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

Mar 2, 2026

BTG 180 - Getting Dirty

Mar 2, 2026

29 min

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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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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Feb 23, 2026

BTG 179 - Measured Chaos

Feb 23, 2026

41 min

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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Feb 16, 2026

BTG 178 - Quick Sand

Feb 16, 2026

28 min

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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Feb 9, 2026

BTG 177 - Being on the Cutting Edge

Feb 9, 2026

48 min

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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Feb 2, 2026

BTG 176 - Adapt or Die

Feb 2, 2026

36 min

I start off reviewing Polaris 35, which in my opinion was not that fun of a watch. Once again, bad rulesets seem to have removed the incentive from athletes to go after submissions and make for boring match ups.

I then dig into UFC 235, which had some fun match ups and finishes. But on a few of the match ups I see a common theme - fighters not adapting or getting stagnate.

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Jan 26, 2026

BTG 175 - UFC on Paramount Delivers

Jan 26, 2026

27 min

After what seems forever without a UFC, we had a solid card with lots of great action, with the main event being a great fight. I recap the card, talk about the new bonus structure of the UFC, and old problems that are still lurking.

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Jan 19, 2026

BTG 174 - I need a taste of my own medicine

Jan 19, 2026

24 min

I just realized that I am not holding myself to the same standards as a serious student and instructor with my own progression in the martial arts. That has to change, and I'll outline how I plan to tackle this problem.

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Jan 12, 2026

BTG 173 - Kill or be Killed

Jan 12, 2026

43 min

We are still in a drought for MMA events, but we did have a real professional wrestling event with some interesting match ups and MMA crossovers. I then talk about the importance of having the warrior mindset when competing - even if you are an amateur.

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Jan 5, 2026

BTG 172 - Looking Back

Jan 5, 2026

30 min

With little news in combat sports, I take a look back over the past year and reflect upon things I have done and learned. I then look forward to what I wish to do next.

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Dec 29, 2025

BTG 171 - Character over Talent

Dec 29, 2025

31 min

There has been more headlines this year about either unethical or immoral actions from athletes versus achievements or wins. I think that should say a lot about what we should be valuing in an athlete as a coach, but just in case, I will layout my case in detail.

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