Breaking The Guard Podcast

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A Mixed Martial Arts talk show featuring Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belts David Avellan (creator of the Kimura Trap System and ADCC 2009 Bronze Medalist) and Robert Drysdale (2005 IBJJF World Champion, ADCC 2007 Absolute Champion, co-founder of Zenith BJJ). Both of them have extensive backgrounds in MMA and BJJ as students, competitors, coaches, and school owners - pulling on their combined experiences to discuss the mental aspect of training, proper preparation, championship mindset, and more.

Episodes

27 minutes ago

BTG 186 - Show No Mercy

27 minutes ago

UFC 327 was a solid card top to bottom, with a mix of knockouts, submissions, and close decisions. One thing that stood out is in the main event, there was a moment where one fighter got injured, and rather than pouncing on the opportunity, the opponent backed away. It wasn't just one instance, but several. This mercy was paid back by getting finished, and I highlight why I have always urged playing for keeps and not being a nice guy in the cage.

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DavidMMA.com - David Avellan's new website, where he is posting new articles daily, new courses being posted frequently, covering techniques, news, fitness, breakdowns, and much more. You can join as a guest for free to see what the site has to offer.

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Monday Apr 06, 2026

BTG 185 - The best fights have this

Monday Apr 06, 2026

If you have ever wondered why most UFC Fight Nights or most grappling events don't have the same pull as a well sold fight like McGregor fight, I'll share with you what I think, and how other promoters can learn from that.

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Monday Mar 30, 2026

BTG 184 - Taking a break before you break

Monday Mar 30, 2026

When you are obsessed with training, it can be hard to take a break from it. It feels like you are killing the momentum you have built up, and all of the hard work to develop strong discipline and good habits can be lost with a vacation. However, you might be grinding your gears without realizing it, and doing more harm than good by grinding.

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Monday Mar 23, 2026

BTG 183 - The Problem with Keeping Score

Monday Mar 23, 2026

If you have listened to me before, you know that I'm big into measuring. I journal, I record everything I eat, and I track my workouts daily. But, keeping score during training can backfire on you, especially if you are looking to evolve. I'll share some insights into this and how to find balance between staying accountable while being adaptable.

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Monday Mar 16, 2026

BTG 182 - Keep your promises

Monday Mar 16, 2026

Someone who cannot keep their promises is not someone you can trust or count on. We often think of this in terms of others, but what about yourself? Are you accountable for your own goals and promises?

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Monday Mar 09, 2026

BTG 181 - Getting the Job Done

Monday Mar 09, 2026

I review UFC 326, which had some solid matchmaking. However, some fights were a bit more drawn out and tactically won, with a few notable matches using lots of ground control but no damage or submission threats. On one hand, I understand as a fighter you got to get the win. But as a spectator, it can be very boring to see a long match with a lot of nothing. I also talk about the opening week for PGF 9 and how it contrasts with other grappling promotions.

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Monday Mar 02, 2026

BTG 180 - Getting Dirty

Monday Mar 02, 2026

If you are expecting a referee to save you from a dirty fighter, think again. As I will explain here, the best way to deal with a dirty fighter is to get in the mud with them. I also discuss UFC Fight Night and RAF 6, where the dirty fighting tactics started between Georgio Poullas and Armen Tsarukyan

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Monday Feb 23, 2026

BTG 179 - Measured Chaos

Monday Feb 23, 2026

Being chaotic is a dangerous state of mind, as there is no telling what you will do and the consequences they will render. However, measured chaos is brilliant for precisely that reason. Sean Strickland utilizes this concept very well on and off the microphone. We will discuss the main card of UFC Fight Night 267, and delve in the potential future of the UFC Middleweight division.

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Monday Feb 16, 2026

BTG 178 - Quick Sand

Monday Feb 16, 2026

In this constantly evolving game, it can be tempting to always try to do move into the next new thing. That isn't always prudent, as you can rush into a mistake and start to sink. I'll discuss this in context to grappling and MMA, UFC's new stance on cutting athletes, and why a champion shouldn't rush to defend their title.

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Monday Feb 09, 2026

BTG 177 - Being on the Cutting Edge

Monday Feb 09, 2026

After a quick review of the latest UFC Fight Night, I discuss being on the cutting edge. Whether it is technology or ideas, it is a risky game. Lots of people will question, discredit and even hate you for entertaining innovate ideas. But without bold men and women, we would stagnate as a culture. I share my views on this in regards to the latest spat between Craig Jones and Gordon Ryan, arguing about a position I have dabbled in for over 10 years now.

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