BJJ Mental Models

Steve Kwan
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Jul 21, 2025 • 1h

Ep. 347: The ABCs of Mental Coaching, feat. Laurien Zurhake

Laurien Zurhake, co-founder of Off the Zone, specializes in trauma-informed coaching for athletes and coaches. In this fascinating discussion, she introduces her ABC Playbook for Mental Health, detailing techniques to create a supportive training atmosphere in Jiu-Jitsu. Laurien emphasizes the importance of understanding students' pasts and fostering psychological safety. She shares practical strategies for handling mental distress and highlights the value of feedback from beginners. This episode unveils how trauma-informed approaches can enhance training effectiveness and community in martial arts.
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Jul 17, 2025 • 8min

Mini Ep. 63: Self-Competition

This mini discussion dives into the pitfalls of comparing yourself to others in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It emphasizes how this mindset can stifle personal growth. Instead, the conversation encourages embracing self-competition as a way to measure progress against your own past abilities. By focusing on individual improvement, practitioners can foster a healthier approach to skill development in combat sports. Discover how shifting your perspective can lead to greater fulfillment and success!
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8 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 2min

Ep. 346: Tryhard Hobbyists, feat. Rosie Miller

Rosie Miller, a brown belt from Atos HQ and founder of The Grappler’s Lab, discusses being a 'tryhard hobbyist' in Jiu-Jitsu. She shares her journey of evolving goals and self-identity within the sport. The conversation touches on emotional challenges like impostor syndrome and burnout while emphasizing the importance of balancing ambition with enjoyment. Rosie presents a values-based framework to help hobbyists define their goals and align their training with personal life, fostering fulfillment regardless of competitive aspirations.
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Jul 10, 2025 • 8min

Mini Ep. 62: The Red Queen Effect

Discover the Red Queen effect and how it relates to Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the need for continual movement just to keep up. The concept sheds light on why practitioners often feel stagnant when comparing their progress to others. The discussion also touches on the importance of personal growth and the value of measuring improvement against consistent training. Plus, enjoy a heartfelt tribute to Canada Day and the Fourth of July, highlighting the shared history and support between the two nations.
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10 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 56min

Ep. 345: Back After Layoffs, feat. Elisabeth Clay

Elisabeth Clay, an elite Jiu-Jitsu competitor and new mom, shares her inspiring journey of returning to the mat after pregnancy and injury. She discusses the mental hurdles athletes face, including navigating anxiety and the importance of community support during breaks. Elisabeth emphasizes the need for safety and communication in training while pregnant and reflects on the unique challenges women encounter in sports. Her insights on balancing motherhood and Jiu-Jitsu highlight authentic connection, realistic goal-setting, and staying engaged with the Jiu-Jitsu culture.
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25 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 10min

Mini Ep. 61: Systematic Abandonment

In this mini-episode, the hosts introduce the concept of systematic abandonment, urging listeners to regularly assess and eliminate unproductive habits. By drawing parallels from business strategies, they highlight how letting go of outdated techniques in Brazilian jiu-jitsu can foster growth and adaptability. The discussion emphasizes that knowing what to discard is just as crucial as knowing what to pursue, unlocking potential for continuous improvement in both martial arts and life.
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10 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 60min

Ep. 344: Ankle Lock Strategy, feat. Jake O'Driscoll

Jake O'Driscoll, founder of Essence BJJ in Perth and a straight foot lock expert, joins for an illuminating discussion on the evolution of the straight foot lock in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He contrasts traditional techniques with modern adaptations, emphasizing their role in control and transitions. Jake explains the dynamic nature of the 50-50 position, advocating for its offensive use rather than a defensive stance. He also shares concepts like the three-joint rule and coaching strategies for grapplers eager to master the leg lock game.
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4 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 9min

Mini Ep. 60: Flow

Discover the intriguing concept of flow, a state of complete immersion that enhances performance across disciplines. Rooted in Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's psychological research, the discussion delves into how this flow can elevate Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners. Learn about the six essential components that facilitate reaching this peak state and gain practical strategies to overcome distractions. Whether you're an athlete or just curious about optimal experiences, this exploration promises valuable insights for mastering your craft.
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11 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 26min

Ep. 343: Living Your Values, feat. Giles Garcia

In this discussion, Giles Garcia, head coach of Ronin Grappling and a seasoned Jiu-Jitsu black belt, delves into the significance of living one's values in martial arts. He highlights the challenges of fostering an inclusive culture that prioritizes respect and accountability. Garcia shares his experiences managing misconduct and the vital role of early intervention. Additionally, he emphasizes the need for open dialogue in upholding community standards while reigniting passion in gym ownership. This conversation is a call to action for all Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to uphold their values.
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Jun 19, 2025 • 9min

Mini Ep. 59: Growth Mindset

Dive into the concept of growth mindsets and their importance in enhancing jiu-jitsu performance. Discover how embracing a growth mindset transforms challenges into opportunities for improvement. The discussion also highlights the nuances of this mindset, urging a balanced view that considers genuine personal challenges and societal issues. It's not just about physical training but recognizing the broader context of self-development.

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