This week we're joined by Leanne Pedante! Leanne is the Head of Fitness at Supernatural. Leanne shares her philosophy for making strength & conditioning accessible and fun for the non-athletes among us. Leanne's Instagram: https://instagram.com/leannepedante Leanne's website: https://www.leannepedante.com/ Supernatural: https://www.getsupernatural.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Keep Your Identity Small https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-your-identity-small/ Cognit...
Feb 07, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 164
This week we're joined by Mark Harari! Mark is the owner of Pulse Fitness Studio, coach on Supernatural, and a reputed celebrity fitness trainer. Mark joins us to explain how fitness programs are structured to accommodate the needs of individuals with real-life constraints around their training, such as limited time, physical constraints, or work requirements. Mark's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markpulse/ Mark's website: https://www.markharari.com/ Mental models discussed...
Jan 31, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 163
This week we're joined by Dr. Nick Winkelman! Nick is the author of The Language of Coaching and the Head of Athletic Performance at Irish Rugby. In this episode, Nick shares concepts that coaches can use to maximize athletic performance in their students. Topics discussed include: Types of cues: internal, external, analogy. The "long loop" for teaching new movements: describe it, demonstrate it, cue it, do it, debrief it. The "short loop" for those familiar with the cue...
Jan 24, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 162
This week we're joined by Xande Ribeiro! Xande joins us to discuss the concepts behind pressure: one of the most potent weapons in Jiu-Jitsu. Xande's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xanderibeirojj/ Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu: https://www.instagram.com/sixbladesjiujitsu/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Surface Area https://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/ Force Vectors https://bjjmentalmodels.com/force-vectors/ Staying Loose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/staying-loose/ Mindfulnes...
Jan 17, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 161
This week we're joined by Olympic wrestler and UFC fighter Sara McMann! Sara explains how Jiu-Jiteiros can level up their wrestling in BJJ. Follow Sara McMann on Instagram: https://instagram.com/saramcmann Mental models discussed in this episode: Direct vs. Proxy Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/direct-vs-proxy-control/ Mask Your Intentions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mask-your-intentions/ Dictate the Pace https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/ Defense Paradox https://bjjmentalmod...
Jan 10, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 160
This week, we're joined by Hillary VanOrnum! Hillary is a black belt under James Foster and the head instructor at Unicorn Jiu Jitsu. In this episode, Hillary discusses her philosophy for making BJJ an inclusive "safe place for violence." 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 communit...
Jan 03, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 159
Seb Lavoie is a frequent BJJ Mental Models guest, BJJ black belt, CrossFit athlete, gym owner, and retired RCMP Sergeant Major. Earlier in 2021, Seb experienced a freak accident in which the muscles in his leg necrotized and had to be removed. Seb survived, but now has significantly reduced functionality in his leg and is facing the possibility of amputation. Seb has always worked in physically demanding fields, so this loss significantly alters his life moving forward. In this episode, Seb shar...
Dec 27, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 158
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from BJJ Mental Models! On a personal note, I'd just like to thank you for supporting us. Whether you support us on BJJ Mental Models Premium, read the newsletter, or listen to the podcast, I'm really and truly grateful that you've chosen to invest your valuable time and attention in our work. It really, truly means a lot to me, and you've enriched my life tremendously. So a sincere thank you, from me to you. ...aaaaaaaaaaaaanyway, I got you...
Dec 23, 2021•1 hr 33 min
Jon Thomas is back! This week, Jon continues a topic he brought up in his last BJJ Mental Models appearance: the pitfalls of principles. Jon's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SnakePlisken09 Jon's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonthomasbjj Jon's website: https://www.jonthomasbjj.com Mental models discussed in this episode: Concepts Over Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques/ Do What Works https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/ Incremental ...
Dec 20, 2021•56 min•Ep. 157
This week we're joined by Kristina Barlaan! Kristina is a 2nd degree black belt under Caio Terra. Kristina breaks down the details behind one of her favorite techniques: the bow & arrow choke. Kristina's three tips for perfecting the bow & arrow: Ensure you have the correct grip (make a fist, wrist not bent) Hide your elbow Get the correct angle. Check out Kristina's bow & arrow techniques on her Digitsu back attacks instructional: https://bit.ly/3q4vHKP (on demand) ht...
Dec 13, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 156
This week, we're joined by "The Villain" Chris Paines! Chris is a BJJ black belt under Priit Mihkelson, and an advocate for concept-based BJJ instruction. In this episode, Chris discusses his personal journey into Jiu-Jitsu concepts, and how he uses concepts to teach his students. Mental models discussed in this episode: Limb Coiling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/ Grips Dictate Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position/ Concepts Over Techniques https:/...
Dec 06, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 155
This week we're joined again by Stephan Kesting! Stephan is in the process of releasing his new Omoplata 2.0 instructional, so what better time than now to break down the mechanics of this underutilized submission? Get Stephan's new Omoplata 2.0 instructional here: https://www.grapplearts.com/omoplata/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Waypoints https://bjjmentalmodels.com/waypoints/ Technique Chaining https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/ Myopia https://bjjmentalmodel...
Nov 29, 2021•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 154
This week, we're joined by Jiu-Jitsu journalist extraordinaire Averi Clements! Fresh off her incredible run at the Jiu-Jitsu Times, Averi joins us to discuss her passion: our shared responsibility for making this sport as inclusive and clean as it can be. Referenced in this episode: The Call Is Coming From Inside The Gym, by Averi Clements https://www.jiujitsutimes.com/the-call-is-coming-from-inside-the-gym/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Respect People, Not Positions https://bjjm...
Nov 22, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 153
This week, we're joined again by Olympic Judo legend Travis Stevens! Travis discusses the goal-setting methodology he uses to coach and prepare his students for elite-level competition. Mental models discussed in this episode: Short-term/Long-term Paradox https://bjjmentalmodels.com/short-term-long-term-paradox/ Compartmentalization https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compartmentalization/ Mindfulness https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/ Levels of Competition https://bjjmentalmodels.com/levels-...
Nov 15, 2021•58 min•Ep. 152
This week, we're joined by Malachy Friedman! Malachy is a second-degree black belt under Ricardo Liborio and the founder of Black Label Martial Arts. Malachy shares his strategy and philosophy for guard passing. Follow Malachy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malachyfriedman/ Visit Malachy's website: https://www.malachyfriedman.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Economy of Motion https://bjjmentalmodels.com/economy-of-motion/ Path of Least Resistance https://bjjmental...
Nov 08, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 151
This week, we're joined again by Rob Biernacki from Island Top Team and BJJConcepts.net. Rob discusses how the initial conditions of a match can be chaotic or linear, and how this difference impacts the outcome of the match. Mental models discussed in this episode: Opening Salvos https://bjjmentalmodels.com/opening-salvos/ Kuzushi https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/ Grips Dictate Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position/ Predictable Responses https://bjjmentalmodels.com/...
Nov 01, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 150
This week, we're joined by Karel "The Silver Fox" Pravec! Karel shares his strategies for sparring with younger opponents, and the importance of thinking long-term. Mental models discussed in this episode: Habits Over Results https://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/ Incremental Learning https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/ Dictate the Pace https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/ Predictable Responses https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/ Tec...
Oct 25, 2021•59 min•Ep. 149
This week we're joined by Chris and Melissa Haueter! The Haueters are Jiu-Jitsu legends, with Chris being one of the first non-Brazilians to obtain a BJJ black belt. Chris and Melissa share their experiences with getting older and aging gracefully in the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Learn from Chris and Melissa Haueter online at Combat Base Club: https://combatbase.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Self-Competition https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/ Short-term/Long-t...
Oct 18, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 148
This week, we're joined by British Open black belt champion and Two4 Martial Arts head coach Omied Khakshour! Omied discusses "applying the 45," part of his conceptual framework for pressure passing. Check out Omied's guide here: Fundamentals of pressure – A guide to unlocking the guard and pinning https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OX_gosH8uMD8AojDt2zAT31FWr3ofK-F/view Mental models discussed in this episode: Theory of Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/...
Oct 11, 2021•59 min•Ep. 147
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...
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 episod...
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 ht...
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://b...
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://bjjmentalm...
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 Men...
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/ Elio...
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 ...
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 mor...
Aug 20, 2021•1 hr 43 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://bjjmentalmo...
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 Me...
Aug 15, 2021•32 min
