This week, we're joined by defensive strategist Priit Mihkelson! Much to Matt's chagrin, Steve and Priit espouse the benefits of turtle and why it's an underappreciated position. Priit shares some great philosophy on how shoring up your defense can give you the confidence to be more effective in your offense. Priit's tips for turtle: Keep your head on the mat Use the boxer shoulder, or "Stephen Hawking" (head tilt) Keep your elbows on your hips Don't put your e...
Nov 02, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 97
This week, Seb Lavoie joins us again for a second dive into the conflict mindset. Seb shares his wealth of experience to discuss frequently asked conflict-related questions, such as situational awareness, home invasion preparation. Seb also shares some incredible stories from his career in the field. Mental models discussed in this episode: Cognitive Load https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load/ Return on Investment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/ Prevention Over Cure https:...
Oct 26, 2020•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 96
This week on the podcast, we're joined once again by Sergeant Major Seb Lavoie. Seb shares his expertise on the mindset required to manage conflict. We also discuss a dozen hypotheticals about getting into a scuffle while waiting in line at the bank teller. Seb references two books in this episode: On Combat, by Dave Grossman On Killing, by Dave Grossman Mental models discussed in this episode: Mindfulness https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/ Dictate the Pace https://bjjmentalmodels.com...
Oct 19, 2020•2 hr 46 min•Ep. 95
This week, Steve and Matt are joined by Olympian and Judo legend Travis Stevens. Travis shares how he developed the kind of champion's mindset required to succeed at the highest levels. Mental models discussed in this episode: Levels of Competition https://bjjmentalmodels.com/levels-of-competition/ Habits Over Results https://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/ Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/ Dictate the Pace https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace...
Oct 12, 2020•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 94
This week, Steve and Matt are joined by Cal McDonald to discuss best practices for educating kids. In addition to being a black belt under Rob Biernacki, Cal is a specialist in creating educational frameworks for children. Cal shares his knowledge on the topic in a wonderful conversation with implications well beyond teaching children. This is one of our favorite conversations ever on the podcast. Learning strategies discussed: Effortful Retrieval: Make them work to pull concepts back out of the...
Oct 05, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 93
This week, Steve and Matt are joined by Jon Thomas, the legendary black belt and BJJ instructor. Steve, Matt, and Jon have a spirited discussion about the best way to integrate new techniques into your game. We also discuss the limitations of principles and how being dogmatic about them can hinder your development. Jon suggests four ways to integrate new techniques: ask your coach watch an instructional watch competition video creativity Mental models discussed in this episode: Beginner's M...
Sep 28, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 92
This week, Steve and Matt break down the differences between single and double lever control. In general, single lever control affords more damage, whereas double lever control affords more control. Learn more about this mental model here: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/single-vs-double-lever-control/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Single vs. Double Lever Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/single-vs-double-lever-control/ Rotational Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/rotational-control/ ...
Sep 21, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 91
This week, Steve is once again joined by Rob Biernacki from Island Top Team. If you follow Rob, you know how passionate he is about respecting expertise and calling out impostors. We live in a world where identifying expertise is harder - and more important - than ever. In this episode, we give you the tools to do so. When assessing an expert, beware these red flags: Does the expert speak with 100% certainty at all times? Does the expert avoid disclosing the limits of their knowledge? Does the e...
Sep 14, 2020•2 hr 55 min•Ep. 90
This week, Steve and Matt talk about seated guards! Seated guards are a great way to track and harass your opponent from the bottom. In this episode, you'll also learn why supine guard is sometimes referred to as Ali-Inoki position - which is a much more dignified nickname than how seated guard is referred to as "buttscooting." Mental models discussed in this episode: Inside Channel Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/ Predictable Responses https://bjjmental...
Sep 07, 2020•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 89
This week, Steve and Matt talk about gi-based open guards! There are a lot of variations, including spider guard, collar and sleeve, and worm guard. The sheer number of grip configurations can be overwhelming. Rather than trying to memorize each variation, we suggest thinking in a concept-based approach. In this episode, we discuss how. Mental models discussed in this episode: Direct vs. Proxy Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/direct-vs-proxy-control/ Grips Dictate Position https://bjjmentalmo...
Aug 31, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 88
This week, Steve and Matt talk about butterfly guard! Butterfly is a hook-based guard that works in both gi and no-gi, and excels against larger opponents. Mental models discussed in this episode: Inside Channel Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/ Body Tethering https://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/ Types of Guard https://bjjmentalmodels.com/types-of-guard/ Kuzushi https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/ Head Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/head-position/ Single v...
Aug 24, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 87
This week, X gon' give it to ya! Steve and Matt discuss X guard and its variants. X guard, while an advanced position and difficult to enter, is an incredibly powerful position that's especially effective against larger opponents. There are three primary types of X guard: X guard - best used when you're right underneath your opponent Single leg X guard - best used when controlling the far leg is a challenge Reverse X guard - best used when your opponent is leaning forward. Mental ...
Aug 17, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 86
It's time for another series! This week, Steve and Matt begin our new five-part Open Guard Series with a concept-based breakdown of the de la Riva guard and reverse de la Riva guard. Mental models discussed in this episode: Types of Guard https://bjjmentalmodels.com/types-of-guard/ Body Tethering https://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/ Committed Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/ Critical Control Points https://bjjmentalmodels.com/critical-control-points/ Dicta...
Aug 10, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 85
This week, Steve and Matt discuss the concept of the third place. It's a sociological concept coined by Ray Oldenburg, who argues that we have three important places in our life: The first place: your home The second place: your work The third place: the anchor to your community. The third place is where we blow off steam, get away from the demands of the first two places, and build relationships. For most of us, our third place is Jiu-Jitsu. You can read more about the third place here: ht...
Aug 03, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 84
The most important - and also hardest - part of every journey is the first step. If you can't bring yourself to take the first step, you deny yourself the most important growth opportunities in life. This week, Steve and Matt talk about the psychology of the first step, and how to overcome the natural fear of starting a new initiative. And more importantly, we also talk about Final Fantasy VII Remake. Mental models discussed in this episode: Mindfulness https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulne...
Jul 27, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 83
This week, Steve and Matt discuss tipping points: the concept that, once you have sufficient leverage or momentum, your desired outcome can no longer be denied. We've all experienced tipping points, whether it be on the mats or off. In Jiu-Jitsu, tipping points occur when your opponent gains so much leverage that you cannot realistically fight off their attack anymore, and your only recourse is to change your tactics. In real life, tipping points occur when an idea, product, or movement gai...
Jul 20, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 82
What is "the best way" to teach a Jiu-Jitsu class? Is there even an answer to that question? This week, Steve and Matt discuss common BJJ teaching methodologies such as concepts-based, toughness-based, and sequence-based. Mental models discussed in this episode: Train With Purpose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/ Making Smaller Circles https://bjjmentalmodels.com/making-smaller-circles/ Predictable Responses https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/ IMPORTANT: B...
Jul 13, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 81
This week Steve and Matt discuss the concept of surface area, and why it's important to expose as little of your body's surface area as possible. This strategy is sometimes referred to by the Danaher Death Squad as blading. When you're on top, minimizing surface area makes it much harder for your opponent to block your guard passes. When you're on bottom, minimizing surface area makes it much harder for your opponent to stabilize an offensive position. Mental models discussed...
Jul 06, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 80
This week Steve is joined by Rory van Vliet, an Island Top Team black belt under Rob Biernacki, to discuss online education. Rory is the co-instructor of the BJJ Concepts online academy, the operator behind the RVV BJJ YouTube channel, and the creator of the Guard Retention Formula instructional series alongside Stephan Kesting. Rory is uniquely qualified to discuss the topic of online education, so if you've ever wanted to share your knowledge with the world, this episode is for you. Menta...
Jun 29, 2020•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 79
This week, Steve and Matt discuss how to get motivated and stay motivated. It's easy to lose that fire inside and become exhausted through the rigors and routine of everyday life. Every now and then, you need to draw from different sources to become invigorated and motivated again. In this episode we talk about four common sources of motivation: Motivation from failure Motivation from regret Motivation from inspiration Motivation from necessity. Mental models discussed in this episode: Grow...
Jun 22, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 78
It's our honor and privilege to be joined this week by Sergeant Major Seb Lavoie. In addition to a lifetime of experience in the martial arts, Seb is a 19-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and previously served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Seb is currently the divisional Sergeant Major for British Columbia, Canada. This week Seb joins us to discuss the killing of George Floyd, police use of force, and where police organizations around the world can go from here. Apol...
Jun 15, 2020•2 hr 36 min•Ep. 77
Fear of time, or chronophobia, is a cause of constant anxiety and stress for many of us. It's the persistent fear that you're just not doing enough. This week, Steve and Matt discuss strategies for combating the fear of time. Ways to combat the fear of time: Kaizen (continuous improvement) Compartmentalizing Being present Recommended reading if you need help combating the fear of time: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, by Dale Carnegie Mental models discussed in this episode: Self...
Jun 08, 2020•50 min•Ep. 76
Submissions aren't just fight-ending techniques; they're tools to advance the position even if the submission fails. This week, Steve and Matt discuss how to use submissions as a way to advance position. Mental models discussed in this episode: Myopia https://bjjmentalmodels.com/myopia/ Body Tethering https://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/ Dilemma https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dilemma/ Technique Chaining https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/ Kuzushi https://bjjmentalmodels...
Jun 01, 2020•52 min•Ep. 75
This week, Steve and Matt talk about the mount: an old-school, demoralizing, and devastating position. The mount has three sub-positions: low mount, where you lie on top of uke; high mount, where you bring your knees into uke's armpits and posture up; technical mounts, including jockey mount and S mount. Mental models discussed in this episode: Crossing the Center https://bjjmentalmodels.com/crossing-the-center/ Defend with Purpose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defend-with-purpose/ Head Posit...
May 25, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 74
This week Steve and Matt talk about stress. Stress is a fact of life, and it can be a tool for growth if used properly. Some techniques for managing stress: Exercising Eating well Sleeping Controlled breathing Mindfulness Challenging yourself regularly Making time for yourself Doing what you love Not becoming obsessed with comfort Appreciating when you have enough. Mental models discussed in this episode: Growth From Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/ Stress and Recov...
May 18, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 73
As we've learned from Street Fighter, combos are important. A single technique in isolation is not as effective as a series of chained attacks. There are two ways you can chain attacks together: in a sequence, or in parallel. Mental models discussed in this episode: Technique Chaining https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/ Theory of Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/ Alignment over Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/alignment-over-position/ Kuzushi https:/...
May 11, 2020•58 min•Ep. 72
This week, Steve and Matt cover a commonly requested topic: controlling your breathing. It's a great technique for energy regulation, overcoming fear, and improving general well-being. Mental models discussed in this episode: Controlled Breathing https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlled-breathing/ Staying Loose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/staying-loose/ Growth from Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/ Mindfulness https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/ Self-Competit...
May 04, 2020•53 min•Ep. 71
Learning to stay loose is one of the quickest ways to improve your Jiu-Jitsu. This week, Steve and Matt explain the importance of staying loose, how to develop awareness of when you're too tense, and when it's appropriate to use tension. Why you should stay loose: It masks your intentions It saves energy and prevents muscle burnout It denies your opponent leverage. When it's okay to use tension: When you're doing so for a reason When your tension cannot be exploited. Mental m...
Apr 27, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 70
What better topic for episode #69 than north-south? Let's talk about the barbecue position. Mental models discussed in this episode: Theory of Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/ Elbow-Knee Connection https://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection/ Inside Channel Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/ Head Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/head-position/ Force Vectors https://bjjmentalmodels.com/force-vectors/ Predictable Responses https://b...
Apr 20, 2020•56 min•Ep. 69
In crisis, there is opportunity. Let's talk about entrepreneurship, and why this global pandemic may be the opportunity you need to start your business. Mental models discussed in this episode: Return on Investment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/ Race to the Bottom https://bjjmentalmodels.com/race-to-the-bottom/ Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/ Feedback Loop https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop/ Inversion https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inv...
Apr 13, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 68
