Suji Sessions: Joe Mascarretti

Welcome to Suji Sessions—where we sit down with athletes, coaches, and everyday movers to talk recovery, resilience, and what it means to keep doing what you love, pain-free.

This week we feature Joe Mascarretti—strength coach, jiu jitsu black belt, and former pro lacrosse player—talking about pain, performance, and why Suji’s become a staple in his routine.

Suji Sessions: Joe Mascarretti

Hey Joe, let’s start from the top. What’s your background—athletically and as a coach?
I grew up playing football and lacrosse. I ended up playing lacrosse at Hofstra University and eventually made it to the pro league. Honestly, I wasn’t the most naturally gifted guy on the team, but I loved to train. That’s how I leveled up—just outworking people.

After that, I got into jiu jitsu and competed for years, eventually earning my black belt under Matt Serra. Around the same time, I started coaching—first in college strength and conditioning, then transitioning into 1:1 work. These days, I mostly coach former athletes in their 20s and 30s who still want to train like athletes, but also want to feel good doing it.

Have you ever had an injury that shifted how you approached training?
Absolutely. When I was younger, I’d just push through everything. If something hurt, I’d tape it up and go. But over time, that approach catches up with you. I had a few injuries that really forced me to stop and rethink things. Now I’m all about staying ahead of pain instead of reacting to it. Performance still matters—but not at the cost of longevity.

Before Suji came into the picture, what was your recovery routine like?
A little bit of everything. Foam rolling, lacrosse balls, isometric work, sauna, red light, ice baths, massage guns, massage rollers. Some of it helped, but most of it felt like I was just managing symptoms—not solving the problem.

So how did Suji land on your radar?
Jason and Lauren Pak posted about it—Lauren was working through an ACL rehab—and that got me curious again about BFR. I’d used something similar years ago during my own ACL rehab, but back then it was only available in PT clinics. Or you’d find knockoff versions on Amazon that didn’t really do much. I didn’t realize there was a legit version out there now that you could actually use at home.

What stood out to you in those early Suji sessions?
Right away, I felt it. It wasn’t just relief—it was like my muscles were turning on again. It activated muscles I’d been trying to target for years, and I could feel the effect for days. It gave me the sense that I was building protection, not just bouncing back.

“Relief That Rebuilds” is the heart of what we do—what does that phrase mean to you?
It means building armor. Suji doesn’t just make you feel better for your next session—it actually makes your body harder to break down. Stronger muscles. More joint support. And that’s what lets you keep showing up. Whether it’s jiu jitsu, lifting, or coaching—Suji helps me keep doing what I love. Not just today, but hopefully for the next 20, 25 years.

Who do you think Suji’s perfect for?
Anyone who moves. Whether you’re dealing with pain or just want to stay sharp and train smart, Suji fits. Athlete or not—if you care about staying active and building longevity, it’s for you.

Where can people follow your work?
You can find me on Instagram @3sixtyathletics. I post a lot about strength, jiu jitsu, and training in a way that helps you keep moving for life.