In this week's episode we are joined by Sean MacKenzie – Wrestling’s Main Event Mercenary in a deep-dive into UK pro wrestling with one of the fastest rising stars. Host Brett Summers sits down with Sean “Mr. Main Event” MacKenzie, the Rizen Limitless Champion, to break down exactly how to become a professional wrestler in the UK — from discovering WWE to training at…

In this episode we meet Mike Jones, a newly promoted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and serving British Army aircraft technician. Mike shares his full BJJ journey from white belt to black belt, how he balances military life and home life with jiu-jitsu training, and what it really takes to progress in grappling and BJJ over the long term. We dive deep into BJJ fundamentals, guard play, lapel guard, De La Riva, competition mindset, imposter syndrome, training in the army, strength & conditioning, and injury prevention — plus the mental side of competing in jiu-jitsu and why mastering the basics still matters at every belt level.

This week we are joined by a true global ambassador of British Wrestling Joel Redman. Joel is one of the most influential figures in modern British professional wrestling — former WWE NXT Tag Team Champion (one half of the first-ever NXT Tag Team Champions alongside PAC), multiple-time UK Tag Team Champion, 2x All Star Wrestling Super Slam Champion, and current Head Coach of…

This week's episode features Luke Hannaford — a Cornish wrestler, BJJ grappler, and ex-army man who’s lived a life built around grappling. Luke breaks down what Cornish wrestling is (jacket wrestling on grass, stand-up throws, points and “a back”), how he came up in the tradition, and what changed when he added Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to fill the gaps in his game.

In Ep. 54 of The Grapple of Your Eye, host Brett Summers sits down with Brett Hawthorn — a two-time World Catch Wrestling Lightweight Champion, British wrestling standout, and former boxer — to unpack the real story behind becoming (and staying) a world-class grappler. From being thrown into competitions as a kid in Bradford, to getting humbled on the international circuit, to earning a US college wrestling scholarship and experiencing the intensity of American wrestling culture, Brett shares the lessons, setbacks, and mindset shifts that shaped his journey.

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 shaped her life far beyond competition.

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 stop there.

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 him to the top, including:

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.

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 a true giant who transcended every era — both in and out of the ring.

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 all over the world.

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 favelas of Rio.His name was…

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 that still inspires…

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 Can, mma or just love hearing from heroes in the community, this episode is for you!

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, and the grind behind the glamour of pro wrestling.

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). The film tells the remarkable true story of Mildred Burke, the first million-dollar female athlete in world history and the longest reigning champion of female wrestling.

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 with issues like drugs and unemployment, John is using wrestling as a tool to build self-respect, discipline, and purpose among the youth.

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 belt ranks, how Jiu Jitsu helped his mental health and how he know enjoys coaching the young students of his gym. This is a open and honest discussion of one man's journey from the battlefield to the mat.

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. Drysdale shares some surprising stories about the evolution of Jiu Jitsu rules and techniques. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in martial arts and the deeper aspects of BJJ.

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 Scott jr/snr. He has been coaching for over 10 years, helping develop Scottish Wrestling Rising stars and leading and innvoivating kids wrestling programmes.

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 keeps rising. Whether you're a grappler, fighter, or just love a powerful story — you don't want to miss this one.

In Episode 34 our’s 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, Richard takes us on a journey through time — sharing what it was like to grow up in a Cornish wrestling family, surrounded by a unique grappling tradition that's been practiced for centuries.

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 Destroyer, this is the untold story of a man who became a postwar legend and a national obsession.

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, showcasing his journey from a working-class background to achieving greatness in a sport that was still forming its identity, even planting a little seed in the future of catch as catch can wrestling. This is the story of Väinö Ketonen: hooker, champion, and one of the toughest men you’ve probably never heard of.

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 the Southsea Grapple…