Ep. 3 | Brandon McCaghren on Eddie Bravo, PGF, and Jiu-Jitsu’s Future

What happens when two innovators from different Jiu-Jitsu worlds sit down for coffee? In Episode 3 of Coffee Time with Carlos Machado, Master Carlos Machado is joined by Professor Brandon McCaghren, one of the leading figures of the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system under Eddie Bravo.

This powerful conversation covers the past, present, and future of grappling. Brandon shares the lessons he learned from Eddie Bravo, his experiences with EBI (Eddie Bravo Invitational), and how he created the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) to bring a new season-based league model to the sport.

They explore what makes Eddie Bravo such a visionary, why the EBI ruleset changed competition forever, and how Combat Jiu-Jitsu (striking on the ground) reshaped the spectator experience. Carlos and Brandon also discuss the importance of collaboration in martial arts, bridging the gap between gi and no-gi Jiu-Jitsu, and what it means to grow together as a community.

For fans, athletes, and coaches alike, this episode is a masterclass in leadership, mindset, and the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu.

🌟 In this episode you’ll learn about:

• Eddie Bravo’s abundance mindset and impact on modern Jiu-Jitsu
• How the EBI rules changed the way athletes train and compete
• Why Combat Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most exciting formats today
• The creation of the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) and how it differs from traditional tournaments
• The role of storytelling and league formats in building stars and growing Jiu-Jitsu as a professional sport
• Brandon’s personal journey testing for his black belt in the gi under Carlos Machado

⏱ Timestamps

0:00 – Collaboration in Jiu-Jitsu: gi vs. no-gi worlds unite
 10:45 – Eddie Bravo’s abundance mindset and innovation
 24:30 – Why the EBI ruleset revolutionized tournaments
 41:10 – The birth of Combat Jiu-Jitsu
 55:20 – How PGF changed the way athletes compete
 1:22:15 – Philosophy of time, intuition, and flow in Jiu-Jitsu
 1:45:00 – Brandon’s gi black belt journey with Carlos Machado

📌 About the Guests

Carlos Machado is a 7th-degree coral belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a member of the legendary Machado family, and one of the pioneers of Jiu-Jitsu in America. Through teaching, competing, and mentoring, he has influenced generations of martial artists worldwide.

Brandon McCaghren is a black belt under Eddie Bravo, head instructor at 10th Planet Decatur, commentator for EBI and Combat Jiu-Jitsu, and founder of the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) which has become one of the most innovative competition formats in Jiu-Jitsu today.

🔗 Connect with Coffee Time

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