This week, we're joined by Whitney Bragagnolo from the Sports Ethics Examiner. Whitney is a PhD researcher in sport ethics, and a longtime practitioner of BJJ. Whitney discusses how the absence of a true BJJ governing body leads to ethical issues, and explains how BJJ could solve these problems. Referenced in the episode: Earn a black belt in building a safer & ethical gym https://www.instagram.com/p/CS-fX7mIU0z/ Shut Up & Train: A 2020 survey of sexual harassment and assault in the Braz...
Oct 04, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 146
This week we're joined by Doug Lemov, the bestselling author of Teach Like a Champion and The Coach's Guide to Teaching. Doug shares how education best practices like effortful retrieval, interleaving, and perception-action coupling can be applied to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Here's how you can check out Doug's work: The Coach's Guide to Teaching https://www.coachsguidetoteaching.com/ Teach Like a Champion https://teachlikeachampion.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Feedback Loop https://...
Sep 27, 2021•54 min•Ep. 145
This week, we're joined by Dr. Rob Gray from the Perception & Action Podcast! Dr. Gray explains how the constraints-led approach to coaching can turbo-charge the skill development of yourself and your team. A great and insightful episode for both students and coaches. Check out Dr. Gray on the Perception & Action Podcast: https://perceptionaction.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Train With Purpose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/ Grips Dictate Position https:/...
Sep 20, 2021•59 min•Ep. 144
This week we're joined again by Drew Weatherhead! Drew breaks down one of the most powerful but most underloved series of positions in Jiu-Jitsu: the crucifix. Check out The Crucifix Bible, by Drew Weatherhead, on BJJ Fanatics: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/the-crucifix-manual-by-drew-weatherhead Mental models discussed in this episode: 3 Joint Rule https://bjjmentalmodels.com/3-joint-rule/ Rotational Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/rotational-control/ Predictable Responses https://bjjmen...
Sep 13, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 143
This week, Steve and Matt share their best practices for learning from BJJ instructionals. There's more high-quality content than ever, so we tackle the problem of having too much good information to absorb. Mental models discussed in this episode: Idea Communism https://bjjmentalmodels.com/idea-communism/ Learning Modalities https://bjjmentalmodels.com/learning-modalities/ Concepts Over Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques/ Incremental Learning https://bjjmentalmodels...
Sep 06, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 142
In this special episode, Andrew Wiltse joins us to share his stance on the recent sexual abuse allegations in the BJJ community. Mentioned in this episode: Shut Up & Train: A 2020 survey of sexual harassment and assault in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13uam_vwd_0VJQ95Z64XREIK8wVoG7zIK The Call Is Coming From Inside The Gym, by Averi Clements https://www.jiujitsutimes.com/the-call-is-coming-from-inside-the-gym/ Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental M...
Sep 05, 2021•1 hr 11 min
This week, we're joined by Eliot Marshall. Eliot is a UFC veteran, BJJ black belt, and co-owner of the Easton Training Center. Eliot joins us to discuss the fighter's journey after retirement from competition, and how to build a sustainable business in the sport you love. Check out Eliot's podcast, The Gospel of Fire: https://gospeloffire.libsyn.com/ Eliot's book, also called The Gospel of Fire: https://www.eliotmarshall.com/book Easton Online: https://www.easton.online/ Eliot's website: https:/...
Aug 30, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 141
Priit Mihkelson is back! This week, Priit explains his framework for Jiu-Jitsu, and how his defensive strategies integrate with more mainstream strategies. Topics discussed: Introduction to Priit's Defensive BJJ Crunches vs. twists How Priit's system was developed Defensive BJJ vs. Biernacki's theory of alignment What problem Defensive BJJ solves Quick introduction to the Defensive BJJ system: https://youtu.be/vHDqBGNTnfY Defensive BJJ: https://www.defensivebjj.com/ Mental models discussed in th...
Aug 23, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 140
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 single private. Sign up here for a free trial: https://premium.bjjmentalmodels.com/ Need more BJJ...
Aug 20, 2021•1 hr 42 min
This week, Steve and Matt discuss posts: one of the core mechanics of Jiu-Jitsu. Posting, or connecting with the floor to create base, is a concept that's often not discussed in detail. In this episode, we break down the mental models for posting. Mental models discussed in this episode: Core Mechanics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/ Force Vectors https://bjjmentalmodels.com/force-vectors/ 3 Joint Rule https://bjjmentalmodels.com/3-joint-rule/ Ratchet Control https://bjjmentalmodels....
Aug 16, 2021•58 min•Ep. 139
Here's a freebie for all of you loyal listeners: the first 30 minutes of the BJJ Mental Models Gamplanning Series! The Gameplanning Series is the first full course we made for BJJ Mental Models Premium. This 7-part series walks you through the process of building a Jiu-Jitsu gameplan using the mental models we talk about on the show. Enjoy the first 30 minutes of this course, on us. To get the full course, as well as the other awesome perks available to Premium subscribers, check out BJJ Mental ...
Aug 15, 2021•32 min
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.com/plus-minus-equals/ Do W...
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 single...
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 rotate your thumb down. Before you g...
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/concept...
Jul 19, 2021•1 hr 23 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 solutions are ...
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 Mindset https://bj...
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-channel-c...
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/ Feedback ...
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" "Once you get into kesa gatame, you’re stuck there." Critical cont...
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: Kuzushi ...
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.teachingbjj.com/ Mental m...
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 autistic pe...
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" - meaning there are no ...
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/ Prioritize Longevity...
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 Group on...
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 podcast, you’ll definitely...
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 me closer or further away...
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/ David's bo...
Apr 12, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 121
