
Inside Position
Sports & Recreation Podcasts
Inside Position, hosted by Tom Halpin, delivers great stories and insights from the world of BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), MMA, and Grappling. Each week Tom brings you conversations with some of the sport’s biggest names, from world champions and coaches to other legends of the sport.
Location:
Limerick, Ireland
Genres:
Sports & Recreation Podcasts
Description:
Inside Position, hosted by Tom Halpin, delivers great stories and insights from the world of BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), MMA, and Grappling. Each week Tom brings you conversations with some of the sport’s biggest names, from world champions and coaches to other legends of the sport.
Language:
English
Episodes
Max Hanson on Daisy Fresh, game planning, and his favourite study methods
8/28/2025
He's an ADCC Veteran, and one of Canada's top prospects. On this week's episode Max shared some interesting stories from his early years of training, his training with Dante Leon and Heath Pedigo, as well as some of his favourite training and study methods to improve his game, and much more.
Tom Halpin Instructionals: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/
Guest Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxhansonbjj/
Max's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Maxhansonbjj
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/inside-position/id1555883209
Duration:00:38:02
Owen Jones on his ADCC breakthrough, building confidence, and developing an attacking style
8/20/2025
He's an ADCC Trials winner, ADCC Worlds Semi Finalist, and one of Europe's top grapplers. On this week's episode Owen shared some interesting stories from his early years of training, his time spent training with the B-Team and the lessons he learned there, as well as some of his favourite training methods to develop his signature attacking style. We also had a great chat about Owen's ADCC success, as he broke down his matches at the recent World Championships, and much more.
Tom Halpin Instructionals: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/
Guest Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owenjonesbjj/
Owen's Instructionals: https://bjjfanatics.com/owen-jones
Owen's Academy: https://apex-atlanta.com/
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/inside-position/id1555883209
Duration:00:52:30
Jonathan ''JT'' Torres on dealing with pressure, building toughness, and his biggest rivals
7/16/2025
He's a 2x ADCC Champion and one of the most successful American competitors in recent years. On this week's episode JT shared some interesting stories from his early years of training, the origins of his Spiderman nickname, and how he developed his signature toughness. We also had a great chat about JT's ADCC success after many years of disappointment at Gi Worlds, his transition from training with team Atos to opening his own academy Essential Jiu Jitsu, as well as much more.
Tom Halpin Instructionals: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/
Guest Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtorresbjj/
JT's Academy: https://www.essentialbjj.com/
JT's Instructional Platform: https://essentialjjonline.com/
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/inside-position/id1555883209
Duration:00:37:10
Matthew Benyon on Scramble, Polaris, and the creative process
6/25/2025
He's a founder of some of the most well known brands in the sport in Scramble and Polaris, as well as a Jiu Jitsu Black Belt with over 20 years experience on the mats. On this week's episode Matt shared some interesting behind the scenes insights into the early days of the Scramble brand, how Polaris go about improving professional side of Jiu Jitsu, useful tips for up and coming athletes, and much more.
Guest Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon/
Scramble: https://scramblestuff.com/
Polaris: https://www.polarisprograppling.com/
Unathletic Brand: https://unathletic.store/
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/inside-position/id1555883209
Duration:00:31:58
Chris Wojcik on skill development, innovation, and B-Team competition training
4/16/2025
He's an ADCC Semi Finalist and an instructor at the world renowned B-Team. On this week's episode Chris gave some interesting insights into his early training in the Chicago, the methods he used to improve his skills on the mats, and how he made the breakthrough to high level competition. He also discussed his recent ADCC performance, how the training camp at B-Team differed to skill development periods, some of his biggest inspirations throughout the years, and much more.
Darce/Anaconda/High Wrist Guillotine Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/
(Use code 'SAVE30' for 30% off! Courses can be downloaded and viewed offline.)
Guest Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismwojcik/
Chris' Book: https://www.amazon.com/Grapplers-Diary-book/
Chris' Website/Writings: https://thegrapplersdiary.substack.com/
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/inside-position/id1555883209
Duration:00:48:00
Ashley Williams on the evolution of European Jiu Jitsu and training for longevity
4/2/2025
He's an ADCC Trials winner, Polaris Professional Champion, and one of the top ranked grapplers in the world, Ash Williams, returning for his second appearance on the show. In this week's episode, the Welsh standout shared some insights into his recent training, the lessons he learned competing at ADCC in '22 and '24, and what it takes to build a long career in the sport. We also had an interesting discussion about the various rulesets, and what could be done to make the sport more exciting in the future, as well as much more.
Darce/Anaconda/High Wrist Guillotine Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/
(Use code '30off' at checkout to save 30% for a limited time!)
Guest Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awilliamsbjj/
AW x BJJ Flowcharts: https://www.bjjflowcharts.com/pages/ash-williams
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/inside-position/id1555883209
Duration:00:37:43
Robert Drysdale on Jiu Jitsu Culture, USA vs Brazil, and learning from the past
3/12/2025
He's America's 2nd Black Belt World Champion and an ADCC Absolute Champion. On this week's episode Robert shared some interesting stories from his time training in Brazil in the mid 2000's, competing for the legendary team Brasa, and his experience winning the ADCC Absolute Division. We also had a great chat about current Jiu Jitsu and MMA culture, important training methodologies, the importance of structure, and much more.
Darce/Anaconda/High Wrist Guillotine Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/
(Use code 'SAVE30' for 30% off! Courses can be downloaded and viewed offline.)
Guest Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertdrysdalejj/
Robert's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08KVTNZ85
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/inside-position/id1555883209
Duration:00:49:12
Tom DeBlass on hard training, coaching champions, and the importance of giving back
3/5/2025
He's one of the most well known personalities in the sport, with experience comepeting at ADCC and in the UFC, as well as coaching some of the sports biggest stars. This week's guest is New Jersey's own Tom DeBlass. We had a great chat about Tom's start in the sport, training with Ricardo Almeida and the legendary Team Renzo Gracie, as well as the biggest lessons he has learned from that training environment. Tom also gave some insight into coaching a young Garry Tonon and training with an up and coming Gordon Ryan, as well as how his role as a leader has evolved throughout the years, and much more.
FREE Back Attack Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/
Guest Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomdeblass/
Tom's Website: https://www.tomdeblass.com/
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/inside-position/id1555883209
Duration:00:26:38
Adele Fornarino on becoming ADCC Champion and her keys to success
2/26/2025
She's one of the sports recent breakout stars, and an ADCC Weight/Absolute Champion. This week's guest is Australia's own Adele Fornarino. We had a great chat about Adele's recent accomplishments, what has changed since, and some of the biggest factors in her success. She also shared some insights into the work she has put in with some great coaches over the past few years, and how her support network off the mats has had a positive effect in her performance.
FREE Back Attack Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/
Guest Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelefornarino/
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/inside-position/id1555883209
Duration:00:40:27
Tarik Hopstock on the benefits of competition and the origins of the Tarikoplata
2/19/2025
He's one of Europe's top Black Belts and creator of the Tarikoplata submission. This week's guest is Norway's own Tarik Hopstock. We had a great chat about Tarik beginnings in the sport, discovering his passion for competition, and the transition from the ower ranks to the Black Belt level. He also shared some insights on the origins of the Tarikoplata and his plans for the future.
FREE Back Attack Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/
Guest Links:
Tarik's Instructionals: https://bjjfanatics.com/search?q=tarik+hopstock
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarik_bjj/
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/inside-position/id1555883209
Duration:00:29:00
Brandon McCaghren on learning styles, running the PGF, and the importance of keeping an open mind
2/6/2025
He's a Black Belt under Eddie Bravo in the renowned 10th Planet system, and one of the sports most well known commentators and promoters. This week's guest is Alabama's own Brandon McCaghren. We had a great chat about Brandon's humble beginnings in the sport, his meeting Eddie Bravo and joining 10th Planet, to how he honed his skills as a coach and instructor. He also shared his plans for the future of his PGF events, and his thoughts on some of his favourite events he has commentated.
FREE Back Attack Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/
Guest Links:
Brandon's Instructional Website: https://bmac.mykajabi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonmc.ninja/
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/inside-position/id1555883209
Duration:00:45:02
Jake O'Driscoll on coaching ADCC champions, and how to make the most of your training
1/30/2025
He's a renowned Australian Black Belt, and coach to many high level competitors, including ADCC Champions and medalists. This week's guest is Perth's own Jake O'Driscoll. We had a great chat about Jake's thoughts on the what it takes to reach a high level, inspiration from other professional sports, and some practical tips on how to maximize your progression on the mats.
FREE Back Attack Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/
Guest Links:
Jake's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=112559996
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakeod_essencebjj
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Duration:00:28:40
Keith Krikorian on the process of progress
1/15/2025
He's a 3x ADCC veteran, Polaris Champion and one of the most active grappling competitors in the world. This week's guest is San Diego's own Keith Krikorian, back on the podcast for a second time. We had a great chat about Keith's success over the past couple of years, along with the most important factors in his growth as an athlete, and the challenges he has faced along the way. We also discussed his process for studying and adding new elements to his game, as well as some of the exciting matches he has coming up soon.
FREE Back Attack Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/
Guest Links:
Keith's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/keithkrikorian
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkrikorian/
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Duration:00:34:22
Eoghan O'Flanagan on competing at CJI and ADCC, the future of leg locks, and strength training benefits
12/18/2024
He's one of Europe's most successful competitors, ADCC 4th place finisher, CJI 1 competitor, and one of the sports most well known leg lockers. On this week's episode Eoghan shared some insights into his experience competing at the biggest events in the sport, and how they compare and contrast. He also discussed his favourite training and teaching methods, how to improve your leg locks, and the importance of keeping training fun, as well as much more.
Guest Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eoghanoflanagan/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecharleseoghanexperience/videos
Instructionals: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_eoghan-oflanagan
Support and Connect:
Tom Halpin Instructionals: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Duration:00:25:20
Riccardo Ammendolia on the past, present, and future of the sport
12/12/2024
He's one of the most renowned commentators and promoters in Jiu Jitsu today, as well as being a Black Belt under the Mendes Brothers. On this weeks episode Riccardo shared some interesting stories of his early training in the late 90's, the methods and attitudes at the time, as well as much more. He also gave some insight into his work as a commentator and promoter for some of the biggest events in the sport, and his take on the future of professional grappling.
Guest Links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/RiccardoAmmendoliaBJJ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riccardoammendoliabjj/
Support and Connect:
Tom Halpin Instructionals: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Duration:00:43:09
Miha Perhavec on judging at CJI, travelling the world, and co-founding Legion AJJ
11/20/2024
He's a Black Belt in both Jiu Jitsu and Judo, as well as being co-founder of one of the most well known academies in the world, Legion AJJ. In today's episode Miha shares his experience travelling the world as a young competitor and how his skills on and off the mats led him to San Diego, California. He also shared some interesting insights into his work judging CJI, his thoughts on various coaching styles, and the process of writing his new book, as well as much more.
Guest Links:
Miha's Book: https://nogimanual.com/
Where to Buy: https://nogimanual.com/pages/international-buyers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mihajj/
Support and Connect:
Tom Halpin Instructionals: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Duration:00:37:38
How to improve your mental game – with Sam Antonen
8/28/2024
This week's guest is renowned mental performance coach Sam Antonen. We took a deep dive into topics related to performance, competitiveness, consistency, and confidence, both on and off the mats. Sam shared some great ideas from his vast coaching experience and study of the mental aspects of sport, in his usual practical manner.
Guest Links:
Website: https://www.samantonen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samantonen/
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Academy Website: https://treatygrappling.com/
Duration:00:48:15
ADCC 2024 finals recap - Did it live up to the hype?
8/23/2024
In this weeks episode we recap the ADCC 2024 Finals, sharing some important insights and the biggest takeaways from the event.
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treatygrappling/
Academy Website: https://treatygrappling.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Duration:00:30:21
CJI recap - Craig finally comes first place
8/20/2024
In this weeks episode we recap the Craig Jones Invitational, sharing some important insights and the biggest takeaways from the event.
Catch the full replay here: https://www.youtube.com/live/IyneYOMCvI0?si=Z5zOEIcPETEOc9sD
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treatygrappling/
Academy Website: https://treatygrappling.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Duration:00:32:03
CJI preview -- under 80kg division
8/15/2024
In this weeks episode we preview the upcoming Craig Jones Invitational under 80kg division, sharing some important insights and key battles to watch out for during the event.
Catch the live action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyneYOMCvI0
Support and Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treatygrappling/
Academy Website: https://treatygrappling.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu
Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
Duration:00:31:25