In this episode, Steve Kwan talks with elite competitor Elisabeth Clay about returning to Jiu-Jitsu after major life changes like pregnancy and injury. Clay shares her personal journey of Jiu-Jitsu and pregnancy, staying mentally engaged during time off, and the challenges of regaining physical performance post-layoff. Elisabeth also discusses the importance of staying immersed in the gym culture when not actively training, how community can combat isolation and depression, and navigating the Ji...
Jul 07, 2025•55 min•Ep. 345
In this week's mini-episode we discuss the concept of systematic abandonment, a mental model co-opted from business strategists like Peter Drucker and Michael Porter. Systematic abandonment teaches us to periodically review and discard habits that are no longer useful, because deciding what not to do is often just as (if not more) important than deciding what to do. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Me...
Jul 03, 2025•9 min
In this episode of BJJ Mental Models, Steve Kwan is joined by Jake O’Driscoll from Essence BJJ in Perth for an in-depth discussion on the straight foot lock game. Jake explains his unique finishing mechanics, how his method differs from the popular “Woj Lock,” and how he uses straight foot locks not just for submissions but to control, off-balance, and transition to dominant positions like the back or mount. He emphasizes the importance of using 50/50 as a dynamic, offensive platform rather than...
Jun 30, 2025•59 min•Ep. 344
In this week's mini-episode we discuss the concept of flow, a mental model for peak performance first proposed in 1975 by the psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Resources mentioned in this episode: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi https://www.harpercollins.com/products/flow-mihaly-csikszentmihalyi Mini Ep. 57: The Map Is Not the Territory https://podcast.bjj...
Jun 25, 2025•8 min
In this episode, we're joined once again by Giles Garcia, head coach of Ronin Grappling in Glasgow, to tackle the complex topic of living your values in Jiu-Jitsu. Giles explores the challenges coaches and students face when trying to uphold personal and gym-wide values, especially in situations involving discrimination, safety, and accountability. Giles shares candid experiences from his own gym, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture rooted in inclusion, respect, and trust. Giles di...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 343
In this week's mini-episode we discuss growth mindsets, a mental model popularized by Carol Dweck in her hit 2006 book, "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success." Growth mindsets are defined by belief in our ability to improve, as opposed to fixed mindsets, which assume our attributes can't be changed. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Resources mentioned in this episode: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Dr. Carol Dweck ht...
Jun 19, 2025•8 min
In this episode, Steve sits down with Cody Maltais, head coach at Elevate MMA in Durham, North Carolina, to explore the art of developing coaches in Jiu-Jitsu. Cody shares his journey from Marine Corps veteran to academy leader and emphasizes the importance of fostering a collaborative, student-centered culture. He advocates for empowering students at all levels to take on coaching roles early, encouraging experimentation, mistake-making, and personal expression. Follow Cody on Instagram: https:...
Jun 16, 2025•58 min•Ep. 342
In this week's mini-episode we discuss the 80/20 rule, a mental model that's well-known, but misunderstood and overapplied. The 80/20 rule refers to an uneven distribution where the majority of results are produced by a minority of efforts. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Resources mentioned in this episode: Mini Ep. 57: The Map Is Not the Territory https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/17285192-mini-ep-57-the-map-i...
Jun 12, 2025•11 min
In this episode, we're joined by Francesco Fonte, MMA and Jiu-Jitsu head coach from Sportschule Next Level in Germany! Francesco explores the idea of Jiu-Jitsu as a team sport. He explains how fostering a relaxed, playful training environment not only builds community but also accelerates learning by encouraging experimentation and removing the fear of mistakes. Drawing on his experiences organizing camps and running a diverse gym, Francesco highlights the value of humor, inside jokes, and a “th...
Jun 09, 2025•51 min•Ep. 341
In this week's mini-episode we discuss how the map is not the territory, a foundational concept for working with mental models and other abstractions. The key lesson: no "map" is a 100% accurate reflection of the territory it describes. Similarly, no Jiu-Jitsu "concept" is 100% applicable all the time...including this one! 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...
Jun 05, 2025•6 min
In this episode of BJJ Mental Models, Steve Kwan welcomes back Sonia Sillan from Combat Arts Academy to explore the concept of the “awkward turtles:” the introverted, unsure, or atypical students who often feel like outsiders in Jiu-Jitsu. Sonya unpacks how gym culture, coaching priorities, and interpersonal communication affect whether these students feel welcome or alienated. Together, they discuss how creating an inclusive, empathetic training environment isn’t just good for business; it’s es...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 340
In this week's mini-episode we discuss the importance of controlled breathing when sparring. Managing your breath effectively creates a positive ripple effect in your Jiu-Jitsu performance by reducing anxiety, avoiding adrenaline dumping, and concealing your emotional state from your opponent. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Resources mentioned in this episode: Mini Ep. 55: Staying Loose https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161...
May 29, 2025•6 min
This week we're joined by Brennan Strimple! Brennan is the black belt head coach at RPMA (Rochester Phoenix Martial Arts). In this episode, Brennan shares his playbook for building a thriving kids' Jiu-Jitsu program, as well as leading the development of affordable kids' tournament circuits in the local community. Follow RPMA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rphxma Train at RPMA in Rochester, NY: https://rochesterjiujitsu.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Abundance Mindset htt...
May 26, 2025•51 min•Ep. 339
In this week's mini-episode we discuss the importance of staying loose when sparring. Being relaxed makes it easier to conserve energy, avoid being controlled, and conceal your intentions. There are times to be tense, such as when completing a throw or finishing a submission, but your "default mode" should be staying loose. 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 podcas...
May 22, 2025•5 min
This week we're joined by Timothy Lee Peterson! In this episode, Timothy explains why gaze tracking — or where your eyes are looking — is a surprisingly important aspect of Jiu-Jitsu. Follow Timothy on social media: https://www.instagram.com/timothyleepeterson https://www.threads.com/@timothyleepeterson Resources discussed in this episode: Free+Style: Maximize Sport and Life Performance with Four Basic Movements, by Carl Paoli https://www.amazon.com/dp/1628600209 Mental models discussed in this ...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 338
In this week's mini-episode we discuss controlling the distance, a key lesson in most martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As general advice, many instructors will coach you to close the distance when attacking and make space when defending. While this is often true, in this mini-episode we'll explore the exceptions to that rule and settle on a more general guideline for controlling the distance: find the distance where you can control them but they can't control you. Get our Intro to Me...
May 15, 2025•9 min
This week we're joined again by Charles Harriott! In this episode, Charles discusses the problem of "gatekeepers" in Jiu-Jitsu, or people who try to enforce their way of thinking over others. Charles explores how gatekeeping can shut down creativity, personal development, and fun. Follow Charles on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesharriott Charles Harriott's website: https://charlesharriott.com/ Get Charles' instructionals on BJJ Fanatics: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/dvd/fight...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 337
In this week's mini-episode we discuss kuzushi, the Japanese concept of breaking balance! Kuzushi is critical in Judo, but it's just as important in Jiu-Jitsu — both standing and on the ground. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Resources discussed in this episode: Mini Ep. 51: Technique Chaining https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/17035097-mini-ep-51-technique-chaining Mini Ep. 52: Shifting Platforms https://podcast...
May 08, 2025•6 min
This week we're joined by the founders of Inverted Gear: Hillary Witt and Nelson Puentes! Three years ago, Hillary and Nelson took the Inverted Gear brand beyond Jiu-Jitsu equipment and opened a physical academy in Pennsylvania! In this episode, Hillary and Nelson share key lessons learned from their journey into academy ownership. Follow Inverted Gear on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invertedgear Train at Inverted Gear Academy in Bethlehem, PA: https://www.invertedgearacademy.com/ Shop I...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 336
In this week's mini-episode we discuss shifting platforms, wherein you as the bottom player use continuous movement to prevent your opponent from fully establishing their base on top of you. Moving away from big, explosive escape attempts and toward smaller, continuous movement makes a huge difference in your success from bottom positions. 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...
May 01, 2025•11 min
This week we're joined again by Erin Herle! In this episode, Erin introduces the PLAY framework and explains why humor is a fundamental element of good culture and learning. Follow Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinherle/ Get Erin's new book, If You’re Not Laughing, You’re Losing: https://amzn.to/4jP5x8K Work with Erin: https://www.erinherle.com/ http://highmentalperformance.com/ Resources mentioned in this episode: Humor Styles Questionnaire, by Rod A. Martin, PhD: http://www.hum...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 335
In this week's mini-episode we explain the importance of technique chaining, and why "Jiu-Jitsu is the space between the techniques." 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 podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strateg...
Apr 24, 2025•10 min
This week we're joined by two BJJMM alumni: Josh Vogel and Dr. Mike Israetel! In this episode, Josh and Mike discuss the unique way they build gameplans at The Jiu-Jitsu Company. Follow Josh and Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshrvogel https://www.instagram.com/drmikeisraetel Subscribe to Josh and Mike on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejiujitsucompany https://www.youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodization Get Josh's instructional, 90 Day Project Based Jiu Jitsu: https://bjjfanati...
Apr 21, 2025•57 min•Ep. 334
In this week's mini-episode we explain the phases of passing: disentangle, control, pass. Resources mentioned in this episode: Mini Ep. 49: Phases of Guard https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16950582-mini-ep-49-phases-of-guard 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 podcast is truly j...
Apr 17, 2025•9 min
This week we're joined by Nick Volpe! Nick is the black belt head coach at Dark Bear Jiu-Jitsu in Staten Island, New York. In this episode, Nick explains how he makes Jiu-Jitsu coaching accessible to students and coaches of all experience levels. Topics include: self-organized learning, teaching the "why" behind techniques, the importance of timing, creating objectives that guide student progress, and layered difficulties during live resistance training. Follow Nick on Instagram: https://www.ins...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 333
In this week's mini-episode we explain the phases of guard, as taught by Rob Biernacki: engagement, maintenance, and retention. Resources mentioned in this episode: BJJMM Ep. 16: Guard Series: Engagement Phase https://bjj.plus/16 BJJMM Ep. 17: Guard Series: Engagement Phase https://bjj.plus/17 BJJMM Ep. 18: Guard Series: Engagement Phase https://bjj.plus/18 Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Mode...
Apr 10, 2025•12 min
This week we're joined by Mo Black! As of this writing, Mo is a reigning champion at Main Character Jiu-Jitsu and an instructor at Tabula Rasa BJJ in Colorado Springs. In this episode, Mo shares key concepts behind one of her favorite Jiu-Jitsu skills: half guard passing. Follow Mo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mo.jiujitsu Train with Mo at Tabula Rasa BJJ in Colorado: https://tabsbjj.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Predictable Responses https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predict...
Apr 07, 2025•59 min•Ep. 332
In this week's mini-episode we explain kaizen, a Japanese concept translating roughly to "continuous improvement." 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 podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and w...
Apr 03, 2025•6 min
In this bonus emergency episode, we're joined by legendary Jiu-Jitsu instructor Stephan Kesting to discuss the immediate dangers of the lapel guard position, why it is so harmful, and why the IBJJF must ban it immediately. 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 community, downloading our strategy coursewa...
Apr 01, 2025•35 min•Ep. 331
This week we're joined by Noah Shaffner and Greg Souders from Standard Jiu-Jitsu in Maryland! Noah shares his unique perspective as a competitor trained exclusively under the constraints-led approach (CLA) since he began grappling in 2021, while Greg describes Noah's journey from his coach's perspective. Follow Noah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahshaffner/ Follow Greg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gdsouders/ Train with Noah and Greg at Standard Jiu-Jitsu in Rockville, Mary...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 330
