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
This week, Steve and Matt dive into knee on belly and break down the position using the mental models we discuss on the show. Uke's predictable responses from knee on belly: Getting to their side - either turning toward or away from you Attacking your feet Getting their foot on your hip or inverting into a leg entanglement Critical control points for knee on belly: Maintaining good foot position. No gaps between your shoelaces and their hip. Don't let them grab your legs, especially th...
Feb 08, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 111
This week, Steve is joined by Bruce Hoyer from Next Edge Academy. Bruce is best known for pioneering the reverse classroom model in BJJ. If you've been looking for a new and empowering way to structure your learning or classes, this is the episode for you. IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain. Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content. W...
Feb 01, 2021•42 min•Ep. 110
This week, Steve and Matt are joined by multi-time world champion Emily Kwok. Having studied directly with Marcelo Garcia and Josh Waitzkin, Emily joins us to share her expertise on the study of peak performance. Mental models discussed in this episode: Kaizen https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/ Flow https://bjjmentalmodels.com/flow/ Stress and Recovery https://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery/ Shuhari https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shuhari/ Raise the Level in the Room https://bjjmentalmodel...
Jan 25, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 109
This week, Steve and Matt are joined by Nelson Puentes, the co-founder of Inverted Gear. Nelson shares the story of the business and is generous with advice to other entrepreneurs who are looking to get started. We discuss the importance of branding, the joy of logistics, and how to pivot during adversity. Oh...and we talk about short shorts. IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain. Our gyms are closed, our incom...
Jan 18, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 108
This week, Steve is joined again by Robert Degle. Robert shares his experience with information literacy, and how grapplers can answer the questions: how do I know this technique is a good technique? And what makes a technique good, anyway? Due to incorrect audio settings in this episode, it sounds like Steve is yelling through a megaphone. We did our best to clean up the audio, but it's still noticeable. Sorry about this. Mental models discussed in this episode: Scientific Method https://b...
Jan 11, 2021•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 107
This week, Steve is joined by the internet's favorite professor, Stephan Kesting. We have a post-mortem on the disastrous year that was 2020, discuss how we can develop a resilient mindset, and how the BJJ community can heal and recover in 2021. Mental models discussed in this episode: Raise the Level in the Room https://bjjmentalmodels.com/raise-the-level-in-the-room/ Train With Purpose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/ Habits Over Results https://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-o...
Jan 04, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 106
This week, Steve and Matt are joined by one of Steve's personal Jiu-Jitsu heroes, Dr. Valerie “Valhalla” Worthington! Dr. Worthington shares her expertise in coaching, both on and off the mats. We have a great discussion on the ethics of being a coach, getting more women into Jiu-Jitsu, and celebrating our differences. Mental models discussed in this episode: Do What Works https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/ Extreme Ownership https://bjjmentalmodels.com/extreme-ownership/ Scientific ...
Dec 28, 2020•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 105
This week, Matt is joined by Judo legend Shintaro Higashi for a super detailed and technical discussion of grip strategy. Mental models discussed in this episode: Mirrored Stances https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mirrored-stances/ Inside Channel Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/ Train With Purpose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/ Staying Loose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/staying-loose/ Kinetic Chains https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kinetic-chains/ Dilemma https://...
Dec 21, 2020•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 104
This week, we're joined by Dr. David Ley. In addition to being a clinical psychologist and frequent contributor to Psychology Today, David is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Roberto Alencar. He's the perfect guest to discuss one of our most frequently requested topics: depression and Jiu-Jitsu. Mental models discussed in this episode: Habits Over Results https://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/ Mindfulness https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/ Growth from Discomfort https://bjj...
Dec 14, 2020•52 min•Ep. 103
The juice. The sauce. The bomba. It's prevalent in our sport. But is it true that everyone uses them? And regardless, would that justify using them yourself? This week, we're joined again by Lachlan Giles to discuss the ethics of performance-enhancing drug use in BJJ, and the recent firestorm around his principled comments on Instagram. Research referenced in this episode: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-24730151 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/01/190125084106.h...
Dec 07, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 102
This week, we're joined again by Island Top Team black belt Rory van Vliet. Rory helps us answer the question: when you are a caregiver, how do you use Jiu-Jitsu safely and with compassion? If you ever wanted to learn how to use Jiu-Jitsu to safely subdue Grandma, this is the episode for you. Mental models discussed in this episode: Theory of Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/ Win Conditions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions/ Prevention Over Cure https://bjj...
Nov 30, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 101
What a milestone! This week, Steve and Matt celebrate 100 episodes of BJJ Mental Models, and share the biggest lessons we've learned so far. We also discuss cat litter options, feline dietary considerations, and fail hard at pronouncing German names. Mental models discussed in this episode: Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/ Scientific Method https://bjjmentalmodels.com/scientific-method/ Surface Area https://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/ Force Vectors http...
Nov 22, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 100
