BJJ Mental Models

Explore the intriguing world of 'double trouble' in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a strategy that emphasizes controlling two points on your opponent. Discover how mastering techniques like the armbar and heel hook can enhance submission success. Hear personal anecdotes on limb immobilization and the balance of aggression and control. The hosts also delve into the complexities of the omoplata, as well as practical insights for applying these strategies in real-world self-defense scenarios. Tune in for a blend of advanced grappling concepts and practical advice!

This week Steve and Matt discuss the elbow-knee connection: a shockingly simple concept that, when applied intelligently, can improve your game in a variety of ways.Mental models discussed in this episode:Alignmenthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/Core Mechanicshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/Anatomic Hierarchyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/anatomic-hierarchy/Elbow-Knee Connectionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection/First Principleshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/first-principles/Microtransitionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/microtransitions/Kinetic Chainshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/kinetic-chains/Shifting Platformshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/shifting-platforms/Principles over Techniqueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/principles-over-techniques/Do What Workshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/Making Smaller Circleshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/making-smaller-circles/Economy of Motionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/economy-of-motion/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

This week Steve and Matt discuss kuzushi, the Japanese art of balance breaking.Mental models discussed in this episode:Kuzushihttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/Path of Least Resistancehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/path-of-least-resistance/Technique Chaininghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/Types of Guardhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/types-of-guard/Microtransitionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/microtransitions/Staying Loosehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/staying-loose/Mask Your Intentionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mask-your-intentions/Predictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

In the final episode of our instructor series, Steve & Matt shed light on the ugly side of Jiu-Jitsu and the instructors' responsibilities to create a healthy training environment.  Topics include issues with your students, gym drama, cult mentality, and harassment.A huge thank you to Matt Kirtley, AKA Aesopian, for his detailed research into cults that contributed to this episode.Mental models discussed in this episode:Extreme Ownershiphttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/extreme-ownership/Abundance Mindsethttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/Emotional Contagionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/emotional-contagion/Mindfulnesshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

Steve and Matt discuss the business relationships and networking activities critical to running a successful gym.  Topics include skill swapping, building logistics, the competitive landscape, neighbouring businesses, privates, seminars, workshops, open mats, tournaments, managing your own promotions, sponsorships, and social media conduct.Mental models discussed in this episode:Abundance Mindsethttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/Idea Communismhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/idea-communism/Investing in Losshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

Once you've opened your gym, how do maintain and grow your membership base?  Steve and Matt discuss lead generation, advertising, merchandising, social media, websites, designing your schedule, and retaining students.Mental models discussed in this episode:Investing in Losshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/Abundance Mindsethttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

In the second episode of the instructor series, Steve and Matt discuss Matt's experience opening a gym.  They cover what's involved in making the decision, the qualifications required, targeting your customers, hidden costs, the path to profitability, and affiliation.  A must-listen for anyone interested in moving into Jiu-Jitsu as their full-time career.Mental models discussed in this episode:Habits over Resultshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/Loss Aversionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/loss-aversion/Abundance Mindsethttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

Today marks the first of a new five-part series on BJJ Mental Models: the instructor series!  We're going to cover topics relevant to instructors and gym owners.Today's topic is coaching, and we're going to discuss: going from practitioner to coach, teaching class, one-on-one instruction, coaching children, coaching tournaments, and teaching seminars.Mental models discussed in this episode:Beginner's Mindhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/Psychological Safetyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety/Respect People, not Positionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/Incremental Learninghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/Learning Styleshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/learning-styles/The Golden Rulehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/golden-rule/Kaizenhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

This discussion dives into the challenges of training with larger opponents, emphasizing technique over brute strength. It offers insights on grip control and body positioning for smaller practitioners. Strategies for overcoming reach disadvantages highlight the importance of adaptability and psychological tactics. Key concepts like dictating pace and managing scrambly opponents are also explored, providing listeners with practical approaches to enhance their performance against size discrepancies.

Delve into the strategies for surviving tough positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Explore the significance of alignment, control, and effective escapes from side control and mount. Learn how to create a protective frame using elbow-knee connections while managing pressure and energy. Discover the nuances of joint locks and the importance of testing techniques for practical applications. Gain insights on maintaining composure and tactical advantages that can turn a bad position into an opportunity.