BJJ Charleston Podcast

The BJJ Charleston Podcast explores the people, stories, and experiences that shape the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community in Charleston, South Carolina and beyond.

Hosted by David McWilliams, each episode features conversations with athletes, coaches, academy owners, competitors, and everyday practitioners from across the Carolinas and around the world. While Jiu-Jitsu is the common thread, the discussions go far beyond the mats.

Guests share stories of success, failure, adversity, resilience, entrepreneurship, family, recovery, personal growth, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you're a lifelong grappler, a casual fan, or simply interested in hearing compelling human stories, you'll find something here.

Real people. Real conversations. Real stories.

New episodes released regularly.

Podcasting since 2025 • 43 episodes

BJJ Charleston Podcast

Latest Episodes

Podcast 43: Sean McSwain | Church 242, Hanahan Jiu-Jitsu, & Water Mission

Sean McSwain is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, founder & senior pastor of Church 242 in Hanahan, SC, and owner & head instructor at Hanahan Jiu-Jitsu. He's a former Naval officer and member of Water Mission; a North Charleston–based ...

September 22, 2026 • Episode 43 • 2:04:54

Podcast 42: Pepe Lacerda | Gold Star Family, Unorthodox Promotions, & Anderson Silva

Pedro "Pepe" Lacerda is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, competitor, and coach at Gracie Barra Charleston & Gracie Barra West Ashley. He frequently cross-trains at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Charleston and is a fixture in the competition scene, incl...

September 18, 2026 • Episode 42 • 1:37:31

Podcast 41: Miyo Strong | The Elizabeth Smart Foundation, Sexual Violence, & Engaged Fathers

Miyo Strong is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the Program Director of Smart Defense for the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. She helps lead a trauma-informed self-defense program designed to give woman and girls practical tools to recognize da...

September 15, 2026 • Episode 41 • 1:10:36

Podcast 40: Jeff Robertson | Folly Jiu Jitsu, The Crack Den, & The Domestic Dispute Call

Jeff Robertson is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, head instructor at Folly Jiu Jitsu, and a retired Charleston Police Department law enforcement officer. A life long martial artist, he served 26 years and retired as a Sergeant and the lead de...

September 11, 2026 • Episode 40 • 1:17:42

Podcast 39: Henrique Carepa | IBJJF, Teaching Children, & Moving To Charleston

Henrique Carepa is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the owner, operator, & instructor at Gracie Barra Charleston & Gracie Barra West Ashley. He is also a former director of IBJJF & AJP USA. Originally from Brazil, Henrique has b...

September 08, 2026 • Episode 39 • 1:11:18

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