine "Kong" Marzola" once again as he gets ready for his latest battle on September 8th at WFC . To support Kaine and purchase the official Kane Kong walkout shirt check out <a href="http://KAINEKONGLIVE.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">KAINEKONGLIVE.com</a> for more info  Come see Kaine Marzola fight next Saturday at WFC 95 Cage Fights Sept 8th,2018 at the Avi in Laughlin. Get your tickets from your favorite fighter or <a href="http://WFCFights.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WFCFights.com</a>.

Kaine Kong Marzola Returns

I am on location in Las Vegas, NV with Robert Drysdale. In this episode we catch up for a bit and have a chat on Jiu Jitsu history and teaching methodology and dive into a few other topics. Robert has been spending time traveling around the world and calling the action for some of the most exciting, high level Jiu Jitsu action as he provides commentary for the ACB promotion. It's always great to hang out and talk to Robert so I hope that you all learn and enjoy the talk as much as I did. See you all on the mat and be sure to be on the look out for Robert's commentary on ACB events and be sure to keep an eye out for Closed Guard the Movie.   Possibly the most accomplished American Grappler of his generation, Robert Drysdale is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a rank he earned training with the legendary coach Leonardo Vieira. Born of an American father and a Brazilian mother, Robert Drysdale grew up, for the most part, in Brazil, training with one of the most talented teams of the 2000’s era (Brasa). Robert Drysdale was also the 2nd American to win an IBJJF World Championship (2005), later going on to win the ADCC (2007) in the open weight category. Robert Drysdale  also competed in mixed martial arts (MMA) reaching the pinnacle of the sport, the UFC. By the end of 2013 Drysdale joined forces with Rodrigo Cavaca to form a new grappling team – Zenith BJJ.

Robert Drysdale Returns

Anthony Do is a professional mixed martial artist fighting out of the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose and Sunnyvale, CA.  He is also a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Mike Prudencio from One World Jiu Jitsu. He will be challenging for the 115lb URCC title on August 4th at the Crane Pavilion in Richmond, CA

Anthony "The Antidote" Do

Erik Paulson

Erik Paulson holds a 5th degree black belt under Rigan Machado in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is also the founder of CSW gym in Fullerton, CA. He is a black belt in multiple martial arts and as a pioneer in mixed martial arts was the first American to win light heavyweight gold in the Shooto promotion in Japan. I spent a few hours with Erik this past weekend in Fullerton, CA at CSW gym while I was in town for IBJJF Worlds. Erik is one of the most interesting people you'll meet in the martial arts world and has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things grappling / mma related. It was an honor to sit down with Erik and hang out at the legendary CSW gym. Erik Paulson is widely known as the trainer of former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, Ken Shamrock, and Josh Barnett. Enjoy !

Erik Paulson - CSW HQ Fullerton, CA

David Mitchell

Kyle Hand

I'm with Dave "Buzzsaw" Mitchell and Kyle Hand "The Gentleman Grappler" at One World Jiu Jitsu in Newark, CA. Sunday night at One World is the longest running, biggest, and best open mat in all of space and time. It's open to the public, there is no drop in charge. Come train with us every Sunday night. Dave and Kyle are both brown belts under Mike Prudencio at One World Jiu Jitsu. Check out Dave at Fight 2 Win Pro in San Jose this coming June 8th. Tickets available at cagetix.com . Kyle can be found at  .  Thanks to Want Vs Need. Best gi's in the biz. Check them out at wantvsneed.com and @wantvsneed on social media

I'm with Dave "Buzzsaw" Mitchell and Kyle Hand "The Gentleman Grappler" at One World Jiu Jitsu in Newark, CA. Sunday night at One World is the longest running, biggest, and best open mat in all of space and time. It's open to the public, there is no drop in charge. Come train with us every Sunday night. Dave and Kyle are both brown belts under Mike Prudencio at One World Jiu Jitsu. Check out Dave at Fight 2 Win Pro in San Jose this coming June 8th. Tickets available at <a href="http://cagetix.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cagetix.com</a> . Kyle can be found at  .  Thanks to Want Vs Need. Best gi's in the biz. Check them out at <a href="http://wantvsneed.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wantvsneed.com</a> and @wantvsneed on social media

Open Matcast - One World Jiu Jitsu with David Mitchell, Kyle Hand

Clint Cronin is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, On-Air personality and an experienced systems engineer. His work in building internet systems took him all over the world as he was instrumental in building infrastructure at some leading tech companies. In the process I've trained with some of the best people on the planet from Brazil and Singapore to Los Angeles and back to the Bay Area. This show is about my mission to live life on my terms. The message is simple:  If a skinny, awkward uncoordinated kid on a skateboard who spent his time day dreaming about comic books, pro wrestling and martial arts can become a Brazilian Jiu JItsu black belt with a 500+ lb dead lift -anyone can be anything they want. If you have passion, you believe in yourself and you are willing to do the work the sky is truly the limit. Make yourself.

Love all the great info and speakers. Clint is great! Keep them coming!

Amazing Podcast

I&#39;ve always been really impressed with the content of these shows.It is vary impotant podcast.

Great podcast!!

The Clint Cronin Show

Jean Jacques Machado

Jean Jacques Machado is a 7th degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Master. He has done everything in the sport and is recognized as one of the best instructors in the world. He's a former ADCC champion among other accolades and is the instructor of many famous Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners from Joe Rogan and Eddie Bravo to Chuck Norris. He's a great guy to be around and it was an absolute honor and privilege to conduct this interview.  Be sure to show some love to Azoth for sponsoring todays show. Azoth is an awesome nootropic supplement.  promocode CRONIN for 15% off at checkout.  If you are planning to shop on Amazon use  . This won't cost you anything extra and Amazon will kick back a percentage of the purchase back to the show to help with production and hosting costs. Win Win !

Pedro Valente

Valente Brothers

Miami Beach. Warm water, beautiful beaches, perfect weather, amazing food. It's also home to one of the founding families of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The Valente Brothers are based in Florida and have been part of the Jiu Jitsu scene since the very beginning. From their beginnings as part of the Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy in Brazil dating back to the 1950's their work speaks for itself. Their new headquarters in North Miami Beach, FL is very, very impressive and is absolutely worth a visit to anyone interested in learning more about the history and tradition of the beautiful art of Jiu Jitsu. I had the pleasure of visiting their academy this past week. In this episode I talk about my recent travels as I have been on the road fairly extensively lately ! Again, thanks for listening as always - much love - Clint !

Pedro Valente - On Location at Valente Brothers Miami Beach

Nathan Mendelsohn

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Nathan Mendelsohn at Claudio Franca Jiu Jitsu Academy in Santa Cruz, CA. Above all other things Nathan is the direct embodiment of BJJ lifestyle here in California. He trains it, he lives it, he breathes it . He's a true martial artist, an avid competitor, a well respected instructor and an all around great guy to know.   https://vimeo.com/225624877 Nathan Mendelsohn is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Cláudio França and a representative of the Coalition 95 BJJ, a team based in Santa Cruz, CA. One of the top American grapplers of his generation, Mendelsohn is known not only for his tremendous list of achievements but also for his open minded attitude towards training – often breaking strict team taboos to practice with the best in this martial art/sport.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Nathan Mendelsohn at Claudio Franca Jiu Jitsu Academy in Santa Cruz, CA. Above all other things Nathan is the direct embodiment of BJJ lifestyle here in California. He trains it, he lives it, he breathes it . He's a true martial artist, an avid competitor, a well respected instructor and an all around great guy to know.   <a href="https://vimeo.com/225624877" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://vimeo.com/225624877</a> Nathan Mendelsohn is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Cláudio França and a representative of the Coalition 95 BJJ, a team based in Santa Cruz, CA. One of the top American grapplers of his generation, Mendelsohn is known not only for his tremendous list of achievements but also for his open minded attitude towards training – often breaking strict team taboos to practice with the best in this martial art/sport.

Nima Moridi is a good friend of mine. He's a martial artist, a jiu jitsu practitioner and your go to guy for all of your Bay Area real estate needs. As a white belt competing in a Jiu Jitsu tournament for the first time this weekend we talk about his experience and competition in general. If you are thinking about competing for the first time be sure and check this episode out !    Check out Nima @ https://www.instagram.com/instanimz/

Nima Moridi is a good friend of mine. He's a martial artist, a jiu jitsu practitioner and your go to guy for all of your Bay Area real estate needs. As a white belt competing in a Jiu Jitsu tournament for the first time this weekend we talk about his experience and competition in general. If you are thinking about competing for the first time be sure and check this episode out !    Check out Nima @ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/instanimz/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/instanimz/</a>

Nima Moridi in Studio

Tess Casey

Judy Gomes

Tess Casey &amp; Judy Gomes are Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belts and are both long time competitors who returned to high level competition at IBJJF Pans last month in Irvine, CA since becoming moms.  Tess Casey is accomplished grappler and a black belt graded by John J. Janero and Xande Ribeiro. An assistant instructor to the San Francisco Ribeiro female team and the kids, Tess medaled in many tournaments such Pan Ams, US Open, American Nationals and American Cup. Judy Gomes is a BJJ Black Belt from Rio Combat Club in Alameda, CA. A part of Team Carlson Gracie Judy is a black belt under her husband Diogo Gomes. They both have awesome stories so be sure and check them out on Instagram at @tessfitbjj and @jiujitsujudy .  As always thanks to Want vs Need. For the freshest Jiu Jitsu gear in the industry check out @wantvsneed or http://wantvsneed.com

Tess Casey &amp; Judy Gomes are Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belts and are both long time competitors who returned to high level competition at IBJJF Pans last month in Irvine, CA since becoming moms.  Tess Casey is accomplished grappler and a black belt graded by John J. Janero and Xande Ribeiro. An assistant instructor to the San Francisco Ribeiro female team and the kids, Tess medaled in many tournaments such Pan Ams, US Open, American Nationals and American Cup. Judy Gomes is a BJJ Black Belt from Rio Combat Club in Alameda, CA. A part of Team Carlson Gracie Judy is a black belt under her husband Diogo Gomes. They both have awesome stories so be sure and check them out on Instagram at @tessfitbjj and @jiujitsujudy .  As always thanks to Want vs Need. For the freshest Jiu Jitsu gear in the industry check out @wantvsneed or <a href="http://wantvsneed.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://wantvsneed.com</a>

Tess Casey and Judy Gomes in Studio

Keith Fukumae

Mike Prudencio

Keith Fukumae is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under One World Jiu Jitsu.  Mike Prudencio is the leader and founder of One World Jiu Jitsu, a Dave Camarillo Black Belt and my long time instructor.  I have been training with these guys for years. I have learned so much from both of them. They are my friends. They my instructors. They are my training partners. Catch Fookie at Fight 2 Win Pro on February 10th 2018 as he makes his professional debut for the promotion in a Gi Jiu Jitsu super fight. It is going to be awesome.

Keith Fukumae and Mike Prudencio

Renato Laranja

Renato Laranja   Please welcome to the show two of our very good friends Renato Laranja and Keta Meggett.   Renato Laranja   27-time Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion. @renato_laranja on Instagram. Porra, Caralho     Keta Meggett   Actress, Pro-Wrestler, Jiujitsu Competitor &amp; Anti-Bullying activist.  CEO of the 501(c)3 non profit organization Team Bully Buster. @theprettyflower on social media and Keta Rush onhttp://www.wowe.com     #bjj, #jiujitsu, #prowrestling, #wrestling, #mma, #bullying, #antibullying, #brazil, #brasil

Renato Laranja   Please welcome to the show two of our very good friends Renato Laranja and Keta Meggett.   Renato Laranja   27-time Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion. @renato_laranja on Instagram. Porra, Caralho     Keta Meggett   Actress, Pro-Wrestler, Jiujitsu Competitor &amp; Anti-Bullying activist.  CEO of the 501(c)3 non profit organization Team Bully Buster. @theprettyflower on social media and Keta Rush onhttp://<a href="http://www.wowe.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.wowe.com</a>     #bjj, #jiujitsu, #prowrestling, #wrestling, #mma, #bullying, #antibullying, #brazil, #brasil

Renato Laranja in Studio

Roy Dean

Last week I drove down to Los Angeles for New Japan Pro Wrestling’s first US based event . Whether you love or hate pro wrestling the level of entertainment you get from Japanese wrestling is insane. The fans are crazy about it and for good reason. The stuff these guys are able to do it a wrestling ring is insane. Since it’s Japanese based there’s more of a “shoot style” kind of mma influence in a lot of the stuff they do ( when they’re not bouncing off the roof flying and stuff lol ) !     Anyway! From there I drove down to Palm Springs to hang out with Roy Dean and record some content for our channels. We did a 2 hour podcast which is linked on this post. His videos and teaching style are something I’ve really appreciated about Roy for a long time. We have been in contact online for quite some time but actually spending time him was pretty cool. He went out of his way to be accommodating and actually taught me a lot of stuff about video editing I just didn’t know. I’ve always really liked the way he produces his videos. I remember buying his “blue belt requirements” dvd set 10 years ago or something crazy like that since back then a blue belt was this whole huge deal. ( Belt promotions tended to be few and far between back then at least where I trained and no one really knew what it took ).   I’m back in Las Vegas since Friday now ( I spent a few days at home back in Sunnyvale ( near San Jose, CA ) but had to come out for international fight week. I went to the TUF finale with some friends ( actually got hooked up with some sweet box seats at the T-Mobile arena which was pretty amazing. I’m probably going to head back to Robert Drysdale’s place and get some training in before heading back to California. I’ve got some shows coming up later in the month I’m extremely stoked about.   Most people in the Jiu Jitsu scene know Roy Dean for his videos. He’s a 3rd degree black belt under Roy Harris and his game is very slick. He’s very deliberate and well spoken in his instructional tapes and one I definitely recommend for people who want to come in and drill useful techniques with their friends. While belt requirements from gym to gym are absolutely not standardized the techniques that were shown in his blue belt requirements are still things I use to this day even as a black belt. Grab that dvd for sure if you are a white belt wondering kind of “where you are” or what is generally expected. Roy is very well spoken and the production quality of his stuff is top notch.

Roy Dean Martial Arts Expert, Filmmaker, 3rd degree Black Belt

Jiu Jitsu is Life ! Follow me on Instagram @clintcronin and be sure to like, share and subscribe to this podcast.  Back in town and in the studio to talk Jiu Jitsu Nima Moridi is back in the house check him out at @theninjarealtor

Cronin Club: Jiu Jitsu is Life

Kurt Osiander

Kurt Osiander Part 1   In this episode we introduce you to a man who really doesn't need much of an introduction.   His face is on t-shirts. His videos are on youtube. He even has a catch phrase, or two.   He's a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Ralph Gracie. He's Kurt Osiander and if you didn't know that by now..   ( You fucked up a long time ago ! )

Kurt Osiander in Studio Part 01

Felicia Oh

Felicia Oh is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Jean Jacques Machado, being part of the Woman’s BJJ Dirty Dozen as the 6th woman outside Brazil to achieve the rank in this martial art (5th in the USA). Oh is also an accomplished competitor in both gi and no-gi, having medalled in important events such as the World and Pan American Championships (gi and nogi), the ADCC as well as the US Open, to name a few.

Kurt Osiander Part 2   In this episode we introduce you to a man who really doesn't need much of an introduction.   His face is on t-shirts. His videos are on youtube. He even has a catch phrase, or two.   He's a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Ralph Gracie. He's Kurt Osiander and if you didn't know that by now..   ( You fucked up a long time ago ! )   Kurt Osiander Part 02   In part 2 of this 2 part series apparently no topics are off limits. You've already heard the first part so you know what to expect. Video clips from this interview can be found on our YouTube channel. Links to everything are on http://clintandkash.com   - We aren't sorry - Parental Advisory. This is probably pretty explicit - Kurt isn't sorry either - Go f'n train !

Kurt Osiander Part 2   In this episode we introduce you to a man who really doesn't need much of an introduction.   His face is on t-shirts. His videos are on youtube. He even has a catch phrase, or two.   He's a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Ralph Gracie. He's Kurt Osiander and if you didn't know that by now..   ( You fucked up a long time ago ! )   Kurt Osiander Part 02   In part 2 of this 2 part series apparently no topics are off limits. You've already heard the first part so you know what to expect. Video clips from this interview can be found on our YouTube channel. Links to everything are on <a href="http://clintandkash.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://clintandkash.com</a>   - We aren't sorry - Parental Advisory. This is probably pretty explicit - Kurt isn't sorry either - Go f'n train !

Kurt Osiander in Studio ( Part 02 ) 

Rener Gracie

Eve Torres

Ulises Bella

Ulises Bella: is a grammy award winning artist from the band Ozomatli, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and one of the founders of The Ghetto Dojo in East LA Eve Torres Gracie is a former 3x WWE Diva’s Champion, an actress, the instructor of the Gracie Women Empowered Self Defense Program winner of NBC's Stars Earn Stripes, &amp; the wife of .. Rener Gracie: is one of the most charismatic and outspoken members of the Jiu Jitsu community and is well known for his “Gracie Breakdown “ videos he produces with his brother Ryron Gracie. He is the head instructor of the famed Gracie Academy and founder of Gracie University. Rener Gracie is Jiu Jitsu royalty in every way possible.   All three of these people came together today to donate their time and energy to putting on an awesome -free- women’s self defense seminar in the Boyle Heights community in East Los Angeles, CA. It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of this event.   Tait Fletcher   The biggest event in UFC history is now in the record books.   - Brock Lesnar won a unanimous decision victory over Mark Hunt ? - Daniel Cormier bested Anderson "The Spider" Silva by decision ? - Amanda Nunes became the new Bantamweight champion in the main event ?   .... A month ago none of these things were scheduled to even happen this way. We sit down with Tait Fletcher. You may know Tait from a number of movies, The Joe Rogan Experience, The Church of What's Happenin Now with Joey "Coco" Diaz, his career in mixed martial arts, his work as a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, his show on iTunes "Pirate Life Radio", one of his businesses like Caveman Coffee or Undisputed Fitness. Yeah, basically this guy is everywhere. Big Thanks to Tait for coming on the show. We had a lot of fun.

Ulises Bella, Rener Gracie and Eve Torres

Kristina Barlaan

Kristina Barlaan is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt competitor and instructor under Caio Terra. Follow her on her quest to world championship gold. She's so close we can taste it. This is part two of a three part show. She's an accomplished jiu jitsu competitor and instructor but on top of that she's also hilarious. Be sure and check out all three parts ( we're sure after a few minutes into the first one you won't be able to turn off the show -- she's that charming )    Thanks for listening ! - Clint

Kristina Barlaan in Studio Part 03

Bryant Pangelinan

Had a great time talking to Sabre Jiu Jitsu main man Bryant Pangelinan . Brought Bailey along so our two American bullies got hang out too. Bryant is a 1st degree black belt with a laundry list of accomplishments in the grappling world. He's also the owner of a couple really awesome dogs. We hung out today and recorded a show for the podcast while our American Bully dogs hung out and chilled. Bryant is a former law enforcement officer and has been training since 2003 so be sure and check this episode out. He's got some really great perspective .  From the Sabre Jiu Jitsu website: Bryant was born in Germany, while his father was in the military. His family originates from the island of Guam. Having lived and traveled all over the world, his family settled in the East Bay of Northern California.    Bryant attended De La Salle high school and wrestled for the Spartans. He later finished college at Saint Mary's in Moraga, and began his JiuJitsu journey in 2003. He pursued a career in Law Enforcement and served as a patrol officer and also a Recruit Training Officer.    Bryant was awarded his Blackbelt in 2012. He followed his dream of opening an academy, and in 2014, Sabre JiuJitsu was established. A year after opening the academy, he was awarded his First Degree by Carlos Sapao in 2015.    Accomplishments: ​ 9 Time No Gi Worlds medalist 37 time IBJJF medalist as a blackbelt  Pan No Gi blackbelt Champion 3X No Gi Worlds Champion    And other titles at Blackbelt include... 3X IBJJF American National GI Silver Medalist IBJJF American National No GI Bronze Medalist IBJJF European No Gi Championships Silver Medalist San Francisco Open Champion Houston Open Champion Houston Open Absolute Runner Up Asian Open Champion Las Vegas Open Champion Triple Gold Chicago Open Champion American Cup Champion All Star Challenge Absolute Champion S7 Grappling No Gi Expert Champion US Open Silver Medalist  Rome Open Silver Medalist  KO finisher Superfight Competitor Five Grappling 8 man Black Belt Competitor Marianas Open Invitational blackbelt competitor  Fight to Win Superfight competitor  Gracie Nationals Black Belt SuperFight Champion Brew-Jitsu Black Belt SuperFight Winner

Bryant Pangelinan - Sabre Jiu Jitsu

Javier Mendez

Javier Mendez Co-Owner/Advisor and Founder of AKA   Former World Champion Kickboxer Founder of AKA Head trainer &amp; Coach for Team AKA Official coach on the UFC Ultimate Trainer video game  Javier Mendez started training in martial arts in 1978, studying the discipline of Tang Soo Do. Mendez started his kickboxing career in 1985 in exhibition bout against Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, after which he began his pro kickboxing career. Shortly thereafter he established American Kickboxing Academy out of Capital Glass Shop and started training with a small contingent of students. After fighting his way through the kickboxing ranks, Mendez won his first world championship in 1992 when he became the ISKA Light-Cruiserweight Champion. After defending the title for two years, Mendez moved up in weight and won the ISKA Light Heavyweight Championship in 1995. Mendez would also train several amateur and pro kickboxing champions such as pro champions like Travis Johnson, Jerome Turcan, Jean-Claude Leuyer. His amateur champions include Derek Yuen and Gary Owens. In 1996, Mendez had his first foray into the world of mixed martial arts, when local UFC fighter Brian Johnston sought out Mendez to help him improve his kickboxing ability. Mendez then found his new career, becoming a MMA trainer. Mendez would train his first UFC champion in 1997, when Frank Shamrock would join American Kickboxing Academy. Mendez would be his trainer until his first retirement, which included being in his corner for his perfect 5-0 UFC run as UFC Middleweight Champion. Mendez’s next big star would be B.J. Penn, whom was already a highly respected grappler but needed to learn how strike and become a complete fighter. Under Mendez, Penn would win his first three fights by knockout, earning the young fighter a title shot against then UFC Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver. Although unsuccessful in his attempt to become champion, Penn’s training with Mendez would lay the foundation for his successful UFC run down the road. Mendez would slowly build his stable of MMA fighters, which initially included Bobby Southworth, Josh Thomson, Mike Swick, Paul Buentello, Jon Fitch and Mike Kyle, all who would eventually find themselves in the UFC at some point in their careers. After the success of the Ultimate Fighter and with MMA booming, more fighters would seek Mendez’s tutelage like Ultimate Fighter standout Josh Koscheck. More and more fighters would join AKA’s stable of MMA fighters like Trevor Prangley, Phil Baroni, Nate Moore, Justin Wilcox, Kyle Kingsbury, Luke Rockhold, Cung Le, Mark Ellis, Daniel Cormier and Cain Velasquez. Mendez would also prepare former Heisman trophy winner Herschel Walker for his MMA career, training him and cornering for all his fights so far. Many of AKA’s fighters would go on to win various championships in several different MMA organizations. In King of the Cage; Daniel Cormier would claim the heavyweight title and Mike Kyle winning the light heavyweight title. In Strikeforce alone, several of Mendez’s fighters won several championships titles; Cung Le becoming the middleweight champion by stopping former Mendez trainee Frank Shamrock; Josh Thomson becoming the lightweight champion; Bobby Southworth becoming the light heavyweight champion and Luke Rockhold as the Strikeforce Middleweight title. Last but not least is Cain Velasquez, who became the UFC Heavyweight Champion at UFC 121 by stopping then champion Brock Lesnar with strikes. In 2015, Javier became the ONLY trainer to have 3 concurrent UFC Champions (Heavyweight – Cain Velasquez, Light Heavyweight – Daniel Cormier, Middleweight – Luke Rockhold). Mendez has built up AKA to be one of the more respected MMA camps in the world and he isn’t done yet, having many young fighters in the pipeline to become the next MMA stars.

Javier Mendez - American Kickboxing Academy 

Kyle Hand is a good friend and long time training partner of mine. He's a seasoned Brown Belt and former amateur wrestler. He's also an engineer with a great head of hair. He's well known for his arsenal of chokes and has great taste in jackets.  Be sure and check out his website and blog at  In his own words: My name is Kyle Hand. I am a brown belt based out of San Jose California. I started around 2003 at Ralph Gracie’s then went to American Kickboxing Academy (SJ) then for the last 5 years I have been AKA Sunnyvale. I have trained under Ralph Gracie, Sandro “Batata” Santiago, Dave Camarillo, Bobby Southworth, Alex Khanbabian and Mike Prudencio. Before that I wrestled from Junior High to College. And I have dabbled in other arts like kickboxing, Judo and MMA.

Kyle Hand The Gentleman Grappler

Before getting some training on and recording some technique videos I recorded about an hour show for the podcast. We cover some topics that beginners to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will definitely want to check out. We talk about how to handle staying in shape on a tough schedule and things you can do right now to improve your health and overall fitness level.

At the American Kickboxing Academy

Nima Moridi BJJ Blue Belt and Ninja Realtor is in the house. We talk about EBI 13 in Los Angeles, US Open Jiu Jitsu tournament coming up in the San Francisco Bay Area this weekend and more ! Happy Halloween from The Clint Cronin Show

EBI in Los Angeles, BJJ US Open 2017 Nima Moridi in Studio

The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Non-Current Politics Podcasts

The Best Multi-Part Documentaries, with documentaries on Obama, Federer vs Nadal, the making of Star Wars, Netflix vs Blockbuster and more. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!