BJJ Mental Models

Steve here.  I told Rob Biernacki that we could record an episode on gripfighting and kuzushi to coincide with the release of his new instructional on the same topic.  This was a big mistake.Rob could not get his mic working - which, of course, he blamed on our recording software.  I later learned that he was recording from HIS MOM'S HOUSE, where I assume he was connecting via a 28 baud modem.  I quickly gave up on this endeavor, so Rob enlisted the help of his cabin boy Rory van Vliet to provide the required tech support.  This disasterpiece is the result.In this "episode," Rob and Rory introduce gripfighting and kuzushi, explain why they're important, and do a frankly awful job of trying to sell you on this new instructional.  After suffering through this episode I am even less motivated than before to watch this instructional, and I got it for free!Rob was supposed to include a discount code, but he forgot, so we gave up on that.  Jesus Christ.The Gripfighting and Kuzushi Formula, with Rob Biernacki and Stephan Kestinghttps://www.grapplearts.com/the-gripfighting-and-kuzushi-formula-with-rob-biernacki-and-stephan-kesting/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.Our premium offerings are powered by Patreon.  Sign up here:https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/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/Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

This week, we're joined again by “Papa Tortoise,” Priit Mihkelson!  Priit talks about the best practices Jiu-Jitsu can take from other sports, such as pedagogic methods, the importance of play, and a reduced emphasis on hierarchy.Mental models discussed in this episode:Keep it Playfulhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/Scientific Methodhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/scientific-method/Respect People, Not Positionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/Mindfulnesshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/Beginner's Mindhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/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.Our premium offerings are powered by Patreon.  Sign up here:https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/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/Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

Steve here!  Please check out this quick update on what we've been working on in the last year, and where we're going in the next.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.Our premium offerings are powered by Patreon.  Sign up here:https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/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/Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

This week, Steve is joined by Judo world champion and 4x BJJ world champion Kathy Hubble.  Kathy shares the tactics and adjustments that make Judo throws more effective in BJJ.Here's the YouTube video we reference in this episode:Judo for BJJ; Stephan Kesting and Kathy Hubblehttps://youtu.be/8wScXUDkwB8Mental models discussed in this episode:Predictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/Kuzushihttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/Microtransitionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/microtransitions/Funnelinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling/Beginner's Mindhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/Committed Techniqueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/Technique Chaininghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/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.Our premium offerings are powered by Patreon.  Sign up here:https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/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/Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

This week, Steve is joined by Matt Kirtley, best known as Aesopian.  In addition to being a moderator of Reddit's /r/bjj and a long-time Jiu-Jitsu blogger, Matt is a critic of martial arts cults.  Matt joins us today to discuss the BITE (behavior, information, thought, emotional control) Model and influence continuum.The BITE Model and influence continuum are concepts defined by cult expert Steven Hassan.  They can help identify whether an organization's influence is positive or negative.  They're a great way to determine if you or a loved one are being manipulated by a cult or cult-like organization.BITE Model:https://freedomofmind.com/bite-model/Influence Continuum:https://freedomofmind.com/influence-continuum/IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link here:https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/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/Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

This week Steve is joined by Brian Glick, black belt from the Danaher Death Squad.  We discuss methods versus outcomes, how to know if we're on the right path, and how to tell if the resulting fallacy is leading us astray.Mental models discussed in this episode:Probabilistic Thinkinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/probabilistic-thinking/Position Over Submissionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/position-over-submission/Habits Over Resultshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/Discipline Equals Freedomhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/discipline-equals-freedom/Form to Leave Formhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/form-to-leave-form/Shuharihttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/shuhari/Resulting Fallacyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/resulting/Scientific Methodhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/scientific-method/IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link here:https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/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/Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

This is it: the ultimate onboarding package for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  Jeff Shaw, co-owner of Bellingham BJJ and host of Dirty White Belt Radio, joins us to tell absolute beginners what they need to know about Jiu-Jitsu.  If you're looking to start BJJ, or you're introducing someone to BJJ, play this episode.Topics discussed in this episode:How to introduce the brand new student to Jiu-JitsuWhat to look for in a gym/instructorHow to identify red flags with a gym/instructorHow to onboard new studentsCritical concepts for beginnersTechniques vs. conceptsHow BJJ is different from other martial artsHow John Danaher pronounces "rodeo"How to talk about butts.  Buttocks?  Bum?  Ass?  Hindquarters?How to avoid alienating studentsThe most effective pro wrestling finishers in BJJBJJ etiquette: dos and don'tsMental models discussed in this episode:Principles Over Techniqueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/principles-over-techniques/Controlled Breathinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlled-breathing/Form to Leave Formhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/form-to-leave-form/Theory of Alignmenthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/alignment/Making Smaller Circleshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/making-smaller-circles/Prevention Over Curehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure/Marginal Gainshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/marginal-gains/Train With Purposehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link here:https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/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/Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

This week, Steve and Matt are rejoined by Dr. Valerie "Valhalla" Worthington.  We have a thoughtful discussion on the ego, how it can hinder us, how it can help us, and whether "killing" the ego is a good idea.Mental models discussed in this episode:Beginner's Mindhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/Respect People, Not Positionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/Kaizenhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/Incremental Learninghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/Defensive Thinkinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/defensive-thinking/Mindfulnesshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/Emotional Contagionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/emotional-contagion/IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link here:https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/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/Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

This week, Steve and Matt dive into knee on belly and break down the position using the mental models we discuss on the show.Uke's predictable responses from knee on belly:Getting to their side - either turning toward or away from youAttacking your feetGetting their foot on your hip or inverting into a leg entanglementCritical control points for knee on belly:Maintaining good foot position. No gaps between your shoelaces and their hip.  Don't let them grab your legs, especially the free leg.Keeping a lower squat, ideally an elbow-knee connection, to close access to your hip and leg.Keeping their shoulders parallel to the floor.Mental models discussed in this episode:Predictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/Elbow Knee Connectionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection/Center of Gravityhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/center-of-gravity/Surface Area (or Blading)https://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/Critical Control Pointshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/critical-control-points/IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link here:https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/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/Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

This week, Steve is joined by Bruce Hoyer from Next Edge Academy.  Bruce is best known for pioneering the reverse classroom model in BJJ.  If you've been looking for a new and empowering way to structure your learning or classes, this is the episode for you.IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link here:https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/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/Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/