This week we're joined by fan favorites Rob Biernacki & Stephan Kesting! Rob and Stephan's newest instructional, "BJJ for Old F***s," explains concepts and tactics for safe and effective Jiu-Jitsu as you age. We dig into their ideas in this episode. A great listen for older grapplers, or anyone concerned about maximizing safety and effectiveness. Get the instructional here: BJJ for Old F***s: How to Defeat the Younger, More Athletic Opponent By Rob Biernacki and Stephan K...
May 30, 2022•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 181
Just a heads up that this episode has almost nothing to do with Jiu-Jitsu, so if you want to skip it, I don't blame you. 🤣 In this bonus episode, philosophy enthusiast and grappling luminary Robert Degle joins us to make an in-depth defense of the Star Wars prequels. Robert makes the case that the Star Wars prequels are better than you remember, and may in fact be legitimately good movies. Robert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertdeglebjj/ Robert Degle BJJ Online: https://r...
May 27, 2022•2 hr 37 min
This week, Andrew Wiltse from Daisy Fresh and Wiltse Bros BJJ joins us for a very raw and transparent conversation. For those not aware, Andrew recently experienced a manic episode and was diagnosed with dissociative disorder. He also recently launched the Gym Rat program, a charitable organization focused on sponsoring athletes in need. In this episode, Andrew talks extensively about his experiences with mania and dissociative disorder, the Gym Rat program, and how the community can make BJJ a ...
May 23, 2022•57 min•Ep. 180
This week we're joined again by Lachlan Giles! Lachlan introduces the hybrid reverse classroom model that he uses for his online Jiu-Jitsu instructional platform, SUBMETA. Sign up for SUBMETA here: https://submeta.io/want Mental models discussed in this episode: Double Down on Strengths https://bjjmentalmodels.com/double-down-on-strengths/ Funneling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling/ Technique Chaining https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/ Incremental Learning https://bjjmenta...
May 16, 2022•59 min•Ep. 179
This week we're joined again by Robert Degle! Robert joins us for a thought piece where we question one of the biggest assumptions in Jiu-Jitsu: what does it mean for a technique to be "high percentage?" And are we defining this correctly? Robert Degle's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/RobertDegleBJJ Mental models discussed in this episode: Do What Works https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/ Win Conditions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions/ Resulting Fallacy https:/...
May 09, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 178
This week we're joined by Seph Smith! Seph is a black belt under Ryan Hall and is the head instructor at Upstream BJJ. Seph joins us to talk about the concepts behind one of his favorite submissions: the arm triangle. Seph's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sephwillkillyou/ Seph's email: [email protected] Arm Triangle Details with Seph Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCOXwqVePsY Ryan Hall Online: https://ryanhallonline.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: ...
May 02, 2022•51 min•Ep. 177
This week we're joined by Dr. Matteo Capodaglio! Matteo is the founder of Capo Nutrition, and is the "nutritionist to the stars" for BJJ athletes such as Mikey Musumeci and Margot Ciccarelli. In this episode, Matteo provides a brief primer on nutrition for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as well as some mythbusting on common nutrition misconceptions. Matteo’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/drcapodaglio Mental models discussed in this episode: Consistency https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/...
Apr 25, 2022•53 min•Ep. 176
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://so...
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 ...
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/ P...
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 iceber...
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 h...
Mar 28, 2022•2 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/level...
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://...
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 Lea...
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...
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/ Anat...
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 dis...
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/ 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•2 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
