This week we're joined again by Drew Foster! Best known as u/darce_knight on Reddit and @drewdarce on Instagram, Drew is a black belt instructor at Elevate MMA in North Carolina, the host of The Neon Belly Podcast, and the host of the State of the Meta podcast on BJJ Mental Models Premium. In this episode, Drew breaks down the mechanics behind the anaconda choke. Follow Drew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewdarce Listen to Drew on The Neon Belly Podcast: https://theneonbelly.buzz...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 309
In this week's mini-episode we're talking about crossing the center, an ancient mental model that appears in many martial arts beyond Jiu-Jitsu — and for good reason! The "center line" refers to an imaginary line running down the middle of your body, where your spine is. Forcing your opponent to "cross the center," or pass their arm or leg across the center line of their body, is a surefire way to break their posture and structure. Further study: BJJMM Mini Ep. 1: B...
Oct 31, 2024•7 min
This week we're joined by Jake O'Driscoll! Jake is the black belt head coach at Essence BJJ in Perth, Australia. Best known for coaching Adele Fornarino to her incredible 2x ADCC 2024 World Championship win, Jake is also an accomplished competitor in his own right, having just won the IBJJF 2024 Pan Pacific No-Gi Heavyweight Championship in Masters 1. In this episode, Jake shares lessons on crossing the gap from good to great, and what separates the best in the world from the other out...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 308
In this week's mini-episode we finish our series of discussions on the different types of breaking mechanics in Jiu-Jitsu! This episode explains hybrid breaks, or submissions that combine multiple breaking mechanics such as linear breaks, rotational breaks, and slicers. Hybrid breaks are often more powerful than those relying on a single breaking mechanic. (A note on terminology: a "break" as described here is technically more of a "tear," as you're not breaking bon...
Oct 24, 2024•6 min
This week we're joined by Sara Rafferty! Sara is the agent and manager for Jiu-Jitsu standouts like Adele Fornarino, Brianna Ste-Marie, and Jake O'Driscoll. In this episode, Sara shares her advice on how athletes can leverage agents, managers, and representation to negotiate better sponsorships and fight contracts in Jiu-Jitsu. Follow Sara Rafferty on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_rafferty Follow Carolina Vallejo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carovallejojj Resources ...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 307
In this week's mini-episode we continue our series of discussions on the different types of breaking mechanics in Jiu-Jitsu! This episode explains slicers, a submission that usually targets the bicep or calf, and discusses why these submissions may be underused due to IBJJF ruleset restrictions. (A note on terminology: a "break" as described here is technically more of a "tear," as you're not breaking bone, you're tearing soft tissue. However, we'll use th...
Oct 17, 2024•8 min
This week we're joined again by Amanda Bruse! Amanda is a black belt under André Galvão training out of Atos HQ and a BJJ Mental Models sponsored athlete. In this episode, we continue the topic from Amanda's last appearance: how to manage the anxiety that comes with Jiu-Jitsu competition. Amanda presents specific, evidence-backed tactics for managing Jiu-Jitsu anxiety for athletes of all levels. Follow Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandabruse.bjj/ Resources discussed ...
Oct 14, 2024•51 min•Ep. 306
Oct 11, 2024•13 min
In this week's mini-episode we continue our series of discussions on the different types of breaking mechanics in Jiu-Jitsu! This episode explains rotational breaks like kimuras, omoplatas, and heel hooks. We also explain the difference between internal and external rotations, and why internal rotations are so powerful. (A note on terminology: a "break" as described here is technically more of a "tear," as you're not breaking bone, you're tearing soft tissue. H...
Oct 10, 2024•11 min
This week we're joined by Rob Biernacki, Cory Burton, and Gary Gilbert! Collectively, they are the coaching team at Island Top Team in Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. In this episode, Rob and the team explain the importance of having a common coaching language across the entire team, and how our choice of language shapes our behavior. Train with Island Top Team in Vancouver Island, BC, Canada: https://islandtopteam.com/ Learn from Island Top Team online at BJJ Concepts: https://bjjconcepts.ne...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 305
In this week's mini-episode we begin a series of discussions on the different types of breaking mechanics in Jiu-Jitsu! This episode explains linear breaks like armbars and kneebars, which hyperextend the middle joint (elbow/knee) of a limb. (A note on terminology: a linear "break" as described here is technically more of a "tear," as you're not breaking bone, you're tearing soft tissue. However, we'll use the term "break" as it's the more c...
Oct 03, 2024•9 min
This week you're getting a bonus episode! Avery Lorenzato from Golden Jiu Jitsu in Colorado joins us to share his philosophy of "playing the sport." A great conversation on the importance of play, and what it's like to train at a gym that focuses on a games-based approach. Follow Golden Jiu Jitsu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golden_jiujitsu Train with Avery at Golden Jiu Jitsu in Colorado: https://goldenjj.com/ Need help growing your Jiu-Jitsu business? If you&apos...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 37 min
This week we're joined by Trey Hucks! Trey is best known as the founder of Slime Mold Grappling Club, an amazing database of Jiu-Jitsu games based on the ecological approach and other coaching best practices. In this episode, Trey makes the case for "Beer League Jiu-Jitsu," a mindset emphasizing the social and communal benefits of Jiu-Jitsu first and foremost, above athletic accomplishments or performance. Visit the Slime Mold Grappling Club games database: https://slimemoldgrappl...
Sep 30, 2024•55 min•Ep. 304
In this week's mini-episode we discuss the 3 joint rule! It's an essential mental model for understanding how you control your opponent's arms and legs, especially when advancing position or attempting a submission. More resources on the 3 joint rule: BJJ Mental Models Ep. 270: The 3 Joint Rule, feat. Jeff Shaw https://bjj.plus/270 The 3 Joint Rule — BJJMM Database https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/3-joint-rule Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjj...
Sep 26, 2024•11 min
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
