Tapped In: A JiuJitsu Podcast

Tapped In: A JiuJitsu Podcast

I am a dedicated practitioner and coach on a mission to help you navigate the complex, rewarding world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you are a White Belt trying to survive your first stripe or a seasoned grappler looking for a competitive edge, I created this show to be your technical and mental mat-side companion. In every episode of Tapped In, I break down the nuances of submission grappling. I dive deep into the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle, discussing how to overcome mat burnout, manage BJJ injuries, and develop the "black belt mindset" both on and off the mats. Why Listen to Me? Beyond my fifteen years on the mats, I’ve had the honor of sharing my philosophy as a recurring guest on BJJ Mental Models and Fighting Matters. I believe in a structured tactical approach and I bring that same level of high-level conceptual analysis to every episode of this show. The Training Schedule: I know your time is valuable. That’s why I release three new episodes every week, each designed to fit perfectly into your daily routine. With a runtime of 14–24 minutes, these episodes are built to give you tactical clarity in the time it takes to drive to the academy or finish a warm-up. If you live for the grind, the flow, and the constant pursuit of the tap, this podcast is for you. Subscribe and let's level up your game, one episode at a time.

Episodes

October 15, 2026 • 20 mins

DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About

In this episode of Tapped In, David Figueroa-Martinez of DFM Coaching shares an honest, calm breakdown of his week at Grapplers Retreat. Stepping away from the daily routine in San Diego, David reflects on how stepping into a completely secluded environment helps grapplers reset mentally and physically. From the craftsmanship of the facility—complete ...

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DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About

In this episode of Tapped In, David Figueroa-Martinez dives into the ways instructors fail their students—often unintentionally. From teaching like competitors instead of meeting older or recreational grapplers where they are, to turning instruction into an overwhelming firehose of details, David unpacks the gaps in modern BJJ pedagogy. He shares pers...

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DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About

In this episode of Tapped In, David Figueroa-Martinez explores the liberating concept of "good enough" in Jiu-Jitsu and life. We often hold ourselves to impossible standards—chasing the flawless highlight-reel submission or comparing our day-to-day progress to elite competitors. David breaks down why perfectionism stalls development, how coaches calib...

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DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About

In this episode of Tapped In, I get into a mindset shift that has completely changed how I approach the mats: realizing that everything in Jiu-Jitsu is borrowed. From the techniques we learn and adapt, to the students we teach, to the physical attributes we rely on, nothing is permanent and nothing is truly "ours." I discuss how moving away from gym tribali...

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DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About

In this episode of Tapped In, I discuss what it really takes to be the training partner your teammate needs when they’re gearing up for a tournament. Inspired by a prompt from Tinley (@tinleykindy) on Instagram, I break down why helping a competitor requires adopting a service-first mindset rather than rolling for your own ego. I share lessons from my...

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DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About

In this episode of Tapped In, I get into why coaching white and blue belts brings me the most joy on the mats. We talk about the beauty of starting with a clean slate, why solid fundamentals beat flashy moves every single time, and how the right coaching environment helps newer students become real problems for higher belts much faster. I also touch on the ...

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DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About In this episode of Tapped In, David Figueroa-Martinez explores the concept of dialectical thinking—the ability to hold two opposing ideas at the same time—and how it directly applies to grappling. While beginner Jiu-Jitsu relies on strict, black-and-white rules to manage cognitive load and prevent reckless mistakes, high-level mastery requires living in...

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DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About In this episode of Tapped In, David Figueroa-Martinez breaks down the concept of the "sensitive radar"—that early-stage phase where newer grapplers treat every grip, reach, and movement as an immediate disaster. Moving beyond the polarized debate between traditional drilling and the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA), David shares how coaches and students can int...

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DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About In this episode of Tapped In, David Figueroa-Martinez from DFM Coaching discusses the lost art of the strategic reset. Jiu-Jitsu culture often preaches an endless, non-stop grind, but never taking time away can run your body and mind into the ground. David explains why stepping off the mats for a week or two—or simply dialing back your training intensity&mda...

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DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About In this episode of Tapped In, David Figueroa-Martinez explores the complex emotions surrounding belt promotion ceremonies in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While promotions can bring immense energy to an academy, being passed over when you believe you are ready is one of the toughest experiences for any practitioner. David breaks down the pitfalls of comparing yourself to te...

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DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About This Episode In this raw and reflective episode, David Figueroa-Martinez explores the intersection of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and manhood. From growing up as an introverted, comic-collecting kid without a strong male blueprint to standing grounded through high-stress conflicts at 45, David breaks down how the gentle art provides an emotional and physical foundation. He...

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DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About This Episode In this episode of Tapped In, coach Dave Figueroa-Martinez takes a calm, critical look at the cultural drift happening within high-level no-gi grappling and marquee events like ADCC. While aggression and high-paced action make for dynamic viewing, the line between intense combat sports and unchecked hostility has begun to blur. From athletes tumbling i...

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DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About This Episode In this episode of Tapped In, host David Figueroa-Martinez explores the difference between collecting endless techniques and understanding the philosophy behind them. Most practitioners get stuck asking "how" to do a move to patch immediate problems, leading to a bloated, half-finished arsenal. David shares his personal journey starting Jiu-Jitsu at 30...

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DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About This Episode In this episode of Tapped In, host David Figueroa-Martinez explores the concept of "leading the conversation" on the mats. Too often, practitioners default to being polite or passive, allowing training partners to initiate grips, dictate the speed, and steer the roll into their preferred territory. David explains the strategic importance of winning the...

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DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About This Episode In this episode of Tapped In, David Figueroa-Martinez explores the common hurdle many practitioners face when stepping onto the mats: struggling to tap into physical assertiveness and aggression. Whether shaped by polite office environments, starting the sport later in life, or past experiences, many students default to being overly passive. David brea...

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DFM Coaching Library:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/DFMCoachingBjj

About This Episode In this special bonus episode of Tapped In, host David Figueroa-Martinez steps away from martial arts mats to mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Drawing on vivid personal memories, David reflects on what it was like experiencing that day as a young man serving in the U.S. Army Reserve and working at an alpha-pager call center. He discusse...

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About This Episode

In this episode of Tapped In, David Figueroa-Martinez explores the crucial transition from compliance to true coachability on the mats. While mimicry and seeking external approval are natural in the early white and blue belt stages, real development begins when students take ownership of their learning. David breaks down why coaches should avoid building carbon copies of themselves, how asking "why" unlocks mechan...

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About This Episode

In this episode of Tapped In, David Figueroa-Martinez explores the realities of the changing body across years of training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From confronting self-consciousness around skin-tight No-Gi gear to debunking the comparison trap between everyday hobbyists and full-time athletes, David shares an honest, grounded perspective on navigating physical shifts, aging, and recovery. He breaks down why no singl...

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About This Episode

In this episode of Tapped In, David Figueroa-Martinez dives into the concept of the "Junk Drawer" of Jiu-Jitsu—that mental reservoir of half-practiced passes, forgotten sweeps, and obscure submissions we pick up over years on the mats. From overcoming early instructor imposter syndrome to explaining why the "Blue Belt Hunter" phase leaves our games cluttered, David unpacks how patience, mature fundamentals, ...

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About In this episode of Tapped In, David Figueroa-Martinez breaks down the crucial yet often overlooked distinction between a Jiu-Jitsu instructor and a Jiu-Jitsu coach. Reflecting on his own progression across different academy environments—from high-touch mentorship to navigating larger, generalized class structures—David explains why group technique instruction only takes you so far. This episode details how targete...

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