The Grapple Of Your Eye

Ep. 47: Crusher Curtis In this week's episode we chat to British wrestling star turned promoter Crusher Curtis. He discusses his martial arts background and how he used that to transition into the world of wrestling. Listen along as he discusses his early days training through to his life on the road in a wreestling career that took him all over the world.

Ep. 47: Crusher Curtis

In this week's episode we chat to British wrestling star turned promoter Crusher Curtis. He discusses his martial arts background and how he used that to transition into the world of wrestling. Listen along as he discusses his early days training through to his life on the…

Ep. 46: Luis França Luiz França: The Forgotten Founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu He trained the poor. He defied the Gracies. He changed Jiu-Jitsu forever — and history almost erased his name. While the world credits the Gracie family for creating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, another lineage was quietly growing in the shadows — one born not in luxury, but in the favelas of Rio.His name was…

Ep. 46: Luis França

Luiz França: The Forgotten Founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu He trained the poor. He defied the Gracies. He changed Jiu-Jitsu forever — and history almost erased his name. While the world credits the Gracie family for creating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, another lineage was quietly…

Ep. 45: Tachiyama Mineemon Step into the world of Sumo’s greatest legends! 🏯💥In this episode, we explore the incredible story of Yokozuna Tachiyama Mineemon — a towering figure in Sumo history whose dominance and charisma made him one of Japan’s most unforgettable champions. Discover what set Tachiyama apart: his unbeatable winning streaks, his fearsome fighting style, and the legacy that still inspires…

Ep. 45: Tachiyama Mineemon

Step into the world of Sumo’s greatest legends! 🏯💥In this episode, we explore the incredible story of Yokozuna Tachiyama Mineemon — a towering figure in Sumo history whose dominance and charisma made him one of Japan’s most unforgettable champions. Discover what set…

Ep. 44: P.J. Montano This we we are joined by P.J. Montano, a CSW Blackbelt, proefessional referee and gym owner of UFC Gym: Anaheim, as he shares stories and insights from the world of martial arts both as a competitor and as a referee. This episode is filled with engaging conversation around grappling, catch wrestling and jiu jitsu. Whether you're into bjj, Catch As Catch Can, mma or just love hearing from heroes in the community, this episode is for you!

Ep. 44: P.J. Montano

This we we are joined by P.J. Montano, a CSW Blackbelt, proefessional referee and gym owner of UFC Gym: Anaheim, as he shares stories and insights from the world of martial arts both as a competitor and as a referee. This episode is filled with engaging conversation around…

Ep. 43: “Spartan” Sam Black New Zealand’s own “Spartan” Sam Black joins us to share his incredible journey through the world of professional wrestling — a career that’s taken him halfway across the planet. From humble beginnings to international rings, Sam brings stories, insights, and energy you won’t want to miss! Tune in for an episode packed with passion, travel, and the grind behind the glamour of pro wrestling.

Ep. 43: “Spartan” Sam Black

New Zealand’s own “Spartan” Sam Black joins us to share his incredible journey through the world of professional wrestling — a career that’s taken him halfway across the planet. From humble beginnings to international rings, Sam brings stories, insights, and energy you…

Ep. 41: Queen of the Ring Movie Special (with Ash Avildsen and Emily Bett Rickards) In this week's episode we are joined by director Ash Avildsen and star Emily Bett Rickards from the movie Queen of the Ring, available in select UK cinemas from 19th September 2015 and OnDemand from 13th October 2025. Queen of the Ring is a Sumerian Pictures Production, written and directed by Ash Avildsen (Paradise City). The film tells the remarkable true story of Mildred Burke, the first million-dollar female athlete in world history and the longest reigning champion of female wrestling.

Ep. 41: Queen of the Ring Movie Special (with Ash Avildsen and Emily Bett Rickards)

In this week's episode we are joined by director Ash Avildsen and star Emily Bett Rickards from the movie Queen of the Ring, available in select UK cinemas from 19th September 2015 and OnDemand from 13th October…

Ep. 40: Jon Owens Jon Owens is a retired police officer and veteran wrestler, who has dedicated his life to British wrestling. With over 30 years of experience, Jon shares his wrestling knowledge coupled with a deep philosophical wisdom gained through years of experience. John’s mission goes beyond the mat. In a society where many young people are struggling with issues like drugs and unemployment, John is using wrestling as a tool to build self-respect, discipline, and purpose among the youth.

Ep. 40: Jon Owens

Jon Owens is a retired police officer and veteran wrestler, who has dedicated his life to British wrestling. With over 30 years of experience, Jon shares his wrestling knowledge coupled with a deep philosophical wisdom gained through years of experience. John’s mission goes…

Ep. 38: Sean Harvey Sean Harvey is a combat veteran who was deployed in Afghanistan who now battles on as a BJJ Purple belt with multiple IBJJF gold medals, an ADCC silver medal, and numerous grappling superfight victories under his belt. Join us as we discuss his army time, his discovery of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, his battle up the belt ranks, how Jiu Jitsu helped his mental health and how he know enjoys coaching the young students of his gym. This is a open and honest discussion of one man's journey from the battlefield to the mat.

Ep. 38: Sean Harvey

Sean Harvey is a combat veteran who was deployed in Afghanistan who now battles on as a BJJ Purple belt with multiple IBJJF gold medals, an ADCC silver medal, and numerous grappling superfight victories under his belt. Join us as we discuss his army time, his discovery of…

Ep. 37: Robert Drysdale In Ep. 37, Robert Drysdale returns to the show to discuss his two new books The Triumph of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: 50 Years Of A Martial Arts Revolution and What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Today? Join us in this detailed Martial Arts interview as we delve into the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and its cultural impact. Mr. Drysdale shares some surprising stories about the evolution of Jiu Jitsu rules and techniques. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in martial arts and the deeper aspects of BJJ.

Ep. 37: Robert Drysdale

In Ep. 37, Robert Drysdale returns to the show to discuss his two new books The Triumph of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: 50 Years Of A Martial Arts Revolution and What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Today? Join us in this detailed Martial Arts interview as we delve into the history of…

Ep. 36: Ross McFarlane Ross McFarlane is a coach at Glasgow Wrestling Club. He represented Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, achieved 5th place at the Commonwealth Championships 2013 in Johannesburg, and is a two-time British Wrestling Champion (2013 & 2014). With 25 years in the sport, Ross started at Milngavie Wrestling club in 1999 under David Scott jr/snr. He has been coaching for over 10 years, helping develop Scottish Wrestling Rising stars and leading and innvoivating kids wrestling programmes.

Ep. 36: Ross McFarlane

Ross McFarlane is a coach at Glasgow Wrestling Club. He represented Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, achieved 5th place at the Commonwealth Championships 2013 in Johannesburg, and is a two-time British Wrestling Champion (2013 & 2014). With 25 years in the…

Ep. 35: Indy “The Fire” Briar This week on The Grapple of Your Eye Show, we go deep with none other than Indy “The Fire” Briar! 💥 From the first time she hit the mats to the battles that tested her spirit, Indy opens up like never before. 🥋🔥 Hear what fuels her fire, what nearly broke her, and how she keeps rising. Whether you're a grappler, fighter, or just love a powerful story — you don't want to miss this one.

Ep. 35: Indy “The Fire” Briar

This week on The Grapple of Your Eye Show, we go deep with none other than Indy “The Fire” Briar! 💥 From the first time she hit the mats to the battles that tested her spirit, Indy opens up like never before. 🥋🔥 Hear what fuels her fire, what nearly broke her, and how…

Ep. 34: Richard Cawley In Episode 34 our’s guest is a living legend in the world of traditional wrestling — Richard Cawley. He’s the head coach of the Cornish Wrestling Association and a multi-time Cornish Wrestling Heavyweight Champion, carrying on a legacy that runs deep in his blood and deeper still in the soil of Cornwall. In this episode, Richard takes us on a journey through time — sharing what it was like to grow up in a Cornish wrestling family, surrounded by a unique grappling tradition that's been practiced for centuries.

Ep. 34: Richard Cawley

In Episode 34 our’s guest is a living legend in the world of traditional wrestling — Richard Cawley. He’s the head coach of the Cornish Wrestling Association and a multi-time Cornish Wrestling Heavyweight Champion, carrying on a legacy that runs deep in his blood and deeper…

Ep. 33: Rikidozen Before Inoki. Before Baba. Before WrestleKingdom… there was Rikidōzan. Step into the ring with The Grapple of Your Eye as we uncover the electrifying, controversial, and ultimately tragic life of Rikidōzan — the sumo-turned-superstar who transformed professional wrestling in Japan. From his secret Korean origins to his battles with Lou Thesz, Freddie Blassie, and The Destroyer, this is the untold story of a man who became a postwar legend and a national obsession.

Ep. 33: Rikidozen

Before Inoki. Before Baba. Before WrestleKingdom… there was Rikidōzan. Step into the ring with The Grapple of Your Eye as we uncover the electrifying, controversial, and ultimately tragic life of Rikidōzan — the sumo-turned-superstar who transformed professional wrestling in…

Ep. 32: Väinö Ketonen In Episode 32 we tell the story of Väinö (aka Waino) Ketonen. The Finnish cotton mill boy who became a world champion, who stood toe-to-toe with the greatest middleweights in history, who trained Olympians and humbled carnival wrestlers — yet never played the game of showbiz wrestling. His story highlights the early days of wrestling, showcasing his journey from a working-class background to achieving greatness in a sport that was still forming its identity, even planting a little seed in the future of catch as catch can wrestling. This is the story of Väinö Ketonen: hooker, champion, and one of the toughest men you’ve probably never heard of.

Ep. 32: Väinö Ketonen

In Episode 32 we tell the story of Väinö (aka Waino) Ketonen. The Finnish cotton mill boy who became a world champion, who stood toe-to-toe with the greatest middleweights in history, who trained Olympians and humbled carnival wrestlers — yet never played the game of showbiz…

Ep. 31: Jade Barker In Episode 31 we are joined by Jade Barker, We’re joined by the incredible Jade Barker — BJJ brown belt, 4th degree Taekwondo black belt, former professional MMA fighter, and all-around martial arts powerhouse. Training out of Vitor Shaolin BJJ, Jade also leads the Vespasian Security Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Team and plays a big part in the Southsea Grapple…

Ep. 31: Jade Barker

In Episode 31 we are joined by Jade Barker, We’re joined by the incredible Jade Barker — BJJ brown belt, 4th degree Taekwondo black belt, former professional MMA fighter, and all-around martial arts powerhouse. Training out of Vitor Shaolin BJJ, Jade also leads the Vespasian…

Ep. 30: Kerry “Ki” Isom In this week’s episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Kerry Isom from Odyssey Combat Hub — and trust us, you don’t want to miss this one! What started as a one-off White Collar charity boxing match soon snowballed into a life-changing journey through the world of combat sports. Kerry shares how stepping through the ropes as a complete novice lit a fire that led her to become a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt, a professional MMA fighter, and a seasoned grappling veteran.

Ep. 30: Kerry “Ki” Isom

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Kerry Isom from Odyssey Combat Hub — and trust us, you don’t want to miss this one! What started as a one-off White Collar charity boxing match soon snowballed into a life-changing journey through the world of combat…

Ep. 29: Robbie Hagen This week on the show, we’re diving into the wild world of wrestling with second-generation pro wrestler Robbie Hagen! Robbie takes us behind the curtain with incredible stories of growing up ringside with his legendary father, Jimmy Hagen — rubbing shoulders with larger-than-life wrestling icons and living a childhood like no other. From unforgettable backstage moments to his own high-flying career across Europe, Robbie opens up about the highs, the hard hits, and the hustle of life in the squared circle.

Ep. 29: Robbie Hagen

This week on the show, we’re diving into the wild world of wrestling with second-generation pro wrestler Robbie Hagen! Robbie takes us behind the curtain with incredible stories of growing up ringside with his legendary father, Jimmy Hagen — rubbing shoulders with…

Ep. 28: The Flatliner In Episode 28, we sit down with UK wrestling legend The Flatliner! From wild matches around the world to appearances on TV and in movies, he’s done it all — and he’s telling us the craziest stories from his jaw-dropping career. You don’t want to miss this one! The Flatliner will next be appearing for Big Powerhouse Wrestling.

Ep. 28: The Flatliner

In Episode 28, we sit down with UK wrestling legend The Flatliner! From wild matches around the world to appearances on TV and in movies, he’s done it all — and he’s telling us the craziest stories from his jaw-dropping career. You don’t want to miss this one! The Flatliner…

Ep. 27: Angel Verduzco In Episode 27 we sit down with Angel Verduzco, the two-time reigning and defending Snake Pit Wigan World Heavyweight Catch Wrestling Champion – and that’s just the start. 💥 He’s a BJJ Purple Belt💥 A former college folkstyle wrestler💥 Known to some as “The One Armed Bandit” – a warrior with an unmatched mindset💥 And now… he’s stepping into the spotlight for his…

Ep. 27: Angel Verduzco

In Episode 27 we sit down with Angel Verduzco, the two-time reigning and defending Snake Pit Wigan World Heavyweight Catch Wrestling Champion – and that’s just the start. 💥 He’s a BJJ Purple Belt💥 A former college folkstyle wrestler💥 Known to some as “The One Armed Bandit” –…

Ep. 26: Carl Fisher In Ep. 26, we sit down with Carl Fisher—a true veteran of the martial arts world and the main man at Wimbledon BJJ. With over 30 years of experience and black belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Traditional Jiu Jitsu, and Karate, Carl’s journey spans continents, combat styles, and real-world applications. He’s also a Level 1 Catch Wrester with the legendary…

Ep. 26: Carl Fisher

In Ep. 26, we sit down with Carl Fisher—a true veteran of the martial arts world and the main man at Wimbledon BJJ. With over 30 years of experience and black belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Traditional Jiu Jitsu, and Karate, Carl’s journey spans continents, combat styles, and…

Ep. 25: Seymour “Meerkatsu” Yang In Ep. 25 we chat to the legendary Seymour "Meerkatsu" Yang – the creative force behind one of BJJ’s most iconic brands - Meerkatsu! From earning his Black Belt to turning his passion for art into a global grappling phenomenon, Seymour shares the wild ride of building Meerkatsu, blending jiu-jitsu and creativity, and launching his brand-new book. This one’s packed with inspiration, insight, and serious style – don’t miss it!

Ep. 25: Seymour “Meerkatsu” Yang

In Ep. 25 we chat to the legendary Seymour "Meerkatsu" Yang – the creative force behind one of BJJ’s most iconic brands - Meerkatsu! From earning his Black Belt to turning his passion for art into a global grappling phenomenon, Seymour shares the wild ride of…

Ep. 24: Sarah Jones In this week's epised we chat to the incredible Sarah Jones - an Army veteran, BJJ black belt, mother, coach, active competitor, university student, and a warrior living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and unstoppable grit. Tune in as we explore how she balances it all and continues to fight on every front — on the mats and in life.

Ep. 24: Sarah Jones

In this week's epised we chat to the incredible Sarah Jones - an Army veteran, BJJ black belt, mother, coach, active competitor, university student, and a warrior living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and unstoppable grit. Tune in as we…

Ep. 23: “Grizzly” Adam Wilson In this week's episode we chat to "Grizzly" Adam Wilson, a BJJ Purple belt and head of Hoplite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Southampton, England. Adam shares his BJJ journey and his vast knowledge of competition BJJ. This is one for old and new competitors to listen to as you will surely learn something!

Ep. 23: “Grizzly” Adam Wilson

In this week's episode we chat to "Grizzly" Adam Wilson, a BJJ Purple belt and head of Hoplite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Southampton, England. Adam shares his BJJ journey and his vast knowledge of competition BJJ. This is one for old and new competitors to listen to as…

Ep. 22: Milo of Croton In this episode of The Grapple Of Your Eye, we dive into the incredible—and almost unbelievable—life of Milo of Croton, the strongest man of the ancient world. 🏆 Six-time Olympic wrestling champion. 🐂 The man who carried a bull on his shoulders. 🛡️ A battlefield hero draped in lion skin. 🌲 And a tragic end that still echoes like a Greek myth.

Ep. 22: Milo of Croton

In this episode of The Grapple Of Your Eye, we dive into the incredible—and almost unbelievable—life of Milo of Croton, the strongest man of the ancient world. 🏆 Six-time Olympic wrestling champion. 🐂 The man who carried a bull on his shoulders. 🛡️ A battlefield hero draped…

Ep. 21: Tom “The HeadHunter” Higgins In this week's episode we caht to Tom "The HeadHunter" Higgins, the reigning and defending two-time Snake Pit Wigan Catch Wrestling World Middleweight Champion, BJJ Blackbelt, and USA National Folkstyle Wrestling Champion. He is also the man behind Wrestling Wars!

Ep. 21: Tom “The HeadHunter” Higgins

In this week's episode we caht to Tom "The HeadHunter" Higgins, the reigning and defending two-time Snake Pit Wigan Catch Wrestling World Middleweight Champion, BJJ Blackbelt, and USA National Folkstyle Wrestling Champion. He is also the man behind Wrestling…

Ep.20: Mark Cocker In this week's episode we chat with Mark Cocker, the British Wrestling Senior Squad Head Coach. Mark is also a former multi-time British and English freestyle wrestling champion, competing for England and Great Britain for fifteen years, as well as a 1st Dan Black Belt in Judo and a 1st Dan Black Belt in Ju-Jitsu!

Ep.20: Mark Cocker

In this week's episode we chat with Mark Cocker, the British Wrestling Senior Squad Head Coach. Mark is also a former multi-time British and English freestyle wrestling champion, competing for England and Great Britain for fifteen years, as well as a 1st Dan Black Belt in Judo…

Ep. 19: Tayla Ford In this week's episode we chat to Tayla Ford, the groundbreaking New Zealand freestyle wrestler and coach who has competed in three Commonwealth Games, winning two bronze medals and became New Zealand's female wrestling Olympian!

Ep. 19: Tayla Ford

In this week's episode we chat to Tayla Ford, the groundbreaking New Zealand freestyle wrestler and coach who has competed in three Commonwealth Games, winning two bronze medals and became New Zealand's female wrestling Olympian!

Ep. 18: Finn Marshall In this week's episode we chat to Finn Marshall, the 2 time reigning and defending Snake Pit Wigan World Catch Wrestling Welterweight Champion. Finn is also a former Team GB and Scotland wrestler, and coaches with the Scottish Hit Squad.

Ep. 18: Finn Marshall

In this week's episode we chat to Finn Marshall, the 2 time reigning and defending Snake Pit Wigan World Catch Wrestling Welterweight Champion. Finn is also a former Team GB and Scotland wrestler, and coaches with the Scottish Hit Squad.

Ep. 17: Robert Drysdale This week we chat to Robert Drysdale, a Brazilian-American BJJ 4th degree black belt under Léo Vieira. Drysdale is also a retired undefeated mixed martial artist and an instructor at his own Zenith Jiu Jitsu Academy. Drysdale is a multi-time World Champion who has been referred to by Vice magazine as "America's jiu-jitsu superhero", BJJ Heroes as "the most accomplished American grappler of his generation" and as "the best Submission Wrestler in the World" by 

Ep. 17: Robert Drysdale

This week we chat to Robert Drysdale, a Brazilian-American BJJ 4th degree black belt under Léo Vieira. Drysdale is also a retired undefeated mixed martial artist and an instructor at his own Zenith Jiu Jitsu Academy. Drysdale is a multi-time World Champion who has been…

Ep. 16: Clayton Grant Clayton Grant is a young grappler from the U.K. who is training in BJJ (Gi and Nogi), Wrestling, and Judo. Clayton is a Fighting For Autism ambassador and recently won the Paige Hall Northstar Award for his work with them. Despite his age, he has already claimed a number of medals and has experience fighting in NAGA, ADCC, and grappling shows. In this episode we chat to Clay, and his Dad Shaun, about his grappling life...

Ep. 16: Clayton Grant

Clayton Grant is a young grappler from the U.K. who is training in BJJ (Gi and Nogi), Wrestling, and Judo. Clayton is a Fighting For Autism ambassador and recently won the Paige Hall Northstar Award for his work with them. Despite his age, he has already claimed a number of…