This week we're joined again by Josh "Kintanon" Wentworth from Apex MMA in Covington, Georgia! In this episode, Josh discusses "social contracts" in Jiu-Jitsu and how to break them. Social contracts are the unwritten rules we abide by, which often aren't actually rules. Social contracts can become invisible mental scripts and self-limiting habits that hold us back from our best performance in every roll. Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apexconyer...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 324
In this week's mini-episode, we explain the concept of redundancies, or how to ensure you have backup options if your plan fails. There are two ways to create redundancies in your technique: by using multiple points of control, and by having a solid "plan B." 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 definitely love our premium mem...
Feb 13, 2025•10 min
This week we're joined by a panel: Josh "Kintanon" Wentworth from Apex MMA and Jesse Walker from Rough Hands BJJ! In this episode, Josh and Jesse recap lessons learned from our most recent BJJ Mental Models camp in Georgia, and share best practices for running a collaborative camp and breaking from the traditional "one-man show" seminar structure. Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apexconyers Train with Josh at Apex MMA in Covington, Georgia: https://ww...
Feb 10, 2025•57 min•Ep. 323
In this week's mini-episode, we explain the concept of placeholders. Think of positional advancement like climbing a ladder: one rung at a time, and never let go of both rungs at once! Don't abandon a point of control until you've got something equivalent or better. 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 definitely love our prem...
Feb 06, 2025•7 min
This week we're joined by Marc Ste-Marie! Marc is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the father of IBJJF "Queen" Brianna Ste-Marie. In this episode, Marc explains the concept of "technique zero," or how we can teach Jiu-Jitsu quicker by reverse engineering and mastering the point of entry. Follow Marc on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwiksub2021 Subscribe to Marc's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@marcstemarie6821 Resources discussed in this episod...
Feb 03, 2025•55 min•Ep. 322
In this week's mini-episode we explain the concept of surface area, or how much of your body is connected to your opponent when you apply force. You can create more pressure by applying maximal force through the smallest surface area. A classic example is the "shoulder of justice" side control crossface pin. We also discuss other benefits to minimizing surface area, and other types of pressure beyond the physics definition. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FR...
Jan 30, 2025•8 min
This week we're joined again by BJJ Mental Models sponsored athlete Chris Wojcik! In this episode, Chris breaks down the mechanics and meta relevance of his new signature move, the Woj Lock. Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismwojcik Subscribe to Chris' newsletter, The Grappler's Diary: https://thegrapplersdiary.substack.com/ Buy Chris' book of the same name on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gc74Uh Buy Woj Lock the World on BJJ Fanatics: https://bit.ly/wojloc...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 321
In this week's mini-episode we explain ratchet control, a mental model that fine-tunes rotational submissions, especially the kimura. Ratchet control occurs when you force their limb into an "L" shape and rotate it like an Allen/hex key. 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 definitely love our premium membership offerings. The...
Jan 23, 2025•6 min
This week we're joined by Scott Fritzinger! Scott is a BJJ black belt under Dave Camarillo and is the head instructor at Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu Academy Reno. In this episode, Scott discusses "the language of injury," or how our choice of words and delivery can change student behavior and influence the risk of injury in the gym. Follow Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu Academy Reno on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guerrillajjreno Train with Scott at Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu Academy Reno: https://...
Jan 20, 2025•52 min•Ep. 320
In this week's mini-episode we explain rotational control, a mental model that helps us better secure positions and complete submissions. Rotational control involves either preventing your opponent from rotating their torso, or allowing them to rotate so you can follow and improve your position. Achieving rotational control usually requires you to occupy their elbow-knee space along their torso, or restrict the movement of their far arm/leg so they can't spin. Get our Intro to Mechanic...
Jan 16, 2025•10 min
This week we're joined again by Eliot Marshall! Eliot is a BJJ black belt, retired UFC fighter, and owner of Easton Training Center in Colorado. In this episode, Eliot explains the 4 elements that every successful Jiu-Jitsu gym needs to nail: sales, marketing, product, and culture. Follow Eliot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firemarshall205 Train at Easton Training Center in Colorado: https://eastonbjj.com/ Grow your BJJ gym with Easton Online: https://www.easton.online/ Mental mod...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 319
In this week's mini-episode we explain waypoints, also known as "pitstops." Waypoints are positions of power where you are particularly well-trained, and feel comfortable that you can outgun your opponent due to experience and skill within the position. Waypoints aren't necessarily the common point-scoring positions, but can instead be "positions within positions" that occur along the way. Examples of common waypoints include the split squat, double unders, and tops...
Jan 09, 2025•7 min
This week we're joined again by Beatrice Jin! Beatrice is a black belt competitor and coach from Kogaion Academy in Arlington, Virginia. In this episode, we continue our conversation from Beatrice's last visit about how to "stop being nice" when sparring. Topics include the essential concepts of assertiveness and aggressiveness in BJJ, the cultural influences that shape one’s approach to the sport, the significance of a competitive mindset, the necessity of pushing personal b...
Jan 06, 2025•54 min•Ep. 318
In this week's mini-episode we explain tokui waza, a concept from Judo and traditional martial arts. Translating roughly to "favorited technique" or "special skill," tokui waza refers to the tendency of martial artists to develop and leverage a few techniques they're especially good at. Tokui waza is important to understand because it helps us break the misconception that the best in the world are good at everything. Much like the pro wrestlers, they develop "f...
Jan 02, 2025•7 min
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
