Old At Heart

"I had the opportunity to train with a jiu-jitsu newb the other day (a youngin somewhere in the age of 21-25 years young), who had solid movement and guard retention skills. I was able to pass his guard a couple times (just narrowly), but I was impressed with the solid foundation he has already strung together in his relative short time practicing BJJ. At the end of the roll I tried to compliment his technique, but he shot it down, shook his head and said, 'if you were younger you would have absolutely murdered me.'

It was a nice compliment (I think)"

Verbal Tapraf esparzaJanuary 27, 2017BJJComment

The Five Reactions To Watching Gabi Garcia Fight

"Gabi Garcia is the subject of much discussion on the internet. It seems that people are equal parts impressed by and scared of the way she dominates her opponents.

In the world of jiu-jitsu, her size has often overshadowed discussion of her technical skill -- perhaps as a response to a resume that shows Garcia has won just about every major accolade in the gentle art there is to win."

BJJ, Verbal Tap, Sports Commentaryraf esparzaSeptember 25, 2016Gabi Garcia, RIZIN, MMA Comment

VERBAL TAP (Episode 190) with Mike Stallings

"As many of you know, Mike co-hosts another podcast with me called HEEL SECTION that's dedicated to the deconstruction of pro wrestling stories and angles. Which makes Mike the perfect person to talk with about the upcoming UFC debut of one CM Punk."

Verbal Tap, Heel Sectionraf esparzaSeptember 6, 2016CM Punk, UFC 203Comment

VERBAL TAP (Episode 189)

"This week, we not only try to make some sense of it all (Should Demian Maia fast pass his way to a title shot, what does this mean for Carlos Condit, and how many times did Brian Stann jinx the outcomes of the fights with his commentary on the mic?)"

BJJ, Verbal Tapraf esparzaAugust 30, 2016BJJ, MMA, Carlos Condit, Demian Maia, Brian Stann, IBJJF, WorldsComment

Sober Reflections: UFC on FOX 21

"There are others with great jiu-jitsu, but perhaps no one who makes it look easier. And so tonight, we saw Maia give the UFC slight pause with their intention to put Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson as the first offering for newly crowned welterweight champ, Tyrone Woodley.

And like the true martial artist and respectful guy he is, Maia told Brian Stann in his post-fight interview that he'd patiently wait his turn."

Verbal Tap, BJJraf esparzaAugust 27, 2016MMA, BJJ, UFC, Carlos Condit, Demian Maia, Sergio Pettis, Paige VanZant, Joe Lauzon, Jim MillerComment

VERBAL TAP (Episode 188)

"Raf's Recollection | On this week's episode, not only do we discuss the results ofOvert/Under Kevin: UFC 202, but we take an in-depth look at the big fight between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz.

Along the way, we respond to some internet trolls, the controversial decision that has caused a bit of a bitter divide on social media, and even discuss some of the future implications."

Verbal Tap, Sports Commentaryraf esparzaAugust 23, 2016Ufc, MMA, Nate Diaz, Conor McGregorComment

Sober Reflections: UFC 202

"What we got in yesterday's main event was a clash between two highly charismatic antiheroes who gave the fans an excellent demonstration of what the fight game is all about. In short, it was a gift from the Fight Gods — and one that we will likely be talking about for many days, if not weeks, months or years to come."

Sports Commentary, Verbal Tap, Sober Reflectionsraf esparzaAugust 21, 2016Conor McGregor, UFC 202, Nate DiazComment

A Detailed Breakdown Of The Nate Diaz / Conor McGregor Water Fight

"All the while, Dana pleads with Conor not to throw those cans, with the timbre of his voice resembling that of a dad seeing his kid about to lose his shit at an amusement park and being helpless to do anything to stop it."

Sports Commentary, Verbal Tapraf esparzaAugust 18, 2016BJJ, 209, Nate Diaz, Conor McGregor, UFC 202, Diaz Bros., MMAComment

Hybrid Success Challenge, Day 5

John has been my instructor for over four and a half years and knows my game better than just about anybody. I asked him to identify a few areas I could stand to work on over the next 25 days.

Also, I agreed to let him speak about me for forty seconds without interrupting him -- which, as many of you know, can be a struggle for me.

BJJ, Verbal Tap, #HybridSuccessChallengeraf esparzaAugust 17, 2016wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, BJJComment

VERBAL TAP (Episode 187) with McDojoLife's Rob Ingram

One of the more lively Over/Under Kevin's we've had. McDojo's Rob Ingram drops by to talk about calling out BS martial artists and then sticks around to take on Kevin's UFC 202 picks.

And I'm not promising anything, but maybe Nate Diaz shows up.

Verbal Tapraf esparzaAugust 15, 2016BJJ, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, UFC 202, Keenan Cornelius, Gordon RyanComment