Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting

This is the Stephan Kesting's Grapplearts Radio Podcast where we discuss BJJ, Grappling, MMA, and all manner of martial arts training.

Stephan runs Grapplearts.com, where he has published many hundreds of martial arts videos, articles and tutorials.

His free guide to learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, A Roadmap for BJJ, has been downloaded more than 10,000 times and has become a foundational text for the art. Click here to download that book for free as well.

Stephan has a lengthy career in martial arts, spanning more than 3 decades.  He has dedicated many years to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and you can find his accessible and practical expertise on all BJJ matters at Grapplearts.com

A black belt in multiple martial art systems, he brings a range of approaches to self defense, and a critical eye for what works in the street.

Stephan has been featured in Black Belt Magazine, Ultimate Grappling, Tapout Magazine and Ultimate Athlete.

He is also a frequent guest on martial arts related podcasts, including The Fightworks Podcast, Atlantic MMA, Combatives Corner, The Warrior’s Den, The Spartan Underground and many more.

Sep 23, 2024

Would you like a behind-the-scenes peek at what really goes on at one of the most successful grappling teams in the world as they get ready for ADCC and CJI, the Olympics of grappling?

Today I'm joined by Chris Wojcik, a standout grappler and the author of The Grappler's Diary, and we cover...

  • The qualifying process...


Aug 26, 2024

Ramsey Dewey is an MMA coach now based in Shanghai, China.  I really enjoyed our conversation which included...

  • How wearing headgear in sparring actually makes things WORSE for your brain
  • His controversey with Master Wong
  • Why China could take over MMA
  • What self defense 'experts' get wrong
  • What happens to martial arts...


Aug 5, 2024

I just did a 19-day solo canoe trip in the Canadian Arctic, and here are the 3 big lessons I learned!

If you want to see photos and a day-by-day description of the trip please go here: https://essentialwilderness.com/lost-in-the-barrens-a-solo-canoe-trip-on-a-remote-arctic-river/

Order my book "Perseverance, Life and...


May 7, 2024

In this episode I put on my adventurer hat and use my biology background to look at four studies and 352 aggressive bear encounters in Alaska to see whether bear spray or firearms was more effective at deterring aggressive black, grizzly and polar bear behaviour. The results may surprise you, but data doesn't care about...


Apr 12, 2024

There are times when it feels like life has you trapped on the bottom of mount against a vastly heavier, more experienced opponent intent on mauling you.  The steps to deal with these two situations are the same.  

Pass this on to someone you think it might help,

Stephan Kesting

P.S.  I made one little mistake in this...