In Episode 63 of The Grapple Of Your Eye Show, Brett Summers sits down with Rich “Killer” Valdez — elite competitor, wrestling specialist, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, coach, and rising name in the world of submission grappling, no-gi BJJ, and combat sports competition.
This powerful conversation explores Rich’s journey through California high school wrestling, college wrestling pressure, injury and life setbacks, and a relentless comeback through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and competition. After dominating with wrestling, Rich faced the harsh reality of being submitted in BJJ — forcing a complete rebuild of his grappling game, mindset, and competitive identity.
If you’re searching for BJJ motivation, wrestling mindset, grappling training advice, competitor mentality, strength and conditioning for fighters, or real combat sports journeys, this episode delivers.
Inside this episode:
🔥 Wrestling vs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — key differences in mindset, pace, and strategy
🔥 The reality of transitioning from wrestling to BJJ and submission grappling
🔥 Losing in competition, handling setbacks, and developing a champion mindset
🔥 Daily BJJ training, mat time, recovery, and building a professional grappler lifestyle
🔥 Strength & conditioning for wrestling, BJJ, MMA, and no-gi grappling athletes
🔥 Competing in IBJJF tournaments, chasing ADCC trials, and international competition goals
🔥 Coaching youth wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while developing future competitors
🔥 The rise of professional grappling, UFC BJJ, submission-only events, and the sport’s future growth
Rich also shares insights into coaching philosophy (at Silverback Wrestling Club), athlete development, competition preparation, injury recovery, sponsorship, and balancing life as an active competitor while helping grow the global grappling community.
Rich Valdez is sponsored by Buddies Brand, Pace Combat, SmithForged SC, and JitsAI.
This episode is perfect for fans and athletes interested in: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, no-gi grappling, submission grappling, MMA, ADCC, IBJJF, grappling competitions, fighter mindset, BJJ training motivation, and combat sports culture.
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The Grapple Of Your Eye Show 
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