Jiujitsu Couples Therapy
By: Joshua Citrak
Language: en
Categories: Society, Culture, Relationships, Sports
Therapy is in session! Susan and Joshua Citrak- Tom DeBlasse Masters 5 brown belts- discuss our journey, training together as a couple, being a martial arts family, life as an older jiujitsu athlete, keeping the proper mindset and perspective in training and so much more. (This is not a podcast about techniques, drama, dissecting matches, though we do reserve the right to do any or all of them on any given episode)
Episodes
Burnout/Jiu Jitsu for the Streets
Dec 15, 2025In this episode of Jiu Jitsu Couples Therapy, we discuss the importance of taking breaks, but also give you clues and cues for making sure you find your way back to training, the impact of betting on sports, pausing your gym membership and the downstream effects to your gym and team, ways to keep training even when your budget may not be able to afford it, we add to the no go vs go only debate and Susan gives some tips for gym owners to keep those wanting a break engaged in the gym.
Chapters<...
Duration: 00:52:02"Dumb Jiujitsu Traditions/ Hard Lessons" JCCT Ep. 9
Dec 08, 2025In this episode of Jiujitsu Couples Therapy, Joshua and Susan Citrak discuss the varied paths one takes to becoming a black belt, belt gauntlets, the tone they set for the gym and what other negative aspects of training it implicates. Traditions that aren’t useful should be examined and discarded. Joshua also reflects on the business side of Jiu Jitsu, the deep care they had for their students and the transactional stance most people take in purchasing any service.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jiu Jitsu Couples Therapy
05:30 The Journey to Bl...
Duration: 00:55:44Being Playful/Good Competitor, Bad Teacher?
Dec 01, 2025In this episode of Jiu Jitsu Couples Therapy, the hosts discuss the dynamics of training together as a couple in the context of Jiu Jitsu. They explore the balance between competition and teaching, the importance of playfulness in training, and how to enhance the experience for all partners involved. The conversation delves into the mindset of competitors versus instructors, the challenges of maintaining a fun and technical environment, and the influence of Brazilian culture on the playful aspects of Jiu Jitsu.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jiu Jitsu Couples Therapy
05:28 The...
Duration: 00:42:14Cannabis in Jiujitsu/IBJJF Ruleset is Dumb?
Nov 24, 2025In this episode of JJCT Joshua and Susan discuss their experiences at the No Gi Pans tournament in New York, how they barely make weight, navigated the pot heads in the parking lot, bemoaned the lack of facilities for athletes and crucially, didn’t try to fight the refs. They critique the IBJJF's tournament structure and express a desire for community engagement to improve the future of Jiu Jitsu.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jiu Jitsu Couples Therapy
09:53 Challenges Faced During Competition
19:48 Reflections on Competition and Personal Gr...
Duration: 00:53:32No Gi Pans/Positional vs. Free Rolling
Nov 17, 2025In this episode of Jiu Jitsu Couples Therapy, the hosts discuss the importance of mindset in training, the value of competition in martial arts, and how to communicate effectively with training partners. They explore the debate on whether competing is necessary to truly understand Jiu Jitsu, emphasizing that intentional training and personal growth are key components of the journey. The conversation also highlights the significance of being assertive in training and the necessity of losing to learn and improve.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Jiu Jitsu Couples Therapy
11:09 The Pressure of Competition and...
Duration: 00:55:01Training While Expecting/Gym Owner's PTSD
Nov 10, 2025In this episode of Jiu Jitsu Couples Therapy, Joshua and Susan Citrak discuss the unique challenges and experiences of training in Jiu Jitsu as a couple, particularly during pregnancy and post-pregnancy. They emphasize the importance of community support, the realities of running a Jiu Jitsu gym, and the need for appreciation towards coaches. The conversation highlights the resilience required in martial arts and the significance of maintaining a positive mindset throughout the journey.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jiu Jitsu Couples Therapy
08:52 The Importance of Exercise for Pregnant Women
20:11 Celebrating Achievements...
Duration: 00:44:26Choose Wisely/ Navigating Misogyny
Nov 03, 2025In this episode of Jiu Jitsu Couples Therapy, Joshua and Susan Citrak discuss various aspects of training in Jiu Jitsu as a couple, including the dynamics of switching teams, the importance of choosing training partners wisely, and the unique challenges faced by older grapplers. They also delve into the significance of self-defense for women in martial arts and the pervasive issue of misogyny within the sport. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on navigating gym politics and the importance of fostering a respectful training environment.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jiu Jitsu Couples Therapy
<... Duration: 00:44:30Gym Romance/Training While Expecting
Oct 27, 2025In this episode of Jiu Jitsu Couples Therapy, Joshua and Susan discuss the complexities of training together as a couple in the martial arts world. They explore the dynamics of relationships within the gym, the challenges of dating fellow practitioners, and the importance of individual growth in Jiu Jitsu. The conversation emphasizes the need for patience, understanding, and the potential pitfalls of mixing romance with training, ultimately advising against dating within the gym environment.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jiu Jitsu Couples Therapy
05:15 Training Together as a Couple
15:31 Dating at the...
Duration: 00:39:34Train Your Training Partners
Oct 20, 2025Summary
In this episode of Jiu-Jitsu Couples Therapy, Joshua and Susan discuss their experiences training together as a couple, the challenges of competition training as older grapplers, and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. They also delve into the complexities of keeping their children engaged in Jiu-Jitsu, addressing issues of promotion and recognition, of wins and losses and the life lessons learned through martial arts, particularly resilience.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu Couples Therapy
11:34 Mindset and Competition Challenges
21:22 Navigating Kids' Engagement in Jiu-Jitsu
35:07 Resilience and...
Duration: 00:36:27How it Started, How it's Going
Oct 15, 2025Summary In this episode of Jiu Jitsu Couples Therapy, Joshua and Susan discuss the dynamics of training together as a couple, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by older athletes in a sport often dominated by younger, stronger practitioners. They emphasize the importance of technique over strength, the need for mindfulness in training, and the significance of choosing the right training partners. The conversation also touches on the role of tradition in Jiu Jitsu, the challenges of open mats, and the necessity of communication and teaching in fostering a supportive training environment. Ultimately, they reflect on the importance of...
Duration: 00:47:08