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

Monday Aug 25, 2025

BTG 153 - Everyone Should Fight

Monday Aug 25, 2025

I have been sent a bunch of videos last week of random street fights, and we had one notable MMA fighter's son, Rampage Jackson, really hurt someone badly in what was supposed to be a worked event. This once again urges me to get everyone into training, and at the very least, understand what a fight is and isn't.

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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 Aug 18, 2025

BTG 152 - Too Cool Under Pressure

Monday Aug 18, 2025

Is it possible to be too cool under pressure? I argue yes, and I use this UFC as evidence of it. I also go over the main card fights and my takes.

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Monday Aug 11, 2025

BTG 151 - Bottom grappling in MMA is not a good strategy

Monday Aug 11, 2025

Last week I was singing the praises of leg locks. This week, I have to remind you that was specific to grappling, as we just saw how a leg lock heavy game plan was heavily punished in MMA, and in general, bottom grappling.

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Monday Aug 04, 2025

BTG 150 - Are Aoki Locks Too Dangerous?

Monday Aug 04, 2025

These past couple of weeks of professional have made an impression on me, in that Aoki locks are very dangerous leg locks that are not to be played around with. Does that mean we should ban them from the sport?

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Monday Jul 28, 2025

BTG 149 - Improving Cardio and Shitty Wrestling

Monday Jul 28, 2025

I start off talking about my new love/hate affair with the assault bike, and what I hope to gain from it. There were a lot of events this past week, from PGF, UFC, PFL, BJJ Stars, WNO, CFC, and EBI. I go over some of the results of these events, and what I think grappling can learn from the PGF and CJI/UFC BJJ.

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Monday Jul 21, 2025

BTG 148 - PGF and Struggles with Strategy Implementation

Monday Jul 21, 2025

The 8th season of the PGF (Professional Grappling League) starts this Wednesday here in Las Vegas. I give my thoughts on the big changes in this season's format, and a couple of critiques. I then talk about my progress in changing my strength and conditioning routine, and how I'm struggling to implement a new mat strategy.

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Monday Jul 14, 2025

BTG 147 - Write it in Stone

Monday Jul 14, 2025

It's not the first time I talk about the power of putting your thoughts and ideas in physical form, and after you finish listening to this, you will understand why it won't be the last time either. I will focus on the importance of documenting problems in your life, from training to relationships, and how writing it down, taking pictures, or filming it makes it "real" versus just floating around in your head.

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Monday Jul 07, 2025

BTG 146 - What I have learned in 44 years

Monday Jul 07, 2025

I turned 44 today, and I reflect on what adjustments I want to make and what I have learned and continue to learn, and the secret to not getting bored.

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Monday Jun 30, 2025

BTG 145 - Unstoppable Champions

Monday Jun 30, 2025

In the aftermath of UFC 317, we have a stable of champions that have impressive win streaks, with no major contenders in sight. Now that it seems the UFC has ended the ability to be a double champion, perhaps we have some long reigning champions like we did in the good old days. Will that be a good thing or a bad thing? I also recap the results of the AIGA world championships on Sunday, and why I think team grappling competitions got it wrong.

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Monday Jun 23, 2025

BTG 144 - The End of an Era

Monday Jun 23, 2025

I return from my trip to Florida with a new black belt, review more episodes of the UFC BJJ show, discuss the main event of that last UFC fight night between Hill vs Rountree, and finally, talk about the announcement of the official retirement of Jon Jones.

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