The Splendid Torch | a McHugh BJJ Podcast: Recent Episodes
Pete McHugh
The OG Splendid Torch duo is back! The guys sit down and talk 0600, the instructor team, and answer audience questions.
Coach James and Professor Tony are on the podcast to talk about the state of both academies, students who leave, what's next for McHugh BJJ, and more.
Professor Peachy and Coach RC join the podcast to talk about new talent coming up through the ranks, compeititon, culture, and more.
The spiritual savage himself, Justin Reilley, comes on to talk about the commonalities between yoga and Jiu Jitsu, developing self-awareness, fighting at 7-11, and more.
The guys sit down to talk about the academy's reputation in the community, the responsibilities of being public facing, the constant pursuit of improvement, and more.
Coaches Kenny and RC join the podcast to debate who's the safest roll in the academy, the reason we want to see Kenny compete, Irish Jiu Jitsu, and more.
Russ joins the podcast to talk about ADCC, the growth of Jiu Jitsu, the path (and pain) of going from white to blue belt, and more.
Professor Pete, Tony, and Peachy sit down and talk about training and finding the perfect balance, what makes Jiu Jitsu so powerful, and viewer questions, and more.
Professor Tony, professor Pete, and Melis sit down and talk about training intensity, how far we've come, internet trolls, and more.
Coach Russ joins the podcast. Tune in and see if we hit every insult on the the Dammit Russ checklist.
Professors Pete, Peachy, and Tony sit down to talk about getting through the valley of despair, the value of wrestling, the goal of Jiu Jitsu, and more.
We're officially back, and with some shiny new equipment! We can now have 4 guests on at once, so get ready for some fun episodes.
Professor Tony is back on the podcast! He sits down with Professor Pete to talk about the state of the academy, what jiu jitsu does for him, the strength of our academy, and more.
Apparently the old man is a crazy doomsday pepper. Just kidding. Tune in to hear the guys talk about the importance of being capable of violence.
A lot has changed since our last episode, and a lot has stayed the same. Tune in and catch up with the guys.
The guys talk Battle at the Beach, the importance of camaraderie, the Collingswood location, and more.
Collingswood location is coming together fast, the training culture of the academy is incredible, and things are only getting better.
Moe's back on the podcast to talk the delicate balance between hard training and being inconsiderate, the problem with anti-bullying policies, the academy's legacy, and more.
The guys sit down to talk WeDefy, the Tribe, the McHugh BJJ mission statement, and more.
Miss Melis is back on the podcast to talk about her perspective on the Jiu Jitsu journey, welcoming people into the school, sharing in the excitement of new students, and more.
The guys sit down and check in on our most recent blue belts, talk about the JFlo Seminar, having a healthy relationship with the ego, and more.
The guys sit down and talk about the recent adult belt promotion, the in-house tournament, make a huge announcement, and more.
After a month off, the guys are back to talk grit, passion, perseverance, and Jiu Jitsu.
We talk often about grit. In this episode, the guys break down the mechanics of grit, how it applies to Jiu Jitsu, and how it applies to their own lives.
The guys talk leadership roles within the academy, what makes the mat so powerful and transformative, who’s crushing it, and more.
Who do you want to be? Hopefully, the answer is “me, but better.” The work doesn’t end, so approach it skillfully.
Our small improvements don’t always yield immediate results. But eventually we hit a tipping point, the aha moment, and everything changes.
Don't let the world beat you down! Keep it playful, be your own person, and forever retain the spirit of youth. Train Jiu Jitsu.
On Professor Pete's 38th birthday, the guys discuss some life lessons, how character is developed, and the danger in putting yourself "on the shelf."
You evolved to thrive in times of adversity. Find ways to create scarcity in a world of over-abundance.
The guys discuss the age old debate of gi versus nogi, the anti-fragility of the human spirit, how Jiu Jitsu provides us with meaning, and more.
After a monster weekend at Battle at the Beach, the academy took home the overall team prize for both kids and adults. The guys talk about lessons learned, battles fought, prep, and more.
With our biggest group of students set to compete at Battle at the Beach, the guys sit down to talk tournament prep, what to expect, insights into mindset, visualization, and more.
We always think we'll have more time- with the ones we love, to accomplish our goals, to experience life. In the wake of the passing of Professor Pete's mom, the guys talk about the importance of taking action.
The guys talk personal safety, gun control, the importance of honesty, and knowing where you stand.
The guys talk about taking responsibility, how to progress in training faster, and how to create peers from lower ranks.
The guys discuss the recent tragedy in Uvalde, Texas. If you're sensitive to this subject, you may want to skip this episode.
The guys sit down and talk about the WeDefy Foundation, rites of passage, being prepared for chaos, and more.
The guys get together and discuss the Crucible, the black belt ceremony, what Jiu Jitsu gives us, and more.
The guys talk about the in-house tournament, WeDefy seminar at Villanova, letting your Jiu Jitsu do the talking, and more.
Melis is back on the podcast to sit in the hot seat, talk Jiu Jitsu, tell some old war stories, and more.
What would you fight for? What are you fighting for right now? The guys kick around a hypothetical Red Dawn scenario, the Jiu Jitsu Awakening, white belt enthusiasm, and more.
HELP us shave the old man's head! St. Baldrick's donation link: https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1097824/2022
In the wake of earning her long-awaited and very much well-deserved purple belt, Melis “Moe” McHugh sits down with professor Pete to talk about the academy’s journey: early days, successes, setbacks, where it’s going.
The guys discuss Freedom, the Comanches, the Blue Belt Blues, and the fact that these are the good ol' days.
Rule 4: Opportunity lurks where responsibility has been abdicated. The guys sit down to recap a powerful night attending the Jordan Peterson lecture, their takeaways, and how it all relates to Jiu Jitsu.
No matter which way you slice it, your time on the mat is limited. So, what are you gonna do about it?
In the wake of the Ricardo Almeida seminar, the guys recap a powerful night at the academy.
The guys discuss fasting, getting out of your own head, the pursuit of mastery, and more.
The guys discuss the official Grand Opening at the academy, finding quiet in the noise, avoiding overwhelm in the big moments, and more.
We're back! After some time off, the guys sit down to discuss Sebastien Junger's book Tribe, the resiliency of the human animal, the currency of "trauma," the antidote, and more.
The beauty of Jiu Jitsu is that there's always something next, no matter where you're at or how far you've come.
Are you thriving, or simply surviving? The guys discuss living a life of purpose, on purpose.
Professor Pete(s) reflect on the Black Belt Crucible, the Ceremony, the Celebration, and more.
The guys discuss a recent Field Trip the coaches took to NY, the impending black belt ceremony, the power of participation, and more.
With new research into the disastrous relationship between “excess adipose tissue” and covid, the guys re-examine the role of personal responsibility in health.
The guys discuss the academy's renewed commitment to weaving our Principles more deeply into the curriculum, how Jiu Jitsu helps us grow so we've got more to give, the We Defy Foundation, and more.
The big day finally arrived, and it did not disappoint. Listen in as we discuss the big move to our new academy, opening night energy, protecting the culture of the school, and more.
Listen in as the guys discuss Jiu Jitsu as a means to an end, using self-awareness to govern your training, a parent's responsibility, and more.
Fear is the Great Indicator, it lets you know that something holds value or potential. Build the I Can muscle, learn to lean into fear (in appropriate amounts and moments), and you'll be capable of capitalizing on opportunities.
The guys talk about shouldering personal responsibility, growth through adversity, the Hero's Journey, and more.
Imagine who you could be, then aim single-mindedly at that. -Jordan Peterson
We had another powerful night of belt promotions, and with it comes some valuable lessons.
Time and Tide wait for no man- but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. Join us as we discuss maturing, growing, aging, and staying on the mat. We also drop some big news!
The guys talk about the recent incident rattling the Jiu Jitsu world, deep water, and when someone can be considered a martial artist.
The squad showed up in force at the beach, and they battled. We recap a powerful weekend at NAGA.
We got so many more great questions from you guys! So Professor Pete jumped on for a quick solo episode and answered a few more. Check it out!
We're in the dog days of summer. The mercury is rising, and the beach (or couch) is calling your name. How do you stay on track?
Coach James Schettino joins us to talk getting started, hurdles and hangups he had to overcome early on, being a Jiu Jitsu dad, and more.
We reflect on a powerful in-house tournament, the role Jiu Jitsu plays in helping our kids grow, and how Jiu Jitsu makes us better. We also discuss the recent news of the first active NFL player to come out as gay. Spoiler alert: we're happy for him.
We got Battle and Giul on the podcast, and this one actually recorded! Listen in as we discuss Giul's new and powerful role in the academy, how to channel your inner lobster, and the secret behind why Battle is so damn good at Jiu Jitsu.
Students leveling up, John Battle in the Stratosphere, Coach Pete's big bleeding heart. The guys get a bit more personal in this wide ranging conversation.
After a monster Memorial Day open mat, we sit down and talk about the culture of our school, the genius of our Constitution, the meaning of Memorial Day, and what it means to let Jiu Jitsu do the "heavy lifting."
The guys take a stab at Toxic Masculinity, discuss positive masculine traits, and the importance of embracing the role of the Protector.
You're an influencer, whether you realize it or not. You've got a significant impact on everyone within your sphere of influence- so why not make it a positive one?
We sit down and reflect on a powerful and inspiring night of Jiu Jitsu with Professor Miguel Benitez, owner of Montgomery BJJ.
By all metrics, the academy has bounced back from the monstrosity that was 2020.
Join us as we discuss the current state of the academy, reminisce about what we've overcome, recap the weekend's competition, and more.
There's a reason certain traditions survive. Our job is to find value in the ones that serve us, disregard some, and completely discard others.
Join us as we discuss which traditions we find most valuable in Jiu Jitsu, their purpose, and why we believe in the Tribe.
Quotes can have the power to change your perspective, sharpen your focus, direct your energy, and be the catalyst for change. Usually, however, they elicit an eye roll. Join us as we discuss our favorite quotes, what makes them so powerful, and how language can change your paradigm.
The Hero's Journey, a tale as old as time.
Join Professor Pete as he invites his dear friend, published author, Jiu Jitsu black belt and school owner Chris Matakas onto the podcast to discuss the significance of the Hero's Journey, pursuing what's meaningful, their friendship, and more.
There's no FOMO like Jiu Jitsu FOMO. The Fear of Missing Out. Join us as we talk about why we hate being off the mats, what we feel we're missing, and how to work our way back.
Jiu Jitsu is more than a martial art, it's a lifestyle. Listen in as we talk about staying on the mat for the Long Haul- avoiding burnout, injuries, and slumps, how to recover, how to stay motivated, and more.
Jiu Jitsu for the win: what makes Jiu Jitsu so effective as a martial art, some BJJ history, how Jiu Jitsu cures all, eliminates douchbaggery, our inclusive community, and more.
In this episode, we dive into belt promotions: criteria, assessment, and why it feels so damn good.
The Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle is more than acai bowls and shakas.
Join us as we discuss what living the Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle means to us: setting high personal standards, pulling the line, leading by example, and of course training hard.
Do you have to compete to be "legit?"
Join us as we discuss the value in Jiu Jitsu competition, pitfalls, preparation, different rule sets, and more.
For most of us, injuries are a part of Jiu Jitsu. The goal is to learn to listen to your body, avoid unnecessary injuries, minimize down time due to injury, and recover as quickly as possible. Listen in as we discuss personal experiences and lessons learned with overcoming serious injuries, staying positive, and getting back on the mats.
In this quick "solo" episode, Professor Pete details his recent injury, lessons learned from past injuries, and why he's in high spirits despite a looming surgery.
Every academy has them. Some are silly, some are serious, and there seems to be a LOT of them. The unspoken rules of Jiu Jitsu! In this episode we address some of the more common ones (in our academy), like asking senior students to train, when it's ok to tap, how to properly train with women, uniform policies, and more.
Jiu Jitsu checks so many of the "biological boxes" that we've lost in modern society. Community, purpose, belonging, strife, adaptation, growth, adversity... and so much more. Tune in and hear us discuss why people are drawn to Jiu Jitsu, what it does for them, and what keeps them coming back, even against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Your roots matter. Tune in and hear professor Pete talk about his start in the martial arts, his mentors, lineage, lucky (and unlucky) breaks along the way, and how McHugh BJJ got off the ground.