On this episode of the Mat Rats Podcast, we sit down with longtime martial artist and BJJ black belt DJ Wegesin. From wrestling since childhood to stepping into MMA competition after the age of 42, DJ shares what keeps him training, competing, and evolving decades into the martial arts journey.

We dive into:
• Starting MMA later in life
• Fear, pressure & mindset
• Wrestling into BJJ
• Striking & Muay Thai
• Real fighting vs sport jiu-jitsu
• Longevity, recovery & training smart
• Coaching philosophy & gym culture

DJ also talks about helping guide the development of the Muay Thai program at Deep Water Jiu Jitsu and what makes a strong martial arts community.

If you train, compete, coach, or just love combat sports—this episode has something for you.

Like, comment, subscribe, and share with the crew.

Deep Water Jiu Jitsu

11660 Alpharetta Hwy

Suite 100

Roswell, Ga

#MatRatsPodcast #BJJ #MMA #MuayThai #JiuJitsu

Most people talk about competing…Very few actually sign up.In the Season 2 premier episode of the Mat Rats Podcast, we sit down with our teammate Victor Williams — a white belt who stepped onto the competition mat for the first time at Tap Out Cancer… and walked away a champion.But this isn’t just about winning.We break down:The fear of signing up for your first tournamentWhat it actually feels like before your first matchThe nerves, doubt, and pressure of competingWhat matters (and what doesn’t) at white beltHow team culture at Deep Water Jiu Jitsu plays a roleIf you’re a white belt thinking about competing — this episode is for you.🎧 Listen. Learn. Then go test yourself.👍 Like, Subscribe & Share with your training partners💬 Drop a comment — would you compete? Why or why not?#MatRatsPod #BJJCompetition #WhiteBeltLife #TapOutCancer #JiuJitsuJourney

In the Season 1 Finale of the Mat Rats Podcast, we sit downwith Black Belt Professor Jason Scohier to talk about the real journey throughBrazilian Jiu Jitsu — from white belt struggles to black belt leadership.

We also break down Jae’s recent NFC Super Fight, including:
• Fight week mindset
• Super fight pressure vs tournament brackets
• Technical growth and lessons learned
• How to process competition emotionally

This episode dives deep into:
• What a black belt really represents
• Guard evolution in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• Fixing weak positions
• Gym culture and leadership
• Competition mindset and performance

Whether you’re a white belt, competitor, coach, or lifelonggrappler — this episode delivers real mat wisdom.

Subscribe for weekly conversations on:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
BJJ competition
Grappling culture