41. Inside The Minds of BJJ + MMA Legends: Rafael Lovato Jr. & Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida

Guyssss I’m obsessed with this interview! 🤩 I grabbed these two legends for a Q&A — live at Jiu-Jitsu Con, and it’s one of my favorites of all time.

This episode of Get A Grip brings together Rafael Lovato Jr. and Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida (two of the most accomplished and respected athletes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu history)…

for a rare, open conversation about what it really takes to perform at the highest level.

We dive into everything from competition-day rituals to the mindset behind chasing greatness over decades on the mats.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

⚔️ How Lovato and Buchecha mentally and physically prepare for competition day

🧠 The toughest matches they’ve ever faced — and how they handled the pressure

💪🏼 Their advice for handling fatigue, adrenaline, and recovery

🏆 What it actually feels like to achieve your championship dream again and again

☕️ Their top coffee picks (yes, this is crucial intel 😂)

🕰 Tips for longevity and thriving in Jiu-Jitsu well into your 50s and beyond

It’s a rare look into the minds of two champions who’ve not only built legacy, but continue to redefine it.

If you love hearing the why and how behind greatness, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now and tag us with your biggest takeaway. Connect with me on Instagram @kendallreusing & the pod page @getagripwithk.

💫 PS… here are a few upcoming things to check out. 🤍👇🏼

🌺🥋✨🌈 Come to Hawaii with me (aka PARADISE — my all-inclusive BJJ vacation with Kekoa Collective in Feb. 2026) tickets are already 30% sold out at the time of this posting – https://kendallreusing.com/events

Join the JJA 1:1 Mentorship Waitlist (re-opening in a couple months, my waitlist gets first access to spots): – https://kendallreusing.com

Come to JJA IRL Dec. 6 + 7 – Newport Beach, CA – https://kendallreusing.com/events

K Merch (Discount Code “Champion10” for podcast listeners) – https://kendallreusing.com/shop

0:00 Start 0:01 Intro 0:22 How Do You Prepare On Comp Day? 7:28 What Was The Toughest Match To Prepare For Mentally & Physically? 12:47 How to Prepare Outside Comp For Physical Fatigue & The Adrenaline? 20:21 What Is It Like Achieving Your Championship Dream Multiple Times? 28:27 What's The Best Coffee You've Had? 28:54 What Advice For 54 Yo With Longevity In BJJ?