BJJ Mental Models Ep. 372: Plug-and-Play Games, feat. Ryan Rich
Jan 12, 2026
This week, Ryan Rich, head coach at Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu and co-creator of BJJGames.com, shares insights on game-based learning in Jiu-Jitsu. He explains how premade skill-development games can enhance coaching effectiveness. Ryan discusses the importance of adapting these games to diverse student demographics, balancing skill enhancement with student enjoyment, and the specific needs of youth programs. He also emphasizes the need to blend various teaching methods and assess game effectiveness to keep training engaging and productive.
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Episode notes
Coach's Style And Injury Context
- Ryan describes his preferred style: heavy open guard, butterfly, and strong interest in leg locks and no-gi.
- He also notes long-term knee injuries have limited his personal drilling and competition.
Packaged Intensives Speed Adoption
- Ryan Rich frames BJJ Games as packaging game-based learning into intensive, focused modules to accelerate adoption.
- He believes systematizing games mirrors how technique systems (like Danaher) advanced the sport.
Focus Games On Small, Repetitive Tasks
- Use games to expose beginners to realistic practice and get high-repetition for key skills quickly.
- Isolate small tasks (like straightening an arm) instead of full setups to speed usable skill gains.
