📄 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
A broken neck threatened Ben “Spud” Robson’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu career just months after he started his gym. In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, the BJJ black belt, coach and Combat Fuel athlete shares what happened — and how returning to the mats changed his approach to competition, pressure and life.
Spud describes the freak sparring accident that left him with a fractured vertebra and a numb arm, followed by a hospital wait wondering whether he would ever compete again. He explains how that experience helped him stop putting so much pressure on results and start competing for the love of the sport.
From starting jiu-jitsu at 16 in rural West Wales to becoming the UKBJJ number-one-ranked brown belt and earning his black belt in August 2021, Spud’s journey brings together competition, resilience and a fascination with human performance.
But his story goes beyond the mats.
We explore his sport and exercise science studies at Cardiff Met, his master’s focused on biomechanics, time working and training in Italy, and PhD research into concussion in rugby through an opportunity with the Welsh Rugby Union. Spud explains why he stepped away before completing the final PhD requirements and chose to build a life around coaching and jiu-jitsu.
He also opens up about black belt imposter syndrome, competition nerves, getting choked unconscious in a tournament, and why earning a black belt felt like starting again.
As the coach behind Faber Jiu-Jitsu, Spud discusses growing from around 10 beginners to more than 100 members, building a welcoming gym culture, and prioritising good people and good jiu-jitsu. He shares his experience coaching UFC bantamweight Melissa, awarding her his first black belt inside the UFC Apex octagon, and supporting her through the disappointment of a cancelled fight after her opponent missed weight.
We also discuss confidence, men’s mental health, women in jiu-jitsu, grappling for police officers, and why you don’t need to get fit before walking into a BJJ gym.
🥋 IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:
• Breaking his neck during sparring and returning to competition
• Starting Brazilian jiu-jitsu in rural West Wales
• Gi and no-gi competition, nerves and learning through experience
• Becoming the UKBJJ number-one-ranked brown belt
• Earning a BJJ black belt and dealing with imposter syndrome
• Sports science, biomechanics and concussion research
• Leaving academia to start Faber Jiu-Jitsu
• Growing a gym from around 10 beginners to over 100 members
• Coaching, belt standards and the problem with hero worship
• Coaching a UFC athlete and supporting fighters through setbacks
• Jiu-jitsu, community, confidence and men’s mental health
• Women in BJJ and staying calm under pressure
• Why Spud believes police officers should train grappling
• His experience using Combat Fuel Optimize, Hydrate and creatine
• Finding purpose without making sport your whole identity
Whether you’re a BJJ beginner, a competitive grappler, an MMA fan or a coach, this conversation explores Brazilian jiu-jitsu, black belt progression, combat sports, athlete mindset, sports science and building a community on the mats.
👤 GUEST: BEN “SPUD” ROBSON
BJJ Black Belt | Faber Jiu-Jitsu Coach | Combat Fuel Athlete
Find Spud on Instagram: @spudjitsu
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⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. Experiences and opinions shared are personal to the speakers.
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What has jiu-jitsu taught you about handling pressure or setbacks? Let us know in the comments.
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