The training environment and culture of individual Jiu Jitsu schools can be distinctly unique in their approaches to teaching the “gentle art”. Every grappling club will have a distinct vibe that is a fusion of the design aesthetic of the school, the personality of the instructor, the energy of the community, and lastly, the sonic spectrum that is playing through the sound system during training rounds. These factors will contribute to the overall feel of a school and will undoubtedly become an integral part of the critical decision to sign-up and join a grappling team for the long haul. At Authentic Jiu Jitsu, we endeavour to thoughtfully curate soundtracks that accompany training and this blog series is dedicated to keeping the tunes fresh and the good times rolling.
Turnstile
Hardcore punk poetry to accompany good times and good training.
Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Turnstile is a hardcore punk band that has recently seen commercial success because of their unique take on punk rock. I found their music as a result of a YouTube algorithm that linked to a NPR Records “tiny desk” concert. The band was playing lo-fi renditions of their songs; this stripped back performance was a gentle introduction to their usual cathartic sound which consists of growling guitar riffs and a thunderous attack on the drum kit. Turnstile’s unique style took some time to vibe with but once the sound “clicked”, their tunes have been played often at Authentic Jiu Jitsu ever since.
Tunes For Rolling:
“Mystery”
“Real Thing”
“Holiday”
“Don’t Play”
“Can’t Deny It”
Thrice
Progressive rock, joint locks, and a ten minute round on the clock.
Thrice was formed in 1998 by two friends attending high school in Irvine, California. Thrice is an eclectic band and they have covered significant musical ground in their decades long career. Thrice was initially known for writing catchy hardcore punk songs that culminated in their critically acclaimed album “The Artist in the Ambulance”. The band, however, changed musical direction and leaned into a subdued progressive approach to their writing in later albums. Thrice went on hiatus in 2011 but was later re-established in 2015 after the founding members attended a concert together (the band they were checking out was Brand New, another stellar group worth checking out) and decided to give music another shot. Since that watershed moment, Thrice have continued to create a dynamic cocktail of music which is difficult to categorize but always pleasant to listen to.
Tunes For Rolling:
“The Artist in the Ambulance”
“The Grey”
“Scavengers”
“Image of the Invisible”
“In Exile”
Moon Tooth
Energize Jiu Jitsu sessions with some masterful metal riffage.
Moon Tooth delivers a good ol’ punch to the gut within the progressive metal genre. I only recently discovered the band at a local concert as they opened the venue and were absolutely crushing the room with their live performance. Moon Tooth has been making music and touring since 2012 but only recently gained significant attention with their newest album titled “Phototroph” which was released in 2022 and celebrated for its eclectic sounds. Moon Tooth orchestrates music that is both unique and compelling; it isn't everyday that a vocalist of a metal band has musical influences that consist of blues artists of generations past such as the infamous Muddy Waters.
Tunes For Rolling:
“Alpha Howl”
“Grimothy”
“Awe at All Angles”
“Through Ash”
“Carry Me Home”
Blink-182
Put on your gi and practice but please don’t take off your pants and… yeah, let's stop there.
One of the greatest pop-punk bands to grace the airwaves, Blink-182 is the unofficial soundtrack to every millennial's most awkward years. From the underlying silliness of the early albums “Dude Ranch” and “Enema of the State” to one of the most hilarious titled albums ever “Take off your Pants and Jacket” and eventually settling into a rock-centered approach with “Neighborhoods”, and “California”; Blink-182 are experts in crafting songs that are relatable to listeners, irresistibly catchy, and unapologetically quirky. Additionally, with the surprising news of Tom Delonge rejoining Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker after a decade of absence spent chasing space aliens, the popularity of the band has returned to astronomical hype levels.
Tunes For Rolling:
“The Rock Show”
“Dammit”
“All The Small Things”
“Feeling This”
“Anthem Part 3”
Until next time, stay cool, be kind, and keep rolling.
Benjamin Kool is a content creator and the head instructor/owner of Authentic Jiu Jitsu in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Before founding Authentic Jiu Jitsu Calgary, Ben worked in Alberta as a school teacher and is an alumni of the University of Calgary (B.A. European History, B.Ed. Master of Teaching Program).
Website: www.authenticjiujitsu.com
Instagram: @authenticjiujitsu
YouTube Channel: Authentic Jiu Jitsu
