
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 20, 2019 • 1h 2min
Ep. 20: Longevity
They call it your Jiu-Jitsu journey for a reason. Steve and Matt explain how to stay healthy and motivated for decades.Mental models discussed in this episode:Prioritize Longevityhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity/Stress and Recoveryhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery/Growth Mindsethttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-mindset/Consistencyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/Feedback Loophttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop/Habits Over Resultshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/Keep it Playfulhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/Self-Competitionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

May 13, 2019 • 1h 8min
Ep. 19: Injuries & Setbacks
Setbacks in your Jiu-Jitsu journey are inevitable. This week Steve and Matt discuss the strategies and mental models for dealing with setbacks, including injuries and life changes.Mental models discussed in this episode:Training Handicapshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/training-handicaps/Growth Mindsethttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-mindset/Extreme Ownershiphttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/extreme-ownership/Beginner's Mindhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/Consistencyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/Meditative Drillinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/meditative-drilling/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

25 snips
May 6, 2019 • 1h 8min
Ep. 18: Guard Series: Retention Phase
In the final episode of our three-part guard series, Matt and Steve discuss the retention phase, where grapplers make their final attempts to prevent a guard pass.Mental models discussed in this episode:Phases of Guardhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/phases-of-guard/Layers of Guardhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/layers-of-guard/Limb Coilinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/Elbow-Knee Connectionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection/Theory of Alignmenthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/Force Vectorshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/force-vectors/Leading Edgeshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/leading-edges/Solid Frameshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/solid-frames/Kinetic Chainshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/kinetic-chains/Microtransitionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/microtransitions/Feedback Loophttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

17 snips
Apr 29, 2019 • 1h 11min
Ep. 17: Guard Series: Maintenance Phase
This discussion dives into the intricacies of the maintenance phase in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guard techniques. Strategies for grip fighting and controlling distance are highlighted for maintaining defensive positions. It explores various guard types and their mechanics, emphasizing knee-elbow connections and body alignment. Advanced concepts include the significance of body tethering and the strategic application of the omoplata. Listeners will learn to adapt techniques against larger opponents while prioritizing guard recovery over relentless submissions.

55 snips
Apr 22, 2019 • 1h 9min
Ep. 16: Guard Series: Engagement Phase
Introducing the first in a three-part series on the guard! This week Steve and Matt discuss the engagement phase, where first contact is made and the grip battle is fought.Mental models discussed in this episode:Phases of Guardhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/phases-of-guard/Controlling the Distancehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlling-the-distance/Dictate the Pacehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/Train with Purposehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/Mindfulnesshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/Grips Dictate Positionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position/Minimize Attack Vectorshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/minimize-attack-vectors/Limb Coilinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/Grip Inversionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/grip-inversion/Training Handicapshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/training-handicaps/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

14 snips
Apr 15, 2019 • 1h 9min
Ep. 15: Force Vectors & Leading Edges
Steve and Matt discuss Force Vectors and Leading Edges. These mental models are critical to maintaining your guard once you've lost the grip fight, or engagement phase.Mental models discussed in this episode:Force Vectorshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/force-vectors/Core Mechanicshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/Solid Frameshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/solid-frames/Limb Coilinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/Controlling the Distancehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlling-the-distance/Leading Edgeshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/leading-edges/Defend with Purposehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/defend-with-purpose/Committed Techniqueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/Phases of Guardhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/phases-of-guard/Overwhelming Forcehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/overwhelming-force/Grips Dictate Positionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

Apr 8, 2019 • 40min
Ep. 14: Joe Peters v Marcus Soares
Steve & Matt discuss Joe Peters' upcoming lawsuit against Marcus Soares. Joe is suing Marcus due to injuries sustained competing in his tournament. The results of this lawsuit could have broad ramifications to future Jiu-Jitsu tournaments.Article about the lawsuit:https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/jiu-jitsu-waivers-1.5042941Court filing:https://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/jdb-txt/sc/19/01/2019BCSC0189cor1.htmWe maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

Apr 1, 2019 • 41min
Ep. 13: Some corrections...
We've learned a lot since episode one. Steve and Matt issue some very important corrections to prior episodes. Listen and learn, this episode is 100% TRUTH.We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

Mar 25, 2019 • 1h 13min
Ep. 12: The Art of Learning
Steve & Matt do a deep dive into Josh Waitzkin's book, the Art of Learning.Mental models discussed in this episode:Respect People, not Positionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/Growth Mindsethttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-mindset/Do What Workshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/Extreme Ownershiphttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/extreme-ownership/Mindfulnesshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/Flowhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/flow/Investing in Losshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/Growth from Discomforthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/Form to Leave Formhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/form-to-leave-form/Incremental Learninghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/Making Smaller Circleshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/making-smaller-circles/Beginner's Mindhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

Mar 18, 2019 • 1h 13min
Ep. 11: Mindset
Explore the importance of a healthy mindset in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on self-competition and the value of supportive training partners. Discover how a growth mindset can enhance learning and foster trust among practitioners. Delve into the essential qualities of effective instructors and the dual role they play in nurturing student development. Learn about the interplay of competition and community, emphasizing enjoyment and personal growth over immediate results. Lastly, master psychological strategies to stay calm and focused under pressure.