Combatch: Back to the Roots

Jiu-Jitsu in Asia: From Japan’s Early Days to Thailand’s Growth and China’s First ADCC Trials WinnerThis episode explores how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA evolved across Asia through multiple perspectives. A longtime martial artist in Japan recounts being drawn to more “complete” fighting, discovering shoot-style MMA, and witnessing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu go from unknown and dismissed to a boom in gyms, while prioritizing entertaining, understandable matches over winning at all costs. Jason “Sparky” Burnworth, a coach training in Thailand since 2012, describes building programs in Chiang Mai and Pattaya with Fairtex, teaching Stamp in the gi, and reflecting on how Thailand’s scene differs from old-school BJJ. Another segment follows the founding of Lock & Roll after the pandemic and a partnership with an Nepali pro MMA fighter. Jozef Chen discusses China’s rapid growth, his friend being the first Chinese ADCC Trials winner from China, competing for financial reasons, and his post-CJI matches, seminars, and upcoming competition plans.Chapters:0:00 Mystique and Discipline1:40 Origins of MMA in Japan3:47 Making Jiu Jitsu Exciting5:12 Building BJJ in Thailand7:26 Stamp and Buffalo Girls9:14 Lock and Roll Beginnings10:25 Finding a Fight Partner11:30 Take Off Interlude12:42 Joseph Chen in Bangkok12:59 China’s BJJ Boom13:52 Why Compete for Money15:07 CJI Recap and Asia Tour16:23 Final Thoughts OutroSponsors:Fight Aesthetic is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brand founded in the UK by Malaysian British visionaries of the Gentle Art in 2012. Get 10% OFFCode: GRAPPLEASIAhttps://www.fightaesthetic.asia Soft Spot Açaíhttps://www.instagram.com/softspot.acai/?hl=enSTAYLEAN: https://page.line.me/tky8131d?openQrM...STAYLEAN IG: https://www.instagram.com/staylean.food/Recorded and Edited by Modal Creative Studio: https://www.modalstudio.coOur mission here at Grapple Asia is to show case the hard work Jiujiteros in Asia doing what they love and making an impact through the power of Jiu-Jitsu. ===========================Connect with us! =============================IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/grplasia/IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/grappleasiapod/FB: ➡︎ https://www.facebook.com/GrplAsia/===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Grapple Asia Podcast HERE===========================➡︎YT: ‪@GRPLASIA‬ ➡︎Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...➡︎Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XC4Ct2...