BJJ Mental Models Ep. 358: Please Tap, feat. Rob Biernacki
Oct 6, 2025
Rob Biernacki, coach and owner of Island Top Team in Nanaimo, BC, discusses the alarming trend of competitors refusing to tap, leading to serious injuries. He emphasizes the irrationality of risking health for low-value local tournament wins. Biernacki argues for a cultural shift in jiu-jitsu, promoting longevity and safe training practices over reckless behavior. He highlights the need for better coaching standards and encourages athletes to prioritize gyms that value safety, ultimately advocating for a mindset change within the community.
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Recent Spike In Reckless Tournament Behavior
- Rob has observed a recent spike in competitors refusing to tap at low-level tournaments, causing severe injuries.
- He thinks this is a distinct, growing problem driven by reckless behavior and poor finishing mechanics.
Problem Is A Subculture, Not Entire Sport
- Rob argues this is a subculture problem among sporadic competitors, not the broad jiu-jitsu community.
- He links reckless tournament behavior to people who rarely compete and don't understand competitive context.
Devastating Heel Hook Example
- Rob recounts a heel-hook match where the opponent's knee and ankle were effectively shredded by gradual application.
- He asks what the opponent actually won by sacrificing their limbs for that result.