San Diego Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy Podcast

San Diego Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy Podcast

Author: Wesley Burriesci Language: English Episodes: 10
Stepping onto the mats at San Diego Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy Podcast means joining a conversation that extends far beyond the gym. Hosted by Wesley Burriesci, this series captures the distinct rhythm of life inside a jiu jitsu community, where the lessons learned while grappling directly apply to challenges outside the academy. You’ll hear from fellow practitioners sharing their personal journeys-the small triumphs, the frustrating plateaus, and the profound moments of clarity that only come from dedicated practice. This isn't just about techniques and tournaments; it's about the mental resilience, physical awareness, and quiet confidence that the art cultivates over time. Each episode feels like a talk between training partners, exploring how the discipline of jiu jitsu shapes fitness, sharpens the mind, and fosters continuous self-improvement. Whether you're a seasoned member of the San Diego academy or someone curious about how this martial art impacts daily life, this podcast offers an authentic listen. It’s for anyone who believes that growth happens through struggle and community, and that the mat is a powerful teacher for sports, health, and everything in between. Tune in to find the connection between the grind of a roll and the grace of living well.
Episodes
Episode 10: Adan Martinez [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:04
Adan is a blue belt at the gym who started training in 2018. He’s a police officer and a devoted husband and father. We talk about how he got started at SDBJJ and how he got started as a police officer. 6:45 How he got s…
Episode 8: Jason Peek [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:08
Jason is a blue belt war veteran, comedian, and father. He and I discuss starting jiu jitsu to have goals to pursue, to be able to defend himself, and much more. 4:04 How he got started 8:11 Challenging your ego 12:00 Ho…
Episode 9: Nick Taylor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:38
Nick Taylor is a black belt who has been with Sensei Paulo at SDBJJ for more than 10 years. We talk about how he got started, the importance of getting back to basics, and more. 2:24 Styles of different players at the gy…
Episode 7: Charlene Juarez [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:26
Charlene discusses how her family got started training at SDBJJ, her perspective on training as both a mom and a woman, the lessons and joy jiu jitsu has given her, and much more. 1:35 How she and her kids have been stay…
Episode 6: Sensei Adam Schmaltz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:44
Sensei Adam talks about how he started training and teaching at SDBJJ, the importance of standing your ground against bullies, why jiu jitsu is the best martial arts for kids, and more. Show notes: 2:13 Questions and con…
Episode 5: Emmett Rodriguez [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:30
Emmett and I discuss training to manage anxiety, having hard conversations with people you care about, the typical person you might expect to encounter at the gym, life lessons learned on the mats, and more. Check out @s…
Episode 4: Josh Kaechele [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:16
Josh talks about being enamored with jiu jitsu after seeing Royce Gracie in the early UFC events, starting training a little later in life, and some life lessons that translate directly from being on the mats. Check out…
Episode 3: Sammy Reese [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:36
Sammy talks about the early days at the gym, how jiu jitsu keeps him level-headed, and how it has become a staple in his life for the last 15 years. Check out @sdbjj on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and at sdbjj.com
Episode 2: Nicci Brown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:24
Nicci talks about how jiu jitsu helped her feel secure, gain confidence, and make some lifelong friendships for her and her son. Check out @sdbjj on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and at sdbjj.com
Episode 1: Nick Rottunda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:24
Nick Rottunda talks about training at the dojo with his son, Zaal, as well as his experience with other martial arts and how your game evolves as you get older. Check out @sdbjj on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and at sd…