The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting

Most people know that BJJ descended from Kodokan Judo which came from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu systems. But the Kodokan was initially quite weak at the groundfighting aspect of grappling, and it wasn't until it brushed up against other systems specialising in ne-waza or groundwork that it became a well-rounded art.  In this episode we are joined by Martial Arts historian (and BJJ practitioner) Oz Austwick who has researched this cross-pollination extensively. Oz's research focussed on Sadakazu Uyenishi who was among the first to bring jiu-jitsu to Britain, where he performed under the name "Raku". Uyenishi fought all comers, including much larger wrestlers, and toured with Mitsuyo Maeda from the Kodokan BEFORE moving to Brazil and triggering the creation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  Oz argues that Uyenishi was almost certainly a huge hidden influence in the creation of BJJ. Check out the limited edition "Raku" gi honoring this extraordinary jiu-jitsu fighter!  More info here: https://rikuzame.com/products/the-raku-limited-edition Cheers! Stephan Kesting

Chris is a BJJ and Luta Livre black belt teaching in the UK and has many radical ideas about teaching and training BJJ which could change the sport for the better! In this episode we covered... - Training takedowns and dangerous submissions safely - A radical re-imagining of the BJJ belt system - Encouraging exploration in jiu-jitsu - The limits imposed by strength and power in grappling - And so much more.  Check out Chris's personal Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/chrisvillainbjj/ and/or his school at https://www.instagram.com/fightingfitgrapplingbjj/