BJJ Mental Models

<p>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.</p>

Mini Ep. 29: Alignment Over Position

In this week's mini-episode we explain alignment over position. This is a refinement on the classic "position over submission" concept using Rob Biernacki's alignment framework. It teaches us that having good alignment (base, posture, and structure) is more important than having any particular position. Before you listen to this episode, check out:BJJMM Mini Ep. 1: Basehttps://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15022850-mini-ep-1-baseBJJMM Mini Ep. 2: Posturehttps://podcast.bjjmen...

11-21
08:38

Ep. 311: Complexity and Intensity, feat. Chris Paines

This week we're joined again by Chris "The Villain" Paines! In this episode, Chris explains the two "dials" that coaches and students can use to modulate their training: complexity and intensity.Follow Chris on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chrisvillainbjjSubscribe to Chris' YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisPainesBJJBuy Chris' instructionals on BJJ Fanatics:https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_chris-painesCheck out InTheory BJJ on Patreon:...

11-18
01:11:36

Mini Ep. 28: Position Over Submission

In this week's mini-episode we explain one of the most commonly discussed mental models in Jiu-Jitsu: position over submission. This concept teaches us that it's often better to maintain position than risk losing it by hunting for submissions. This episode explains the reasoning behind "position over submission," as well as the exceptions.Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintroDon't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Pre...

11-14
08:09

Ep. 310: Integrating Theory and Practice, feat. Aldo Vergel de Dios

This week we're joined by Aldo Vergel de Dios! Aldo is the black belt head coach at Motion Jiu-Jitsu in Metro Manila, Philippines. In this episode, Aldo discusses a problem relevant to students and coaches alike: how to integrate conceptual Jiu-Jitsu thinking with on-the-ground practice.Follow Aldo on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/aldojitsuTrain with Aldo at Motion Jiu-Jitsu:https://www.motionjiujitsu.com/Resources discussed in this episode:BJJMM Ep. 162: The Language of Coa...

11-11
01:04:36

Mini Ep. 27: Inside vs. Outside Channel Control

In this week's mini-episode we discuss two important and related concepts: inside channel control and outside channel control. Inside channel control refers to taking the inside route around your opponent's weapons, such as going under or between their legs as you'd do with X guard. Outside channel control refers to taking the outside route around your opponent's weapons, such as outside hook / de la Riva guard, closed guard, and matrix back takes. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio...

11-07
10:25

Ep. 309: Submission Series: The Anaconda Choke, feat. Drew Foster

This week we're joined again by Drew Foster! Best known as u/darce_knight on Reddit and @drewdarce on Instagram, Drew is a black belt instructor at Elevate MMA in North Carolina, the host of The Neon Belly Podcast, and the host of the State of the Meta podcast on BJJ Mental Models Premium. In this episode, Drew breaks down the mechanics behind the anaconda choke.Follow Drew on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drewdarceListen to Drew on The Neon Belly Podcast:https://theneonbell...

11-04
01:04:35

Mini Ep. 26: Crossing the Center

In this week's mini-episode we're talking about crossing the center, an ancient mental model that appears in many martial arts beyond Jiu-Jitsu — and for good reason! The "center line" refers to an imaginary line running down the middle of your body, where your spine is. Forcing your opponent to "cross the center," or pass their arm or leg across the center line of their body, is a surefire way to break their posture and structure.Further study:BJJMM Mini Ep. 1: Basehttps://podcas...

10-31
07:22

Ep. 308: From Good to Great, feat. Jake O'Driscoll

This week we're joined by Jake O'Driscoll! Jake is the black belt head coach at Essence BJJ in Perth, Australia. Best known for coaching Adele Fornarino to her incredible 2x ADCC 2024 World Championship win, Jake is also an accomplished competitor in his own right, having just won the IBJJF 2024 Pan Pacific No-Gi Heavyweight Championship in Masters 1. In this episode, Jake shares lessons on crossing the gap from good to great, and what separates the best in the world from th...

10-28
01:01:19

Mini Ep. 25: Hybrid Break Mechanics

In this week's mini-episode we finish our series of discussions on the different types of breaking mechanics in Jiu-Jitsu! This episode explains hybrid breaks, or submissions that combine multiple breaking mechanics such as linear breaks, rotational breaks, and slicers. Hybrid breaks are often more powerful than those relying on a single breaking mechanic.(A note on terminology: a "break" as described here is technically more of a "tear," as you're not breaking bone, you're tearin...

10-24
05:34

Ep. 307: Agents & Representation, feat. Sara Rafferty

This week we're joined by Sara Rafferty! Sara is the agent and manager for Jiu-Jitsu standouts like Adele Fornarino, Brianna Ste-Marie, and Jake O'Driscoll. In this episode, Sara shares her advice on how athletes can leverage agents, managers, and representation to negotiate better sponsorships and fight contracts in Jiu-Jitsu.Follow Sara Rafferty on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/a_raffertyFollow Carolina Vallejo on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/carovallejojjResources ...

10-21
01:03:25

Mini Ep. 24: Slicer Mechanics

In this week's mini-episode we continue our series of discussions on the different types of breaking mechanics in Jiu-Jitsu! This episode explains slicers, a submission that usually targets the bicep or calf, and discusses why these submissions may be underused due to IBJJF ruleset restrictions.(A note on terminology: a "break" as described here is technically more of a "tear," as you're not breaking bone, you're tearing soft tissue. However, we'll use the term "break" as it's the...

10-17
07:39

Ep. 306: Tactics for Jiu-Jitsu Anxiety, feat. Amanda Bruse

This week we're joined again by Amanda Bruse! Amanda is a black belt under André Galvão training out of Atos HQ and a BJJ Mental Models sponsored athlete. In this episode, we continue the topic from Amanda's last appearance: how to manage the anxiety that comes with Jiu-Jitsu competition. Amanda presents specific, evidence-backed tactics for managing Jiu-Jitsu anxiety for athletes of all levels.Follow Amanda on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/amandabruse.bjj/Resources di...

10-14
50:47

Mini Ep. 23: Rotational Break Mechanics

In this week's mini-episode we continue our series of discussions on the different types of breaking mechanics in Jiu-Jitsu! This episode explains rotational breaks like kimuras, omoplatas, and heel hooks. We also explain the difference between internal and external rotations, and why internal rotations are so powerful. (A note on terminology: a "break" as described here is technically more of a "tear," as you're not breaking bone, you're tearing soft tissue. However, we'll ...

10-10
10:43

Ep. 305: Common Coaching Language, feat. Rob Biernacki & Island Top Team

This week we're joined by Rob Biernacki, Cory Burton, and Gary Gilbert! Collectively, they are the coaching team at Island Top Team in Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. In this episode, Rob and the team explain the importance of having a common coaching language across the entire team, and how our choice of language shapes our behavior. Train with Island Top Team in Vancouver Island, BC, Canada:https://islandtopteam.com/Learn from Island Top Team online at BJJ Concepts:https://bjjconc...

10-07
01:03:23

Mini Ep. 22: Linear Break Mechanics

In this week's mini-episode we begin a series of discussions on the different types of breaking mechanics in Jiu-Jitsu! This episode explains linear breaks like armbars and kneebars, which hyperextend the middle joint (elbow/knee) of a limb.(A note on terminology: a linear "break" as described here is technically more of a "tear," as you're not breaking bone, you're tearing soft tissue. However, we'll use the term "break" as it's the more commonly accepted and understood term in J...

10-03
09:22

BONUS: Why We Should Play the Sport, feat. Avery Lorenzato

This week you're getting a bonus episode! Avery Lorenzato from Golden Jiu Jitsu in Colorado joins us to share his philosophy of "playing the sport." A great conversation on the importance of play, and what it's like to train at a gym that focuses on a games-based approach. Follow Golden Jiu Jitsu on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/golden_jiujitsuTrain with Avery at Golden Jiu Jitsu in Colorado:https://goldenjj.com/Need help growing your Jiu-Jitsu business?If you're a gym owner...

10-01
01:36:38

Ep. 304: Beer League Jiu-Jitsu, feat. Trey Hucks

This week we're joined by Trey Hucks! Trey is best known as the founder of Slime Mold Grappling Club, an amazing database of Jiu-Jitsu games based on the ecological approach and other coaching best practices. In this episode, Trey makes the case for "Beer League Jiu-Jitsu," a mindset emphasizing the social and communal benefits of Jiu-Jitsu first and foremost, above athletic accomplishments or performance.Visit the Slime Mold Grappling Club games database:https://slimemoldgrapplin...

09-30
55:26

Mini Ep. 21: The 3 Joint Rule

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the 3 joint rule! It's an essential mental model for understanding how you control your opponent's arms and legs, especially when advancing position or attempting a submission.More resources on the 3 joint rule:BJJ Mental Models Ep. 270: The 3 Joint Rule, feat. Jeff Shawhttps://bjj.plus/270The 3 Joint Rule — BJJMM Databasehttps://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/3-joint-ruleGet our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:https://bjjmentalmo...

09-26
10:53

Ep. 303: Building Wealth in BJJ, feat. David Bayarena

This week we're taking on a topic by listener demand: how to help BJJ business owners succeed financially! In this episode, we're joined by David Bayarena, a BJJ black belt, certified financial planner, and founder of Kaizen Wealth Planning and RONIN Financial Planning. David highlights topics relevant to all BJJ business owners, such as insurance, tax mitigation, succession plans, and retirement plans. Drawing parallels between financial and martial strategies, David emphas...

09-23
55:48

Ayman El-Ghazali

The design is everyday things is a great book

07-12 Reply

Ayman El-Ghazali

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!!

04-14 Reply

Shuofei Yang Sophie

Agreed with why some blue belts left because they’ve experienced/seen negative things after a few years….

09-05 Reply

Shuofei Yang Sophie

Yes, an episode on social media couldn’t be more relatable atm.

05-31 Reply

Shuofei Yang Sophie

This is a great episode.

05-31 Reply

04-16

03-08

01-13

07-09

04-04

Recommend Channels