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Your guide to a conceptual and intelligent Jiu-Jitsu approach. BJJ black belt Steve Kwan and a slate of expert guests explain the concepts, strategies, and tactics behind the gentle art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
468 Episodes
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In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the idea of learning modalities. The old concept of "learning styles" has been debunked; here's what we use instead. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Menta...
In this episode of State of the Meta, Marcelo Garcia vs Lachlan Giles takes center stage as Drew breaks down ONE Fight Night 38’s generational clash. He explores each legend’s style, career arc, and signature weapons (from Marcelo’s pressure, wrestle-ups, and guillotines to Giles’ K-guard leg-lock traps), while examining age narratives, meta trends, and realistic paths to victory for both icons. This free bonus episode is from Drew Foster's excellent State of the Meta podcast, exclusively av...
This week, we're joined by BJJ and Judo black belt, Dr. Chris Round! Chris is the Executive Director at Martial Arts for Social Transformation, Equity, and Rights (MASTERs). In this episode, Chris explains the helpful gripfighting scorecard from his Tactical Grip Fighting system. Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris__circle Learn about Martial Arts for Social Transformation, Equity, and Rights (MASTERs): https://www.martialartsforsocialgood.org Get Chris' instructiona...
In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the importance of defending with purpose: making sure that when you defend, you do so with the intent of advancing position, not just surviving the attack. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjj...
This week, we're joined again by Chris Wojcik! In this episode, Chris explores the tension between digital and real-world Jiu-Jitsu learning. Topics include: the limits of instructionals, the value of in-person training, communication challenges in teaching, and how grapplers can balance study with mat time. Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismwojcik Get Chris' instructionals on BJJ Fanatics: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_chris-wojci...
In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the importance of respecting your opponent: not only for moral reasons, but because it leads to better grappling outcomes. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ ...
This week, we're joined by 10th Planet standout Keith Krikorian! In this episode, Keith shares his thoughts on mental health, community, and staying grounded in an increasingly chaotic world. Keith shares how Jiu-Jitsu builds confidence, connection, and emotional resilience, why the sport attracts so many unique personalities, and how gratitude transformed both his mindset and his game. Follow Keith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkrikorian Mental models discussed in this epis...
In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the race to the bottom: a pricing phenomenon where we drive prices so low that they become unsustainable. This concept is critical to understand for any Jiu-Jitsu business. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is...
This week, we're joined by Mat Made founder Kenny Kim! In this episode, Kenny discusses how to build deeper connections and stronger communities through Jiu-Jitsu. Topics include: creating lasting engagement at gyms, growing authentic online followings, using storytelling to inspire others, overcoming imposter syndrome, building consistency, and leading with purpose. Follow Kenny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennykimbjj The Jiu-Jitsu Millionaire, by Kenny Kim: https://a.co/d/fZg...
In this week's mini-episode, we discuss how the torso and levers become points of control. With torso control, we clamp or hook onto our opponent's torso so we can hold them in position or rotate around them. With lever control, we use our opponent's arms, legs, and/or head to create leverage. Attacking a single lever usually affords more force, whereas attacking multiple levers simultaneously usually affords more control. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https:/...
This week, we're joined again by "Silver Fox" Karel Pravec! In this episode, Karel explores one of Jiu-Jitsu's most underrated submissions: the omoplata. Karel explains why the omoplata is so effective as both a sweep and control position, how to chain between parallel and perpendicular omoplatas, and why it excels against bigger opponents. Follow Karel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverfoxbjj Get Karel's instructionals on BJJ Fanatics: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/karel-...
In this week's mini-episode, we introduce the last mile problem, which explains why it gets harder to achieve our goals as we near the end (or "last mile"). The last mile problem is commonly caused by complexity, complacency, consistency, or confidence. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coa...
This week, we're joined by Stephan Kesting! In this episode, Stephan teaches the Kimura as both a submission and a positional system: its ancient origins, key positional variations, and how it functions as a control framework rather than just a finishing move. Topics include finishing mechanics, leverage physics, the "fat old lazy man" Kimura, and Kesting’s new instructional, The Kimura Roadmap. Follow Stephan Kesting on Instagram: https://instagram.com/stephan_kesting Learn online with Ste...
In this week's mini-episode, we introduce the four types of guard: hook, clamp, frame, and hybrid. Every guard in Jiu-Jitsu can be classified into one of these types. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more ...
This week, we're joined again by Josh McKinney! In this episode, Josh explains how to structure the perfect Jiu-Jitsu competition camp. Topics include: offense vs. defense days, performance days, intensity vs. recovery, overtraining, saying no to unsafe rolls, and advice for non-competitors. Follow Josh McKinney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoshmckinney Train with Josh at HeadNod HQ in Granite City, IL: https://headnodhq.com Check out Josh on the I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show: htt...
In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the concept of the knee line: an imaginary line connecting your two knees. When the two points of this line combine with your groin, these three points create a triangle. That triangle is the basis for how we use our legs to clamp or wedge our opponent in place. To clamp or wedge their body part in place with your knees, it should be inside your knee+knee+groin triangle. To prevent them from doing the same to you, your body part should be outside their...
This week, we're joined by Mike Mahaffey (Old Bastard BJJ) and Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ)! Mike and Jesse explain the "old bastard" style of closed guard: a way to play the position without relying on strength, speed, or athleticism. Follow Mike Mahaffey: https://instagram.com/oldbastardbjj https://threads.com/@oldbastardbjj Follow Jesse Walker: https://instagram.com/roughhandsbjj Train with Jesse Walker at Rough Hands BJJ in Louisville, KY: https://roughhandsbjj.com/ Resources discu...
In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the curse of knowledge: a cognitive bias explaining why it's hard for experts to relate to beginners. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community...
In this episode, Rob Biernacki confronts a growing trend of competitors refusing to tap and taking serious injuries at low-level tournaments. Rob argues that reckless "tough-guy" behavior, poor finishing mechanics, and bad coaching culture are fueling unnecessary damage for hobbyists. Rob calls for smarter, safer training values, reminding athletes that protecting longevity matters more than risking ligaments for a $5 medal. Follow Rob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islandtopteam T...
In this week's mini-episode, we discuss center of gravity: your body's "tipping point" of balance. Your center of gravity is around 56% of the way up your body (around your pelvis) when standing upright, but moves as your body moves. Understanding your center of gravity is key to preventing it from being used against you. With practice, your center of gravity can even be a weapon. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forge...
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The design is everyday things is a great book
When he said Gym tattoos I rolled my eyes and then looked at the release date of the episode. I almost gave up on the podcast. It was an April fools joke. I will say that listening to how ridiculously they talk about things made me realize lots of people behave poorly. An effective way to reach certain people, well done!!
Agreed with why some blue belts left because they’ve experienced/seen negative things after a few years….
Yes, an episode on social media couldn’t be more relatable atm.
This is a great episode.
You guys are the best!
It took me longer than I'm willing to admit to realise that this is an April Fools episode.
A very good episode, as usual. Keep it up guys!! I’ve been struggling with getting to the offense side from half guard, which I’m naturally inclined to do..now I’m seeing it from another perspective. Also reverse de la riva. Thanks for sharing!
my name is coach Sal I've coached mixed martial arts for almost 15 years I live in a third world country when mixed martial arts is more of a glorified street fights they don't have real discipline they put kids to fight for almost no money I coach in a dojo that is a judo and Sambo BJJ with catch wrestling an American kickboxing have my team has won national titles in Judo and samba and they won in their first BJJ tournament I think your show is great you're being listened around the world keep up the great work ZOMBIE MMA & SABAOT Academy we make no money I do volunteer work and we train kids so they won't be out on the streets boring games our country right now is going through a civil war we live they today the sport of BJJ is keeping us alive it keeps us motivated to going forward I don't have a black belt I don't have no ranks just a white guy volunteers his services for the right cause I don't get paid I do this because this was what God gave me this gift I have worked with guys
Hey guys, would I really enjoy this podcast as a Coach, Student, and Competitor and Recommend it to my teammates. Would y'all ever do one on competition focus like things like supplemental training and game planning from an athlete and coach side of things? I would love to hear y'alls opinions and thoughts! Thank You!