Episode #28 - Black Belt Chats : Professor DJ Farmer
03/17/25 • 78 min
What does a quarter-century of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience teach you about martial arts, personal growth, and life itself? Fourth-degree black belt DJ Farmer unwraps this question with remarkable clarity, walking us through his 27-year journey from martial arts-obsessed teenager to becoming a first-generation black belt under the legendary Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti.
DJ's story traces the fascinating evolution of BJJ in America—from the wild early days when techniques were measured in "hours with the Gracies" to the systematized curriculum approach that's transformed how we learn today. With refreshing humility, he shares how watching Royce Gracie in early UFC events sparked an obsession that eventually led him to move across states just to train at Alliance, where he witnessed the school's growth from grassroots beginnings to global powerhouse.
The conversation illuminates the profound transformation in teaching methodologies over the decades. Where new students were once "thrown to the wolves," modern approaches create accessible entry points for practitioners of all ages and abilities. DJ's insights on instructor responsibility, particularly his stance that teachers should observe rather than participate during class to ensure student safety, offer valuable guidance for anyone in a teaching role.
Beyond techniques and training methods, DJ reveals the deeper wisdom that only comes from decades on the mats. His approach to teaching encompasses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles, while his three simple post-class questions ("Did you learn something new?", "Did you have fun?", and "Did you get a good workout?") provide a framework for evaluating any training session. Perhaps most memorably, he shares colorful stories of Jacare's Brazilian sayings and teaching methods that have shaped multiple generations of practitioners.
Whether you're just starting your BJJ journey or already deep into it, DJ's parting advice resonates powerfully: maintain consistency, leave your ego at the door, and always approach learning with an open mind—because "a parachute works best when it's open, just like your mind." Ready to transform your approach to learning and training? This episode is your blueprint.
@dj.farmer on Instagram
https://alliancebjj.com/instructors/dj-farmer/
Join the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Community on IG @caffeinated_jiujitsu
Got Questions? Want to be a guest? Let's connect
[email protected]
What does a quarter-century of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience teach you about martial arts, personal growth, and life itself? Fourth-degree black belt DJ Farmer unwraps this question with remarkable clarity, walking us through his 27-year journey from martial arts-obsessed teenager to becoming a first-generation black belt under the legendary Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti.
DJ's story traces the fascinating evolution of BJJ in America—from the wild early days when techniques were measured in "hours with the Gracies" to the systematized curriculum approach that's transformed how we learn today. With refreshing humility, he shares how watching Royce Gracie in early UFC events sparked an obsession that eventually led him to move across states just to train at Alliance, where he witnessed the school's growth from grassroots beginnings to global powerhouse.
The conversation illuminates the profound transformation in teaching methodologies over the decades. Where new students were once "thrown to the wolves," modern approaches create accessible entry points for practitioners of all ages and abilities. DJ's insights on instructor responsibility, particularly his stance that teachers should observe rather than participate during class to ensure student safety, offer valuable guidance for anyone in a teaching role.
Beyond techniques and training methods, DJ reveals the deeper wisdom that only comes from decades on the mats. His approach to teaching encompasses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles, while his three simple post-class questions ("Did you learn something new?", "Did you have fun?", and "Did you get a good workout?") provide a framework for evaluating any training session. Perhaps most memorably, he shares colorful stories of Jacare's Brazilian sayings and teaching methods that have shaped multiple generations of practitioners.
Whether you're just starting your BJJ journey or already deep into it, DJ's parting advice resonates powerfully: maintain consistency, leave your ego at the door, and always approach learning with an open mind—because "a parachute works best when it's open, just like your mind." Ready to transform your approach to learning and training? This episode is your blueprint.
@dj.farmer on Instagram
https://alliancebjj.com/instructors/dj-farmer/
Join the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Community on IG @caffeinated_jiujitsu
Got Questions? Want to be a guest? Let's connect
[email protected]
Previous Episode
Episode #27 - From The Mat To The Stage: Kaitlyn Crokers BJJ and Country Music Journey
What happens when country melodies meet the mats of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Kaitlyn Croker, a rising star in the world of country music and BJJ enthusiast, joins me during this episode to reveal her unique journey. From singing Disney princess songs to channeling her experiences from a military upbringing into heartfelt music, Kaitlyn shares how storytelling through song became her passion. Meanwhile, her brother's jiu-jitsu practice sparked a new interest, leading her to begin training Gracie Barra in Nashville, Tennessee. Kaitlyn opens up about how these two worlds collide in her life, shaping her music and building resilience through challenges.
Listen as Kaitlyn recounts her family's adventurous move to Nashville to support her career, living in an RV, and the unexpected path it led her to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She talks about the camaraderie found on the mats and the supportive community that embraces both her musical talent and martial prowess. With humorous anecdotes about her jiu-jitsu training, including those intense "shark tank" drills and musical notes sneaking into practice, Kaitlyn illustrates how the structure and discipline of martial arts influence her songwriting and live performances.
Our conversation wraps up with insights into striking a balance between these dual passions and the surprising parallels between performing on stage and facing opponents on the mat. Kaitlyn shares the story behind her song "Dead Man Walking," inspired by the strength she's found through jiu-jitsu. We explore what it means to juggle such diverse careers, her dream training partners, and even a few surprising playlist picks for pre-competition hype. Whether you're a lover of country music, a jiu-jitsu enthusiast, or both, this episode promises to entertain and inspire.
Connect with Kaitlyn on IG https: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlyncrokerofficial/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Visit https://kaitlyncroker.com/
Join the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Community on IG @caffeinated_jiujitsu
Got Questions? Want to be a guest? Let's connect
[email protected]
Next Episode
Episode #29 - BJJ Mat Manners: Essential Etiquette for Every Belt
The difference between being welcomed on the mats and finding yourself on someone's "no-roll list" often comes down to understanding the unwritten rules of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu etiquette. This episode tackles the essential guidelines that make someone a respected training partner, regardless of belt color.
Drawing from personal experience—including a humbling story of unknowingly violating these codes— I share practical wisdom on navigating the social dynamics of BJJ. From the non-negotiables of personal hygiene to matching rolling intensity with your partner's capabilities, these principles form the foundation of a positive training environment.
You'll discover why tapping early prevents career-ending injuries, how proper mat awareness keeps everyone safe, and why respecting class structure demonstrates your commitment to the art. The episode delves into situations every practitioner encounters: when to ask questions, how to respond when someone declines to roll, and what to do if you're running late to class.
Beyond technical skills, your reputation on the mats is built through these daily interactions and decisions. Whether you're a day-one white belt or a seasoned black belt, these etiquette guidelines create the framework for everyone to train safely, improve consistently, and build lasting relationships within the BJJ community.
Want to share your own etiquette fails or triumphs? Connect with us on Instagram @caffeinated_jujitsu and join the conversation. Subscribe, leave a review, and remember—train smart, roll safe, and keep your passion brewing strong.
Join the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Community on IG @caffeinated_jiujitsu
Got Questions? Want to be a guest? Let's connect
[email protected]
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