
171: Should You Attend Jiu Jitsu Open Mats: The Benefits of Cross-Training
09/15/23 • 14 min
We have BIG opinions on cross-training and whether or not it’s a good idea to attend Jiu Jitsu open mats.
Picture It: You love going to open mats, but your coach seems to have some reservations. This is the situation that one of our listeners found herself in.
Now, that got the gears turning in our jiu-jitsu-obsessed minds. We dive deep into the topic of cross-training and open mats and explain why some coaches discourage cross-training.
We discuss the red flags, the toxic mentality behind this, and why it's important to embrace the opportunity to learn and train with different people.
And guess what? We not only encourage cross-training at other gyms but also in your own gym! AJ drops some serious wisdom on why mixing it up with different training partners can level up your game and keep things fresh.
We explore the topic of competing against someone you've rolled with at an open mat. Is it a disadvantage or just another exciting challenge? Our brains are churning with thoughts and insights on this one.
We're also sprinkling in some cool stories about AJ's experiences training at gyms while traveling and the incredible connections and friendships she's made along the way.
Hit that play button, and let's roll!
What You Need to Know
(02:06) Red flags for a toxic Jiu-Jitsu environment
(04:02) What are the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu cross-training
(08:21) Why it doesn’t really matter if someone knows your game
(10:31) How cross-training and open mats build the women’s Jiu-Jitsu community
If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend!
You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts
https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2
Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp
Roll Model Radio Podcast
New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906439f
https://beautyandthegi.libsyn.com/category/Start+Here
Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App
https://link.chtbl.com/beautyandthegi
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EBCzi7znNuvxKlpLvue-w
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2
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Audible
Beauty and the Gi on Audible
https://www.audible.com/pd/Beauty-and-the-Gi-Podcast/B08JJMFS1D?
Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp
Roll Model Radio Podcast
Connect with Jen and AJ
Beauty and the Gi Podcast on Instagram @beautyandthegipodcast
Jen on Instagram @brassybroadjen
Jen on TikTok @brassybroadjen
AJ on Instagram @ajclingerman
AJ on TikTok @roll_model
rollmodelhq on Instagram
We have BIG opinions on cross-training and whether or not it’s a good idea to attend Jiu Jitsu open mats.
Picture It: You love going to open mats, but your coach seems to have some reservations. This is the situation that one of our listeners found herself in.
Now, that got the gears turning in our jiu-jitsu-obsessed minds. We dive deep into the topic of cross-training and open mats and explain why some coaches discourage cross-training.
We discuss the red flags, the toxic mentality behind this, and why it's important to embrace the opportunity to learn and train with different people.
And guess what? We not only encourage cross-training at other gyms but also in your own gym! AJ drops some serious wisdom on why mixing it up with different training partners can level up your game and keep things fresh.
We explore the topic of competing against someone you've rolled with at an open mat. Is it a disadvantage or just another exciting challenge? Our brains are churning with thoughts and insights on this one.
We're also sprinkling in some cool stories about AJ's experiences training at gyms while traveling and the incredible connections and friendships she's made along the way.
Hit that play button, and let's roll!
What You Need to Know
(02:06) Red flags for a toxic Jiu-Jitsu environment
(04:02) What are the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu cross-training
(08:21) Why it doesn’t really matter if someone knows your game
(10:31) How cross-training and open mats build the women’s Jiu-Jitsu community
If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend!
You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts
https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2
Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp
Roll Model Radio Podcast
New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906439f
https://beautyandthegi.libsyn.com/category/Start+Here
Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App
https://link.chtbl.com/beautyandthegi
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EBCzi7znNuvxKlpLvue-w
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI
Google Podcasts
https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9iZWF1dHlhbmR0aGVnaS5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw
Audible
Beauty and the Gi on Audible
https://www.audible.com/pd/Beauty-and-the-Gi-Podcast/B08JJMFS1D?
Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp
Roll Model Radio Podcast
Connect with Jen and AJ
Beauty and the Gi Podcast on Instagram @beautyandthegipodcast
Jen on Instagram @brassybroadjen
Jen on TikTok @brassybroadjen
AJ on Instagram @ajclingerman
AJ on TikTok @roll_model
rollmodelhq on Instagram
Previous Episode

170: If You Want to Get Better at Jiu-Jitsu, You’ve Got to be Coachable
What does being coachable mean to you, and how does that impact your Jiu-Jitsu success? We are talking about being coachable from everyday training to how to focus on what your coach is telling you when you’re out there competing.
Remember in The Empire Strikes Back when Yoda was trying to drop some wisdom on Luke Skywalker, but he just wasn't having it? Well, let's just say we have some thoughts on Luke’s unwillingness to be coached!
But this episode is not all lightsabers and cute droids. We get down to business and share our insight and experience on what it means to be coachable in the world of jiu-jitsu. From listening to your coach's advice and opinion to implementing their guidance on the mats and even in tournaments, being coachable truly fuels your growth on and off the mat.
The full video recording of this episode is also available on the Beauty and the Gi YouTube channel. Check it out and May the Gi be with you!
Watch the full video here!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EBCzi7znNuvxKlpLvue-w
The Highlight Reel
(06:59) How to respectfully ask your coach questions
(08:50) What does it mean to be coachable
(10:52) Why you still want to try what your coach is teaching (even if you think you will never use it)
(13:10) How to make your coach mad when you’ve asked them for coaching
(14:30) How to be coachable during a Jiu-Jitsu tournament
If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend!
You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts
https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2
Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp
Roll Model Radio Podcast
New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906439f
https://beautyandthegi.libsyn.com/category/Start+Here
Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App
https://link.chtbl.com/beautyandthegi
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EBCzi7znNuvxKlpLvue-w
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI
Google Podcasts
https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9iZWF1dHlhbmR0aGVnaS5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw
Audible
Beauty and the Gi on Audible
https://www.audible.com/pd/Beauty-and-the-Gi-Podcast/B08JJMFS1D?
Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp
Roll Model Radio Podcast
Connect with Jen and AJ
Beauty and the Gi Podcast on Instagram @beautyandthegipodcast
Jen on Instagram @brassybroadjen
Jen on TikTok @brassybroadjen
AJ on Instagram @ajclingerman
AJ on TikTok @roll_model
rollmodelhq on Instagram
Next Episode

172: Navigating Unsolicited Opinions: When Your Loved Ones Don't Support Your Jiu-Jitsu Journey
What do you do when you feel like your family, friends, or spouse are not supportive of you doing Jiu-Jitsu?
From concerns about injuries to doubts about our abilities and choices, we've heard it all. Whether it’s a partner who doesn't appreciate your commitment, parents who don't understand why you do Jiu-Jitsu, or friends who think it's a waste of time, we’ve got some ideas to handle these situations with grace and confidence.
We also explore the deeper reasons that sometimes hide behind the lack of support, like jealousy, or the discomfort of seeing you grow and become more confident. Recognizing that these “concerns” may stem from someone else’s insecurities or expectations is essential.
If you've ever felt discouraged or unsupported in your Jiu-Jitsu journey, this episode is for you. We share stories of overcoming these obstacles and finding the strength to pursue what we love.
We are so happy that you are doing Jiu-Jitsu! We will be here cheering for you.
If you Love the Podcast, Share it with a Friend!
You can also leave us a 5 Star Rating in Spotify or Apple Podcasts
https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2
Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp
Roll Model Radio Podcast
New to the Podcast? Start with these episodes
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19P8KcTyNTIA0hZPQYAbuN?si=f841456b4906439f
https://beautyandthegi.libsyn.com/category/Start+Here
Subscribe to Beauty and the Gi on YouTube or in your Favorite Podcasting App
https://link.chtbl.com/beautyandthegi
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EBCzi7znNuvxKlpLvue-w
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-and-the-gi/id1458389465?mt=2
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/3IHT3BNicukNtCVa3AAwBI
Google Podcasts
https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9iZWF1dHlhbmR0aGVnaS5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw
Audible
Beauty and the Gi on Audible
https://www.audible.com/pd/Beauty-and-the-Gi-Podcast/B08JJMFS1D?
Learn More about Roll Model Grappling Camp
Roll Model Radio Podcast
Connect with Jen and AJ
Beauty and the Gi Podcast on Instagram @beautyandthegipodcast
Jen on Instagram @brassybroadjen
Jen on TikTok @brassybroadjen
AJ on Instagram @ajclingerman
AJ on TikTok @roll_model
rollmodelhq on Instagram
Beauty and the Gi Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/374782593437482/
Beauty and the Gi Facebook Page
Links and Resources
https://www.rollmodelswanted.com/
Recording, Theme Music, Editing, and Production of this podcast by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company
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