BJJ Mental Models

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.

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Episodes

Ep. 10: Overcoming Plateaus

We all hit plateaus eventually. Steve & Matt discuss mental models for breaking through them. Mental models discussed in this episode: Self-Competition https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/ Plus, Minus, Equals https://bjjmentalmodels.com/plus-minus-equals/ Abundance Mindset https://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/ Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/ Train with Purpose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/ Kaizen https://bjjmentalmodels.com...

Mar 11, 2019•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 10

Ep. 9: Retaining Knowledge

How do you remember all the information you receive during your training? Steve & Matt explore techniques and mental models for retaining knowledge. Mental models discussed in this episode: Spaced Repetition https://bjjmentalmodels.com/spaced-repetition/ Learning Styles https://bjjmentalmodels.com/learning-styles/ Mnemonics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mnemonics/ Naming Concepts https://bjjmentalmodels.com/naming-concepts/ Meditative Drilling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/meditative-drilling/ F...

Mar 04, 2019•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 9

Ep. 8: Rapid Learning

Steve & Matt explore techniques to increase learning efficiency. Mental models discussed in this episode: Principles over Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/principles-over-techniques/ Naming Concepts https://bjjmentalmodels.com/naming-concepts/ Growth from Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/ Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/ Scientific Method https://bjjmentalmodels.com/scientific-method/ Beginner's Mind https://bjjmentalmod...

Feb 25, 2019•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 8

Ep. 7: Mindfulness

Steve & Matt discuss the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness. One of the quickest ways to make a rapid improvement to your game is to develop awareness of your mind and body. Mental models discussed in this episode: Mindfulness https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/ Controlled Breathing https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlled-breathing/ Staying Loose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/staying-loose/ Beginner's Mind https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/ Stress and Recovery https...

Feb 18, 2019•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 7

Ep. 6: Gym Culture & Etiquette

Steve & Matt discuss best practices for gym culture, etiquette, and how to be a positive ambassador in the BJJ community. Mental models discussed in this episode: The Golden Rule https://bjjmentalmodels.com/golden-rule/ Psychological Safety https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety/ Idea Communism https://bjjmentalmodels.com/idea-communism/ Self-Competition https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/ Keep it Playful https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/ Respect People, Not Po...

Feb 11, 2019•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 6

Ep. 5: Finishing Mechanics

Steve & Matt explain how to effectively finish submissions. Mental models discussed in this episode: Choking Mechanics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/choking-mechanics/ Breaking Mechanics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/breaking-mechanics/ Committed Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/ Rotational Control / Ratchet Effect https://bjjmentalmodels.com/rotational-control/ Overwhelming Force https://bjjmentalmodels.com/overwhelming-force/ Limb Coiling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/...

Feb 04, 2019•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 5

Ep. 4: Dominant Angles

Steve & Matt discuss the importance of dominant angles in Jiu-Jitsu, both for advancing position and shutting down your opponent. Mental models discussed in this episode: Dominant Angles https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dominant-angles/ Minimize Attack Vectors https://bjjmentalmodels.com/minimize-attack-vectors/ Crossing the Center https://bjjmentalmodels.com/crossing-the-center/ Inside Channel Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/ We maintain an online database of the menta...

Jan 28, 2019•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 4

Ep. 3: Anatomic Hierarchy, Grips

Steve & Matt discuss Jiu-Jitsu mental models involving the human body. A great discussion on how to use your body as a weapon while preventing your opponent from doing the same. Mental models discussed in this episode: Anatomic Hierarchy https://bjjmentalmodels.com/anatomic-hierarchy/ Overwhelming Force https://bjjmentalmodels.com/overwhelming-force/ Limb Coiling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/ Grips Dictate Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position/ Grip Inversio...

Jan 21, 2019•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 3

Ep. 2: Core Mechanics

Steve and Matt explore the three core mechanics of Jiu-Jitsu: Frames, Levers, and Wedges. All techniques in Jiu-Jitsu can be defined in terms of these mechanics. Frames: Creating solid structures with the strong parts of your body, such as your elbows and knees. You use these frames to create obstacles for your opponent and control the distance. Levers: Latching onto an opponent's limb and manipulating it for leverage. Submissions are generally applied against a lever. Wedges: Using parts o...

Jan 14, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 2

Ep. 1: Alignment

This is our first episode! Matt and Steve dig into Alignment, the unified theory of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as described by Rob Biernacki from Island Top Team.

Jan 08, 2019•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 1

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