What does a quarter-century of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience teach you about martial arts, personal growth, and life itself? Fourth-degree black belt DJ Farmer unwraps this question with remarkable clarity, walking us through his 27-year journey from martial arts-obsessed teenager to becoming a first-generation black belt under the legendary Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti.
DJ's story traces the fascinating evolution of BJJ in America—from the wild early days when techniques were measured in "hours with the Gracies" to the systematized curriculum approach that's transformed how we learn today. With refreshing humility, he shares how watching Royce Gracie in early UFC events sparked an obsession that eventually led him to move across states just to train at Alliance, where he witnessed the school's growth from grassroots beginnings to global powerhouse.
The conversation illuminates the profound transformation in teaching methodologies over the decades. Where new students were once "thrown to the wolves," modern approaches create accessible entry points for practitioners of all ages and abilities. DJ's insights on instructor responsibility, particularly his stance that teachers should observe rather than participate during class to ensure student safety, offer valuable guidance for anyone in a teaching role.
Beyond techniques and training methods, DJ reveals the deeper wisdom that only comes from decades on the mats. His approach to teaching encompasses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles, while his three simple post-class questions ("Did you learn something new?", "Did you have fun?", and "Did you get a good workout?") provide a framework for evaluating any training session. Perhaps most memorably, he shares colorful stories of Jacare's Brazilian sayings and teaching methods that have shaped multiple generations of practitioners.
Whether you're just starting your BJJ journey or already deep into it, DJ's parting advice resonates powerfully: maintain consistency, leave your ego at the door, and always approach learning with an open mind—because "a parachute works best when it's open, just like your mind." Ready to transform your approach to learning and training? This episode is your blueprint.
@dj.farmer on Instagram
https://alliancebjj.com/instructors/dj-farmer/
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