This week on the Off the Mats podcast, BJJ Wiki sits down with David Riedman—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, writer, and creator of the Rules of BJJ Substack. In this episode, David breaks down key topics from his articles, including what every grappler should know before stepping onto the mats for the first time. We explore the dangers of mindless drilling and the difference between volume and intentionality in training.
David also unpacks how analytics and data can shape the future of Jiu-Jitsu performance, offering a look at how elite teams already apply metrics (whether consciously or not). Plus, we dive into the parallels between surfing and BJJ, and how his time on the waves helped him better understand flow, pressure, and presence on the mats.
Whether you're a white belt or a black belt, this episode delivers practical advice, nuanced discussion, and thoughtful reflections that will sharpen your training and deepen your appreciation for the art.
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About the author: I’ve trained for +16 years and I’m a brown belt at Orlando BJJ in Florida. You can listen to me talk about BJJ on the BJJ Wiki ‘Off the Mats’ podcast or my interview with the founder of non-profit Guardian BJJ. Follow me at RulesofBJJ and Who.Is.DAR on Instagram.
