From stepping onto the mat as a young freestyle wrestler to travelling the world in one of the toughest combat sports on the planet — Kateryna Sassa’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Kateryna opens up about the brutal highs and crushing lows of elite grappling, the sacrifices it takes, and how wrestling... Continue Reading →
Ep. 52: Raphael Dos Santos
This week, we sit down with the incredible Raphael Dos Santos—a true force in the world of grappling. From throwing his first judo hip toss to becoming a Judo Black Belt, switching lanes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and rising all the way to BJJ Black Belt, Raphael’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. But he didn’t... Continue Reading →
Ep. 51: Brad Belsey
Get ready for a full-contact deep dive into the world of elite grappling! In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Brad Belsey (Island Sambo Club)— Judo Black Belt, Sambo Black Belt, and all-round martial arts machine. Brad breaks down his hardcore training regime, the mindset that forged him, and the journey that took... Continue Reading →
Ep. 50: Glen Bratke
For our milestone 50th episode of The Grapple of Your Eye Show, we’re bringing you something truly special. We sit down with Glen Bratke—a dedicated martial artist, seasoned Judo blackbelt, and a fearless explorer of the grappling universe who has dove head-first into both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Sambo. In this action-packed conversation, Glen breaks down:... Continue Reading →
Ep. 49: Casey Belsey
In this week's episode we are joined by Casey Belsey!• Started Judo at just 4 years old — a lifetime of throws, sweeps, and submissions.• Black belt in both Judo and Sambo.• British Judo Champion & 8x British Championship medallist.• 4x British Sambo Champion and international competitor.• Represented Great Britain in both Judo and Sambo.•... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
Ep. 42: Alice Blackman
This week we’re joined by Alice Blackman for an unmissable deep dive into the world of grappling. From her unique journey transitioning from ballet to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA, Alice shares insights, stories, and lessons learned along the way. 🥋 Expect thoughtful discussion on BJJ training, competition mindset, nutrition, and the crossover with Mixed... Continue Reading →
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).... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
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.... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →

