Grapple Asia Podcast Grapple Asia Interview Ep. 43: Kieran Kichuk | Navigating Global Jiu-Jitsu
16 snips
Mar 14, 2026 
Kieran Kichuk, a Canadian pro jiu-jitsu competitor and instructor known for submission-first no-gi and international seminars. He discusses making Team Canada, competing at IBJJF No-Gi Euros and Heroes, shifting from gi to no-gi, Europe's no-gi boom, building a self-coaching system, seminar-tour tradeoffs, class structure and sustainable coaching, and plans to open a club while continuing to tour.
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Europe No-Gi Level Rapidly Rising
- Europe’s no-gi level has exploded across belts; the meta is evolving yearly as more players learn leg locks and defensive tactics.
- Kieran observed widespread intelligent leg-lock defence and tactical meta play at No-Gi Euros.
Split Time Between Elite And Casual Gyms
- If you train at an elite, high-skill room like B-Team, split time between high-level sessions and lower-pressure gyms to experiment and develop new skills.
- Kieran recommends 4 B-Team sessions plus lower-level sessions to try unfamiliar techniques without being 'slaughtered'.
How To Self Coach Effectively
- Build a self-coaching system: consume quality instructionals, do tape study, and intentionally create training situations to practice new skills.
- Embrace losing in practice so you can adapt; aim to leave practice better, not just win rounds.
