Dive into the fascinating world of crank mechanics in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! Discover how cranks uniquely target the spinal cord compared to traditional chokes. The discussion humorously tackles common misconceptions around these submissions. Explore the essential mechanics and techniques behind neck cranks while prioritizing safety and consent. Ethical considerations take center stage, ensuring practitioners understand the risks involved. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their grappling knowledge!

This week we're joined by Josh Vogel!  Alongside his wife Angie, Josh is a co-founder and head instructor at The Jiu Jitsu Company in Old City, Philadelphia.  In this episode, Josh emphasizes the importance of structured class curriculums and a project-based focus, where students develop their skills through specific, measurable 90-day projects targeting various techniques.Follow Josh on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/joshrvogelhttps://www.instagram.com/thejiujitsucompanyTrain with Josh at The Jiu-Jitsu Company in Old City PA:https://www.jiujitsuphilly.com/Buy 90 Day Project Based Jiu Jitsu by Josh Vogel on BJJ Fanatics:https://bjjfanatics.com/products/90-day-project-based-jiu-jitsu-by-josh-vogelMental models discussed in this episode:Mnemonicshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mnemonics/Technique Chaininghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/Funnelinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling/Diminishing Returnshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/diminishing-returns/Keep it Playfulhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/Self-Competitionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/Planning Paradoxhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/planning-paradox/The Map Is Not the Territoryhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/the-map-is-not-the-territory/Predictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/Deliberate Practicehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/deliberate-practice/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://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/

In this week's mini-episode we discuss compression choke mechanics!  Compression chokes involve squeezing your opponent's chest so tightly that their lungs can't expand to take in air.  They're a bit silly and not high-percentage, but they're still worth knowing about so you don't wind up on the wrong end of someone else's compression choke highlight reel.Listen to our prior mini-episodes on choke mechanics:Mini Ep. 16: Blood Choke Mechanicshttps://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15622350-mini-ep-16-blood-choke-mechanicsMini Ep. 17: Air Choke Mechanicshttps://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15660734-mini-ep-17-air-choke-mechanicsRead up on the different types of chokes:https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/choking-mechanics/Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintroDon'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://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/

For our 300th episode, there's only one guest that'll do: James "300" Foster!  James is a 3x black belt masters world champion, 4th degree black belt under Giva Santana, and the head coach at Foster Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  In this episode, James shares how teachers who are also active competitors can balance those two priorities, and even synergize them.Follow James on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/james300fosterSubscribe to James' YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@James300FosterListen to James' podcast, Nerdy Mewzings:https://www.nerdymewzings.com/podcastTrain with James at Foster BJJ:http://fosterbjj.com/Mental models discussed in this episode:Training Handicapshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/training-handicaps/You Are What You Trainhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/you-are-what-you-train/Plus, Minus, Equalshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/plus-minus-equals/Law of Contrasthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/law-of-contrast/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://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/

Dive into the fascinating world of air chokes, where cutting off breath provides a tactical edge in Jiu-Jitsu! Discover how these techniques can be safely executed and the psychology behind them. Learn about the connection to famous submissions like the guillotine and why air chokes deserve respect, dispelling myths around them being 'dirty.' Uncover tricks to accelerate their effectiveness by triggering the gag reflex.

Adam Medlock, a Braulio Estima black belt and lead educator from the UK, discusses innovative methods for assessing student progress in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He highlights the TLA cycle (Teaching, Learning, and Assessment) and critiques the limitations of one-size-fits-all approaches. Medlock emphasizes the importance of personalized feedback, innovative tools like video analysis, and the role of self and peer assessments in a supportive learning environment. The conversation delves into how adaptive strategies can enhance both student and coach growth in this dynamic martial art.

Dive into the intriguing mechanics of blood chokes! Discover how compression on the carotid arteries creates effective submissions. Learn about the 'triangle around the head' concept, a game-changer for tightening various chokes. The distinction between choking and breaking mechanics could elevate your BJJ skills. Explore the efficiency of blood chokes versus air chokes and grasp the anatomical principles that make them so potent. This episode promises to enhance your understanding and technique!

Mandy Schneider, a purple belt and rising star from SOUL FIGHTERS Martial Arts, shares her journey navigating the challenges of training after surgery for elbow bursitis. She discusses distinguishing manageable injuries from those needing full rest, and the mental toll of recovery. Mandy emphasizes the importance of setting personal goals and maintaining motivation while sidelined. With insights on resilience and adaptability, she encourages listeners to focus on long-term health and personal growth through setbacks.

Dive into the intriguing concept of dominant angles in grappling. It's not just about position; it's about how your body relates to your opponent's. Discover which angles give you the upper hand and learn to challenge conventional wisdom in Jiu-Jitsu. Gain insights on body alignment that can effectively neutralize your opponent's attacks. This episode will reshape your understanding and approach on the mat!

David Figueroa-Martinez, a black belt and instructor from Gracie La Mesa, dives into the emotional complexities of leaving a martial arts gym. He shares personal anecdotes about vulnerability and growth during transitions, while emphasizing the importance of professionalism. The discussion touches on navigating gym politics and maintaining healthy relationships between coaches and students. Figueroa-Martinez also advocates for choosing supportive training environments that foster psychological safety, highlighting how leaving a gym can reflect positive personal development.