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/oldbastardbjjhttps://threads.com/@oldbastardbjjFollow Jesse Walker:https://instagram.com/roughhandsbjjTrain with Jesse Walker at Rough Hands BJJ in Louisville, KY:https://roughhandsbjj.com/Resources discussed in this episode:100 men vs. 1 gorilla: Jesse Walker on CNNhttps://redd.it/1kdahgjBJJ Mental Models Ep. 191: Old Bastard Jiu-Jitsu, feat. Mike Mahaffeyhttps://bjj.plus/191Old Bastard Jiu-Jitsu audio course from BJJMMhttps://bjj.plus/oldbastardbjjMental models discussed in this episode: Theory of Alignmenthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment Types of Guardhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/types-of-guard/ Body Tetheringhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/ Static vs. Dynamic Controlhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/static-vs-dynamic-control/ Kinetic Chainshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/kinetic-chains/ Paradox of Controlhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/paradox-of-control/ Knee Linehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/knee-line/ Pattern Interruptshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/pattern-interrupts/ Placeholdershttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/placeholders/ 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, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/
In the second episode of Dark Martial Arts History, historian Fabio Sappino joins Ben Van Doren and Eva Schubert to examine how Mussolini and Hitler used sport as propaganda, turning athletics into a tool for indoctrination, militarism, and control. From fascist youth programs to the cult of the “strongman,” the episode reveals how regimes weaponized physical culture to glorify violence and obedience, and warns that even today, the link between sport, power, and politics remains dangerously alive.Learn more about Fabio Sappino:https://www.lse.ac.uk/people/fabio-sappinoFollow Ben Van Doren on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/deepbluebrazilianjiujitsuFollow Eva Schubert on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/evaschubertDon'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, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/
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/freeintroDon'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, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/
In this episode of State of the Meta, Drew Foster sits down with Rob Biernacki to discuss the evolution of modern Jiu-Jitsu through the lens of the constraints-led approach and ecological dynamics. Rob explains how these methods have fueled his longevity and success at age 49, dives deep into the rapidly changing leg lock meta (including the Woj and Aoki locks), critiques the current camping-passing trend, and shares insights on teaching, culture, and training smarter for both gi and no-gi athletes.Follow Rob Biernacki on Instagram:https://instagram.com/islandtopteamTrain with Rob at Island Top Team in Nanaimo, BC, Canada:https://islandtopteam.com/Learn online with Rob at BJJ Concepts:https://bjjconcepts.net/Need more Drew Foster?Follow Drew Foster on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drewdarceListen to Drew on The Neon Belly Podcast:https://theneonbelly.buzzsprout.com/Check out Drew's contributions on Reddit:https://www.reddit.com/user/Darce_Knight/Get Drew's instructionals:http://darcedynamics.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/
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/islandtopteamTrain with Rob at Island Top Team in Nanaimo, BC, Canada:https://islandtopteam.com/Learn from Rob online at BJJ Concepts:https://bjjconcepts.net/Mental models discussed in this episode: Defend With Purposehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/defend-with-purpose/ Constant and Variable Tensionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/constant-and-variable-tension/ Keep Your Identity Smallhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-your-identity-small/ Prioritize Longevityhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity/ 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, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/
Welcome to Dark Martial Arts History, a multi-part audio documentary covering the dark side of the fighting arts! In this first episode, hosts Ben Van Doren and Eva Schubert join philosopher Angie Hobbs to examine how ancient ideas of masculinity and warrior culture continue to influence martial arts and politics today. They trace Plato’s radical stance on gender and leadership, the Stoics’ call for self-mastery, and the dangers of Spartan militarism. The discussion warns how extremists misappropriate thinkers like Homer and Nietzsche to promote nationalism and violence while neglecting values of empathy, justice, and critical thought. Martial arts, they argue, can either be a tool for manipulation or a path to cultivate resilience, honor, and community.Angie Hobbs is Professor Emerita of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield. She gained a degree in Classics and a PhD in Ancient Philosophy at the University of Cambridge, and her chief interests are in ancient philosophy and literature, and ethics and political theory from classical thought to the present, and she has published widely in these areas, including Plato and the Hero; Why Plato Matters Now is being published by Bloomsbury in August 2025 (October in the States). She works in a number of policy sectors, and contributes regularly to media around the world, including many appearances on In Our Time on BBC Radio 4; she has spoken at the World Economic Forum at Davos, the Athens Democracy Forum, the Houses of Parliament, the Scottish Parliament and Westminster Abbey and been the guest on Desert Island Discs and Private Passions.Learn more about Angie Hobbs:https://angiehobbs.com/Get Angie's latest book, Why Plato Matters Now (use code BJJ20 for 20% off):https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/why-plato-matters-now-9781399403375/Follow Ben Van Doren on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/deepbluebrazilianjiujitsuFollow Eva Schubert on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/evaschubertDon'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, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/
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/freeintroDon'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, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/
In this episode of BJJ Today, Andrea Tang sits down with legendary competitor, coach, and historian Robert Drysdale. They explore the untold history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including myths around Maeda, the real impact of figures like Carlson Gracie, and the pivotal 1975 rule set that defined modern BJJ. Drysdale discusses his new books, the evolution of the art, and the cultural costs of professionalization.Follow Robert on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/robertdrysdalejjGet Robert's books:https://zenithjiujitsushop.com/Train with Robert at Zenith Jiu Jitsu in Las Vegas, NV:https://drysdalejiujitsu.com/Follow Andrea on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/atangwritesInto sci-fi/fantasy? Check out Andrea's novels!https://andreatangwrites.com/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, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/
This week, we're joined again by Jeff Shaw from Bellingham BJJ! In this episode, Jeff talks about the causes and cures for burnout in Jiu-Jitsu. Topics include: plateaus, the “blue belt blues,” the unique pressures faced by instructors and gym owners, keeping training sustainable, protecting consistency, staying playful, reframing expectations, and redefining what Jiu-Jitsu should mean for your life over the long term.Follow Jeff on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellinghambjjTrain with Jeff at Bellingham BJJ:https://bellinghambjj.com/Mental models discussed in this episode: Reframinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/reframing/ Keep /Your Identity Smallhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-your-identity-small/ Consistencyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/ Training Handicapshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/training-handicaps/ Stress and Recoveryhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery/ Keep it Playfulhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/ Zone of Geniushttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/zone-of-genius/ Raise the Level in the Roomhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/raise-the-level-in-the-room/ Abundance Mindsethttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/ 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, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/
In part five of Mindset for Betas, Rob Biernacki focuses on immersion as a mindset tool in Jiu-Jitsu, where true growth comes from committing to the process, not just results. Rob Biernacki explains how competing, conditioning, and culture shape resilience, decision-making, and identity, while warning that unhealthy ego or unsafe intensity can cause burnout, injury, or compromise long-term progress.Follow Island Top Team on Instagram:https://instagram.com/islandtopteamTrain with Rob at Island Top Team in Nanaimo, BC, Canada:https://islandtopteam.com/Learn from Rob online with BJJ Concepts:https://bjjconcepts.net/Mental models discussed in this episode: Process Over Outcomeshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/process-over-outcomes/ You Are What You Trainhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/you-are-what-you-train/ Keep Your Identity Smallhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-your-identity-small/ The Golden Rulehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/golden-rule/ Survivorship Biashttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/survivorship-bias/ 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, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/
In this week's mini-episode, we discuss tipping points: the idea that once you have sufficient leverage or momentum, your desired outcome can no longer be denied.Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintroDon'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, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/
FINALLY, a Jiu-Jitsu black belt weighs in on the merits of motor learning science! In this episode, Rob Biernacki is joined by Cory and Gary to provide a quick primer on ecological dynamics and share their thoughts on how the Jiu-Jitsu community addresses the topic.Follow Rob, Cory, and Gary on Instagram:https://instagram.com/islandtopteamhttps://www.instagram.com/ceebs_02https://www.instagram.com/gary.jitsDon'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, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/
This week, we're joined by Dr. Jen Case! Jen is a 13x IBJJF masters world champion, BJJ black belt under Renato Tavares, coach at Charlotte Jiu-Jitsu Academy, and PhD in Human Nutrition & Performance. In this episode, Jen covers the risks of Jiu-Jitsu competition and how it can be made safer.Follow Jen on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drjenjitsu/Jen's website:https://drjencase.com/Train with Jen at Charlotte Jiu-Jitsu Academy in North Carolina:https://charlotte-bjj.com/Mental models discussed in this episode: Normalizationhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/normalization/ Gamificationhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification/ Open Knowledgehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/open-knowledge/ Return on Investmenthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/ 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, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/
In part two of Mat Moms, Emily Kwok is joined by IBJJF black belt world champion Ana Carolina Schmitt! Ana talks about her journey from elite gymnastics to Jiu-Jitsu greatness, navigating injuries, pregnancy, and motherhood while pursuing competition at the highest level. They explore balancing family, training, and self-care, offering an inspiring perspective on resilience, growth, and redefining what success means for athlete moms.Follow Emily on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/emilykwokbjjFollow Ana on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/anaschmittjj/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, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/
In this week's mini-episode, we discuss what makes solid frames: relying on bone structure, and minimizing the joints involved. We explain the difference between short-range and long-range frames, and when to use them.Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintroDon'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, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/
In this episode of State of the Meta, Drew Foster answers a listener question: How does Drew study Jiu-Jitsu? Drew shares practical strategies for studying Jiu-Jitsu, such as: covering rolling footage vs. match footage, finding athletes to model, using concepts like invariants, and leveraging resources from instructionals, Patreons, and coaching content to guide your training.Need more Drew Foster?Follow Drew Foster on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drewdarceListen to Drew on The Neon Belly Podcast:https://theneonbelly.buzzsprout.com/Check out Drew's contributions on Reddit:https://www.reddit.com/user/Darce_Knight/Get Drew's instructionals:http://darcedynamics.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/