This week we're joined by Rebecca "Beans" Hughes! Rebecca is best known for her hit online BJJ coaching course, Camp Nebula. In this episode, Rebecca shares her tips for building a thriving career in Jiu-Jitsu, even if you're not a black belt or world champion. Check out Rebecca's coaching at Camp Nebula: https://campnebula.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Idea Communism https://bjjmentalmodels.com/idea-communism/ Plus Minus Equals https://bjjmentalmodels.co...
Aug 09, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 138
Note: this episode has been replaced. Please listen to the audio for an important message. 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 s...
Aug 02, 2021•6 min•Ep. 137
This week we're joined by Matt Skaff! Matt is a 10th Planet black belt who specializes in the anaconda choke. The anaconda is powerful because it's not just a choke: it's a powerful positional system with a lot of submission options. Matt's key advice for the anaconda: Don't squeeze too early! Don't go deep too early: you don't want them to control your elbow. Use your lat for power: pinch your elbows to your core. Grab your tricep, not your bicep. Internally r...
Jul 26, 2021•56 min•Ep. 136
This week, we're joined by Drew Weatherhead from Because Jitsu! Drew shares his best practices for transmission of knowledge and efficient learning. Book referenced in this episode: Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374533557 Find Drew online at: Drew Weatherhead Jiu-Jitsu https://drewjitsuonline.com Because Jitsu https://www.instagram.com/because_jitsu Mental models discussed in this episode: Concepts vs. Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/co...
Jul 19, 2021•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 135
This week we're joined by Phrost, the founder of Bullshido. You probably know Bullshido as one of the internet's best resources for debunking fake martial arts, fake news, and other bullshit. In this episode, Phrost shares his toolkit for inoculating yourself against bullshit. Phrost's advice: Enforce the burden of proof. Avoid dichotomous (black and white) thinking. Keep your identity small. Trust data, not anecdotes. Beware of those promising certainty. Understand that imperfect...
Jul 12, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 134
This week, we're joined by Erin Herle! Erin is a black belt under Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles, an elite competitor, and the founder of #submitthestigma, a mental health awareness organization for grapplers. Learn more about #submitthestigma here: https://www.submitthestigma.org/ This episode references the book Mindset, by Carol Dweck: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345472322 Mental models discussed in this episode: Mindfulness https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/ Growth Min...
Jul 05, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 133
This week, Steve and Matt do a super detailed breakdown of wedges: a core mechanic of Jiu-Jitsu that's critical to offense. Frames and wedges have a lot in common, but frames are primarily used for defense, whereas wedges are primarily used for offense. If you liked our prior conversation on frames, you'll love this one on wedges. Mental models discussed in this episode: Core Mechanics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/ Inside Channel Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside...
Jun 28, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 132
This week, we're joined by newly minted black belt Margot Ciccarelli! Margot leads us on one of our most interesting discussions ever: her philosophy of movement vocabulary. Margot argues that we speak with our bodies, and that movement is a form of communication. In this episode we talk about the vocabulary we use in Jiu-Jitsu: how we label, speak, and listen with movements we make. Mental models discussed in this episode: Dictate the Pace https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/ Feed...
Jun 21, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 131
This week, we're joined by one of our most often requested guests: Sonny Brown! Sonny, also known as "that other BJJ podcast guy," is working on a kesa gatame instructional. He joins us to share core concepts on this underutilized position. We debunk common kesa gatame misconceptions: "They'll just take my back" "They'll just bridge me over" "They'll just push my head into an armbar or crucifix" "Kesa gatame is only for big guys&qu...
Jun 14, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 130
We've got a bonus episode for you this week! Rob Biernacki joins us to introduce arm drag concepts from his new instructional. Learn about Rob Biernacki's arm drag concepts here: Rob Biernacki: The BJJ 2 on 1 Grip, with Advanced Details https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-9tV6kU018 The Arm Drag and 2 on 1 Formula, with Rob Biernacki and Stephan Kesting https://www.grapplearts.com/the-arm-drag-and-2-on-1-formula/ BJJ Concepts https://bjjconcepts.net Mental models discussed in this episode...
Jun 10, 2021•46 min
This week, we're joined by Christian Graugart. Christian is the founder of BJJ Globetrotters, Beltchecker.com, and TeachingBJJ.com. In this episode, we break down Christian's five-part framework for creating: failure, brains, skills, ideas, and karma. Christian's creations: “Create Something” workshop with Christian Graugart https://youtu.be/gqtTRF5Fu98 BJJ Globetrotters https://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/ Belt Checker https://www.beltchecker.com/ Teaching BJJ https://www.teachingbj...
Jun 07, 2021•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 129
This week, we're joined by Adam Medlock. Adam is the lead autism educator for a special school in the UK. He has worked with children and young adults with autism for most of his professional life. Adam joins us to educate the grappling community on autism. He provides a framework for understanding the autism spectrum and making BJJ more inclusive to autistic students. Topics discussed include: How autism and the spectrum are defined How BJJ may be beneficial to autistic people Where autist...
May 31, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 128
This week, Steve and Matt talk about frames. Can you believe we made it 127 episodes deep without doing a full episode on this topic? This is probably the most in-depth and conceptual discussion of frames you'll ever hear. Some key points about frames: Frames are a structural barrier used to keep your opponent at a distance. Frames and wedges are very similar. Frames are used for defense - as opposed to wedges, which are used for offense. Frames are strongest when "solid" - meanin...
May 24, 2021•58 min•Ep. 127
This week we're joined again by Livia Giles! Livia's expecting, and will be adding motherhood to her long list of achievements! In this episode, we discuss Livia's experience with pregnancy, and how she balances being an expecting mother with the lifestyle of an elite-level BJJ black belt and coach. Mental models discussed in this episode: Train With Purpose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/ Prevention Over Cure https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure/ Prior...
May 17, 2021•57 min•Ep. 126
This week, we're joined by the living legend, Rafael Lovato Jr.! Rafael introduces his philosophy of Timeless Jiu-Jitsu, which he used to become one of the greatest champions of his generation. Rafael talks about being a forever student, teaching to learn, finding your why, leading from the front, competition, finding mentors, positivity, mindfulness, and investing in yourself. NOTE: Apologies for the background noise in this episode. We tried to clean it up. Lovato’s Timeless Jiu-Jitsu Gro...
May 10, 2021•57 min•Ep. 125
This week, Matt and Steve talk about ratchet control: a powerful mental model for using limb rotation to break alignment. There are two directions of ratchet control: Internal rotation: Kimuras, heel hooks, reaps External rotation: Americanas, knee flares. While both are effective, internal rotation normally breaks alignment more than external rotation. Internal rotation also offers a path to the back. Mental models discussed in this episode: Ratchet Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ratchet-c...
May 03, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 124
This week, we're joined by Mike "Doctor Kickass" Piekarski! Mike is a black belt and Doctor of Physical Therapy. We discuss tactics for injury rehab and dispel some of the common myths. Check out Mike Piekarski at http://doctorkickass.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Stress and Recovery https://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery/ Limb Coiling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/ Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcas...
Apr 26, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 123
This week, we're joined by Marcus Aurelius Anderson! Marcus is a performance coach, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author of "The Gift of Adversity." He joins us to discuss the 80/20 Rule, also known as the Pareto principle, and how its rigorous application can focus and change your life. In this episode, Marcus suggests these three steps for clarifying your priorities: Create a "power list" of 2-3 objectives for the day. Ask yourself: is what I’m doing right now getting ...
Apr 19, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 122
This week, Steve is joined by psychotherapist and executive coach David Zeitler. David explains his process for coaching as he learned under Robert Kegan. We discuss Robert Kegan's framework for adult development, the self-authoring mindset, world-class performance, what makes someone coachable, what makes a good coach, resistance to help, the difference between coaches/mentors/advisors, and finding a coach. David Zeitler's website: Zeitler Executive Dynamix https://mindfulness.coach/ ...
Apr 12, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 121
This week, Steve is joined by Dominyka "Dom" Obelenyte! On that mats, Dom is a 4x BJJ world champion...but off the mats, she's also an accomplished artist. Together, we explore the "art" component of the gentle art. Dom helps us understand the definition of art, being uniquely who you are, building your professional skillset, goal setting, assigning value to the subjective, and finding your target audience. Dom's BJJ website: http://dominykao.com/ Dom's artist ...
Apr 05, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 120
Steve is rejoined by Jeff Shaw from Bellingham BJJ. Steve and Jeff do a deep dive into the art of professional wrestling, why it's so misunderstood, and why it's an excellent base for BJJ. 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 wit...
Apr 01, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 119
How does a brush with death change the way you live your life? This week, Steve is joined by Daniel Rodriguez, black belt and cancer survivor. We talk about how experiencing his own mortality taught Daniel to live with intention. Mental models discussed in this episode: Mindfulness https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/ Kaizen https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/ Loss Aversion https://bjjmentalmodels.com/loss-aversion/ Growth From Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/ D...
Mar 29, 2021•56 min•Ep. 118
Steve here. I told Rob Biernacki that we could record an episode on gripfighting and kuzushi to coincide with the release of his new instructional on the same topic. This was a big mistake. Rob could not get his mic working - which, of course, he blamed on our recording software. I later learned that he was recording from HIS MOM'S HOUSE, where I assume he was connecting via a 28 baud modem. I quickly gave up on this endeavor, so Rob enlisted the help of his cabin boy Rory van Vliet to prov...
Mar 24, 2021•34 min
This week, we're joined again by “Papa Tortoise,” Priit Mihkelson! Priit talks about the best practices Jiu-Jitsu can take from other sports, such as pedagogic methods, the importance of play, and a reduced emphasis on hierarchy. Mental models discussed in this episode: Keep it Playful https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/ Scientific Method https://bjjmentalmodels.com/scientific-method/ Respect People, Not Positions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/ Mindfulnes...
Mar 22, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 117
Steve here! Please check out this quick update on what we've been working on in the last year, and where we're going in the next. 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 membersh...
Mar 19, 2021•17 min
This week, Steve is joined by Judo world champion and 4x BJJ world champion Kathy Hubble. Kathy shares the tactics and adjustments that make Judo throws more effective in BJJ. Here's the YouTube video we reference in this episode: Judo for BJJ; Stephan Kesting and Kathy Hubble https://youtu.be/8wScXUDkwB8 Mental models discussed in this episode: Predictable Responses https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/ Kuzushi https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/ Microtransitions https://bjjm...
Mar 15, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 116
This week, Steve is joined by Matt Kirtley, best known as Aesopian. In addition to being a moderator of Reddit's /r/bjj and a long-time Jiu-Jitsu blogger, Matt is a critic of martial arts cults. Matt joins us today to discuss the BITE (behavior, information, thought, emotional control) Model and influence continuum. The BITE Model and influence continuum are concepts defined by cult expert Steven Hassan. They can help identify whether an organization's influence is positive or negative...
Mar 08, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 115
This week Steve is joined by Brian Glick, black belt from the Danaher Death Squad. We discuss methods versus outcomes, how to know if we're on the right path, and how to tell if the resulting fallacy is leading us astray. Mental models discussed in this episode: Probabilistic Thinking https://bjjmentalmodels.com/probabilistic-thinking/ Position Over Submission https://bjjmentalmodels.com/position-over-submission/ Habits Over Results https://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/ Disciplin...
Mar 01, 2021•57 min•Ep. 114
This is it: the ultimate onboarding package for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Jeff Shaw, co-owner of Bellingham BJJ and host of Dirty White Belt Radio, joins us to tell absolute beginners what they need to know about Jiu-Jitsu. If you're looking to start BJJ, or you're introducing someone to BJJ, play this episode. Topics discussed in this episode: How to introduce the brand new student to Jiu-Jitsu What to look for in a gym/instructor How to identify red flags with a gym/instructor How to onbo...
Feb 22, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 113
This week, Steve and Matt are rejoined by Dr. Valerie "Valhalla" Worthington. We have a thoughtful discussion on the ego, how it can hinder us, how it can help us, and whether "killing" the ego is a good idea. Mental models discussed in this episode: Beginner's Mind https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/ Respect People, Not Positions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/ Kaizen https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/ Incremental Learning https://bjjm...
Feb 15, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 112
