The Reef Podcast

Gabriel Sousa - Brazil V Gringos

Gabriel Sousa is one of the best No-Gi players in the world - and has won numerous World titles and fought in and won Silver at ADCC in Las Vegas.  He sat down along side AJP Silver medlist Jobson Apolinàrio (Bobby) for a chat about growning up in brazil, the challanges that faced as well as fighting gringos!

Lucas Luz - stop going backwards

Lucas Luz is a third-degree Gracie Black belt under Robin Gracie.  Lucas has schools in Swindon and Gloucester and popped over to Essex to teach a packed seminar at Reef.  Lucas has just returned from an AJP event where he won Gold in both Gi and No-Gi, and speaks openly about how it's not always about the sub, but about pressure.

Taylor Pearman in Belfast!

Alain and Leon fly to Belfast to train and teach at New Ground BJJ.  They sit down with Jean Luca, Martin McCleghan and Sam Hutchinson for a good old natter and get gate-crached by ADCC fighter and head coach at Enso BJJ, Taylor Pearman.  Strap in!

Episode 013 - No Gi is Easier!

Reiss Bailey from New School BJJ in Brixton joins Scott and Alain for this no-holds barred, honest, and raw chat about everything BJJ.  Reiss is a brand new Black Belt, and discusses competition mindset and how to bring the exposure levels of the Gi game up to the level of NoGi.  Some people may find this episode controversial! 

Episode 012 - CLEAN YOUR GI!

This week, the incredible Tom Barlow from EscapologyBJJ in Cambridge is chatting with Alain and Scott.  Tom is a seasoned Black Belt with European and World Championships.  Tom also commentates for Polaris and has seen the best grapplers first hand for years - also a lover of a white gi for reasons we discuss.

Episode 011 - is anyone there?!

With Scott travelling with work and Alain teaching in Poland after spending days in Portugal at the IBJJF European Championships, we've got Chris and Jay from The Better than Average Podcast stepping in (albeit a week late), so strap in for an hour of hilarity! 

Episode 010 - You had a rest week?!

S'up!  This time, an abridged version of the podcast, with Alain and Leon still in Portugal at the IBJJF European Championships, Scott flies solo and talks about the importance of supporting your instructors who step in to cover the classes - back to normal next time!

Episode 009 - Staying positive with a major injury

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We're back for 2025, and what a way to start with the incredible Hayley Jenkins!  Hayley is a PT, sports nutritionist and online coach.  Hayley won Gold at the IBJJF European Championships in Paris and was given her Blue Belt on the Podium, and until a significant injury, was taking the competition circuit by storm.  Hayley talks about how being strong mentally has helped and diversified her approach to keeping fit and staying positive. (Instagram @workoutwithhayley)

Episode 008 - Looking back and going forwards

Happy Christmas!  We hope you've enjoyed the festive period, whatever you've done! Strap in if you're bored at work or while the kids build their new Lego! In this episode, the three of us talk about the year in competitions and what goals we have for 2025 - no matter how big or small.

Episode 007 - Tommy Yip

Tommy is a world-class BJJ player who fights in events worldwide and is a Progress-sponsored athlete.  Alain and Scott sit down for a good chat about how he found Jiu-Jitsu in 2012 and the path he is on now to becoming one of the best -70kg fighters on the planet