Breaking The Guard Podcast

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Episodes

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

May 11, 2026

BTG 190 - Damage

May 11, 2026

50 min

In MMA, damage is the key determining factor of victory. Grapplers seem to forget that, as this past UFC has shown. I'll hammer in on why it's so important, and what these fighters have to focus on if they want to make it to the next level in the sport.

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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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May 4, 2026

BTG 189 - Which Physical Asset Do You Pick?

May 4, 2026

40 min

If you had to pick between weight, strength, speed, flexibility, or endurance to maximize for combat, which would you choose? I'll do a deep dive into each of these attributes, what I believe there relevance is to each combat sport, and ultimately what I would pick.

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Apr 27, 2026

BTG 188 - The Wisdom in Taking a Knee

Apr 27, 2026

27 min

I was reminded of the wisdom in taking a knee the past weekend, watching UFC Fight Night 274. Aljo "took a knee" in round 3 after surviving a tight guillotine and rolling to his back. He ended up giving up his back as well. But while he looked weathered and beaten walking to the stool, round 4 proved to me he was being tactical, as he had his most dominant round afterwards.

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Apr 20, 2026

BTG 187 - Abandon Ship

Apr 20, 2026

20 min

I have had a frustrating week, and on three circumstances I have come across the a similar roadblock. I share my stories and what I hope to learn from them, so you can avoid ending up at the bottom of the ocean.

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Apr 13, 2026

BTG 186 - Show No Mercy

Apr 13, 2026

33 min

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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Apr 6, 2026

BTG 185 - The best fights have this

Apr 6, 2026

29 min

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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Mar 30, 2026

BTG 184 - Taking a break before you break

Mar 30, 2026

25 min

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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Mar 23, 2026

BTG 183 - The Problem with Keeping Score

Mar 23, 2026

12 min

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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Mar 16, 2026

BTG 182 - Keep your promises

Mar 16, 2026

18 min

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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Mar 9, 2026

BTG 181 - Getting the Job Done

Mar 9, 2026

27 min

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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