This week we're taking on a topic by listener demand: how to help BJJ business owners succeed financially! In this episode, we're joined by David Bayarena, a BJJ black belt, certified financial planner, and founder of Kaizen Wealth Planning and RONIN Financial Planning. David highlights topics relevant to all BJJ business owners, such as insurance, tax mitigation, succession plans, and retirement plans. Drawing parallels between financial and martial strategies, David emphasizes the ne...
Sep 23, 2024•56 min•Ep. 303
In this week's mini-episode we discuss hybrid choke mechanics! We've already covered the primary types of chokes in Jiu-Jitsu. Now let's talk about what happens when we combine these types of chokes, whether hybrid chokes are "better," and how hybrid chokes muddle complicated topics like rulesets and consent. Listen to our prior mini-episodes on choke mechanics: Mini Ep. 16: Blood Choke Mechanics https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15622350-mini-ep-16-blood-choke-...
Sep 19, 2024•9 min
This week we're joined again by Tum Energia! Thomas Voorn, better known by his nickname Tum Energia, is a BJJ black belt and the founder of Energia Martial Arts. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu digital content toward short-form content like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Stories. We discuss the implications to BJJ content creators, how practitioners can learn from content of different types, and the ethics of short-form content on our attention spans. Follow Tum...
Sep 16, 2024•57 min•Ep. 302
In this week's mini-episode we discuss crank mechanics! Cranks are submissions that attack the cervical spine (the neck). We discuss the ethics of cranks, how to engage with them safely, and their relevance to rulesets. Listen to our prior mini-episodes on choke mechanics: Mini Ep. 16: Blood Choke Mechanics https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15622350-mini-ep-16-blood-choke-mechanics Mini Ep. 17: Air Choke Mechanics https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15660734-mini-ep-17-air-c...
Sep 12, 2024•11 min
This week we're joined by Josh Vogel! Alongside his wife Angie, Josh is a co-founder and head instructor at The Jiu Jitsu Company in Old City, Philadelphia. In this episode, Josh emphasizes the importance of structured class curriculums and a project-based focus, where students develop their skills through specific, measurable 90-day projects targeting various techniques. Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshrvogel https://www.instagram.com/thejiujitsucompany Train with J...
Sep 09, 2024•59 min•Ep. 301
In this week's mini-episode we discuss compression choke mechanics! Compression chokes involve squeezing your opponent's chest so tightly that their lungs can't expand to take in air. They're a bit silly and not high-percentage, but they're still worth knowing about so you don't wind up on the wrong end of someone else's compression choke highlight reel. Listen to our prior mini-episodes on choke mechanics: Mini Ep. 16: Blood Choke Mechanics https://podcast.bjj...
Sep 05, 2024•10 min
For our 300th episode, there's only one guest that'll do: James "300" Foster! James is a 3x black belt masters world champion, 4th degree black belt under Giva Santana, and the head coach at Foster Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this episode, James shares how teachers who are also active competitors can balance those two priorities, and even synergize them. Follow James on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james300foster Subscribe to James' YouTube channel: https://www.youtu...
Sep 02, 2024•59 min•Ep. 300
In this week's mini-episode we discuss air choke mechanics! Air chokes involve cutting off your opponent's ability to breathe by either compressing their trachea ("windpipe") or covering their mouth. Air chokes often don't act as quickly as blood chokes, but there are ways to speed them up by triggering the gag reflex. We also talk about why air chokes are legitimate techniques and should not be thought of as "dirty." Listen to our prior mini-episode on blood c...
Aug 29, 2024•10 min
This week we're joined again by Adam Medlock! Adam is a Braulio Estima black belt and a lead educator from the UK. In this episode, Adam discusses the challenges of student assessment, or how Jiu-Jitsu coaches can measure student progress and the effectiveness of the curriculum. Key points include the introduction of the TLA cycle (Teaching, Learning, and Assessment) and the concept of cumulative disfluency, alongside a critique of one-size-fits-all curricula and seminar-style teaching. Res...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 299
In this week's mini-episode we discuss blood choke mechanics! This is the concept behind all chokes we'd classify as "carotid restraints," where compression on the carotid arteries cuts off blood flow to the brain. We'll discuss the simple "triangle around the head" concept that helps tighten all blood chokes including rear naked chokes, collar chokes, triangle chokes, and head and arm chokes. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https:/...
Aug 22, 2024•9 min
This week we're joined by Mandy Schneider! Mandy is a BJJ Mental Models sponsored athlete competing at purple belt out of SOUL FIGHTERS Martial Arts in Allen, Texas. Mandy just underwent surgery for chronic bursitis in her elbow, and in this week's episode, Mandy shares her experience working around injury in Jiu-Jitsu. Topics include the challenges of training through injuries, distinguishing between manageable injuries and those requiring full rest, maintaining mental sharpness and m...
Aug 19, 2024•50 min•Ep. 298
In this week's mini-episode we discuss dominant angles! The concept of dominant angles is more complicated than "being behind or beside your opponent." It's more about positioning your body relative to theirs such that their arms, legs, and other weapons can't come into play. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you'll defi...
Aug 15, 2024•8 min
This week we're joined again by David Figueroa-Martinez! David is a black belt, instructor, and writer training out of Gracie La Mesa in California. In this episode, David discusses one of the most difficult — but sometimes essential — decisions that many grapplers will face during their journey: the decision to leave their gym. Follow David on social: https://www.instagram.com/dfm.2099 https://www.threads.net/@dfm.2099 David's website: https://dfm2099.me/ Support David via DawnBreaker...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 297
In this week's mini-episode, we discuss countergripping! There are three ways to counter a grip: breaking the grip (stripping their fingers), inverting the grip (pummeling to make the grip our own), or changing the angle (which can render the grip useless). In general, breaking the grip is the least efficient option, changing the angle is the most efficient, and inverting the grip is in between. Note that we want our grips to be dominant grips, meaning that they give us more control than th...
Aug 08, 2024•8 min
This week we're joined by Tom "TP" Grant! Tom Grant, also known by the writer's handle TP Grant, is a BJJ black belt under Issac Riggs and an MMA/BJJ writer best known for his work at Bloody Elbow and Bleacher Report. In this episode, Tom discusses the importance of adapting on the fly. Techniques are rarely executed exactly as taught; they're usually improvised. Read History of Jiu-Jitsu, by TP Grant: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/654500-history-of-jiu-jitsu-comin...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 296
In this week's mini-episode, we discuss one of Steve's favorite mental models: grips dictate position! As the name implies, whoever wins the grip fight in Jiu-Jitsu often dictates the position. Focus on winning the grip fight before attempting to advance position or secure a submission. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you'll definite...
Aug 01, 2024•7 min
This week we're joined by Sebastian Brosche! Sebastian is a BJJ black belt, the founder of the legendary platform Yoga for BJJ, and also the founder of his new project, Teach Grappling. In this episode, we discuss knowledge organization, effective teaching strategies, curriculum development, standardization, instructor education, and the future of Jiu-Jitsu education. Follow Sebastian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogaforbjj Join Yoga for BJJ: https://yogaforbjj.net/ Check out Seb...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 295
In this week's mini-episode, we're discussing the anatomic hierarchy! The anatomic hierarchy is a simple but powerful mental model that organizes our body into six major tools, from strongest to weakest: our torso, our two legs, our two arms, and our head. The anatomic hierarchy teaches us that when attacking, we should use as many of our weapons as possible, especially the stronger ones. And we'll also have better success if we're attacking a weaker part of our opponent&apos...
Jul 25, 2024•9 min
This week we're joined by Kiaya Jackson! Kiaya is the founder of SoPro Collective and a Jiu-Jitsu competitor representing Brandon Mccaghren from 10th Planet Decatur. In this episode, Kiaya explains her unconventional journey into a Jiu-Jitsu career, and shares her playbook for making a living in the sport beyond the usual athlete and coach career paths. Follow Kiaya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiaya.j SoPro Training — Kiaya's coaching brand: https://www.soprotraining.com/ S...
Jul 22, 2024•57 min•Ep. 294
In this week's mini-episode, we're discussing posts, the last of the six core mechanics of Jiu-Jitsu! Posts occur when you use an extremity of your body to connect with and base off a platform like the floor. Posts are important for maintaining your own base and creating opportunities to attack your opponent. This is the sixth in a six-part series of mini-episodes we're doing on the core mechanics of Jiu-Jitsu: frames, levers, wedges, clamps, hooks, and posts. Further study: Mini ...
Jul 18, 2024•12 min
This week we're joined by Charles Harriott! Charles is a BJJ black belt, professional seminar instructor, and content creator. In this episode, Charles introduces a mental model he calls "the 3-fold view of Jiu-Jitsu." We discuss the three lenses through which Charles views Jiu-Jitsu and how these different perspectives work together to help him better understand the art. Follow Charles on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesharriott Subscribe to Charles on YouTube: https:...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 293
In this week's mini-episode, we're discussing hooks, the main mechanic behind techniques like butterfly guard. Hooks are a tracking mechanic used to follow your opponent and create opportunities to off-balance them. This is the fifth in a six-part series of mini-episodes we're doing on the core mechanics of Jiu-Jitsu: frames, levers, wedges, clamps, hooks, and posts. Further study: Mini Ep. 6: Frames https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15242269-mini-ep-6-frames Mini Ep. 7: ...
Jul 11, 2024•7 min
This week we're joined by Jesse Walker! Jesse is a black belt under Chris Haueter and is the head coach at Rough Hands BJJ in Louisville, Kentucky. In this episode, Jesse introduces the paradox of control: a concept teaching us that in order to attack in Jiu-Jitsu, you must sometimes sacrifice control for movement. Follow Jesse and Rough Hands BJJ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roughhandsbjj Train with Jesse at Rough Hands BJJ: https://rough-hands.net/ Mental models discussed in th...
Jul 08, 2024•59 min•Ep. 292
In this week's mini-episode, we're discussing clamps, the mechanic where you use your limbs to create a closed circuit around your opponent's body. Think closed guard or seatbelt. This is the fourth in a six-part series of mini-episodes we're doing on the core mechanics of Jiu-Jitsu: frames, levers, wedges, clamps, hooks, and posts. Further study: Mini Ep. 6: Frames https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15242269-mini-ep-6-frames Mini Ep. 7: Levers https://podcast.bjjment...
Jul 04, 2024•7 min
This week we're joined by Ben Van Doren! Ben is a Lucas Lepri black belt and the head instructor at Deep Blue Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Caledonia, Michigan. In this episode, Ben draws on his experience as a manager and BJJ gym owner to discuss difficult coaching conversations. This conversation is a great playbook for Jiu-Jisu leaders of all sorts, and how they can productively navigate the difficult conversations that arise on the job with both your students and coaches. Follow Ben and Deep B...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 291
In this week's mini-episode, we're discussing wedges, and we don't mean pizza! We break down the two types of wedges in Jiu-Jitsu: blocking wedges (used for immobilizing your opponent) and prying wedges (used for breaking open your opponent's defenses). This is the third in a six-part series of mini-episodes we're doing on the core mechanics of Jiu-Jitsu: frames, levers, wedges, clamps, hooks, and posts. Further study: Mini Ep. 6: Frames https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.c...
Jun 27, 2024•8 min
This week we're joined by Jeff Serafin! Jeff is the head instructor at Serafin BJJ, a partner at Gym 1801, and a black belt under Jack McVicker and Megaton Dias. In this episode, Jeff advocates for fostering a healthy gym culture and reducing dogma in Jiu-Jitsu. Topics include: identifying and avoiding toxic gym cultures, ego management in training, and strategies for pairing students to ensure safety and learning. Follow Jeff on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serafinbjj Train with Je...
Jun 24, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 290
In this week's mini-episode, we're discussing levers! Levers are force multipliers and the source of leverage in Jiu-Jitsu. In this episode, we talk about the levers of the human body, turning frames into levers, and when levers are less important. This is the second in a six-part series of mini-episodes we're doing on the core mechanics of Jiu-Jitsu: frames, levers, wedges, clamps, hooks, and posts. Further study: Mini Ep. 6: Frames https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/1524...
Jun 20, 2024•10 min
This week we're joined again by Lyzz "Daemonette" Mitrovic! Lyzz is a multi-time black belt masters world champion and a longtime member of the BJJ Mental Models Premium community. Lyzz will be competing at ADCC this year after earning her entry via victory at ADCC West Coast Trials. In this episode, Lyzz shares what high-level competition camps look like, how to best utilize your competition team, and what to do when your preparation doesn't go according to plan. Follow Lyzz...
Jun 17, 2024•58 min•Ep. 289
In this week's mini-episode, we're discussing frames! You probably know what a frame is, but I'm guessing you haven't walked through the concept as in-depth as we'll do here today! Let's talk about how we define a "frame," when we want to use frames, what makes frames useful, and when frames become a liability. This is the first in a six-part series of mini-episodes we're doing on the core mechanics of Jiu-Jitsu: frames, levers, wedges, clamps, hooks,...
Jun 13, 2024•10 min
