Skip to content
Breaking The Guard Podcast podcast artwork

PODCAST · sports

Breaking The Guard Podcast

by breakingtheguard

A Mixed Martial Arts talk show featuring Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belts David Avellan (creator of the Kimura Trap System and ADCC 2009 Bronze Medalist) and Robert Drysdale (2005 IBJJF World Champion, ADCC 2007 Absolute Champion, co-founder of Zenith BJJ). Both of them have extensive backgrounds in MMA and BJJ as students, competitors, coaches, and school owners - pulling on their combined experiences to discuss the mental aspect of training, proper preparation, championship mindset, and more.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 16, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. BTG 201 - Heart

    After a long hiatus, I comment on the past UFC Fight Night main event with Raul Rosas vs Raoni Barcelos, a brutal fight which resulted in one of the men leaving on a stretcher. I then talk about my absence from training, my upcoming trips, and the power of a simple diet. Visit our sponsors:...

  2. BTG 200 - I'm getting too old for this

    Two old veterans of the fight game tasted defeat this weekend. One of them walked away from the game, while the other one is still holding out. I'll revisit this topic of the purpose of continuing to compete in sport as an older athlete. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new...

  3. BTG 199 - A Flying Disaster

    After 5 years waiting for his return from a terrible leg break, Conor does the unthinkable and blows out his knee doing a flying kick. I'll remark on this incident and reflect on the coaching and strategy behind this as well. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where…

    more
  4. BTG 198 - Walking and chewing gum at the same time

    I'm turning 45 tomorrow, so I reflect back on some important ideas I have come to realize this year. First, the importance of systems in being an effective multi-tasker. Second, measuring everything is not always necessary, and trusting your TRAINED intuition can be more valuable. Visit our...

  5. BTG 197 - Crime and Punishment

    Fresh off the heels of another fouling scandal at UFC Fight Night 280, I put more teeth into my agreements for being much harsher on scoring fouls, also talking about my view on crime and punishment in general. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where he is posting…

    more
  6. BTG 196 - McGregor finally coming back to MMA?

    Conor McGregor has teased fans for years about his return, but it seems this time it's finally happening on July 11th against none other than Max Holloway. He has waited too long, or can he revive his career and have a glorious return? Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new…

    more
  7. BTG 195 - UFC Freedom 250

    UFC Freedom 250 went off without problems, as no weather issues, bugs, or heat set back this event with a 100% finish rate. I'll review the whole fight card, what I liked about it, what I didn't like, and the implications of the title fights. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new...

  8. BTG 194 - Off Day

    I think it's safe to say that everyone has "off" days, where you underperform in a very noticeable way. Sometimes these off days are hard on you, especially for top performers gearing up for another event - a bad day can feel like a disaster. I'll talk about how I handle these and would council...

  9. BTG 193 - UFC BJJ Opens

    The UFC BJJ moves into the amateur tournament circuit, butting heads with IBJJF and ADCC. They have signaled one thing in the ruleset that can be a GAMECHANGER for grappling, and if pulled off, can kill off one of the things that drags down the sport. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David...

  10. BTG 192 - Freak Shows

    We have a few freak shows this weekend, and it seems we are going back to the circus for sporting events. I give my take on sensationalist nature of marketing events, and what the athletic commissions responsibilities to fighter safety tie into this. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David...

  11. BTG 191 - MVP MMA DOA?

    MVP MMA made history as the first MMA promotion to be on Netflix. I also got a lot of eye balls, and the main card was all finishes. Sounds like a knockout, except it wasn't. It also makes me worried if it has a future, or will it just feed off past stars and fade away? I also talk about my…

    more
  12. BTG 190 - Damage

    In MMA, damage is the key determining factor of victory. Grapplers seem to forget that, as this past UFC has shown. I'll hammer in on why it's so important, and what these fighters have to focus on if they want to make it to the next level in the sport. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David...

  13. BTG 189 - Which Physical Asset Do You Pick?

    If you had to pick between weight, strength, speed, flexibility, or endurance to maximize for combat, which would you choose? I'll do a deep dive into each of these attributes, what I believe there relevance is to each combat sport, and ultimately what I would pick. Visit our sponsors…

    more
  14. BTG 188 - The Wisdom in Taking a Knee

    I was reminded of the wisdom in taking a knee the past weekend, watching UFC Fight Night 274. Aljo "took a knee" in round 3 after surviving a tight guillotine and rolling to his back. He ended up giving up his back as well. But while he looked weathered and beaten walking to the stool, round 4...

  15. BTG 187 - Abandon Ship

    I have had a frustrating week, and on three circumstances I have come across the a similar roadblock. I share my stories and what I hope to learn from them, so you can avoid ending up at the bottom of the ocean. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where he is posting…

    more
  16. BTG 186 - Show No Mercy

    UFC 327 was a solid card top to bottom, with a mix of knockouts, submissions, and close decisions. One thing that stood out is in the main event, there was a moment where one fighter got injured, and rather than pouncing on the opportunity, the opponent backed away. It wasn't just one instance…

    more
  17. BTG 185 - The best fights have this

    If you have ever wondered why most UFC Fight Nights or most grappling events don't have the same pull as a well sold fight like McGregor fight, I'll share with you what I think, and how other promoters can learn from that. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where he…

    more
  18. BTG 184 - Taking a break before you break

    When you are obsessed with training, it can be hard to take a break from it. It feels like you are killing the momentum you have built up, and all of the hard work to develop strong discipline and good habits can be lost with a vacation. However, you might be grinding your gears without realizing...

  19. BTG 183 - The Problem with Keeping Score

    If you have listened to me before, you know that I'm big into measuring. I journal, I record everything I eat, and I track my workouts daily. But, keeping score during training can backfire on you, especially if you are looking to evolve. I'll share some insights into this and how to find balance...

  20. BTG 182 - Keep your promises

    Someone who cannot keep their promises is not someone you can trust or count on. We often think of this in terms of others, but what about yourself? Are you accountable for your own goals and promises? Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where he is posting new…

    more
  21. BTG 181 - Getting the Job Done

    I review UFC 326, which had some solid matchmaking. However, some fights were a bit more drawn out and tactically won, with a few notable matches using lots of ground control but no damage or submission threats. On one hand, I understand as a fighter you got to get the win. But as a spectator, it...

  22. BTG 180 - Getting Dirty

    If you are expecting a referee to save you from a dirty fighter, think again. As I will explain here, the best way to deal with a dirty fighter is to get in the mud with them. I also discuss UFC Fight Night and RAF 6, where the dirty fighting tactics started between Georgio Poullas and Armen...

  23. BTG 179 - Measured Chaos

    Being chaotic is a dangerous state of mind, as there is no telling what you will do and the consequences they will render. However, measured chaos is brilliant for precisely that reason. Sean Strickland utilizes this concept very well on and off the microphone. We will discuss the main card of…

    more
  24. BTG 178 - Quick Sand

    In this constantly evolving game, it can be tempting to always try to do move into the next new thing. That isn't always prudent, as you can rush into a mistake and start to sink. I'll discuss this in context to grappling and MMA, UFC's new stance on cutting athletes, and why a champion shouldn't...

  25. BTG 177 - Being on the Cutting Edge

    After a quick review of the latest UFC Fight Night, I discuss being on the cutting edge. Whether it is technology or ideas, it is a risky game. Lots of people will question, discredit and even hate you for entertaining innovate ideas. But without bold men and women, we would stagnate as a…

    more
  26. BTG 176 - Adapt or Die

    I start off reviewing Polaris 35, which in my opinion was not that fun of a watch. Once again, bad rulesets seem to have removed the incentive from athletes to go after submissions and make for boring match ups. I then dig into UFC 235, which had some fun match ups and finishes. But on a few of…

    more
  27. BTG 175 - UFC on Paramount Delivers

    After what seems forever without a UFC, we had a solid card with lots of great action, with the main event being a great fight. I recap the card, talk about the new bonus structure of the UFC, and old problems that are still lurking. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website,...

  28. BTG 174 - I need a taste of my own medicine

    I just realized that I am not holding myself to the same standards as a serious student and instructor with my own progression in the martial arts. That has to change, and I'll outline how I plan to tackle this problem. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where he is...

  29. BTG 173 - Kill or be Killed

    We are still in a drought for MMA events, but we did have a real professional wrestling event with some interesting match ups and MMA crossovers. I then talk about the importance of having the warrior mindset when competing - even if you are an amateur. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David...

  30. BTG 172 - Looking Back

    With little news in combat sports, I take a look back over the past year and reflect upon things I have done and learned. I then look forward to what I wish to do next. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where he is posting new articles daily, new courses being posted...

  31. BTG 171 - Character over Talent

    There has been more headlines this year about either unethical or immoral actions from athletes versus achievements or wins. I think that should say a lot about what we should be valuing in an athlete as a coach, but just in case, I will layout my case in detail. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com…

    more
  32. BTG 170 - When to call it quits

    We had a strange mix of crossover fight sport events, from MMA to boxing and BJJ to wrestling, with a crossover of ages of 20-30 year old competing with 40+ athletes. Oddly enough, the older athletes were winning, which leads one to ask when is the right time to stop? Visit our sponsors:...

  33. BTG 169 - I'm done playing with you

    There comes a time where even you favorite moves get put on the shelf to sit and collect dust. Today's podcast discusses when and why that should happen, talking about shifts in both the mental and physical landscape. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where he is...

  34. BTG 168 - Revenge

    We had several notable rematches in combat sports this weekend, one in WNO between Felipe Pena vs Luke Griffith, the other in UFC 322 with Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan. I talk about the challenge of overcoming a previous defeat, the rest of the fights in UFC 322 main card, and recap my holiday...

  35. BTG 167 - The most neglected skillset of champions

    If there is one aspect that is neglected in training, it's what I'm going to be talking about on this episode. Whether you are a hobbyist, a competitor, or a professional athlete, most ignore this key aspect that defines all champions. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new…

    more
  36. BTG 166 - Lighter divisions taking the spotlight

    UFC Fight Night Qatar's main card was filled with great action - lots of KOs and a submission. But now that the dust has settled, the lightweight and welterweight divisions are looking far more promising compared to the dismal state of the heavyweight division. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com -...

  37. BTG 165 - Dominance can be boring

    UFC 322 was a great night at fights, but the ending left a bad aftertaste in my mouth. There were plenty of hard fought matches, KOs, and submissions, but the co-main and main events where shows of complete dominance without finishing pressure. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's…

    more
  38. BTG 164 - Private Lesson Mastery

    Can you learn martial arts purely from private lessons? Yes, but highly unlikely and not a desirable way of doing so in my opinion. I give my reasons and what I believe is the best approach to using private lessons and instructional courses. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new...

  39. BTG 163 - Rigged Fights

    UFC Fight Night 263 had a bunch of finishes in the forms of KOs and submissions, but the things people are talking about are more eye gouges and a potential fixed fight. I'll give my take on that and discuss Polaris 34 and the continued leg lock revolution. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com…

    more
  40. BTG 162 - Is Tom Aspinall Cursed?

    UFC 321's Heavyweight Championship main event, Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane, was supposed to be an exciting match. Instead, we got the most anti-climatic finish I can recall in UFC heavyweight history. Besides being the champion, Tom doesn't seem to be having any luck with making a legacy. Worse…

    more
  41. BTG 161 - Quitting on the Stool

    The top three fights of UFC Fight Night 262 had a lot to comment about, with one of the fighters quitting on the stool and unable to continue fighting. I give my take on that and how fouls should be scored. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where he is posting new...

  42. BTG 160 - Doing the Mental Legwork

    It's pretty common to see fighters get broken, or get mentally beat. I discuss this phenomenon, how to avoid it and employ it yourself, giving some personal anecdotes of my competition history in the process. Whether you train for fun or compete, this is an important lesson to learn that most...

  43. BTG 159: UFC 320 was a great showcase for MMA

    UFC 320 was a great card, and one of the best PPVs this year in my opinion. The final 7 fights had 6 finishes, with lots of action, submissions, and knock outs. Even the one fight that went to decision was entertaining with twists and turns throughout. I give my review and breakdown of the…

    more
  44. BTG 158 - Where do you go from here?

    Following the UFC Fight Night in Perth, I discuss the devastating aftermath of Carlos Ulberg versus Dominic Reyes, and the controversy between Jake Matthews and Neil Magny. I then revisit Derek Moneyberg, who apparently is going to be sueing Sean Strickland, who also poked at Jake Shields that...

  45. BTG 157 - Dusting Off Old Moves

    When everyone is focusing on the latest techniques, sometimes it pays off to go back to the classics and reintroduce them. I explore one particular technique I'm bringing back and how you can to. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where he is posting new articles…

    more
  46. BTG 156 - Fighting Nerds suffer another loss

    The Fighting Nerds had boasted a long undefeated streak, with there core team all being undefeated in the UFC. Unfortunately for them, that streak has been snapped this year, and Saturday put the final nail in the coffin for the team's momentum. Where does that put them now? Visit our sponsors:...

  47. BTG 155: Stop Being Lazy and Get Fit

    This episode is different than any episode I have ever done, as I filmed it while lifting. I wanted to talk about fitness and not being lazy, so I figured what better way to do than while simultaneously doing a lift. Besides seeing how I'm lifting and being able to copy my routine, I talk about…

    more
  48. BTG 154 - CJI 2 Didn't Deliver

    I'll cut to the chase - CJI 2 was not good in my opinion. Instead of building on the success of the first event and tweaking things, the redesign of the event created all sorts of new problems. I talk about all my gripes with the ruleset, pacing, promotional material and then of course the…

    more
  49. BTG 153 - Everyone Should Fight

    I have been sent a bunch of videos last week of random street fights, and we had one notable MMA fighter's son, Rampage Jackson, really hurt someone badly in what was supposed to be a worked event. This once again urges me to get everyone into training, and at the very least, understand what a...

  50. BTG 152 - Too Cool Under Pressure

    Is it possible to be too cool under pressure? I argue yes, and I use this UFC as evidence of it. I also go over the main card fights and my takes. Visit our sponsors: DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where he is posting new articles daily, new courses being posted frequently, covering...

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

A Mixed Martial Arts talk show featuring Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belts David Avellan (creator of the Kimura Trap System and ADCC 2009 Bronze Medalist) and Robert Drysdale (2005 IBJJF World Champion, ADCC 2007 Absolute Champion, co-founder of Zenith BJJ). Both of them have extensive backgrounds in MMA and BJJ as students, competitors, coaches, and school owners - pulling on their combined experiences to discuss the mental aspect of training, proper preparation, championship mindset, and more.

HOSTED BY

breakingtheguard

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Breaking The Guard Podcast have?

Breaking The Guard Podcast currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Breaking The Guard Podcast about?

A Mixed Martial Arts talk show featuring Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belts David Avellan (creator of the Kimura Trap System and ADCC 2009 Bronze Medalist) and Robert Drysdale (2005 IBJJF World Champion, ADCC 2007 Absolute Champion, co-founder of Zenith BJJ). Both of them have extensive backgrounds in...

How often does Breaking The Guard Podcast release new episodes?

Breaking The Guard Podcast has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Breaking The Guard Podcast?

You can listen to Breaking The Guard Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Breaking The Guard Podcast?

Breaking The Guard Podcast is created and hosted by breakingtheguard.
URL copied to clipboard!