This week’s guest has participated in five Olympics, winning bronze at Sydney and gold at the Commonwealth Games and is perhaps our most accomplished guest to ever grace our podcast. Maria and her husband Daniel Kelly run Resilience MMA in Melbourne and resilience exemplifies Maria’s persona. She discusses her early days of judo in Hungary in the 1980s, how she persevered in one of the toughest sports around and what the future holds for judo in Australia. We’ve had many listeners request Maria’s appearance on the show, make sure you tune into this episode!
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible and all our past episodes can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/@rollordiepodcast9106
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
Back for his fourth appearance on the show, in this episode, Thiago discusses how things have changed for him in life and in his academy since his move back to Brazil in mid 2022. We discuss his role as a commentator on FloGrappling and a referee at the Brazilian ADCC events, as well as what the scene is like in Brazil now, compared with when he moved to Australia almost 15 years ago. Thiago is returning to Australia in September and October and you can catch him at one of his seminars - keep an eye on his social media pages for more info.
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible and all our past episodes can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/@rollordiepodcast9106
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
Probably one of the best guys in Australia that no one knows about, “Mini” Dave Marinakis is the head coach at Immersion MMA and one of the most legit jiu jitsu athletes around. In this episode, Dave talks about how skill development is the most important aspect to focus on in terms of how to improve. He encourages his students to seek out those training partners who give them tough rolls and to be open minded and explore in order to improve. Debriefing after rolls or after class is so important and good coaches are the key to a good culture in an academy.
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible and all our past episodes can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/@rollordiepodcast9106
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
This week’s guest started his martial arts journey with taekwondo as a teenager and progressed to black belt. However, he found something was lacking and felt that it wasn’t really truly fighting. He then saw UFC1 and realised he needed to learn to grapple. Izzy candidly shares his love/hate relationship with jiu jitsu and how he wanted more from jiu jitsu than what it initially gave him. Coming full circle now, the former owner of Skamma MMA, shares how his goal is now longevity and he has a much greater understanding that jiu jitsu can be different for different people. A super busy man, with multiple business ventures!
Check out Aussie Pet Doors to support this awesome small business:
https://www.australianpetdoors.com.au/
@AussiePetDoors
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible and all our past episodes can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/@rollordiepodcast9106
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
Tayla Ford is New Zealand’s first female to represent her country at the Olympics. Make sure you tune into this episode to hear how she journeyed from a reluctant young wrestler to a role model for all, especially young women in the sport. Tayla candidly shares her stories of the mental, emotional and financial struggles of being a wrestler, as well as the physical demands it puts one under. Now facing a new challenge of impending motherhood, Tayla shares how she has transitioned to coaching and is passionate about empowering female wrestlers and increasing female representation in wrestling.
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible and all our past episodes can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/@rollordiepodcast9106
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
Back for his second appearance on the podcast (check out #194 for the first time), we chat with the power house who is Augusto. Much has changed since his previous appearance, but what hasn’t changed is Augusto’s passion for jiu jitsu and his desire to always be an example to those around him, including his students at Supreme Art Club. In this episode we talk about Augusto’s attitude towards competing and how you must always believe in yourself and your dreams. A true believer that everything you do will come back to you - make sure you listen to this episode.
Also, Augusto will be back in the cage at @fusionfightingchampionship Volume 9 on September 20th, 2025 - one of the biggest events in Australia!
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible and all our past episodes can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/@rollordiepodcast9106
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
Paul is possibly our highest decorated guest on the show, A third degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Paul holds a whopping eight black belts in various martial arts. A combat veteran who joined the military in 1987, Paul has started Kinetic Fighting, an Australia and New Zealand combatives program. A true martial artist, as well as a special forces soldier, Paul talks about how his aim is always to match a force or energy and return it.
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible and all our past episodes can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/@rollordiepodcast9106
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
Luke Beston is best known for the dirt that he dishes on blue belts online. In today’s episode, he shares multiple stories of his jiu jitsu journey, which stretches back to the 1990s. Marrying into the Gracie family, Luke relates many stories of his time on and off the mats with the likes of Royce, Royler and Helio. One thing he learned is to never get involved in family arguments with the Gracie family - as you will always lose out! Make sure you tune into this episode, where Luke tells us of an earlier time of Jiu Jitsu, when students went over to Brazil to learn techniques and would return home to Australia to share them. An unmissable episode!
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible and all our past episodes can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/@rollordiepodcast9106
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
This week’s guest has over 35 years of martial arts experience and is a second degree black belt at Robinsons Jiu Jitsu in Mansfield. He is an OG from way back, having started his jiu jitsu journey in the 1990s in Melbourne and in this episode he shares his rich history, with many names that our listeners will know and appreciate. Please join us for an absolutely amazing episode and we will definitely need to have Paul on for part 2 of his outstanding journey!
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible and all our past episodes can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/@rollordiepodcast9106
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
This week’s episode we chatted with John Will black belt Tony Harvey. Previously a top BMX champion, Tony talks about his transition to the gentle art. His teammates may dispute this, as Tony is described as an absolute beast, described by John Will when he was a blue belt as having a black belt guillotine. Take a listen to someone with more than 18 years in the jiu jitsu scene and an all-round nice guy to boot.
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible and all our past episodes can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/@rollordiepodcast9106
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
Libby’s story is a true example of how jiu jitsu can save someone’s life. Take a listen as she shares her experience of losing 50kg since starting, which is in fact the smallest change to her life since starting the gentle art. Libby comes from a true jiu jitsu family, with two brothers and two nephews who are black belts, but only started her jiu jitsu journey later in life. Libby began jiu jitsu for her kids, but ended up staying with it for herself. Take a listen to how she found a way to move her body in a way that is satisfying and changed the way she fuels herself to match that. An amazing episode!
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible and all our past episodes can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/@rollordiepodcast9106
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
Musician, teacher, and black belt in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and life philosophy, Ronnie joins us to drop some serious wisdom—and a few opponents. In this episode, he dives into how BJJ and music make each other better (spoiler: it’s not by choking out your students). Ronnie explains his teaching method of scaffolding—basically the educational version of giving you just enough rope to climb, not hang yourself—and why mastering the tiniest details is the key to greatness. His jiu jitsu mantra? Use the least effort possible to dominate and always be cool with losing—zen or sneaky genius? You decide. Plus, he spills the beans on performing at the AFL Grand Final with Robbie Williams and Delta Goodrem, and so much more.
Catch Ronny every Wednesday night at @oldplatesrecordbar dishing up South African jazz!
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible and all our past episodes can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/@rollordiepodcast9106
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
Rachael Bradshaw and Kaz Page made friends on the mat and turned it into a podcast - @thegispotpodcast! In what we believe is the first of its kind, we have collaborated with another Australian Brazilian Jiu Jitsu podcast to record together. In this episode we get to know the team behind the Gi Spot podcast, both in their own journeys and the journey of their podcast. Check out Kaz and her hubby’s “other” podcast @loveconquersthepodcast where all good podcasts are found.
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA98zTuWibpR5L_vjpRWHIg
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
Back for his second appearance on the podcast (check out episode 101 for his last one), Oli Smith shares his nuggets of wisdom that he is well known for in his role as head grappling coach at Absolute Collingwood. Oli also shares information about his Grounded Grappling camps, which are a fun, back-to-nature experience that he is the thought child behind. Get yourself to the next camp in August and find out more below.
Grounded Grappling:
https://groundedgrappling.com/
https://www.instagram.com/groundedgrappling/ | @groundedgrappling
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA98zTuWibpR5L_vjpRWHIg
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
Originally from the small South Australian town of Tumby Bay, Jake rose to prominence as a judoka, representing Australia from 2004 to 2014, including at the 2012 London Olympics. Towering at nearly 2 metres tall and weighing around 130kg, he’s a true gentle giant, known for his captivating stories about the evolution of the judo scene since he first stepped onto the mat at age 9. Today, Jake has transitioned from judo to the world of professional wrestling!
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA98zTuWibpR5L_vjpRWHIg
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
This week’s guest is an absolute standout—an inspiring individual and a true martial artist. Daz, a New Zealand native now based in Perth, holds black belts in multiple disciplines and currently trains out of Grappling Technics. In this episode, he shares valuable insights drawn from his lifelong passion for learning and problem-solving, which naturally led him to the art of jiu-jitsu.
We dive into his journey through breathwork, his transition to a plant-based lifestyle, and his unwavering commitment to competition—often stepping onto the mats even during family holidays.
Looking ahead, Daz will take on an extraordinary endurance challenge in October 2025: a 12-hour swim, followed by 12 hours of rest, and then a 12-hour run—all to raise awareness and support for youth mental health and suicide prevention. He’ll also be featured at the upcoming BJJ Retreats camp in Bali this November.
BJJ RETREAT IN BALI
November 24 to 30th 2025
With 5th Degree Teco Shinzato and Daz Mokaraka
@bjj_retreats_australia
https://www.bjjretreatsaustralia.com/
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA98zTuWibpR5L_vjpRWHIg
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
This week’s guest is a brown belt beast and a wrestling wrecking ball — Aaron Maher. We dive into his transition from the wrestling mat to the jiu jitsu tatami, how he’s fused relentless wrestling pressure with slick jits technique, and his move into coaching the next generation. With talents like Aaron on the rise, the future of Aussie grappling is looking nasty (in the best way). Don’t miss this episode!
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA98zTuWibpR5L_vjpRWHIg
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-dieHi
He’s back for round three! After dropping gems in episodes #68 and #162, Dan returns to share what it was like training under John Danaher in the lead-up to last year’s ADCC. From inside stories at New Wave to his relentless pursuit of elite status, Dan brings the heat. Don’t miss this one—it's packed with gold!
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA98zTuWibpR5L_vjpRWHIg
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
Vicky Gonzalez is tearing up the Aussie jiu jitsu scene like a woman on a mission. 2024 was her breakout year—she took gold at Fusion FC, dominated the Pan Pacific Championship, and wrapped things up by becoming the M1 No-Gi Purple Belt World Champ. Not bad, right? Training out of M16 and Beachside in Adelaide, Vicky originally got her start in Melbourne under Marcelino Freitas. In this episode, she spills the tea on life as a competitor, what it’s like being coached by her fiancé Lachlan Conway (spoiler: it’s not all love and triangles), and how she keeps up with the grind of training without losing her mind. You’re gonna love this one!
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA98zTuWibpR5L_vjpRWHIg
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
Back for round two (check out episode #153), we sit down with Ivan Rakitic—soon to be a fifth-degree black belt and one of Australia’s first BJJ black belts. Ivan isn’t just a legend on the mats; he’s deeply passionate about men’s mental health and how struggles often trace back to childhood trauma. In this episode, he breaks down the powerful connections between BJJ and mental resilience. A true pioneer of the gentle art, Ivan brings wisdom, insight, and some game-changing perspectives. Don’t miss it!
Visit https://ivanrakitictherapy.com.au/ for more info regarding Ivan’s therapy business, which centers around advanced conversational hypnosis. And check out his sons' alt punk band - @daydreamerssband
P.S. We still have a limited number of high-quality Roll or Die x MANA T-Shirts available in S, M, L & XL - message us to secure yours at $30 + shipping, which is a total steal!
Links to our sponsors making this podcast possible can be found in our bio via https://linktr.ee/Roll_or_Die_Podcast
Did you know we can also be found the links below, and anywhere else great podcasts are!
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/roll-or-die/id1519037518
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA98zTuWibpR5L_vjpRWHIg
https://www.facebook.com/rollordiepodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/roll_or_die_podcast/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2BHJ2tB4H5GLB8IImRFcXq
https://australian-podcasts.com/podcast/roll-or-die
