Jeremy and Jacen are back! In this Rest Round, we dive into the differences between competitors and hobbyists, whether coaches should train students differently based on their goals or talent, why belt systems exist (and whether they should), how the words we use shape the culture of jiu-jitsu, keeping an open mind to different approaches, checking your ego, and what winning and losing really teach us.

This is Jeremy and Jacen.

Adult language. Adult conversations. Childish behavior. Rest Round with the folks who train jiujitsu at Ascension Tattoo and it's exactly as chaotic as you'd expect. We talk about jiu-jitsu. We talk about a lot of things that aren't jiu-jitsu. There are interruptions, side quests, rabbit trails, tattoo machines, overlapping conversations, and several moments where nobody is steering the ship. If you've ever hung around a tattoo shop after hours and somehow ended up in a conversation about life, training, and complete nonsense, you'll feel right at home. This is the Jiujitsu/Tattoo Ascension Crew.

We're back with What's Going On Here?!

For those who haven't met her yet, she's our resident physical therapist, body mechanic, movement detective, and physiology deep-diver extraordinaire. Every time she comes on the podcast, I learn something new about why our bodies do the strange things they do—and more importantly, what we can do about it. In today's episode, we're talking all things back pain related, why it happens, what might be contributing to it, and some practical things you can do to help your body move and feel better. Whether you're training jiu-jitsu, working at a desk, chasing kids, or just wondering why your back decided to file a complaint with management, this one's for you.

This is "What's going on here?!" with Kristin.

A blue belt in law enforcement who understands the value of training both on and off the mats. Having faced deeply challenging situations on the job, Jiujitsu became more than a hobby — it became a lifeline for healing, community, support, and camaraderie. Thoughtful, steady, and resilient, he kept showing up even through a knee replacement, spending time on the sidelines when he couldn't train. And when getting there became difficult, his Jiujitsu family made sure he was still part of the group — a reminder that none of us are meant to do this alone. This is Rick.

A purple belt, world traveler, and talented videographer who has worked with some of the top names in the MMA world. He originally stepped into Jiujitsu thinking his focus would stay on Muay Thai and striking, but over the years the art slowly won him over. Injuries tempered his ego and reshaped the way he trains...with patience, intention, and longevity in mind. Calm on the mats and deeply thoughtful in life, he’s someone who experiences the world with purpose.

This is Daniel.

Rest Round with Shanti and Wes. The conversation bounces between cults, influencers, cocktails, Shark Tanks, the “first choke” from your professors… and a whole lot of Jiujitsu. This one goes everywhere in the best way. No agenda, just conversation that’s honest, unfiltered, and definitely off the cuff.

A purple belt, tattoo artist, and dangerous leg locker with a deep commitment to growth — both on and off the mats. His journey has taken him through dark and difficult seasons, through loss, rebuilding, and the experience of having things he loved taken away and slowly given back. Dedicated to his sobriety, his evolution, and becoming better one day at a time. Focused, honest, and always moving forward.

This is Brandon.

A purple belt with a decade of wrestling and years of judo behind him, he brings a deep foundation to the mats. The morning class and the connections built there helped carry him through some of his hardest seasons. Thoughtful, intentional, and disciplined in his approach, he's the kind of training partner who makes everyone around him better.

This is Steve.