Josh McKinney is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, coach, and community builder. In this episode, he traces his evolution from competitor to coach and shares what it took to grow a thriving Jiu-Jitsu academy — including the setbacks, the self-awareness required to keep improving, and the discipline of showing up consistently.

The conversation centers on a theme the show returns to often: individuals have to build themselves internally before they can produce meaningful results in the world. McKinney discusses how understanding his own learning style shaped his development, and why recognizing personal strengths and weaknesses is essential to progress both on the mat and off it.

McKinney is candid about the role of consistency. He notes that falling out of a training rhythm is often what leads people to discouragement and quitting — and that maintaining a steady cadence is one of the simplest, most reliable drivers of long-term growth. He also describes the transformative side of Jiu-Jitsu: beyond physical fitness, it builds a supportive community that can reshape a person’s social circle and sense of belonging.

For listeners who feel stuck or adrift in their own pursuits, the episode offers a grounded roadmap — engage authentically with your passion, commit to the process, and let self-awareness and community carry the growth.

QUICK FACTS
Podcast: Humans That Build
Host: Adam Marburger (AdamMarburger.com)
Guest: Josh McKinney, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and coach
Guest links: isuckatjiujitsu.com, headnodhq.com
Episode topics: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, coaching, personal growth, self-awareness, consistency, community building
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and HumansThatBuild.com
Created and produced by: Tamara Patzer, PhD

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is Josh McKinney?
Josh McKinney is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, coach, and community builder who has grown a thriving Jiu-Jitsu academy. He is connected to projects including I Suck at Jiu Jitsu and Head Nod HQ.

What does Josh McKinney discuss on Humans That Build?
McKinney discusses his evolution from competitor to coach, the challenges of building a Jiu-Jitsu academy, the importance of understanding your learning style, the role of consistent training, and how Jiu-Jitsu builds both fitness and community.

What is the main theme of this episode?
The central theme is personal and professional growth through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — specifically the idea that internal development, self-awareness, and consistency come before external success, and that community is central to sustaining growth.

Where can I listen to this episode of Humans That Build?
The episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and at HumansThatBuild.com.

About Humans That Build
Humans That Build is a leadership and business podcast documenting the people who build real things — companies, teams, systems, and cultures — through discipline, responsibility, and execution. The show features long-form conversations with founders, executives, operators, and leaders who have earned their authority through experience rather than hype. It is created and produced by Tamara Patzer, PhD, and hosted by Adam Marburger (AdamMarburger.com).

Listen on Audible: https://www.amazon.com/Humans-That-Build/dp/B0GR6K316G