

BJJ Mental Models
Steve Kwan
Your guide to a conceptual and intelligent Jiu-Jitsu approach. BJJ black belt Steve Kwan and a slate of expert guests explain the concepts, strategies, and tactics behind the gentle art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 2, 2025 • 6min
Mini Ep 74: Center of Gravity
Explore the fascinating concept of center of gravity and its pivotal role in balance during Jiu-Jitsu. Learn how this 'tipping point' shifts with body movement and affects positioning. Discover how a high center can lead to being thrown and gain tips on maintaining control. Unlock strategies to use an opponent's center of gravity against them, and understand when it's beneficial to deliberately shift yours. Stay aware of your center to prevent sweeps and enhance your game!

Sep 29, 2025 • 59min
Ep. 357: The Truth About Burnout, feat. Jeff Shaw
This week, we're joined again by Jeff Shaw from Bellingham BJJ! In this episode, Jeff talks about the causes and cures for burnout in Jiu-Jitsu. Topics include: plateaus, the “blue belt blues,” the unique pressures faced by instructors and gym owners, keeping training sustainable, protecting consistency, staying playful, reframing expectations, and redefining what Jiu-Jitsu should mean for your life over the long term.Follow Jeff on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellinghambjjTrain with Jeff at Bellingham BJJ:https://bellinghambjj.com/Mental models discussed in this episode:Reframinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/reframing/Keep /Your Identity Smallhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-your-identity-small/Consistencyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/Training Handicapshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/training-handicaps/Stress and Recoveryhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery/Keep it Playfulhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/Zone of Geniushttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/zone-of-genius/Raise the Level in the Roomhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/raise-the-level-in-the-room/Abundance Mindsethttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/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 working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/Get Jake O'Driscoll's triple threat ankle lock course, FREE:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/jake

Sep 25, 2025 • 6min
Mini Ep. 73: Tipping Points
Dive into the intriguing concept of tipping points in Jiu-Jitsu, where leverage and momentum become game-changers. Discover how hip fulcrum throws signal a decisive moment when the opponent's center of gravity shifts. Learn about guard passing and the importance of clearing the knee line, a critical tipping point. Explore the pitfalls beginners face when their techniques become outdated and how to adapt strategies effectively. Finally, understand how to recognize thresholds in techniques, helping both attackers and defenders stay one step ahead.

Sep 22, 2025 • 57min
Ep. 356: Safer Jiu-Jitsu Competitions, feat. Dr. Jen Case
Dr. Jen Case, a PhD in Human Nutrition & Performance and 13-time IBJJF world champion, dives into athlete safety in jiu-jitsu. She warns about the dangers of minors competing in adult divisions, highlighting real injury cases. Jen discusses the contrasting dynamics of gi versus no-gi, advocating for healthier gym practices. She proposes community-focused tournaments and clearer injury risk disclosures. Ultimately, she stresses the importance of personal safety, encouraging rolling with boundaries and respecting limits.

Sep 18, 2025 • 8min
Mini Ep. 72: Solid Frames
This discussion dives into the concept of solid frames, emphasizing the importance of bone structure and minimizing vulnerable joints. Learn about the distinctions between short-range and long-range frames, and when to apply each technique effectively. The insights shared can significantly enhance your grappling game by optimizing how you maintain control and distance. Tune in for strategies that can help you become more effective on the mat!

36 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 3min
Ep. 355: Jiu-Jitsu Tape Study, feat. Corey Guitard
Corey Guitard, a black belt from 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu and owner of the Calgary branch, dives into the transformative power of tape study in Jiu-Jitsu. He highlights the significance of active video analysis for refining techniques and the importance of understanding invariants to enhance adaptability. Corey discusses integrating cognitive theory into coaching, the necessity of self-tape analysis for personal growth, and how embracing failure can break the stigma surrounding practice. It’s an insightful talk for Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts looking to elevate their game!

8 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 9min
Mini Ep. 71: Priit's 45° Rule
Explore the 45° Rule, a game-changing tactic for escaping tough positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This strategy helps you neutralize threats by positioning your shoulders correctly when your guard is passed. Plus, discover a free mini course on ankle locks that highlights effective techniques targeting key areas like the ankle and knee. It's a great opportunity for skill enhancement, ensuring you stay ahead in the BJJ game!

Sep 8, 2025 • 58min
Ep. 354: How Goals Evolve, feat. Thomas Rozdzynski
Thomas Rozdzynski, who runs RŌL Academy in Chicago and boasts 25 years in Jiu-Jitsu, shares insights on how students' goals evolve over time. He emphasizes the vital role of communication between coaches and students for personal growth. The conversation addresses balancing fun with measurable progress and the challenges of group training versus individual attention. Rozdzynski also highlights the importance of realistic goal-setting and the collaborative nature of achieving success in martial arts, showcasing how enjoyment and learning can coexist.

6 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 5min
Mini Ep. 70: Hick's Law
Explore the intriguing concept of Hick's Law and how it applies to decision-making in jiu-jitsu. Discover how having fewer options can actually enhance your performance on the mat. Learn practical strategies for simplifying your game plan to make quicker, more effective decisions during high-pressure situations. A jiu-jitsu coach shares a free resource to help practitioners master ankle locks, showcasing the benefits of focused training. Simplification can be the key to unlocking your full potential in grappling!

10 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 1h 16min
Ep. 353: Jiu-Jitsu Fitness Myths, feat. Dr. Kristi Charish & Dr. Christle Guevarra
Join Dr. Kristi Charish, a genetics expert and fiction author, and Dr. Christle Guevarra, a board-certified family and sports physician, as they debunk popular fitness myths in Jiu-Jitsu. They tackle the spread of misinformation, the impact of genetics on performance, and the complexities of issues like Ozempic and hormone therapy. The discussion also sheds light on women's health challenges, particularly during perimenopause, and stresses the need for a science-based approach to fitness and nutrition.