The Grapple Worlds Podcast takes you behind the matches, bringing you conversations with the athletes, coaches and people who make Grapple Worlds happen.
Hosted and produced by Lou Temlett of JIU JITSU LOU, the podcast gets to know the grapplers beyond competition, their Jiu Jitsu journeys, experiences on and off the mats, approach to competition and the stories that have shaped them.
Across each season, meet the athletes preparing to step onto the Grapple Worlds stage and discover more about the people behind the match-ups.
Season 3 builds towards Grapple Worlds 3, taking place at Stadium MK on Saturday 7 November 2026.
Follow @grappleworlds for match announcements, athlete news and event updates.
Follow host and producer Lou Temlett @jiu.jitsu.lou.
THE GRAPPLE WORLDS PODCAST - Meet the grapplers behind the matches.
Henry Pike started his competitive career as a Black Belt with three losses. He followed them with eight wins.
Now he's returning to Grapple Worlds.
In Episode 10 of The Grapple Worlds Podcast, Henry Pike joins us ahead of his 78kg Prelims match against Matt MacGuire at Grapple Worlds 3.
Like so many experienced Black Belts, Henry's approach to Jiu Jitsu is built around routine, consistency and continuing to show up, including when the results don't initially go your way.
His first three competitions at Black Belt ended in losses.
Rather than allowing those results to define what came next, Henry kept working.
Eight wins followed.
Henry already knows what it feels like to win on the Grapple Worlds stage, having competed at GW1 and taken the victory.
He was supposed to return for GW2, until what can perhaps best be described as a mid-life-crisis skateboarding injury took him out before the event. 🛹😂
This time he's fit, ready and heading back to the mats.
But there's more to Henry's relationship with Jiu Jitsu than his own competition record.
As one of the hosts of the Dad Jitsu Podcast, Henry talks about the responsibility he feels within the sport and the importance of representing the positive side of the Jiu Jitsu community.
We talk about consistency, dealing with losses, building momentum, balancing the different roles Jiu Jitsu plays in his life and what it means to contribute positively to the community around him.
Three losses. Eight wins. One unfortunate skateboard. And another opportunity at Grapple Worlds. 🔥
In Episode 9 of The Grapple Worlds Podcast, Black Belt Martina Zola joins us ahead of her Grapple Worlds debut and 65kg Title Match against Melissa Hill at GW3.
For Martina, the invitation came as both a surprise and an honour.
She had already been watching Grapple Worlds from afar, including seeing Aino Kartela take the win at GW2, so being invited to step onto the same stage herself was something special.
And then she discovered there was a 65kg title on the line.
We talk about the opportunity, preparing to face Melissa Hill and what it means to be trusted with a title match on her first appearance at Grapple Worlds.
Martina also shares an interesting perspective on the growing visibility of events like Grapple Worlds.
For competitors, seeing high-level grappling consistently appearing across social media isn't just entertainment, it's helping athletes discover events, follow what's happening in the sport and find new opportunities to compete.
Now Martina goes from watching Grapple Worlds to becoming part of it.
Martina Zola. Melissa Hill.
65kg Title Match.
One belt waiting at GW3. 🔥
Get to know Martina before she makes her Grapple Worlds debut at Stadium MK.
Sam Gibbs has beaten Jack Sear before. At Grapple Worlds 3, he intends to do it again - this time with a title on the line.
In Episode 8 of The Grapple Worlds Podcast, we meet Sam Gibbs ahead of his Grapple Worlds debut and Title Match against Jack Sear at Stadium MK on Saturday 7 November.
Sam and Jack aren't complete strangers on the competition mats. They previously met at ADCC Pro, where Sam came away with the win.
Now they meet again.
Sam is a father, husband and works in tech, but alongside the responsibilities of everyday life he's fiercely determined about what he still wants to achieve in Jiu Jitsu.
When he turned 30, Sam made something very clear to his coach: keep matching me with the Adults.
And that's where he intends to stay until he's at least 40.
We talk about balancing family, work and serious training, setting goals and finding the time and energy to pursue them. Sam is an all-round player who isn't looking for the easier route - he wants the matches that continue to challenge him and push his Jiu Jitsu forward.
There's no shortage of energy in this conversation either.
Sam brings bags of it, alongside a very clear sense of where he wants his Jiu Jitsu to go.
Now the next challenge is waiting:
Grapple Worlds debut.
Title Match.
Jack Sear.
And the opportunity to make it two wins from two. 🔥
Get to know Sam Gibbs before he steps onto the GW3 mats.
GW3 - EP7: MELISSA HILL
Season 3 · Episode 7
Friday, September 25, 2026 • Duration 30:55
For years, Melissa Hill has admired Martina Zola. At Grapple Worlds 3, she gets to face her for the first time.
In Episode 7 of The Grapple Worlds Podcast, Black Belt Melissa Hill joins us ahead of her Grapple Worlds debut at Stadium MK on Saturday 7 November 2026.
Melissa is returning to the competition circuit after navigating significant health challenges with Topical Steroid Withdrawal, while continuing to coach and remain connected to Jiu Jitsu throughout.
Now she's back competing, and GW3 presents an opportunity she's genuinely grateful for.
Across many years in Jiu Jitsu, Melissa's relationship with the sport has continued to evolve. After ending her professional dancing career at just 20, she found a renewed passion and purpose in Jiu Jitsu, bringing with her a thoughtful approach to movement, learning and development.
We talk about how Melissa learns, the experiences that have shaped her as an athlete and coach, returning to competition, and what it means to finally share the mats with an athlete she has admired for so long.
And when it comes to the match itself?
Melissa is coming to sub hunt, with plenty of wrestling in the mix.
This is a conversation full of perspective, experience and genuine gratitude for the opportunities Jiu Jitsu continues to bring.
Melissa would also like to give a special thank you to Declan Moody for all his support in helping her prepare for these matches:
“He’s a superstar.”
Get to know Melissa Hill before she makes her Grapple Worlds debut against Martina Zola.
FOLLOW MELISSA
GW3 - EP6: GAVIN STEWART
Season 3 · Episode 6
Friday, September 18, 2026 • Duration 26:07
Gavin Stewart has been behind the microphone at Grapple Worlds before. This time, he’s stepping onto the mats.
In Episode 6 of The Grapple Worlds Podcast, we meet Gavin “Razzamatazz” Stewart ahead of his Grapple Worlds competitive debut against Mo Coles at GW3.
Having previously brought his personality to Grapple Worlds as MC, Gavin is returning in a very different role, ready to compete and bring some classic 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu to Stadium MK.
And if you listened to Episode 3, you'll already know the man waiting for him.
Gavin faces Mo Coles, with the two experienced Black Belts having previously shared the competition stage at Polaris. Now they meet again at Grapple Worlds 3.
But this episode isn't all serious competition talk.
Gavin's known not only for his brilliant Jiu Jitsu, but for bringing plenty of personality with it, including the sparkly jackets and chic shoes that earned him the introduction “Gavin Razzamatazz Stewart”.
We talk Jiu Jitsu, 10th Planet, competition, his history with Mo and what we can expect when Gavin finally swaps MC duties for a place on the Grapple Worlds mats.
Expect technique. Expect personality. And perhaps expect a little razzamatazz. ✨
Get to know Gavin Stewart before his Grapple Worlds debut.
FOLLOW GAVIN
GW3 - EP5: WILLOW CRAWFORD
Season 3 · Episode 5
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 • Duration 30:01
Willow Crawford is heading from New Hampshire to England for the very first time this November, and her destination is Grapple Worlds 3.
In Episode 5 of The Grapple Worlds Podcast, we get to know Willow ahead of her appearance at GW3 at Stadium MK on Saturday 7 November 2026.
Willow has built her life around her commitment to Jiu Jitsu. Working as an Amazon delivery driver gives her the flexibility to prioritise her training, and that same determination carries into the way she approaches learning on the mats.
Sponsored by Adapt Jiu Jitsu, Willow has developed a particular love for the leg-lock game. She's curious, asks questions and actively seeks out the people and knowledge that can help move her Jiu Jitsu forward.
We talk about the work that goes into pursuing BJJ seriously, her approach to learning and development, competition, leg locks and the journey that will bring her across the Atlantic to compete in the UK for the first time.
It's a great conversation with a grappler who wants to understand why things work, who is prepared to organise her life around getting better, and isn't afraid to keep asking questions until she finds the answers.
Get to know Willow Crawford before she steps onto the Grapple Worlds stage.
In Episode 4, Lou is joined by Hayley Valentine, who will make her Grapple Worlds debut against Suzanne Wilson at GW3, taking place at Stadium MK on Saturday 7 November 2026.
But it turns out this isn't the first time their names have appeared together on a match card.
Hayley recently discovered that she and Suzanne were actually matched against each other back in 2022, when Hayley was a Purple Belt. Now, four years later, their paths cross again on the Grapple Worlds stage.
Following Episode 3 with Hayley's partner Mo Coles, we hear the other side of this Jiu Jitsu partnership and discover just how much training goes on behind the scenes as they both prepare to compete at GW3.
We talk about their tough Saturday training sessions, preparing together, Hayley's approach to competition and what it means to be stepping onto the Grapple Worlds mats for the first time.
Two competitors. One household. And plenty of hard training as Hayley and Mo prepare for GW3.
Get your tickets at grappleworlds.com and follow Grapple Worlds for match announcements and event updates.
GW3 - EP3: MO COLES
Season 3 · Episode 3
Saturday, September 5, 2026 • Duration 22:57
Welcome to Season 3 of The Grapple Worlds Podcast, hosted by Lou Temlett.
In Episode 3, Lou is joined by Black Belt Mo Coles, ahead of his match against Gavin Stewart at Grapple Worlds 3, taking place at Stadium MK on Saturday 7 November 2026.
Mo and Gavin aren't stepping onto the mats together for the first time. Their paths previously crossed on the Polaris stage a few years ago, and now they meet again at GW3.
We get to know Mo, talk about his approach to Jiu Jitsu and discover just how much work goes on behind the scenes.
For Mo, training is a constant process of problem-solving with every training partner. With more than 50 rounds a week, plus a tough all-day session every Saturday, there's a huge amount of mat time behind the Black Belt who'll be stepping onto the Grapple Worlds stage.
We talk training, competition, progression and what keeps Mo coming back to solve the next problem.
And there's more from the Coles/Valentine household to come, Mo's partner Hayley Valentine joins Lou in the next episode of The Grapple Worlds Podcast.
Get your tickets at grappleworlds.com and follow Grapple Worlds for match announcements and event updates.
GW3 - EP2: VALTER COCCO
Season 3 · Episode 2
Thursday, September 3, 2026 • Duration 22:43
Welcome to Season 3 of The Grapple Worlds Podcast, hosted by Lou Temlett.
In Episode 2, Lou is joined by Valter Cocco, who returns to the Grapple Worlds stage for GW3 at Stadium MK on Saturday 7 November 2026.
Grapple Worlds 2 was Valter’s first-ever Invitational — and now, ahead of his return for GW3, he joins Lou for another first: his first podcast appearance!
We get to know Valter, hear some of the stories behind his Jiu Jitsu journey and talk about his experience competing at GW2, what brings him back for GW3 and the match-up ahead.
And it turns out his GW3 opponent Mikey isn't entirely a stranger…
Listen to Valter’s tales and get to know the grappler behind the match before he steps onto the Grapple Worlds mats once again.
GRAPPLE WORLDS 3
Saturday 7 November 2026
Stadium MK
Get your tickets at grappleworlds.com and follow Grapple Worlds for match announcements and event updates.
Welcome to Season 3 of The Grapple Worlds Podcast, hosted by Lou Temlett.
In the first episode of the new season, Lou is joined by Katie McShane, who will be making her Grapple Worlds debut at GW3 at Stadium MK on Saturday 7 November 2026.
Katie was promoted to Purple Belt in April 2026, and we get to know the person behind the competitor, talk Jiu Jitsu and look ahead to her first appearance on the Grapple Worlds stage.
Season 3 takes us behind the matches as we build towards GW3, meeting the athletes and hearing their stories before they step out at Stadium MK.
GRAPPLE WORLDS 3
Saturday 7 November 2026
Stadium MK
Get your tickets at grappleworlds.com and follow Grapple Worlds for match announcements and event updates.
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