The first episode of The FightWorks Podcast of 2009 is here! Our feature interview is with Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Rickson Gracie. While the name Gracie is synonymous with Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Rickson Gracie holds a special mystique for practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

In this interview Rickson will speak about everything from the current state of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, how he keeps in such great shape, the proper role of BJJ in mixed martial arts, his new series of jiu-jitsu seminars that have been very successful in Brazil, and much, much more. (Rickson is offering to conduct seminars for those who are interested; inquiries can be made at ricksongraciejj@gmail.com!)

Rickson Gracie seminar
Rickson Gracie instructs at a jiu-jitsu seminar.

Earlier this week we reported on the story of Drew Heredia, the nine year old here in Southern California who rescued a neighborhood girl from an attacking pit bull by applying a rear naked choke, a common Brazilian jiu-jitsu attack. Drew and his mother, who began training BJJ two months ago alongside Drew, will discuss Drew’s heroic action in today’s show.

pit bull choke boy drew heredia
Drew Heredia, the boy who saved a girl by choking an attacking pit bull.

Our final conversation this week celebrates the winner of the Best BJJ Blog of 2008 as voted by you, the listeners of The FightWorks Podcast. Christian Graugart, who runs ShogunHQ.com joins us on a call all the way from Denmark and discusses his formula for documenting his journey in jiu-jitsu, and making friends all over the world via his blog.

Don’t forget that you can contact us to get your questions answered here on The FightWorks Podcast: BJJ Radio too! Just call (877) 247-4662!

http://www.thefightworkspodcast.com/podcasts/fightworkspodcastepisode148.mp3