BJJ Mental Models

The most important - and also hardest - part of every journey is the first step.  If you can't bring yourself to take the first step, you deny yourself the most important growth opportunities in life.  This week, Steve and Matt talk about the psychology of the first step, and how to overcome the natural fear of starting a new initiative.  And more importantly, we also talk about Final Fantasy VII Remake.Mental models discussed in this episode:Mindfulnesshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/Return on Investmenthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/Investing in Losshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/Defensive Thinkinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/defensive-thinking/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/⚠️ 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, Steve and Matt discuss tipping points: the concept that, once you have sufficient leverage or momentum, your desired outcome can no longer be denied.We've all experienced tipping points, whether it be on the mats or off.In Jiu-Jitsu, tipping points occur when your opponent gains so much leverage that you cannot realistically fight off their attack anymore, and your only recourse is to change your tactics.In real life, tipping points occur when an idea, product, or movement gains sufficient momentum that its growth becomes exponential.Good strategies involve creating tipping points for yourself, and pivoting should your opponent create a tipping point against you.Reading list for this episode:The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwellhttps://www.gladwellbooks.com/titles/malcolm-gladwell/the-tipping-point/9780316316965/The Four Hour Work Week, by Tim Ferrisshttps://fourhourworkweek.com/Mental models discussed in this episode:Tipping Pointshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/tipping-points/Consistencyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/Habits Over Resultshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/Return on Investmenthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/Self-Competitionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/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/⚠️ 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

What is "the best way" to teach a Jiu-Jitsu class?  Is there even an answer to that question?  This week, Steve and Matt discuss common BJJ teaching methodologies such as concepts-based, toughness-based, and sequence-based.Mental models discussed in this episode:Train With Purposehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/Making Smaller Circleshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/making-smaller-circles/Predictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/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/⚠️ 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 Steve and Matt discuss the concept of surface area, and why it's important to expose as little of your body's surface area as possible.  This strategy is sometimes referred to by the Danaher Death Squad as blading.When you're on top, minimizing surface area makes it much harder for your opponent to block your guard passes.When you're on bottom, minimizing surface area makes it much harder for your opponent to stabilize an offensive position.Mental models discussed in this episode:Surface Areahttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/Leading Edgeshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/leading-edges/Force Vectorshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/force-vectors/Dominant Angleshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/dominant-angles/Elbow-Knee Connectionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection/Minimize Attack Vectorshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/minimize-attack-vectors/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/⚠️ 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 Steve is joined by Rory van Vliet, an Island Top Team black belt under Rob Biernacki, to discuss online education.  Rory is the co-instructor of the BJJ Concepts online academy, the operator behind the RVV BJJ YouTube channel, and the creator of the Guard Retention Formula instructional series alongside Stephan Kesting.  Rory is uniquely qualified to discuss the topic of online education, so if you've ever wanted to share your knowledge with the world, this episode is for you.Mental models discussed in this episode:Growth Mindsethttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-mindset/Beginner's Mindhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/Kaizenhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/Consistencyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/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/⚠️ 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, Steve and Matt discuss how to get motivated and stay motivated.  It's easy to lose that fire inside and become exhausted through the rigors and routine of everyday life. Every now and then, you need to draw from different sources to become invigorated and motivated again.In this episode we talk about four common sources of motivation:Motivation from failureMotivation from regretMotivation from inspirationMotivation from necessity.Mental models discussed in this episode:Growth From Discomforthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/Kaizenhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/Scientific Methodhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/scientific-method/Defensive Thinkinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/defensive-thinking/Habits Over Resultshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/Abundance Mindsethttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/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/⚠️ 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

It's our honor and privilege to be joined this week by Sergeant Major Seb Lavoie.  In addition to a lifetime of experience in the martial arts, Seb is a 19-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and previously served in the Canadian Armed Forces.  Seb is currently the divisional Sergeant Major for British Columbia, Canada.This week Seb joins us to discuss the killing of George Floyd, police use of force, and where police organizations around the world can go from here.Apologies for the audio quality; we recorded this episode via Zoom so we could get it published in a timely fashion.Please note that the opinions expressed by Seb Lavoie may not necessarily reflect the organizational views of the RCMP.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/⚠️ 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 podcast dives into chronophobia, our anxiety linked to time and productivity. The hosts discuss mindfulness techniques and the kaizen mindset for continuous improvement. They share personal stories, contrasting modern pressures with simpler pasts, while emphasizing the joys of being present. The emotional nuances of parenting and cooking are explored, underscoring the balance between planning and spontaneity. Finally, humor sneaks in with anecdotes about bidets, highlighting the lighter side of life amidst serious topics.

Submissions aren't just fight-ending techniques; they're tools to advance the position even if the submission fails.  This week, Steve and Matt discuss how to use submissions as a way to advance position.Mental models discussed in this episode:Myopiahttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/myopia/Body Tetheringhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/Dilemmahttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/dilemma/Technique Chaininghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/Kuzushihttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/Predictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/Critical Control Pointshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/critical-control-points/Committed Techniqueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/Inversionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/inversion/Funnelinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling/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/⚠️ 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, Steve and Matt talk about the mount: an old-school, demoralizing, and devastating position.The mount has three sub-positions:low mount, where you lie on top of uke;high mount, where you bring your knees into uke's armpits and posture up;technical mounts, including jockey mount and S mount.Mental models discussed in this episode:Crossing the Centerhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/crossing-the-center/Defend with Purposehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/defend-with-purpose/Head Positionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/head-position/Predictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/Inside Channel Controlhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/Limb Coilinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/Double Troublehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/double-trouble/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/⚠️ 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