BJJ Mental Models

This week we're joined again by Malachy Friedman!  Malachy breaks down mental models for the knee shield half guard.Get Malachy's knee shield instructionals on Jiu Jitsu X:https://jiujitsux.com/profile/malachyf/Malachy's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/malachyfriedman/Mental models discussed in this episode:Controlling the Distancehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlling-the-distance/Predictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/Funnelinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling/Solid Foundation, Flexible Perimeterhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/solid-foundation-flexible-perimeter/Critical Control Pointshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/critical-control-points/Incremental Learninghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/Limb Coiling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/Dominant Angleshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/dominant-angles/Placeholdershttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/placeholders/Elbow-Knee Connectionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection/Waypointshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/waypoints/Technique Chaininghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/Committed Techniqueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/Win Conditionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions/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://premium.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/

This week we're joined by Ryan Hurst!  Ryan is the head coach at GMB Fitness, the creators of the popular Elements program for strength & flexibility.  In this episode, Ryan introduces GMB's concepts for expanding your range of motion, shares tips on injury prevention, and explains why most BJJ warmups are suboptimal.GMB on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/GMBFitnessSkillsGMB's Website:https://gmb.io/GMB on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gmbfitness/Contact GMB:info@gmb.ioMental models discussed in this episode:Prevention Over Curehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure/Core Mechanicshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/Solid Frameshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/solid-frames/Keep it Playfulhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/Feedback Loophttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop/Intentionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/intention/Goodhart’s Lawhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/goodharts-law/Consistencyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/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://premium.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/

This week we're joined by Micah Brakefield!  Micah holds dual BJJ black belts under Don Whitefield and Nabil Salameh, and is the head coach at 10th Planet Etobicoke.  Micah joins us to discuss the importance of unorthodoxy and creativity in Jiu-Jitsu.Micah's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/micahbrakefield/Micah’s Twitter:https://mobile.twitter.com/micahbrakefield/Train with Micah at 10th Planet Etobicoke:https://10thplanetetobicoke.com/Mental models discussed in this episode:Do What Workshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/Idea Communismhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/idea-communism/Beginner's Mindhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/Investing in Losshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/Growth From Discomforthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/Short-term/Long-term Paradoxhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/short-term-long-term-paradox/Pattern Interruptshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/pattern-interrupts/Mindfulnesshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/Win Conditionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions/Keep It Playfulhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/Table Selectionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/table-selection/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://premium.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/

This podcast explores a unique system for jiu-jitsu training called 'F**k Your Jiu-Jitsu' by Rob Biernacki, focusing on constraints-led approach. They discuss topics like top control, submission control, and the importance of dynamic movement. Embracing discomfort and improvisation are key themes in breaking out of training routines for growth and skill development.

This week we're joined by Robert Drysdale!  Robert brings his extensive experience, both as an elite grappler and historian, to discuss the BJJ "generation gap" and how he's witnessed the art evolve.  A really insightful conversation about the importance of history, the evolution of coaching, how rulesets have changed the sport, and fundamentals vs. trends.Opening Closed Guard - the book & film:https://www.closedguardfilm.com/Robert's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/robertdrysdalejj/Coolness versus Efficiency: The Crisis in Jiu-Jitsu, by Robert Drysdale:https://bit.ly/3NUXTtYHow to Win at Jiu-Jitsu while Keeping it Real, by Robert Drysdale:https://bit.ly/3aZytgcMental models discussed in this episode:Curse of Knowledgehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge/Extreme Ownershiphttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/extreme-ownership/Path of Least Resistancehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/path-of-least-resistance/Static vs. Dynamic Controlhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/static-vs-dynamic-control/Win Conditionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions/Economy of Motionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/economy-of-motion/Cognitive Loadhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load/Do What Workshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/Concepts Over Techniqueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques/Short-term/Long-term Paradoxhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/short-term-long-term-paradox/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://premium.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/

This week we're joined again by Matt Kirtley!  Matt, better known by his internet handle Aesopian, is a lead moderator on Reddit's /r/bjj and an instructor at Inverted Gear Academy.  During the day, he's also a web development and search engine optimization (SEO) specialist.In this episode, Matt draws on his BJJ and SEO experience to share some website best practices for BJJ gyms.  We talk about website hosting services, gym management software, email, digital security, hiring a developer, domain names, SEO, essential website elements, appointment booking, blogs, analytics, and Google reviews.  Hopefully, this episode serves as a helpful playbook for the gym owners, instructors, and administrators out there.Inverted Gear Academy:https://invertedgearacademy.com/Matt's website, Aesopian BJJ:https://aesopian.com/White Belt Questions, Black Belt Answers — YouTube:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Q9Mx1oMuBw1VRa5OVaAl97FwdhhctnKInverted Gear:https://www.invertedgear.com/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://premium.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/

This week we're joined by Brandon Mccaghren!  Brandon is a 10th Planet black belt under Eddie Bravo and the head instructor at 10th Planet Decatur.  In this episode, Brandon explains the concepts behind the rubber guard, how it integrates into a more conventional gameplan, and why we haven't seen much rubber guard success in high-level competition.Brandon's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/brandonmc.ninja/Rubber Guard: The Meathook by Brandon McCaghren — BJJ Fanatics:https://bjjfanatics.com/products/rubber-guard-the-meathook-by-brandon-mccaghrenBMAC Academy:https://bmac.mykajabi.com/Brandon's YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr7VU0Cnef4AhQk7Pe_9nTAMental models discussed in this episode:Types of Guardhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/types-of-guard/Inside Channel Controlhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/Dominant Angleshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/dominant-angles/Committed Techniqueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/Myopiahttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/myopia/Path of Least Resistancehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/path-of-least-resistance/Do What Workshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/Concepts Over Techniqueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques/Theory of Alignmenthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/Keep It Playfulhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/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://premium.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/

This week we're joined by fan favorites Rob Biernacki & Stephan Kesting!  Rob and Stephan's newest instructional, "BJJ for Old F***s," explains concepts and tactics for safe and effective Jiu-Jitsu as you age.  We dig into their ideas in this episode.  A great listen for older grapplers, or anyone concerned about maximizing safety and effectiveness.Get the instructional here:BJJ for Old F***s: How to Defeat the Younger, More Athletic OpponentBy Rob Biernacki and Stephan Kestinghttps://grapplearts.com/oldguardMental models discussed in this episode:Survivorship Biashttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/survivorship-bias/Return on Investmenthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/Consistencyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/Stress and Recoveryhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery/Seated vs. Supine Guardshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/seated-vs-supine-guards/Committed Techniqueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/Phases of Guardhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/phases-of-guard/Kuzushihttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/Single vs. Double Lever Controlhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/single-vs-double-lever-control/Body Tetheringhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/Constraints-Led Approachhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach/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://premium.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/

Just a heads up that this episode has almost nothing to do with Jiu-Jitsu, so if you want to skip it, I don't blame you.  🤣In this bonus episode, philosophy enthusiast and grappling luminary Robert Degle joins us to make an in-depth defense of the Star Wars prequels.  Robert makes the case that the Star Wars prequels are better than you remember, and may in fact be legitimately good movies.Robert's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/robertdeglebjj/Robert Degle BJJ Online:https://robertdeglebjjonline.teachable.com/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://premium.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/

This week, Andrew Wiltse from Daisy Fresh and Wiltse Bros BJJ joins us for a very raw and transparent conversation.  For those not aware, Andrew recently experienced a manic episode and was diagnosed with dissociative disorder.  He also recently launched the Gym Rat program, a charitable organization focused on sponsoring athletes in need.  In this episode, Andrew talks extensively about his experiences with mania and dissociative disorder, the Gym Rat program, and how the community can make BJJ a better sport.As a full disclaimer: this episode is not intended as medical advice, and the description of mental health disorders in this episode may not be scientifically accurate.  Please interpret this episode as Andrew's personal story and experience, and not a clinically accurate description of mania and dissociative disorder.  If you believe you are experiencing a mental health disorder, please do what Andrew did and seek the guidance of a medical professional.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://premium.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/