The Raspberry Ape Podcast

Tom Watson is a former BAMMA Champion and UFC veteran. In this episode we talk about Tom's journey into martial arts, his time training at some of the best MMA camps in the world, including; Jackson, Tristar and Blackzillians. His huge match with Alex Reid, rules sets in MMA and grappling, he return to competition and much more.

Josh Palmer is a top MMA and BJJ commentator. Josh commentates on some of the worlds biggest grappling shows such and Polaris and Kasai and MMA show such as Cage warriors. In this episode, we chat about how Josh got into the business, some stories from his journey, Polaris, Cage Warriors and much more.

Kurt Osiander is one of the most well-known characters in all of BJJ, known for his crazy personality and zero-fucks-given attitude Kurt talks about his split from longtime coach Ralph Gracie, how he got into BJJ, the zombie apocalypse, trying to kill a dove, his MMA career, drawing naked women, being a role model, training over 50, drinking, partying and ancient weapons.

Danny Batten is a UK MMA pioneer and Roger Gracie black belt. In this episode we talk through Danny's MMA career, the reason he retired from fighting, being a brown belt for 10 years, fighting pro with a job and family, Chess, running a gym, giving back to the community and more.

Rob Long is a blind veteran injured in Afghanistan and a BJJ competitor. In this episode, Ron talks about his experience in the army, his training, what it's like living in one of the most dangerous places on earth, the accident that took his vision, the immediate aftermath and recovery from his injury and how BJJ changed his life. To find out more about Rob follow him on: Twitter: www.twitter.com/_red_long instagram: www.instagram.com/red.long_

Lee Doski is a Bjj black belt and UK MMA pioneer. In this episode, the "Guitar hero" talks about his start in MMA, gives a history lesson on UK MMA, shares some stories, serenades us with his musical talents and much more.

Nick Osipczak is a former UFC fighter and all round martial artist. In this episode we talk about gambling, kung fu, MMA, Nick's UFC career, why he retired, tai chi, fighting animals, Ayahuasca, art, CBD oil and much more. For more on Nick and all he does check out www.raisedspirit.com

Ffion Davies is one of the UK's top BJJ competitors and a Judo black belt. In this episode we talk about how Ffion got into martial arts, her judo career, how she got into BJJ, breaking down her competition success, and covering a lot of women related topics in BJJ including women teaching, should you date your instructor and dick pics, probably too much about dick pics. Find Ffion on instragram: www.instagram.com/ffioneira3 Find out more about CF24: www.cf24jiujitsu.co.uk

Lee Kemp is a 3 time wrestling world champion and hall of famer. Saeed Esmaeli is a renowned wrestling coach working with some of the top wrestling, MMA and Jiu Jitsu competitors. In this episode we talk about Lee's and Saeed's journey in wrestling, how Lee improved as quick as he did, beating Dan Gable, what drives people to succeed, working with MMA and BJJ athletes, the programs that they have put together and are now touring around the UK and much more. Find out more about lee at: Leekemp.com

In this episode Im joined by Luke Dalmedo as we chat about last weeks Quintet Grappling event in Japan.

Maximiliano Ulloa York is a paraplegic jiu jitsu competitor and runs the International Jiu Jitsu without Limitations Federation and Para Jiu jitsu magazine. Maximiliano started jiu jitsu whilst fully abled and through an accident became paraplegic. In this episode he details his accident, recovery, getting back into jiu jitsu and how it helped him, helping others through the International Jiu Jitsu without Limitations Federation and spreading awareness for para jiu jitsu through the Para Jiu Jitsu magazine. For more info visit: www.ijjwlf.com For info on para jiu jitsu magazine visit: www.pjjmag.com

Shaun Escoffery and George Asprey star in the London production of The Lion King musical. Shaun is a BJJ black belt and George is a blue belt. I sit down with Mufasa and Scar to talk about their professional careers, Shauns history from the early days of UK BJJ, Georges introduction to Jiu Jitsu and journey since, training on the stage in between shows, signing the national anthem for Lennox vs Tyson, self defence, how they fit in time to train and much more.

Simon Yeo is a 15th degree Bujinkan Ninjutsu black belt and a Roger Gracie BJJ black belt. In this episode we talk about Simon's journey into martial arts. The history of ninjutsu. How he discovered BJJ and how he combined it with his ninjutsu. Meeting and travelling Japan with Royce Gracie is his Pride days, hanging out with Eric Clapton, touring with INXS, teaching Bear Grylls on his boat and much more. Find out more about Simon at www.yeodojo.net

Arlans Siqueira is a BJJ black belt and the first person to teach BJJ in the UK. In the episode we talk about how Arlans got into BJJ. Coming to the UK when there was no jiu jitsu and teaching it for the first time, the growth of UK BJJ, using BJJ whilst working as a doorman for 12 years and much more. Find out more about Arlans at: www.arlanssiqueirabjj.com/

Ben Whybrow is a musculoskeletal, sports & music physiotherapist. Squad physio for Comberton Judo Club and a judo black belt. In this episode we discuss injury prevention, recovery and answer listeners questions. For more info visit: http://thejudophysio.com

Brian Jacks is an Olympic judo medalist and multiple time Superstars champion. Brian Jacks is a legendary British judo figure. Being the first brit to medal at a world championship. Put in the Olympic team age 17 and eventually taking a Olympic bronze medal. He then was invited onto hit BBC TV show Superstars where he dominated for years. Winning British and european championships. In this episode we talk about how Brian got into judo, going to Japan alone to train age just 15, his post judo life, his superstars career, his competition mentality, his physical training program, his autobiography, whats wrong with judo today and much more. For more info on Brian visit: www.brianjacks.co.uk Or email him: [email protected]

Jon Hegan is a BJJ, Judo and Krav Maga black belt and former Marines Commando. In this episode we talk about Jon's time in the Marines, how he got into BJJ, training with the Gracie family in the 90's, the early days of UK BJJ, taking his black belt test with the Valente brothers, training with a blue belt Roger Gracie, training Krav Maga in Israel, working with violent young offenders for 14 years and much more. For more info on Jon visit his website: www.kravmagacombat.com

I chat with Romeo about entrepreneurship, design, grip, diet, cryptocurrencies, driverless cars, competition mindset and much more. Follow Romeo on instagram at: www.instagram.com/romeostasis_

Gareth Riddy is the author of "How to Undo the Shit the Modern World Does to Us", a personal trainer and physical therapist. In his episode we discuss all the shit the modern world does to us and some ways of undoing it. For more info visit: www.garethriddy.com Or check out his book on amazon here: www.goo.gl/Pz41Er

Marc is a Mauricio Gomes black belt and one of the first people in the UK to train BJJ. We talk about Marc's introduction to BJJ, his experience at the Gracie academy in the mid 90's, bring Royce over to the UK for the first time, the changes and development of BJJ in the UK and a lot about his personal philosophy about life and jiu jitsu. Follow Marc on instagram at: www.instagram.com/mailmarkmymusic Or follow marc's music at: www.markmymusic.com

Andrew Marshall is a Strength and Conditioning coach. I talk to Andrew about training.

Dean Amasinger is a former professional MMA fighter, TUF contestant and a world renowned sports performance coach. In this episode we talk about how Dean got into MMA, his experience in the Ultimate Fighter house, transitioning into coaching, the difference in training between MMA and other sports, his predictions for some upcoming MMA events and much more. For more info follow Dean on Twitter: Twitter.com/deanamasinger Instagram: Instagram.com/deanamasinger For more info on Elite Athlete visit: www.elite-athletes.co.uk

Drew Sullivan is the former GB basketball captain, Olympian and Roger Gracie blue belt. In this episode we talk about how Drew got into basketball, going to America at a young age to play, travelling around the world, captaining the 2012 Olympic team in his home city, how he started BJJ, what it's like coaching as a blue belt and much more. For more info about Drew and RGA Leicester and North East visit: www.drewjitsurga.com

Sebastian Junger is a world renowned author, filmmaker and journalist. In this episode we discuss why Sebastian got into war journalism, his experiences in increasingly hostile locations, the brotherhood that he formed with the regiment he was documenting, why soldiers struggle so much to reintegrate into civilian society, how he found solace in a boxing gym, the social dynamics of martial arts teams and much much more. Find out more about Sebastian and his work at: www.sebastianjunger.com

Sebastian Brosche is a BJJ black belt and owner of Yoga for BJJ. In this episode we talk about yoga, injuries, nutrition, sleep, Yoga for BJJ and much more. For more info check out: www.yogaforbjj.net Or follow Yoga for BJJ: www.facebook.com/yogaforbjj www.instagram.com/yogaforbjj

Ray Stevens is a Judo Olympic silver medalist and a Roger Gracie black belt. We talk about how Ray got into judo, his experience training in Japan, his competition career, his Olympic games performances, injuries, his choice to retire from competitive judo, how he got into BJJ, training with and receiving his black belt from Roger Gracie and much more. Check out Ray's new academy at: www.raystevensacademy.co.uk And follow Ray on: www.instagram.com/raystevensacademy

Danny Williams is a judo Olympian and Commonwealth gold medalist. In this episode we talk about how Danny got into judo, his experience at the 2012 olympic games, his training, his experience in BJJ, the differences between judo and BJJ and much more. Find out more about Danny at: www.dannywilliamsgbr.com For more into on Camberly Judo club or to donate money: www.camberleyjudo.co.uk Follow Danny: www.twitter.com/dwilliamsjudo www.instagram.com/dwilliamsjudo

Ryan Mairs is a grappler, mixed martial artist and mental health advocate. In this episode I talk to Ryan about his experience of mental health, from his own to those around him. Why its so important to spread awareness and understanding about it, how martial arts helped him and what hes doing now to help others. You can follow Ryan on twitter: www.twitter.com/Ryan_Mairs101 And his youtube page: www.youtube.com/user/TheStamfordBoy

Brad Pickett is a UFC veteran and UK MMA legend. In this episode I talk to Brad about how he got into MMA, his career during the WEC and later the UFC, his retirement, his upcoming professional grappling debut at Polaris 5, his thoughts on gi vs nogi training, Mac vs May, being the toughest guy in the room and much more. Find Brad on: twitter.com/One_Punch Instagram.com/One_Punch And check out the One Punch Podcast at: www.spreaker.com/show/the-one-punch-podcast

Marc Goddard is a UFC referee and BJJ black belt under Braulio Estima. In this episode I sit down with world renowned MMA referee Marc Goddard. What many people don't realise about Marc is that he has a long history training and competing within the martial arts. With a professional MMA career and a BJJ black belt. In this episode we talk about Marc's journey through the martial arts, how he got into refereeing, why he had to step away from his own fighting career, refereeing in BJJ and much more.

Mauricio Gomes is a 7th degree coral belt in BJJ, one of the "famous five" under Rolls Gracie and father of Roger Gracie. It was a absolute honour to be able to sit down with Mauricio and talk about his life and jiu jitsu. In this episode we talk about the history of the Gracie family, Mauricio's connection and relationship with the Gracie's, especially Rolls, how he travelled around to Japan and the UK to spread jiu jitsu, his own personal competition career, the career of his son Roger Gracie, self defence vs sport jiu jitsu and much much more. Mauricio is a living legend of the sport and it was great to have him share his story. To book anything with Mauricio email: [email protected] Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MauricioGomesukbjj Check out www.rogergracie.com

Leigh Remedios is a UK MMA legend with over 30 professional bouts. We talk about how Leigh got into MMA before it was even called MMA, his match against Genki Sudo at UFC 38, his career as an infamous internet troll, him getting into competitive BJJ, strength and conditioning, and many crazy stories.

Kameron Atakuru is a BJJ black belt competitor and coach, a former professional MMA fighter with a background in catch wrestling. In this episode Kam explains the history of catch wrestling and the various styles of wrestling that originated in the UK. How wrestling moved the America and transformed into what we now call pro wrestling. We also talk about the modern day catch wrestling scene both in the UK and globally and how it influenced the history of jiu jitsu. For more info on Kam and her academy visit: www.facebook.com/ASWManchester Follow Kam on instagram here: www.instagram.com/kameronasw

Ross Nicholls is a Roger Gracie black belt and one of the UK's top competitors. Me and Ross talk Polaris ahead of both our matches, strength and conditioning, mindset, sub only rules, being full time jiu jitsu athletes, teaching and much much more. Follow Ross on instagram at: www.instagram.com/rossnichollsbjj

Lee Johnstone is a BJJ black belt and owner of the Combat Sports Academy. Lee has a long a varied background in the martial arts, having training in sambo, wresting, judo, ju jitsu, MMA and BJJ. In this episode we talk about the early days of UK BJJ, the early days of UK MMA, promoting events and opening an academy. For more info on CSA visit: www.combatsportsacademy.net Or follow them on facebook: www.facebook.com/combatsportsacademy

I sit down with strength coaches Andrew Marshall and CJ Swaby. In a relaxed and unplanned podcast we begin talking about men's health week and soon spiral away from there.

Rob Blair is an ex Royal Marines Commando, Worlds strongest hands 83kg, owner of The Commando Temple and a Marathon DesSables finisher. In this episode we talk about being in the Marines, fixing busted backs, creating world class hand strength, walking stupid distances, opening a strength training facility, getting into BJJ and much much more. For more info on Rob and the Commando Temple Visit: www.bestronger.co.uk

Nic Gregoriades is a Roger Gracie black belt and founder of the Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood Nic returns to the podcast to discuss how his focus and changed since our last discussion. We talk about goals, business, him settling down, seminars and lots of jiu jitsu. Find more about Nic and the Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood at - www.jiujitsubrotherhood.com

Paul Bridges is a BJJ black belt, instructor and one of the UK's "dirty dozen". Paul is seriously old school, having begun training in the mid nineties. Travelling to America to train with the Gracie's and being one of the UK's "dirty dozen" (the first 12 UK born black belts). He is an active competitor to this day and now owns and runs Gracie Barra Hastings. For more info visit: www.graciebarrahastings.com

Steve O’keeffe is a BJJ black belt, professional MMA fighter and coach. Steve is a BJJ black belt, pro mma fighter, taekwondo black belt, judo brown belt, Level 2 Boxing coach, Weight lifting coach, football coach and basketball coach. Its safe to say he knows about sports. In this episode we talk a lot about the charity Steve works; Fight for Peace which uses martial arts and sport, combined with education to give opportunities to and reform children and young adults from communities affected by crime, violence and social exclusion. He also coaches coaches how to coach. Find more about Fight for Peace here: www.fightforpeace.net/what-we-do Or follow Steve here: www.instagram.com/stevethespartan

Gavin Allinson is nutritionist, writer, rugby coach and BJJ brown belt. In this episode I talk to Gavin about the ketogenic diet, ketones, fasting, supplements, longevity and much more. The website Gavin mentions regarding supplements is www.aminoman.com Find out more about Gavin at: www.gavinallinson.com

Shamus Kelly is a serving Major in the British army and a BJJ purple belt, Donald MacIntyre is a recently retired British army Major and a BJJ brown belt. Shamus and Donnie are two of a group of individuals responsible for getting Brazilian jiu jitsu officially recognised by the British army. They also work with a number of charities using jiu jitsu to help wounded, injured and sick military veterans and service personnel. In this episode we talk about life in the army, how it has effected their lives and BJJ. How they got jiu jitsu into the army, the number of high level BJJ names that have given their support along the way. The future for BJJ in the army and much more. For more info on Roll 2 Recovery visit: www.roll2recovery.org.uk www.facebook.com/roll2recovery For more info on combat stress visit: www.combatstress.org.uk www.facebook.com/CombatStress

Daren Bartlett is a film maker and BJJ black belt. Im joined by Daren Bartlett who has recently released "Tradition: The Rise of a Gracie Fighter". A documentary about Roger Gracie and his rise to dominance on the Jiu Jitsu world. Filmed over 10 years of Roger Competitive career me and Daren talk about the history of the Gracie's, what its like to be there for historic BJJ moments, getting back stage and all access passes to talk to legends of the sport, and much more. To watch Tradition visit: www.bantamfilms.com or www.rogergraciedocumentary.com

Dickie Martin is a BJJ black belt, instructor at Carlson Gracie London and a world, pan am and european double champion. In this episode we talk about his introduction to BJJ, his thrill seeking days in motor sport, his competition career, getting into politics, the UKBJJA and much more. For more info on the UKBJJA visit: www.ukbjja.org For info on Carlson Gracie London visit: www.bjjlondon.com

Chloe Moore is a transgender BJJ competitor. This episode was brought about after a heated debated on the UK BJJ underground group about whether it was fair for a transgender woman to compete in jiu jitsu. The thread referred specifically to Chloe so I wanted to have her on to give her side and share her views and opinions on a matter incredibly close to her. In this episode Chloe is extremely open and transparent about the issues raised not only for trans people in general but also for herself personally. She is joined by RGA bucks teammate and good friend Hayley Carter.

Ashley is one of the UK's most active black belt competitors. A 2 time EBI vet, multiple IBJJF and NAGA champion and full time Coach at the Chris Rees Academy. Me and Ash have a similar story, starting Jiu Jitsu at a similar age, both getting black belts young and being full time BJJ. But we have also walked different paths. With him being far more active on the competition scene and me putting on a fair amount of weight. We cover many different subjects and whilst some of our philosophies are the same many are very different.

Mike Leng of Unorthodox Nutrition is a nutritionist who specialises in combat sports athlete. This is the audio from a Facebook live Q&A session where we answered the audience's nutrition questions. We covered a huge number of subjects from basics like what to consume before, during and after training to crazy things like is it worthwhile blending chicken breast into shakes. For more info on Mike search for Unorthodox Nutrition on Facebook to his website: http://www.unorthodox-nutrition.com

Benjamin Naylor is a strength and conditioning coach and owner or Beyond Boundaries S&C. I met Ben when he took a workshop during a seminar camp I was teaching on and I really enjoy he's unique style of training. Implementing speed, reaction and movement drills into fun and competitive applications. A lifelong sportsman and a BJJ purple belt himself he specialises in working with combat sports athletes including high level BJJ competitors such as Max Campos and Luiz Tosta. In this episode we talk about strength, mobility, movement, mindset and everything in between. For more info on Ben visit: www.beyondboundariessc.co.uk Or: https://www.facebook.com/Beyond-boundaries-SF-240807039304048/

I sit down with BJJ black belt and jiu jitsu nerd Ricky Rout to discuss UFC 207, Rizin, a review of 2016 in BJJ and its highlights and a Euro's 2017 preview. Follow Ricky at: www.instagram.com/rickytandaindianman Rickys fight of the year - http://www.flograppling.com/video/893361-dillon-danis-vs-patrick-gaudio-copa-podio-lw-gp#.WHCGjrZ96fU Felipe Pena vs Erberth Santos - http://www.flograppling.com/video/902444-felipe-pena-vs-erberth-santos-european-championships-2016#.WHCHnrZ96fU Romulo Barral vs Patrick Gaudio - http://www.flograppling.com/video/980678-romulo-barral-vs-patrick-gaudio-ibjjf-2016-worlds#.WHCH-LZ96fU

Alain Pozo is a Carlson Gracie London black belt and instructor at Carlson Gracie Essex. An active competitor as well as a renowned instructor Alain had a unique and inspiring journey to where he is now. In this episode he tells off his early year in jiu jitsu in Brazil, coming over to the UK, building his team and much more. For more info on Alain go to: www.apozobjj.co.uk