Explore every episode of the podcast The Grapple Of Your Eye

This week on The Grapple of Your Eye, we’re joined by the incredible Brian R. Solomon — renowned writer, historian, and podcaster — to dive deep into his latest book, “Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon.” From the golden age of wrestling to the rise of modern sports entertainment, Gorilla Monsoon was […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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). […]

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 […]

Step inside the ring with a true British wrestling legend – James Mason! In this episode of The Grapple of Your Eye, we sit down with one of the most respected and enduring figures in UK wrestling. James discusses growing up with the golden days of World of Sport to travelling the globe and mentoring […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

In Episode 34 our 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, […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

In this week’s episode 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 […]

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!

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 […]

In this week’s episode we chat 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!

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!

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!

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.

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 […]

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 […]

Trevor Birmingham is the co-founder and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu head coach of Neon Martial Arts and Fitness Centre Southampton. He is a highly decorated Sport Jiu Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo black belt. Trevor is one of few people in United Kingdom to hold a black belt in three different martial arts. From a […]

In this week’s episode we chat to Jon Bell, MRes, “BSc*, PGCE, PCert, FHEA, MSST. Jon is a Therapeutic and Rehabilitation sciences lecturer at Leeds Beckett University’s School of Health. He is also head of Sports medicine and performance for the GB wrestling team and has previously worked at Teesside and Moulton University. He has […]

In this week’s episode we chat with Bonnie Violence, one of the fastest emerging names in the U.K. female grappling scene.

In this week’s episode we chat to Wei “Kilo” Tran – a man whose Martials Arts journey took him from Wing Chun to Wigan!

In this week’s episode we investigate what impact Martial Arts might have on the focus of kids with ADHD…

In Episode 10 we chat to Dan “The Beast” Severn – a man who is celebrated as one of the leading pioneers of mixed martial arts and the first true world-class wrestler to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Dan is renowned for his extraordinary achievements in the early years of the UFC, becoming the […]

In this week’s episode we chat with Ahileas Bolovan of Ahileas’ Wrestling World and Neon Martial Arts & Fitness in Southampton, England. Ahileas is an accomplished wrestler and BJJ Blackbelt who takes time with us to discuss his life as a freestyle wrestler, developing wrestling classes for all, his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experiences, recruiting and […]

In this week’s episode we chat with Ian “Mongoose” Jones a BJJ Black Belt, M.M.A. fighter, and former Muay Thai Champion, Kickboxing Champion, and World Catch Wrestling Champion.

In this week’s episode we chat with Bryony Tyrell, the reigning Snake Pit Catch Wrestling World Flyweight Champion, British Freestyle Wrestling Champion and Pro MMA Champion.  Bryony trains with New Generation Martial Arts, Team CrossFace, and Wessex Olympic Wrestling. Bryony’s Upcoming Match: Bryony at the Snake Pit 2014 World Championship…

In this week’s episode we chat to one of the busiest men in British Wrestling, Trevor Hoskins. He is a long-term volunteer who works as the British Wrestling Membership Secretary, Club Coach, Coach Education, Competition Support, and Regional Squad Manager. What does this involve? How does he fit it all in? Find out in this […]

In this week’s episode we chat to Catch Wrestling world championship competitor Kev Lloyd – a man who walks the line between professional wrestling and catch wrestling. We discuss his experiences in both and his job as one of the main trainers of the world famous Wigan Snake Pit!

In this episode we focus on grappling and fitness pioneer Martin “Farmer” Burns. You can read Burns’ Lessons in Wrestling and Physical Culture HERE.

 In Episode 3 we turn our attention to the legend that is The Great Gama. A wrestler who went undefeated in a career spanning more than 52 years!

In Episode 2 we look at Leontiskos of Messene, a prominent ancient Greek wrestler renowned for his unconventional and controversial technique of finger bending. SHOW NOTES: Leontiskos of Messene was a prominent ancient Greek wrestler renowned for his unconventional and controversial technique of finger bending. He secured two Olympic victories in the men’s wrestling events […]

Welcome to our first episode which serves more as a trailer of what is to come. It is short but sweet but stay tuned for a lot more in the future. SHOW NOTES: Wrestling is one of humanity’s oldest forms of combat, with roots stretching back thousands of years. It has been practiced across cultures […]