

BJJ Mental Models
Steve Kwan
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 26, 2019 • 60min
Ep. 34: Funneling
Discover the concept of funneling, a strategy for directing fights toward your strengths in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The discussion emphasizes the importance of adapting techniques based on personal experiences and training styles. Safety is prioritized when navigating serious injuries, urging listeners to seek professional advice. Holistic approaches to pain management, including physiotherapy over chiropractic care, are advocated. The benefits of CBD for inflammation are also explored, alongside a call for community engagement and interaction.

Aug 19, 2019 • 1h 5min
Ep. 33: Idea Communism vs Idea Capitalism
Don't worry, this one's not about politics! Today we discuss the pros and cons of Robert K. Merton's idea communism philosophy. The core question answered in this episode is: when should you share your ideas freely, and when should you use them for profit?Mental models discussed in this episode:Idea Communism & Idea Capitalismhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/idea-communism/Abundance Mindsethttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/Race to the Bottomhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/race-to-the-bottom/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.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

Aug 12, 2019 • 56min
Ep. 32: Body Tethering
Be an anchor, not a tetherball. This week Steve and Matt discuss when you should and shouldn't tether your body to your opponent.Mental models discussed in this episode:Body Tetheringhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/Alignment over Positionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/alignment-over-position/Controlled Breathinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlled-breathing/Do What Workshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.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

Aug 5, 2019 • 59min
Ep. 31: Predictable Responses
Action creates reaction. This week Steve and Matt discuss predictable responses, a mental model that helps you understand what your opponent is likely to do and decrease your reaction time.Mental models discussed in this episode:Predictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/Dictate the Pacehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/Form to Leave Formhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/form-to-leave-form/Funnelinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling/Technique Chaininghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/Mask Your Intentionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mask-your-intentions/Controlled Breathinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlled-breathing/Staying Loosehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/staying-loose/Incremental Learninghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.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

Jul 29, 2019 • 60min
Ep. 30: Double Trouble
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!

Jul 22, 2019 • 1h 9min
Ep. 29: Elbow-Knee Connection
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/⚠️ 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

Jul 15, 2019 • 1h 2min
Ep. 28: Kuzushi
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/⚠️ 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

Jul 8, 2019 • 1h 15min
Ep. 27: Instructor Series: The Dark Side of Jiu-Jitsu
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/⚠️ 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

Jul 1, 2019 • 1h 17min
Ep. 26: Instructor Series: Business Relationships & Networking
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/⚠️ 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

Jun 24, 2019 • 1h 17min
Ep. 25: Instructor Series: Maintaining and Growing your Gym
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/⚠️ 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


