Beauty and the Gi: Gripping Conversations about Jiu-Jitsu and Life
Beauty and the Gi is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu podcast that explores the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu and uncovers the connections between Jiu-Jitsu and life beyond the mat. Whether you are a new white belt, or a seasoned grappler, this podcast offers a unique blend of personal experiences, challenges, and breakthroughs. In each episode, you get the perspectives of the ever-curious Blue Belt Jen Edds, along with Black Belt and coach AJ Clingerman. Episodes are usually 30 minutes or less because we would rather be rolling than talking about it.
Episodes
Have you ever walked into a room and wished you felt as strong on the inside as you try to look on the outside?
Whether you’re stepping onto the mats, into a leadership role, or just trying not to spiral after a tough roll, developing a commanding presence is more than posture and projection—it’s mindset in action. And the good news? It’s a skill you can train, just like your jiu-jitsu.
We’re digging into what it means to have a comm...
Have you ever wondered if you might be the one slowing down your Jiu-Jitsu progress? Yeah, we’ve been there too.
In this episode, we explore the ways we unintentionally sabotage our own progress in jiu-jitsu and how we can start to shift out of those patterns. From skipping warm-ups and rolling half-heartedly to full-on downward spirals and “oops, I ate waffles before weigh-ins,” we’re calling ourselves out (with a bit of laughter) ...
Have you ever reached a goal, only to skip the celebration and immediately focus on what's next? We are challenging you to slow down and revel in even your small Jiu-Jitsu accomplishments.
Jiu-Jitsu is hard. There are days when just getting on the mat is a victory. We’re using AJ's recent experience at Pans as an example of what to celebrate and why.
It’s about more than just getting your hand raised; it's about acknowledging pers...
Feeling like you're trapped under a mountain of pressure both on and off the mats? Ever wondered what to do when you're wrestling with exhaustion, frustration, and a whirlwind of self-doubt?
We’re here to help you navigate those rollercoaster days when Jiu-Jitsu imitates life just a little too well.
Imagine walking into a class, already battling the heavyweight pressures of life, only to face the physical might of super heavyweights...
We put you, our Jiu-Jitsu community, in charge of questions for this episode.
We answer an array of listener questions about jiu-jitsu, promotions, dealing with different body types (boobs included), competition, and even a break dance battle scenario.
Whether you're curious about belt promotions, starting a women's BJJ class, or just want to feel like you’re hanging out with a couple of your Jiu-Jitsu friends after class,...
Are you ready to step up and coach your teammate at a Jiu-Jitsu competition even when you're not officially a coach?
Regardless of your rank, there are a number of ways to support your teammates during competition season.
Learn practical tips on timing, point calling, and strategically supporting your teammates, not only in competitions but also during training sessions. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just starting your ...
Have you ever been told you need to be "more aggressive" on the mats, only to find yourself awkwardly trying to manufacture anger toward your competition or training partners?
Or maybe you've been labeled "too aggressive" at work when being direct about your boundaries, expectations, or needs.
The line between assertive and aggressive is often blurry for women in BJJ and beyond.
Have you ever had to fight one of your friends or a training partner in a competition? Has the thought of fighting your friend ever kept you from registering for a competition?
In this episode, we're helping you navigate that situation with what to do before the match, day of, and after. We’re sharing our insight and experiences from competing against our own teammates and friends.
How often do you feel FOMO, the fear of missing out, when it comes to Jiu-Jitsu? It can come up when you're scrolling your phone and you see a new camp or seminar pop up that you can't go to, you might be recovering from an injury, but you're afraid you'll lose ground or get passed by if you have to take time off the mat, and sometimes life, work, and family need to be your top priority instead of Jiu-Jitsu.
Jiu-Jitsu is hard enou...
BJJ promotions bring a lot of big feels with them. We're discussing the gamut of Jiu Jitsu feelings in this episode from imposter syndrome to feeling passed over.
Promotions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are more than just milestones; they are reflections of personal growth, dedication, and your unique journey. Embracing the process and finding value beyond the belts creates a happier Jiu-Jitsu experience.
The Highlight Reel
(00:00) Int...
Did you do what you set out to do in 2024? Have you taken the time to review and reflect on the goals you set for 2024? Did you do any resets during the year?
Who do you want to be in 2025? Do you have a gameplan to become the person you want to be a year from now?
Did unexpected setbacks keep you from achieving your Jiu-Jitsu goals this year?
A...
Does your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey have an expiration date?
How can we ensure a lifelong journey with Jiu-Jitsu?
We lay out the core elements of achieving longevity in Jiu Jitsu, from injury prevention to smart recovery strategies in this episode. AJ reflects on navigating injuries and the importance of listening to your body.
Jen shares her perspective on starting Jiu Jitsu at 47 and the deliberate decisions she makes to susta...
How important is your Jiu-Jitsu community? On a bad day, it might be the one thing that gets you to come back. On a good day, your teammates are there to cheer you on and celebrate your victories.
Community forms the backbone of our Jiu Jitsu journey, whether it's the encouragement from a favorite training partner or the magnetic pull of the friendships we've formed along the way.
This episode is packed with actionable advice on bu...
When it comes to Jiu-Jitsu, our biggest opponent isn’t always the person across from us on the mat. It’s often our own ego. Whether you’re training for competition, personal growth, or the mental and physical health benefits, ego can be both a hidden asset and an invisible obstacle. So, how do you know if your ego is helping you push forward or holding you back?
In this episode, we’ll explore the role ego plays in Jiu-Jitsu, how it...
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is transformational.
Why did you start training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Is this the same reason that keeps you coming back, week after week, year after year?
Contrary to what you might expect, AJ didn’t immediately become obsessed with Jiu-Jitsu. It wasn't until much later, after over a decade of on-and-off training, that she truly fell in love with Jiu-Jitsu. She dives ...
We say funny things to each other when we're rolling around on the mat with our Jiu-Jitsu friends. This episode is all about the head-scratching, giggle-worthy quirks that only Jiu-Jitsu folks truly understand.
From proudly showing off bruises to the odd bowing when stepping from carpet to mat-like surfaces, we explore the endless scenarios that make our Jiu-Jitsu culture so uniquely its own.
How can you get a realistic sense of how much skill you COULD get in jiu-jitsu over the years if you stick with it?
This question comes to us from one of our listeners!
Let's talk a bit about setting realistic expectations in your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey. We know it's tricky, but we're here to give you some guidance.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, thinking about how muc...
Let’s turn those setbacks into springboards and disappointments into determination. This is the final episode in our series inspired by the book The Mental Edge: Maximize Your Sports Potential with Mind-Body Connection by Kenneth Baum with Richard Trubo.
Highlights
(00:00) Introduction
(03:51) How long do you celebrate a win or wallow in disappointment
(07:49) How can losses be launching pads for improvement?
(10:17) What can b...
How is your mental Jiu-Jitsu game? We continue our discussion of the book The Mental Edge: Maximize Your Sports Potential with the Mind-Body Connection.
It’s one thing to just read the book. Tune in to learn how we plan to implement what we’ve learned from the book to make our Jiu-Jitsu better.
The Highlight Reel
(00:00) Why you should listen to Pt 1 of the discussion in the p...
Sometimes you just need a cheerleader as the voice in your head. Go get 'em!
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