This week, we're joined by "The Raspberry Ape," Daniel Strauss! Daniel is a black belt under Roger Gracie and is the host of The Raspberry Ape Podcast. In this episode, Daniel breaks down the concepts behind one of his favorite submissions, and arguably one of the best overall submissions in all of Jiu-Jitsu: the guillotine choke. Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raspberry_ape/ Daniel's website: https://raspberryape.com/ The Raspberry Ape Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/theraspberry...
Apr 18, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 175
This week we're joined by Nick Purler! Nick is the head coach at Purler Wrestling Academy. In this episode, Nick brings his wealth of wrestling and coaching knowledge to the podcast, discussing topics such as: structuring a curriculum, cultivating a gameplan, the coach/student relationship, and introducing wrestling into your BJJ game. Purler Wrestling's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purlerwrestling/ Purler Wrestling Academy: https://purlerwrestling.com/ Mental models discussed in this ep...
Apr 11, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 174
This week we're joined by Lucius Tirey IV! Lucius is the strength & conditioning coach for Rafael Lovato Jr. and Xande Ribeiro. In this episode, Lucius discusses how he builds and executes strength & conditioning programs for elite-level BJJ athletes. Lucius' Instagram: https://instagram.com/greenstrengthiv/ Lucius' website: https://greenstrengthhq.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Concepts Over Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques/ Prioritize Longe...
Apr 04, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 173
In this very special episode, we're joined by Jiu-Jitsu podcaster and transcendental scholar Sonny Brown. Sonny joins us to break down the most powerful mental model of them all: the Law of Attraction. Mental models discussed in this episode: Law of Attraction https://bjjmentalmodels.com/law-of-attraction/ 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 ne...
Apr 01, 2022•49 min•Ep. 172
This week we're joined by Meg He! Meg is the co-founder and co-CEO of Aday, a Forbes 30 under 30 winner, and well-known Jiu-Jiteiro. Meg joins us to share some key business concepts for grapplers looking to make a living in the gentle art. Mental models discussed in this episode: Idea Communism https://bjjmentalmodels.com/idea-communism/ Race to the Bottom https://bjjmentalmodels.com/race-to-the-bottom/ Learning Modalities https://bjjmentalmodels.com/learning-modalities/ Abundance Mindset https:...
Mar 28, 2022•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 171
This week we're joined by Braulio Estima! Braulio talks about the importance of following your passion, and explains what "clicked" for him when he burst onto the world scene at black belt. Braulio's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/braulioestima Mental models discussed in this episode: Self-Competition https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/ Concepts Over Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques/ Levels of Competition https://bjjmentalmodels.com/levels-of-competition/ Mi...
Mar 21, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 170
This week we're joined by Drew Foster! Drew, also known as Darce_Knight on Reddit, is the host of The Neon Belly Podcast. In this episode, Drew breaks down one of his specializations: the D'Arce choke. Drew's podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1844219 Drew on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Darce_Knight Drew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewdarce/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Do What Works https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/ Limb Coiling https://bjjmentalmodels...
Mar 14, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 169
This week, Malachy Friedman joins us to discuss workshopping! Malachy's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/MalachyFriedman Mental models discussed in this episode: Scientific Method https://bjjmentalmodels.com/scientific-method/ Cognitive Load https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load/ Meditative Drilling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/meditative-drilling/ Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/ Beginner's Mind https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/ Incremental Learning http...
Mar 07, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 168
This week we're joined by Nikki Sullivan! Nikki is a black belt under André Galvão and is an inverted guard specialist. Nikki breaks down the concepts behind her inverted game, which she calls "panda." Nikki's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkicuddlejitsu/ The Panda Guard by Nikki Sullivan - BJJ Fanatics: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/the-panda-guard-by-nikki-sullivan The Panda Guard Systems - Atos BJJ On Demand: https://www.atosbjjondemand.com/products/panda-guard Mental models discu...
Feb 28, 2022•38 min•Ep. 167
This week we're joined by Nick "Chewy" Albin! Chewy breaks down strategies and concepts for back control. The BJJ podcast crossover you never knew you needed! Chewy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chewjitsu/ Chewy's website: https://www.chewjitsu.net/ Chewy's YouTube: https://bit.ly/3sMOuM2 Chewy's back control playlist: https://bit.ly/36fAra3 Mental models discussed in this episode: Overwhelming Force https://bjjmentalmodels.com/overwhelming-force/ Anatomic Hierarchy https://bjjmentalmod...
Feb 21, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 166
This week we're joined by Dr. Antonio Harrison! Antonio, affectionately known as "Coach Doc," holds a PhD in behavior analysis, and has a wealth of experience in sports coaching. Doc introduces us to the field of behavior analysis, and shares lessons on how coaches can bring out the best in their athletes. Doc's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onecoachdoc/ Doc's website: https://www.muchlovealways.com/ Supernatural: https://www.getsupernatural.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: B...
Feb 14, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 165
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/ Cognitive Dissonance ...
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 in this episod...
Jan 31, 2022•1 hr•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: cue it, do it, debrief ...
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/ Mindfulness https://...
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://bjjmentalmodels.c...
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 community, downloading our s...
Jan 03, 2022•1 hr 17 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 a Christmas present...
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 Learning https:...
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) https://bit.ly/3G...
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://bjjmentalmodel...
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://bjjmentalmodels.com/myop...
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://bjjmental...
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-of-co...
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://bjjmentalmodels.com...
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/predi...
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/ Technique Chaining...
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-term P...
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/ Controlling the Dis...
Oct 11, 2021•59 min•Ep. 147
