BJJ Mental Models

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/⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta

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/⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta

Brandon McCaghren, a 10th Planet black belt and head instructor at 10th Planet Decatur, shares insights on mastering the rubber guard. He discusses how this advanced technique fits into a broader game plan and why it hasn't seen much success in top-level competition. The conversation highlights the importance of body positioning, control, and individual style in grappling. Topics like the Dead Orchard submission and the efficiency of the hindulatine technique are explored, along with the value of creativity and personal expression in Jiu-Jitsu.

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/⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta

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/⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta

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/

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/⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta

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/⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta

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/⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta

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/⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta