In this episode of The GI Spot, Kaz and Rach take a walk down memory lane—and straight onto the mats—reminiscing about the people who left a lasting impression on their Jiu Jitsu journeys. From the coaches who pushed them (sometimes literally), to the training partners who became unexpected mentors, to the silent supporters who showed up in the background—this episode is a love letter to the tribe that helped shape them into the grapplers (and humans) they are today.

They unpack the lessons that stuck, the words that motivated, and the small moments that became big milestones. Whether it was a training room pep talk, a brutal roll that sparked growth, or an offhand comment that lit a fire—these are the stories that remind us how much of Jiu Jitsu is about connection, not just technique.

If you've ever had someone in your corner—on or off the mats—this one’s for you.

In this heart-on-your-sleeve episode of The GI Spot, Rachael and Kaz unpack the beautiful, complicated, and sometimes chaotic intersection of relationships and Jiu Jitsu. Whether you're dating your training partner, navigating mat time with your spouse, or trying to balance love and the grind — this episode dives into it all.

• We explore: The pros and pitfalls of training with your partner Setting boundaries when BJJ bleeds into home life

• What to do when one person is obsessed and the other... not so much

• How to communicate through competition prep, injuries, and ego Real talk about support, sacrifice, and showing up for each other on and off the mats

Expect laughs, a few raw truths, and the kind of conversations that usually happen in the gym car park long after training’s over.

💙 Because let’s face it: Jiu Jitsu doesn’t just challenge your body — it tests your heart too.

Note: Hey Listeners, we were so excited by this interview that we just had to drop it! So hear it is hot off the press.

In this special episode of The GI Spot, Rachael and Kaz sit down with one of the true pioneers of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in America — Chris Haueter.

A 6th-degree black belt, Chris is one of the famed “Dirty Dozen” — the first 12 non-Brazilians to receive a black belt in BJJ. Known not just for his technical brilliance but also for his philosophical and often humorous takes on the art, Chris is credited with shaping the language and mindset of modern Jiu Jitsu. He's also the one who famously said: “It’s not who’s good, it’s who’s left.”

In this episode, we dive into:

• The early days of BJJ in the U.S. and what it took to earn a black belt back then
• Chris’s thoughts on the evolution of Jiu Jitsu and how it’s changed over the decades
• Why mindset and creativity matter just as much as technique
• Stories from the mats, lessons in perseverance, and how to train smart for longevity
• And of course… what “Jiu Jitsu Is” really means

Chris’s unique blend of deep knowledge, infectious energy, and passion for teaching makes this a must-listen for grapplers of all levels.

Whether you’re a white belt finding your flow or a black belt refining your game, you’ll walk away from this episode inspired and ready to roll.