This week we're joined by Max Schneider! Max is a BJJ black belt under Justin Flores, as well as a national Judo champion and Olympic alternate, 2x Illinois state wrestling champion, and former D1 wrestler. In this episode, Max explores the philosophy and techniques behind safe and effective takedown training. Topics include the importance of warmup and falling techniques, various types of breakfalls, the differences in approach between Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, adapting techniques to various bod...
Dec 30, 2024•56 min•Ep. 317
In this week's mini-episode we explain the so-called "zone of genius:" a concept that encourages us to spend our time in the areas where we're most passionate and talented. This has implications for Jiu-Jitsu strategy: We should build a gameplan that takes the fight to places where we are the most exceptional. In terms of our skill development, this means we're best off doubling down on our strengths. Instead of trying to "get good at everything" (which is impo...
Dec 26, 2024•9 min
This week we're joined again by Jake Luigi from Less Impressed More Involved and Outlier DB! In this episode, Jake discusses a problem we can all relate to: content overload in BJJ. Jake shares great advice on choosing what to study in a world where quality Jiu-Jitsu content is plentiful but time is scarce. Follow Jake on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limibjj/ Subscribe to Less Impressed More Involved on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LIMIBJJ Check out Outlier DB: https://outlierd...
Dec 23, 2024•57 min•Ep. 316
In this week's mini-episode we explain the layers of strategy: every good plan needs a solid foundation and a flexible perimeter. This concept applies to all manner of strategies, both on and off the mats. Before you listen to this episode, check out: Mini Ep. 32: Funneling https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16266002-mini-ep-32-funneling Mini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfare https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16225783-mini-ep-31-asymmetric-warfare Get our Intro t...
Dec 19, 2024•11 min
This week we're joined again by Defensive BJJ coach and BJJMM fan-favorite guest Priit Mihkelson! In this episode, Priit discusses the importance of angles when defending from inferior positions. Priit explains concepts for finding the correct angle when defending from the bottom, such as maintaining a 45° angle relative to the floor after your legs have been cleared, and how "making a capital T" by positioning your body perpendicular to your opponent can prevent them from wrappin...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 315
In this week's mini-episode we explain funneling , a key concept for building Jiu-Jitsu strategies. The idea is to build "funnels," or pathways to where we have an unfair/asymmetric advantage. A good gameplan uses funnels to "connect the dots" so no matter where a match goes, you have a viable pathway to your strongest positions. Before you listen to this episode, check out: Mini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfare https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16225783-mini...
Dec 12, 2024•9 min
This week we're joined by Ken Postnikoff! Ken is the black belt head coach at Confluence Jiu Jitsu and a longtime member of the BJJMM community. In this episode, Ken introduces the concept of "reluctant leadership," or how to be the leader your community needs when leadership doesn't come naturally to you. Follow Ken on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenpostnikoff Train with Ken at Confluence Jiu Jitsu in Castlegar:: https://www.instagram.com/confluencejiujitsu Mental m...
Dec 09, 2024•58 min•Ep. 314
In this week's mini-episode we explain asymmetric warfare (or asymmetric advantages, if you want to be less dramatic). Asymmetric warfare means looking for unfair advantages: places where we are strong and our opponent is weak. In Jiu-Jitsu this often means seeking a superior position, but it can also mean playing to any other advantage we have, including natural attributes, favorite techniques, and match style. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalm...
Dec 05, 2024•9 min
This week we're joined by Fiona Geisinger! Fiona is the founder of Athletic Arts and is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt training out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In this episode, Fiona explains second-level coaching, and how athletes of all levels benefit from a "second opinion" by working with other coaches either in-person or remotely. Follow Fiona on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiona_athletic.arts Connect with Fiona for coaching: https://www.athleticarts.co/ Mental mo...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 313
In this week's mini-episode we explain predictable responses. This mental model teaches us that each technique has a series of common reactions, and knowing these reactions allows you to anticipate and "mind read" your opponent. In many ways, knowing a technique's predictable responses can be just as important as knowing the technique itself. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ M...
Nov 28, 2024•8 min
This week we're joined by Kelsey Carter! Kelsey is a newly minted black belt from Precision Jiu Jitsu Academy in Sacramento. In this episode, Kelsey discusses the physics and mechanics underlying Jiu-Jitsu techniques, emphasizing the importance of fulcrums, weight distribution, and angles during sweeps and submissions. Kelsey provides insights into adapting techniques for different body types and teaching empowering strategies, particularly for women in the sport. The episode also delves in...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 312
In this week's mini-episode we explain alignment over position. This is a refinement on the classic "position over submission" concept using Rob Biernacki's alignment framework. It teaches us that having good alignment (base, posture, and structure) is more important than having any particular position. Before you listen to this episode, check out: BJJMM Mini Ep. 1: Base https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15022850-mini-ep-1-base BJJMM Mini Ep. 2: Posture https://podca...
Nov 21, 2024•9 min
This week we're joined again by Chris "The Villain" Paines! In this episode, Chris explains the two "dials" that coaches and students can use to modulate their training: complexity and intensity. Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisvillainbjj Subscribe to Chris' YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisPainesBJJ Buy Chris' instructionals on BJJ Fanatics: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_chris-paines C...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 311
In this week's mini-episode we explain one of the most commonly discussed mental models in Jiu-Jitsu: position over submission. This concept teaches us that it's often better to maintain position than risk losing it by hunting for submissions. This episode explains the reasoning behind "position over submission," as well as the exceptions. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Ment...
Nov 14, 2024•8 min
This week we're joined by Aldo Vergel de Dios! Aldo is the black belt head coach at Motion Jiu-Jitsu in Metro Manila, Philippines. In this episode, Aldo discusses a problem relevant to students and coaches alike: how to integrate conceptual Jiu-Jitsu thinking with on-the-ground practice. Follow Aldo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aldojitsu Train with Aldo at Motion Jiu-Jitsu: https://www.motionjiujitsu.com/ Resources discussed in this episode: BJJMM Ep. 162: The Language of Coachin...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 310
In this week's mini-episode we discuss two important and related concepts: inside channel control and outside channel control. Inside channel control refers to taking the inside route around your opponent's weapons, such as going under or between their legs as you'd do with X guard. Outside channel control refers to taking the outside route around your opponent's weapons, such as outside hook / de la Riva guard, closed guard, and matrix back takes. Get our Intro to Mechanics ...
Nov 07, 2024•10 min
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•2 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
