BJJ Mental Models

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.

Discover how table selection, a poker concept, can boost your jiu-jitsu success! Choosing the right training environment is crucial; it can either enhance or hinder your growth. Learn why mismatched goals with coaches matter, and how adjusting your techniques based on your opponent's posture can lead to greater effectiveness. Steve emphasizes that adapting your surroundings often trumps sheer effort when seeking improvements in your skills. Dive into this mindset shift for a more strategic approach to training!

Todd Richards, a BJJ black belt and co-head instructor at Team Rhino Jiu-Jitsu, shares valuable insights on building a structured curriculum following the loss of Keith Owen. He emphasizes the importance of scenario-based drills for beginners and how a well-crafted curriculum supports hobbyists who may not have time for unstructured learning. Todd also discusses the significance of teaching concepts behind techniques, testing philosophies, and the need for progress markers like stripes and belts to guide students in their Jiu-Jitsu journey.

This mini-discussion dives into the importance of 'opening salvos' in grappling, likening them to a boxer's jab. The first engagement can shape the entire match, making timing and technique crucial. Low-commitment strategies, like simple entries, can help control distance and provoke reactions. The psychology of scoring first is explored, emphasizing its advantages. Additionally, transitioning from low-commitment to high-risk moves is examined, with tips on preparation for successful execution. Strategically navigating these elements can enhance your grappling game.

Nick Volpe, head instructor at Dark Bear Jiu-Jitsu, dives into the festive world of the gift wrap, a brilliant technique to control opponents effectively. He explains how it manipulates body alignment to gain dominance and discusses its versatility across various grappling styles. With insights on timing cues and common defenses, Nick shares strategies for turning the tables during a match. Plus, he highlights the technique's ability to conserve energy while creating unpredictable submission opportunities. A masterclass in control and strategy!

Explore the mantra of 'do what works' in jiu-jitsu, where skepticism reigns over rigid dogma. Discover the three critical criteria for a good technique: effectiveness against strong opponents, repeatability, and alignment with personal goals. Steve Kwan highlights the importance of tailoring techniques to individual body types and risk tolerances. He also discusses the value of questioning coach advice and ignoring critics when your method is proven. Personal expression in jiu-jitsu is celebrated as a liberating approach!

Join Nick Salles, a BJJ black belt and co-founder of Movement Art Jiu-Jitsu, as he dives into the concept of epistemic humility—recognizing our knowledge limits. He emphasizes the importance of creating democratic learning environments, where student experiences shape teaching approaches. Nick discusses the value of human connection over technicality and explores the balance between freedom and constraints in training. He also critiques AI's role in skill acquisition, advocating for a more interactive and experiential learning process.

Explore the certainty heuristic, our tendency to prefer simple answers, even when they're wrong. Discover how con artists exploit this bias to manipulate critical thinking. Delve into why humans crave certainty, especially under stress, and how true experts often provide nuanced responses rather than absolutes. In the context of jiu-jitsu coaching, learn how oversimplified instructions can overlook important details. Embrace the importance of questioning overly certain advice to foster deeper understanding.

Join Thomas Lohongiosta-Barrero and Phillip Barreiro, Division I wrestlers and multi-time Canadian champions, as they explore 'lazy wrestling,' a strategy focused on control rather than explosiveness. They discuss effective stand-up grappling techniques that prioritize frames and hand fighting, ideal for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. The duo also covers the importance of defensive structures, how to adapt wrestling for safety, and specific techniques suited to this unique approach. Plus, they share insights from their nonprofit, Good Mind Grappling, addressing youth trauma through wrestling.

Explore the fascinating world of probabilistic thinking in Jiu-Jitsu, where success is all about maximizing your odds. Discover why fights are unpredictable, and guarantees are a myth. Learn how dominant positions like mount can control the game by limiting your opponent's options. Delve into the idea of prioritizing position over submission, and find out when it might be worth taking risks for a submission. This engaging discussion highlights strategic thinking that can fundamentally change your approach on the mat.