Art From The Mats: The Story of Rubber Bones Rash Guards with Maria Schweitzer

Send us Fan MailA Kickstarter launch days before the world shut down sounds like a disaster, but it also reveals what a brand is really made of. We’re joined by Maria Schweitzer, the founder and owner of Rubber Bones Rash Guard, to tell the full story of building a standout BJJ apparel company with a comic-inspired style, obsessive quality control, and a surprisingly grounded approach to marketing and community. We talk about how Maria started drawing jiu-jitsu before she ever trained, why the fine art scene did not connect with that work, and how stepping onto the mats changed her creative engine. From 10th Planet no-gi to returning to the gi, she shares what it feels like to develop a game over years, how creativity shows up at brown belt, and why the details matter when you’re designing gear for grapplers who love to critique everything. We also get into the business side of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear: consistent sizing, testing prints, dialing in color, fixing manufacturing issues, and making product decisions that protect customers, like ditching velcro. Maria breaks down how she thinks about branding without chasing trends, what makes a collaboration worth doing, and why Rubber Bones stays focused on fun, confidence, and bringing people together. If you’re into BJJ rash guards, grappling apparel, small business lessons, or the intersection of art and jiu-jitsu, this one is for you. Subscribe, share the episode with a training partner, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.visit Rubber Bones Rash Guards https://rubberbonesrashguards.com/ Follow on Instagram @rubberbonesrashguardsUse code Caffeinated10 to grab 10% discount on purchases.Rubber Bones has bold, unique designs that collide with the grit and grind of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Every design blends BJJ with pop culture, and storytelling to create apparel that empowers the uniqueness in every grappler. Rubber Bones supplies all your BJJ apparel needs: Rash Guards, Gi’s, Street Wear, Hats, and more. Check out Rubber Bones at the website link in the show notes, and remember to use the discount code Caffeinated10 when ordering. Support the showCaffeinated Jiu Jitsu is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu podcast focused on BJJ training, competition preparation, mindset development, belt progression, and the lifestyle of grappling.If you’re looking to improve your Jiu Jitsu, stay motivated during plateaus, recover from injuries, or sharpen your mental game on and off the mats, this podcast is for you.New episodes explore:• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training strategies• BJJ competition insights• Mental toughness and discipline• Gym culture and academy growth• Injury recovery and longevity in grapplingSubscribe, leave a review, and share with your training partners.Connect with the Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu community:Instagram: @caffeinated_jiujitsuYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Caffeinated_JiuJitsuWebsite: https://caffeinatedjiujitsu.buzzsprout.comGRAB SOME AWESOME GEAR!!Rubber Bones Rash Guards: https://rubberbonesrashguards.com/Grab one of the new Rubber Bones and Caffeinated Jiu Jitsu Collab shirts https://rubberbonesrashguards.com/collections/bjj-lifestyle-gearDiscount code: Caffeinated10Grapple Or Die: https://grappleordie.com/Discount code: CaffeinatedJJ