
BJJ Mental Models
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.
Latest episodes

May 16, 2022 • 59min
Ep. 179: Hybrid Reverse Classrooms, feat. Lachlan Giles
This week we're joined again by Lachlan Giles! Lachlan introduces the hybrid reverse classroom model that he uses for his online Jiu-Jitsu instructional platform, SUBMETA.Sign up for SUBMETA here:https://submeta.io/wantMental models discussed in this episode:Double Down on Strengthshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/double-down-on-strengths/Funnelinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling/Technique Chaininghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/Incremental Learninghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/Cognitive Loadhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load/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/

May 9, 2022 • 1h 3min
Ep. 178: Redefining High Percentage, feat. Robert Degle
This week we're joined again by Robert Degle! Robert joins us for a thought piece where we question one of the biggest assumptions in Jiu-Jitsu: what does it mean for a technique to be "high percentage?" And are we defining this correctly?Robert Degle's Linktree:https://linktr.ee/RobertDegleBJJMental models discussed in this episode:Do What Workshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/Win Conditionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions/Resulting Fallacyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/resulting/Probabilistic Thinkinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/probabilistic-thinking/Habits Over Resultshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/Train With Purposehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/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/

May 2, 2022 • 51min
Ep. 177: Submission Series: The Arm Triangle, feat. Seph Smith
This week we're joined by Seph Smith! Seph is a black belt under Ryan Hall and is the head instructor at Upstream BJJ. Seph joins us to talk about the concepts behind one of his favorite submissions: the arm triangle.Seph's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sephwillkillyou/Seph's email:sephsmithbjj@gmail.comArm Triangle Details with Seph Smith:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCOXwqVePsYRyan Hall Online:https://ryanhallonline.com/Mental models discussed in this episode:Single vs. Double Lever Controlhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/single-vs-double-lever-control/Choking Mechanicshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/choking-mechanics/Position Over Submissionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/position-over-submission/Center of Gravityhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/center-of-gravity/Theory of Alignmenthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/Surface Areahttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/Predictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/Defend With Purposehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/defend-with-purpose/Crossing the Centerhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/crossing-the-center/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/

Apr 25, 2022 • 53min
Ep. 176: Nutrition for BJJ, feat. Dr. Matteo Capodaglio
This week we're joined by Dr. Matteo Capodaglio! Matteo is the founder of Capo Nutrition, and is the "nutritionist to the stars" for BJJ athletes such as Mikey Musumeci and Margot Ciccarelli. In this episode, Matteo provides a brief primer on nutrition for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as well as some mythbusting on common nutrition misconceptions.Matteo’s Linktree:https://linktr.ee/drcapodaglioMental models discussed in this episode: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/

Apr 18, 2022 • 1h 4min
Ep. 175: Submission Series: The Guillotine, feat. "The Raspberry Ape" Daniel Strauss
Daniel Strauss, a black belt under Roger Gracie and host of The Raspberry Ape Podcast, dives into the world of the guillotine choke. He unpacks its rising popularity in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, exploring its mechanics and strategic use as both a submission and control position. Daniel emphasizes the importance of body positioning and wrist orientation while sharing personal anecdotes and teaching insights. This insightful chat not only showcases the guillotine's versatility but also encourages grapplers to hone their tactical understanding of this classic technique.

5 snips
Apr 11, 2022 • 1h 12min
Ep. 174: Structuring a Curriculum, feat. Nick Purler
This week we're joined by Nick Purler! Nick is the head coach at Purler Wrestling Academy. In this episode, Nick brings his wealth of wrestling and coaching knowledge to the podcast, discussing topics such as: structuring a curriculum, cultivating a gameplan, the coach/student relationship, and introducing wrestling into your BJJ game.Purler Wrestling's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/purlerwrestling/Purler Wrestling Academy:https://purlerwrestling.com/Mental models discussed in this episode:Predictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/Tokui Wazahttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/tokui-waza/80/20 Rulehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/80-20-rule/Funnelinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling/Double Down on Strengthshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/double-down-on-strengths/Table Selectionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/table-selection/Growth From Discomforthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/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/

Apr 4, 2022 • 1h 14min
Ep. 173: S&C for Elite Athletes, feat. Lucius Tirey IV
This week we're joined by Lucius Tirey IV! Lucius is the strength & conditioning coach for Rafael Lovato Jr. and Xande Ribeiro. In this episode, Lucius discusses how he builds and executes strength & conditioning programs for elite-level BJJ athletes.Lucius' Instagram:https://instagram.com/greenstrengthiv/Lucius' website:https://greenstrengthhq.com/Mental models discussed in this episode:Concepts Over Techniqueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques/Prioritize Longevityhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity/Intentionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/intention/Mindfulnesshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/Controlled Breathinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlled-breathing/Consistencyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/Kaizenhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/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/

Apr 1, 2022 • 49min
Ep. 172: The Law of Attraction, feat. Sonny Brown
In this very special episode, we're joined by Jiu-Jitsu podcaster and transcendental scholar Sonny Brown. Sonny joins us to break down the most powerful mental model of them all: the Law of Attraction.Mental models discussed in this episode:Law of Attractionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/law-of-attraction/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/Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

Mar 28, 2022 • 1h 31min
Ep. 171: Financial Jiu-Jitsu, feat. Meg He
This week we're joined by Meg He! Meg is the co-founder and co-CEO of Aday, a Forbes 30 under 30 winner, and well-known Jiu-Jiteiro. Meg joins us to share some key business concepts for grapplers looking to make a living in the gentle art.Mental models discussed in this episode:Idea Communismhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/idea-communism/Race to the Bottomhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/race-to-the-bottom/Learning Modalitieshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/learning-modalities/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://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/Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

Mar 21, 2022 • 1h 1min
Ep. 170: Following Your Passion, feat. Braulio Estima
This week we're joined by Braulio Estima! Braulio talks about the importance of following your passion, and explains what "clicked" for him when he burst onto the world scene at black belt.Braulio's Linktree:https://linktr.ee/braulioestimaMental models discussed in this episode:Self-Competitionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/Concepts Over Techniqueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques/Levels of Competitionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/levels-of-competition/Mindfulnesshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/Kaizenhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/Loss Aversionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/loss-aversion/Meditative Drillinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/meditative-drilling/Abundance Mindsethttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/Ulysses Contractshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/ulysses-contracts/Investing in Losshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/Idea Communismhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/idea-communism/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/Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/