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BJJ Mental Models

Author: Steve Kwan

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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.

365 Episodes
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In this week's mini-episode we explain the layers of strategy: every good plan needs a solid foundation and a flexible perimeter. This concept applies to all manner of strategies, both on and off the mats.Before you listen to this episode, check out:Mini Ep. 32: Funnelinghttps://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16266002-mini-ep-32-funnelingMini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfarehttps://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16225783-mini-ep-31-asymmetric-warfareGet our Intro to ...
This week we're joined again by Defensive BJJ coach and BJJMM fan-favorite guest Priit Mihkelson! In this episode, Priit discusses the importance of angles when defending from inferior positions. Priit explains concepts for finding the correct angle when defending from the bottom, such as maintaining a 45° angle relative to the floor after your legs have been cleared, and how "making a capital T" by positioning your body perpendicular to your opponent can prevent them from wrappin...
Mini Ep. 32: Funneling

Mini Ep. 32: Funneling

2024-12-1209:00

In this week's mini-episode we explain funneling, a key concept for building Jiu-Jitsu strategies. The idea is to build "funnels," or pathways to where we have an unfair/asymmetric advantage. A good gameplan uses funnels to "connect the dots" so no matter where a match goes, you have a viable pathway to your strongest positions.Before you listen to this episode, check out:Mini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfarehttps://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16225783-mini-ep-31-asymmet...
This week we're joined by Ken Postnikoff! Ken is the black belt head coach at Confluence Jiu Jitsu and a longtime member of the BJJMM community. In this episode, Ken introduces the concept of "reluctant leadership," or how to be the leader your community needs when leadership doesn't come naturally to you. Follow Ken on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kenpostnikoffTrain with Ken at Confluence Jiu Jitsu in Castlegar::https://www.instagram.com/confluencejiujitsuMental models dis...
In this week's mini-episode we explain asymmetric warfare (or asymmetric advantages, if you want to be less dramatic). Asymmetric warfare means looking for unfair advantages: places where we are strong and our opponent is weak. In Jiu-Jitsu this often means seeking a superior position, but it can also mean playing to any other advantage we have, including natural attributes, favorite techniques, and match style.Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:https://bj...
This week we're joined by Fiona Geisinger! Fiona is the founder of Athletic Arts and is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt training out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In this episode, Fiona explains second-level coaching, and how athletes of all levels benefit from a "second opinion" by working with other coaches either in-person or remotely.Follow Fiona on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fiona_athletic.artsConnect with Fiona for coaching:https://www.athleticarts.co/Mental models ...
In this week's mini-episode we explain predictable responses. This mental model teaches us that each technique has a series of common reactions, and knowing these reactions allows you to anticipate and "mind read" your opponent. In many ways, knowing a technique's predictable responses can be just as important as knowing the technique itself.Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintroDon't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models ...
This week we're joined by Kelsey Carter! Kelsey is a newly minted black belt from Precision Jiu Jitsu Academy in Sacramento. In this episode, Kelsey discusses the physics and mechanics underlying Jiu-Jitsu techniques, emphasizing the importance of fulcrums, weight distribution, and angles during sweeps and submissions. Kelsey provides insights into adapting techniques for different body types and teaching empowering strategies, particularly for women in the sport. The episode also...
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...
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:...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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Comments (12)

Ayman El-Ghazali

The design is everyday things is a great book

Jul 12th
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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!!

Apr 14th
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Shuofei Yang Sophie

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

Sep 5th
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Shuofei Yang Sophie

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

May 31st
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Shuofei Yang Sophie

This is a great episode.

May 31st
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Shuofei Yang Sophie

You guys are the best!

Apr 16th
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Jimi Danaan

It took me longer than I'm willing to admit to realise that this is an April Fools episode.

Mar 8th
Reply

Shuofei Yang Sophie

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!

Jan 13th
Reply (1)

Sal Frech

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

Jul 9th
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Matthew Fleming

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!

Apr 4th
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