BJJ Mental Models
HelseSportYour 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.
Siste episoder av BJJ Mental Models podcast
- Mini Ep. 80: Race to the Bottom (00:07:04)
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...
- Ep. 363: Jiu-Jitsu for Belonging, feat. Kenny Kim (00:52:37)
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...
- Mini Ep. 79: Points of Control (00:09:07)
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:/...
- Ep. 362: Submission Series: The Omoplata, feat. "Silver Fox" Karel Pravec (00:54:21)
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-...
- Mini Ep. 78: Last Mile Problem (00:11:26)
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...
- Ep. 361: Submission Series: The Kimura, feat. Stephan Kesting (00:58:12)
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...
- Mini Ep. 77: Types of Guard (00:07:16)
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 ...
- Ep. 360: The Perfect Training Camp, feat. Josh McKinney (00:59:15)
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...
- Mini Ep. 76: Knee Line (00:14:13)
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...
- Ep. 359: Old Bastard Closed Guard, feat. Mike Mahaffey & Jesse Walker (00:52:09)
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...
- Mini Ep. 75: Curse of Knowledge (00:03:55)
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...
- Ep. 358: Please Tap, feat. Rob Biernacki (00:52:04)
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...
- Mini Ep 74: Center of Gravity (00:05:13)
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...
- Ep. 357: The Truth About Burnout, feat. Jeff Shaw (00:57:57)
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/bellinghambjj Train ...
- Mini Ep. 73: Tipping Points (00:05:16)
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/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 ou...
- Ep. 356: Safer Jiu-Jitsu Competitions, feat. Dr. Jen Case (00:56:23)
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/ M...
- Mini Ep. 72: Solid Frames (00:07:11)
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/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 th...
- Ep. 355: Jiu-Jitsu Tape Study, feat. Corey Guitard (01:02:01)
This week, we're joined by Corey Guitard from 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Calgary! In this episode, Corey explains how tape study in Jiu-Jitsu (such as video feedback and instructionals) builds structured, efficient learning. Follow Corey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/10thplanetcalgary Train with Corey at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu in Calgary: https://10thplanetcalgary.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Invariants https://bjjmentalmodels.com/invariants/ Learning Modalities htt...
- Mini Ep. 71: Priit's 45° Rule (00:08:18)
In this week's mini-episode, we discuss Priit's 45° Rule, a helpful tip for surviving (and escaping) bad positions. The "rule" tells us: When your legs have been neutralized (ie. guard is passed), get your shoulders at 45 degrees relative to the floor. 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 po...
- Ep. 354: How Goals Evolve, feat. Thomas Rozdzynski (00:56:48)
This week, we're joined by Thomas Rozdzynski from RŌL Academy! In this episode, Thomas discusses how students’ Jiu-Jitsu goals evolve over time, the importance of coach–student communication, and balancing fun with measurable progress for long-term success. Follow Thomas on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rozdzynskibjj Train with Thomas at RŌL Academy in Orland Park: https://www.rolacademy.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Compatible Intent https://bjjmentalmodels.com/co...
- Mini Ep. 70: Hick's Law (00:04:38)
In this week's mini-episode, we discuss Hick's Law, a powerful psychology and design concept that explains how the availability of more options increases our decision-making time. 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 journ...
- Ep. 353: Jiu-Jitsu Fitness Myths, feat. Dr. Kristi Charish & Dr. Christle Guevarra (01:15:12)
In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Kristi Charish and Dr. Christle Guevarra for a deep dive into fitness and nutrition myths in Jiu-Jitsu! Kristi & Christle explore how bad information spreads, the role of genetics in performance, and why aspiring athletes often fail when trying to do everything at once. They break down key misconceptions around supplements, weight cutting, and performance-enhancing drugs, while also addressing sensitive but crucial topics like Ozempic, hormone therapy,...
- Mini Ep. 69: Consistency (00:05:34)
In this week's mini-episode, we discuss consistency as a concept, and explain how it acts as the basis for building good habits, achieving compound gains, and creating luck. 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 ar...
- BONUS: Updated Pedagogy, feat. Rob Biernacki (01:00:18)
In this bonus episode, Rob Biernacki talks pedagogy! We discuss his updated pedagogy module on BJJ Concepts, the evolving landscape of Jiu-Jitsu instruction, balancing concepts with techniques, evidence versus anecdote, emotional dysregulation in students, and the role of community in gym culture. Rob also shares news on his upcoming retirement from full-time teaching at Island Top Team, the winding down of his visiting student program, and his plans for future teaching through visiting instr...
- Ep. 352: Arm Drag Concepts, feat. Niamh Bryn (00:55:49)
This week we're joined by Niamh Bryn, owner of Snowblind BJJ in Seattle! In this episode, Niamh explores the versatility and depth of the arm drag, and why it's more than just a beginner move. We explain its role as an opening salvo to create reactions, off-balances, and angles rather than an all-or-nothing attempt at taking the back. Follow Snowblind BJJ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snowblind_bjj Train with Niamh at Snowblind BJJ: https://snowblindbjj.net/ Mental models discus...