The Prodigy Podcast

The next instalment of the company series I sit down with Joanne Wellstead, the lady behind the new all female BJJ show on the block aptly named Enyo Grappling. Looking to celebrate the talent of the high level competitors and help support those on the come up, this show is shaping up to be a fantastic night of Jiu Jitsu. Joanne talks to me about the learning process of running a competition and what has driven her to take on her own Jiu Jitsu companies.

This episode is part of a mini series interviewing UK BJJ companies and sharing their story on how they got started. What motivated them to get started plus the trials and tribulations of running a brand. This episode I interview Roman and Anna behind the Brighton based brand One South. The environmentally friendly brand looking to be part of the growing movement of companies thinking about how to ethically produce BJJ apparel. We talk about their inspirations for design and how...

For this episode I sat down with Rosa Walsh, after a number of standout performances a name that is becoming more and more well known. Rosa spoke to me all the way from Illinois whilst she is training with the Daisy Fresh team to discuss her moments that have helped shape her so far. Rosa's moments: -Grapplefest/ AJP Birmingham -Competing at Pans and then deciding to compete and train full time. -Seeing and being along side Ffion for her redemption at worlds. -Getting a puppy -Costa...

This episode I sat down with BJJ brown belt Stefano Sanna in the midst of preparing for his first appearance on Grapplefest. Stefano was first introduced to combat sports growing up in Sardinia but grew to focus on BJJ alone. He shares some of the trials and triumphs he has faced and gave me a good education on Sardinia's top delicacy. Stefano's moments he picked: - BJJ in Sardinia and how it compares to the UK - A career as a nurse - Leaving Italy to come to the UK - Moving to London...

For this episode I sat down with MMA fighter and BJJ purple belt Melissa Dixon. Currently preparing for her first professional title fight I thought of no better moment to sit down and discuss her story and the moments that led to how she got here. For those who've seen Melissa fight I can assure you there is so much more to her than meets the eye. For those who haven't then this is a fantastic first introduction. Melissa's moments she picked: -Winning and it's importance -Going to Uni...

New episode comes with a whole new format. Each guest will pick out moments of their lives that have had shaped them as not just an athlete but as a person. As per usual this will probably lead to many tangents along the way. This episode's guest is Tommy Yip, being awarded his black belt in 2020 he has gone on to take wins on shows such as Grapplefest. We digressed from his moments to delve into what makes a professional athlete in BJJ and why social media can be a toxic thing. Tommy's...

Nia Blackman is the epitome of the phrase "they need no introduction" and there isn't enough room in this description to cover all her accomplishments to date. I had the pleasure of interviewing Nia discussing what does BJJ mean to her, her ability to take on challenges and most importantly how games of monopoly go down in the Blackman household. Go follow Nia on Instagram @nia_bjj

Just before her upcoming fight on Polaris, I sit down with Ashley Bendle to talk about exploring her identity outside of being an athlete. The trials and tribulations competing at ADCC trials and why rice krispie squares are the best thing to eat post training. Like, comment and subscribe.

Everyone knows Junior Fernandes the competitor on the mats but who is he off them. I chatted with the man himself to delve into his story and find out what makes him tick, his personal hopes and ambitions and plenty more.

The first episode of 2022 and I sit down with BJJ Brown Belt Sam Quinn, training out of Escapology BJJ. Sam most recently has taken Gold in the British Open and Multiple AJP competitions. We discuss his preparations for Euros, how the Escapology team are pushing him in new ways and his introduction to BJJ. Sam may also have said the best quote to grace this podcast "I'll have a cup of tea in your closed guard". So get a brew on and give it a listen.

I sit down with new brown belt and fellow coffee nerd Kevin McAloon to talk about his captaincy of Team Scotland at SGI, his outlook on improvement and why we should change how we set goals. Personally I am extremely excited for the SGI teams event and can't wait to see the teams match up. Given that I now have interviewed three out of four team captains, I AM NOT PICKING SIDES! Go given Kevin a follow on Instagram @kevmca91

You will have seen Jonas compete against some of the best, on shows such as Submission Series and Fightstar Championship. I was able to sit down with the "Octopus" himself two weeks before his fight for the championship belt in Crystal Palace. We discuss his journey from New Zealand to Croydon, why he won't go near snakes and his new love for wrestling.

Another episode, another awesome guest. Ollie Webb is a prospect from Elements BJJ who caught my eye when competing on the submission series show during lockdown. Now looking to his next big competitive outing on Raw Grappling and growing as an athlete there was no better moment to chat with him. We discuss the impact BJJ has had on his life and how he looks at becoming the best grappler he can be. Make sure you listen to the end for reasons why Ollie should be the next bond.

Another returning guest Tyreeze Cunliffe returns to the mic. We discuss his growth as a person and an athlete and how his perspective on competing has changed. Tyreeze opens up about the impact of his experiences as a younger athlete when moving to competing as an adult. He may or may not confirm his place on a competition as well but I'll leave that for you to hear.

Thomas Owen is a 4-0 fighter under the tutelage of Dan Hardy and Jimmy Wallhead. Thomas talks to me about returning to the cage after a two year period off, how he first started training and why we need to remember too have fun. We decide that the Thomas Owen cooking show has to happen and why eggs are the best thing ever. Note: The curse of audio issues has returned so apologies if moments are not so clear.

When Jiu Jitsu, coffee and anime combine! Today's episode we have Jay Herridge on, the nightmare of all competitors the kid who stuck with the sport. We talk origins story, Jay's change in focus over lockdown and why Michael B Jordan fighting zombies will be the movie on Jay's life.

Welcome back my caffienated grappling friends! Coming off a big win on the Polaris Professional Undercard, Libby Genge chats with me about: fighting on a bigger stage, competing in Russia, Pan Ams and why being home schooled is becoming a norm for high level young athletes. It was a pleasure to sit down with Libby and I'm certain there will be even bigger things to come from her. (Unfortunately I had to use the dreaded Skype for this interview so the audio is not the best at times)

My caffeinated grappling friends have I got a special episode for you. I chat with Darragh O’Conaill on his upcoming outing on Polaris Squads as captain of Team UK/Ireland. As well as that we chat about: why losses should be treated different in BJJ, the balance between entertainment and sport and why Monster energy drinks are only for emergency caffeine. Let us know what you think of the episode by leaving a review and check out Darragh on Polaris Squads this Saturday.

Today's episode I sit down with Team GB Wrestler Charlie Bowling. We talk about his learning experiences as a wrestler and what he learnt from his time in Canada. We also discuss his new facility Farmer Strong which was brought about by needing to continue his training during the pandemic. As well as that we touching on the rich history of UK wrestling and the quick fire round brings about some interesting answers!

Coming off his win on Alpha Grappling Sam Gibbs sat down with me to have a coffee to discuss why talent is well and truly a myth. The art of purposeful practice and how training with Ash Williams has aided him on his journey. I believe that Sam is one of the most underrated dangerous competitors on the rise in the UK, so enjoy and follow his journey on Instagram @Samgibbsbjj