The Grapple Of Your Eye

In Episode 90 of The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, we sit down with Fiona Chan — Judo black belt, veteran competitor, coach and Head Coach of Kinsa Judo — for an inspiring conversation about competitive judo, female grappling, returning to martial arts later in life, coaching and refusing to let age dictate what you...... Continue Reading →

Step inside the brutal, old-school world of professional wrestling with Mark Fleming — three-time Virginia Heavyweight Wrestling Champion, International Heavyweight Champion, world-travelled professional wrestler and protégé of the legendary Lou Thesz. In this episode, Mark joins Brett Summers for an incredible deep dive into a wrestling career that crossed amateur wrestling, Jim Crockett Promotions, the...... Continue Reading →

What makes SAMBO one of the most complete and exciting grappling martial arts in the world? And why is the sport now beginning to grow across the UK? In Episode 88 of The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, Brett Summers sits down with Alex Vankov, SAMBO competitor, coach at Tonbridge Sambo Club and one of...... Continue Reading →

What happens when a Team GB-level sumo wrestler swaps the dohyo for the professional wrestling ring? In Episode 87 of The Grapple of Your Eye Show, Brett Summers sits down with British sumo wrestler and professional wrestler "Sumo" Jack Sullivan to explore one of the most unusual journeys through the British grappling scene. From discovering...... Continue Reading →

How do you become one of the biggest names in British professional wrestling? In this exclusive episode of The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, host Brett Summers sits down with Mickey Limerick, the All-Star Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion, to discuss his incredible journey from watching wrestling on VHS tapes to becoming one of the UK's...... Continue Reading →

What made one building become the beating heart of boxing, professional wrestling, roller derby and punk rock? In this episode of The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, host Brett Summers sits down with writer and director Steve DeBro to explore the incredible story behind 18th & Grand: The Olympic Auditorium Story—the award-winning documentary that uncovers...... Continue Reading →

What if professional wrestling is one of the greatest windows into human psychology, politics, culture and society? In this fascinating episode of The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, host Brett Summers sits down with Dan Higgins—journalist, podcaster and author of Lords of the Ring: The World According to Wrestling—for an in-depth conversation exploring why professional...... Continue Reading →

What does it take to become a Team USA Sambo coach, build one of the largest Sambo academies in America, produce Pan-American Champions, and help grow one of the world's fastest-rising combat sports? In Episode 83 of The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, Brett Summers sits down with Julian Sanchez—Head Coach of Sambo Nation HQ,...... Continue Reading →

"Big" Mike Waters is widely recognised as Europe's Largest Wrestler, one half of the legendary UK PitBulls, a British wrestling icon, musician, promoter, trainer and the actor behind The Blob in Marvel Studios' Deadpool & Wolverine. In Episode 82 of The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, host Brett Summers sits down with Big Mike Waters...... Continue Reading →

From Wrestling Champion to BJJ & Catch Wrestling Competitor | Taylor Maccan's Incredible Grappling Journey How do you go from becoming a multiple-time British wrestling champion, walking away from the sport completely, gaining over 120kg, and then fighting your way back into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Catch Wrestling and elite grappling competition? In this episode of The...... Continue Reading →

Step inside the fascinating world of Mexican wrestling as The Grapple Of Your Eye Show welcomes acclaimed filmmaker and director of Tales of Masked Men, Carlos Avila, for an unforgettable deep dive into the history, culture, mythology, and identity of Lucha Libre. In this exclusive interview, Carlos shares the incredible story behind creating his ground-breaking...... Continue Reading →

Before Royce Gracie shocked the world at UFC 1... before Hélio Gracie became the face of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu... before the Gracie Challenge became legendary... There was George Gracie. Known as "The Red Cat" (Gato Ruivo), George Gracie may have been the most active and fearless fighter the Gracie family ever produced. Competing decades before the...... Continue Reading →

Before superheroes dominated Hollywood, one man was already saving the world in a silver mask. In this episode of The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, host Brett Summers explores the incredible life and legacy of El Santo, the greatest icon in the history of Mexican wrestling. Discover how a young luchador transformed into a cultural...... Continue Reading →

What happens when a U.K. wrestler refuses to let age, geography, or even a life-changing medical diagnosis stop him from chasing his dream? In this powerful and emotional episode of The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, host Brett Summers sits down with one of the most colourful, charismatic, and determined personalities on the UK independent...... Continue Reading →

This week on The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, Brett Summers sits down with the legendary Billy Warlock — combat arts veteran, catch wrestler, pro wrestling coach, martial artist, promoter, and founder of American Strong Style. With over 46 years in martial arts, 30+ years in catch wrestling, and 26 years in professional wrestling, Billy...... Continue Reading →

This week on The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, we sit down with freestyle wrestling coach Ahileas Bolovan from Neon Martial Arts & Fitness Centre in Southampton to discuss the current state of British freestyle wrestling, grassroots development, and why building wrestling communities online is more important now than ever before. Ahileas shares his journey...... Continue Reading →

This Week on the show we roll deep with Nicholas Bowman, an accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and Ultra-Heavyweight BJJ competitor who’s torn through regional and IBJJF tournaments, medalling at every belt level! Nick shares his journey through the BJJ competition scene, what it takes to thrive as a big guy on the mats, and...... Continue Reading →

What if one man changed grappling forever… and almost nobody remembers his name? Mataemon Tanabe was the feared master of Fusen-ryū jujutsu who shocked Japan in the 1890s by defeating the mighty Kodokan fighters on the ground. While the world focused on spectacular throws, Tanabe proved that the real fight began on the mat. Known...... Continue Reading →

Straight from the @luchabritannia wrestling ring comes @krodlives to discuss all things #luchalibre and how the Mexican style of wrestling is making a huge impact in the UK! Visit: https://www.luchabritannia.com/ https://youtu.be/ABLzqzslfdw

In this week's episode British wrestling legend "Fearless" Flatliner returns to the show to discuss strength and conditioning for grapplers. We discuss starting your first workouts, gym do's and don'ts, DDP Yoga, supplements, steroids, meal prep, diet, specific work outs and a whole lot more! https://youtu.be/QVFYtBZ19m8 Flatliner's previous episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7EgC9yq9B0&t=3771s

Before World of Sport Wrestling, before TV fame, and long before the Superkick became one of the most iconic moves in professional wrestling… there was Black Butcher Johnson. In this episode of The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, we uncover the incredible true story of one of British wrestling’s most overlooked pioneers — a two-weight...... Continue Reading →

What does it REALLY take to become a pro wrestler in today’s British wrestling and independent wrestling scene? Pain! Injury! Sacrifice! Obsession! In this powerful episode of The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, Brett Summers sits down with “Bronco” Billy Wild for a raw wrestling interview that dives deep into the real journey of a...... Continue Reading →

This is the REAL story of Big Daddy vs Giant Haystacks, the most famous rivalry in British wrestling history, revealed in Episode 68 with host Brett Summers and bestselling wrestling author Steven Bell. If you’ve searched for Big Daddy vs Giant Haystacks full story, British wrestling history explained, or World of Sport wrestling legends, this...... Continue Reading →

BJJ FROM BRAZIL TO CALIFORNIA | Daniel Barreto on Jiu-Jitsu History, Gracie Influence, Coaching & Martial Arts Mindset In Episode 67 of The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, host Brett Summers sits down with renowned BJJ coach Daniel Barreto for an inspiring deep dive into his journey through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, from growing up in São...... Continue Reading →

In this week's episode we are joined by British wrestling legend Scrubber Daly, trained by Bomber Pat Roach, to reveal what it really took to survive the golden era of ITV wrestling and become a star alongside Giant Haystacks, Big Daddy, King Kong Kirk, Fit Finlay, Marty Jones, and more. Trained on a concrete floor...... Continue Reading →

In this week's episode we are joined by Dan Lester — South of England Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner, assistant coach with Vespasian Security BJJ, and the mind behind Alignment Performance. We dive into how to start BJJ as a beginner, overcoming gym anxiety and “paralysis by analysis,” and why you should stop waiting to get...... Continue Reading →

Get ready for an epic journey as British wrestling royalty, Klondyke Kate, unleashes the incredible tale of a true women's wrestling trailblazer on The Grapple Of Your Eye! Witness the raw power of a pioneer who shattered glass ceilings in World of Sport, British professional wrestling, and European women's wrestling history. From a daring escape...... Continue Reading →

In Episode 63 of The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, Brett Summers sits down with Rich “Killer” Valdez — elite competitor, wrestling specialist, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, coach, and rising name in the world of submission grappling, no-gi BJJ, and combat sports competition. This powerful conversation explores Rich’s journey through California high school wrestling, college...... Continue Reading →

Before MMA had a name, Joe Malenko was already living it! This week we are lucky enough to be joined by Joe Malenko — Karl Gotch's student, catch wrestler, pro wrestler, trainer, and forgotten MMA pioneer whose influence helped bridge the gap between traditional grappling and modern mixed martial arts. As a direct student of...... Continue Reading →

This week we meet Samuel Butcher — a 3x National Wrestling Champion, Judo brown belt, and one of the most exciting young talents in British wrestling right now. In this episode, Sam breaks down his journey from school judo clubs to becoming a dominant wrestler… and why his next huge step is heading to Nebraska,...... Continue Reading →

This week on The Grappler Eye Show, we’re joined by Giovani De Clemente — a two-time British Catch Wrestling Champion, two-time World Catch Wrestling Champion, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple belt known for his pressure-heavy, wrestling-first grappling style. In this episode we dive into catch wrestling vs BJJ, wrestling for jiu-jitsu, submission grappling, and the...... Continue Reading →

Want to build a stronger neck for Wrestling, BJJ, MMA, or boxing? Most athletes tend to ignore one crucial muscle—the neck. In this video we discuss and present a comprehensive guide to neck training, offering three targeted steps: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. You will learn how to safely strengthen your neck at home or in...... Continue Reading →

In this episode, we chat with Kate Kroll — film director, film producer, and former professional wrestler — to talk in-depth about her acclaimed wrestling documentary Lunatic: The Luna Vachon Story. This powerful film explores the life, career, and legacy of Luna Vachon, one of the most unforgettable and influential women in professional wrestling history...... Continue Reading →

In this week's episode we are joined by Sean MacKenzie – Wrestling’s Main Event Mercenary in a deep-dive into UK pro wrestling with one of the fastest rising stars. Host Brett Summers sits down with Sean “Mr. Main Event” MacKenzie, the Rizen Limitless Champion, to break down exactly how to become a professional wrestler in...... Continue Reading →

In this episode we meet Mike Jones, a newly promoted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and serving British Army aircraft technician. Mike shares his full BJJ journey from white belt to black belt, how he balances military life and home life with jiu-jitsu training, and what it really takes to progress in grappling and BJJ over...... Continue Reading →

This week we are joined by a true global ambassador of British Wrestling Joel Redman. Joel is one of the most influential figures in modern British professional wrestling — former WWE NXT Tag Team Champion (one half of the first-ever NXT Tag Team Champions alongside PAC), multiple-time UK Tag Team Champion, 2x All Star Wrestling...... Continue Reading →

This week's episode features Luke Hannaford — a Cornish wrestler, BJJ grappler, and ex-army man who’s lived a life built around grappling. Luke breaks down what Cornish wrestling is (jacket wrestling on grass, stand-up throws, points and “a back”), how he came up in the tradition, and what changed when he added Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to...... Continue Reading →

In Ep. 54 of The Grapple of Your Eye, host Brett Summers sits down with Brett Hawthorn — a two-time World Catch Wrestling Lightweight Champion, British wrestling standout, and former boxer — to unpack the real story behind becoming (and staying) a world-class grappler. From being thrown into competitions as a kid in Bradford, to...... Continue Reading →

From stepping onto the mat as a young freestyle wrestler to travelling the world in one of the toughest combat sports on the planet — Kateryna Sassa’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Kateryna opens up about the brutal highs and crushing lows of elite grappling, the sacrifices it takes, and how wrestling...... Continue Reading →

This week, we sit down with the incredible Raphael Dos Santos—a true force in the world of grappling. From throwing his first judo hip toss to becoming a Judo Black Belt, switching lanes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and rising all the way to BJJ Black Belt, Raphael’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. But he didn’t...... Continue Reading →

Get ready for a full-contact deep dive into the world of elite grappling! In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Brad Belsey (Island Sambo Club)— Judo Black Belt, Sambo Black Belt, and all-round martial arts machine. Brad breaks down his hardcore training regime, the mindset that forged him, and the journey that took...... Continue Reading →

For our milestone 50th episode of The Grapple of Your Eye Show, we’re bringing you something truly special. We sit down with Glen Bratke—a dedicated martial artist, seasoned Judo blackbelt, and a fearless explorer of the grappling universe who has dove head-first into both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Sambo. In this action-packed conversation, Glen breaks down:...... Continue Reading →

In this week's episode we are joined by Casey Belsey!• Started Judo at just 4 years old — a lifetime of throws, sweeps, and submissions.• Black belt in both Judo and Sambo.• British Judo Champion & 8x British Championship medallist.• 4x British Sambo Champion and international competitor.• Represented Great Britain in both Judo and Sambo.•...... Continue Reading →

This week on The Grapple of Your Eye, we’re joined by the incredible Brian R. Solomon — renowned writer, historian, and podcaster — to dive deep into his latest book, “Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon.” From the golden age of wrestling to the rise of modern sports entertainment, Gorilla Monsoon was...... Continue Reading →

In this week's episode we chat to British wrestling star turned promoter Crusher Curtis. He discusses his martial arts background and how he used that to transition into the world of wrestling. Listen along as he discusses his early days training through to his life on the road in a wreestling career that took him...... Continue Reading →

Luiz França: The Forgotten Founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu He trained the poor. He defied the Gracies. He changed Jiu-Jitsu forever — and history almost erased his name. While the world credits the Gracie family for creating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, another lineage was quietly growing in the shadows — one born not in luxury, but in the...... Continue Reading →

Step into the world of Sumo’s greatest legends! 🏯💥In this episode, we explore the incredible story of Yokozuna Tachiyama Mineemon — a towering figure in Sumo history whose dominance and charisma made him one of Japan’s most unforgettable champions. Discover what set Tachiyama apart: his unbeatable winning streaks, his fearsome fighting style, and the legacy...... Continue Reading →

This we we are joined by P.J. Montano, a CSW Blackbelt, proefessional referee and gym owner of UFC Gym: Anaheim, as he shares stories and insights from the world of martial arts both as a competitor and as a referee. This episode is filled with engaging conversation around grappling, catch wrestling and jiu jitsu. Whether you're into bjj, Catch As Catch...... Continue Reading →

New Zealand’s own “Spartan” Sam Black joins us to share his incredible journey through the world of professional wrestling — a career that’s taken him halfway across the planet. From humble beginnings to international rings, Sam brings stories, insights, and energy you won’t want to miss! Tune in for an episode packed with passion, travel,...... Continue Reading →

This week we’re joined by Alice Blackman for an unmissable deep dive into the world of grappling. From her unique journey transitioning from ballet to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA, Alice shares insights, stories, and lessons learned along the way. 🥋 Expect thoughtful discussion on BJJ training, competition mindset, nutrition, and the crossover with Mixed...... Continue Reading →