
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

18 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 1h 37min
BONUS: Why We Should Play the Sport, feat. Avery Lorenzato
Avery Lorenzato, a Jiu Jitsu instructor from Golden Jiu Jitsu in Colorado, shares his insightful approach to training through play. He discusses the importance of cultivating a joyful mindset in Jiu Jitsu, which enhances skill acquisition and community spirit. Avery emphasizes accessibility for newcomers and the benefits of a game-based training atmosphere. Additionally, he highlights the life skills developed through kids' Jiu Jitsu programs, focusing on fun and emotional growth as essential elements for fostering a lifelong passion for the martial art.

Sep 30, 2024 • 55min
Ep. 304: Beer League Jiu-Jitsu, feat. Trey Hucks
Trey Hucks, founder of Slime Mold Grappling Club, champions a fresh approach to Jiu-Jitsu prioritizing fun and community over competition. He introduces 'Beer League Jiu-Jitsu', emphasizing the joys of social engagement in training. The conversation reveals the evolution of ecological Jiu-Jitsu learning and the importance of inclusivity for all skill levels. Highlighting self-perception issues like imposter syndrome, Trey advocates for egalitarian learning within the sport, inspired by the collaborative problem-solving found in nature.

Sep 26, 2024 • 11min
Mini Ep. 21: The 3 Joint Rule
In this engaging mini-discussion, Jeff Shaw, a BJJ expert and prior guest on the show, breaks down the crucial '3 joint rule' for mastering control in grappling. He emphasizes the importance of effectively managing your opponent's arms and legs to execute submissions. Listeners gain insights into common pitfalls in joint control and receive practical tips to refine their techniques. This conversation is packed with valuable strategies for anyone looking to elevate their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game!

Sep 23, 2024 • 56min
Ep. 303: Building Wealth in BJJ, feat. David Bayarena
David Bayarena, a BJJ black belt and certified financial planner, shares invaluable tips for BJJ business owners. He discusses the importance of financial planning tailored to the unique challenges of the martial arts community. Topics include insurance, tax strategies, and succession planning. David emphasizes the significance of diversification and proactive financial management, likening the journey in both finance and Jiu-Jitsu to essential skill development for long-term success. Paying yourself first is a key principle he advocates, encouraging a proactive approach to financial health.

Sep 19, 2024 • 9min
Mini Ep. 20: Hybrid Choke Mechanics
Delve into the fascinating world of hybrid choke mechanics! This discussion unveils the complexities of combining different choking techniques. Discover whether hybrid chokes offer advantages, and how they influence concepts like rules and consent in training. The hosts also dissect common myths about choking methods, challenging rigid categorizations. It's a must-listen for those keen on mastering the subtleties of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu!

Sep 16, 2024 • 57min
Ep. 302: Short-Form BJJ Content, feat. Tum Energia
Tum Energia, a BJJ black belt and founder of Energia Martial Arts, dives into the intriguing world of short-form content transforming Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He discusses how platforms like TikTok and Instagram are reshaping how practitioners learn and engage. Tum highlights the balance between attracting views and maintaining quality in digital content. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications of shorter formats on attention spans, urging a thoughtful approach to content creation in the evolving martial arts landscape.

Sep 12, 2024 • 11min
Mini Ep. 19: Crank Mechanics
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!

15 snips
Sep 9, 2024 • 59min
Ep. 301: Project-Based BJJ, feat. Josh Vogel
Josh Vogel, co-founder and head instructor at The Jiu Jitsu Company in Philadelphia, emphasizes structured class curriculums and project-based learning in this engaging discussion. He introduces innovative concepts like 'funneling' to align Jiu-Jitsu techniques with individual strengths. The conversation also explores balancing data-driven training with enjoyment, encouraging practitioners to view losses as growth opportunities. Additionally, Vogel delves into the philosophy behind belt promotions, advocating for deeper understanding over mere technique memorization.

Sep 5, 2024 • 10min
Mini Ep. 18: Compression Choke Mechanics
Delve into the fascinating world of compression chokes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! This episode breaks down the mechanics of squeezing your opponent's chest, making it hard for them to breathe. Although not the highest success rate technique, understanding it ensures you're prepared on the mat. Learn how these quirky chokes fit into your defensive strategy, preventing you from becoming another highlight reel victim. Discover the nuances of choking mechanics and elevate your sparring game!

Sep 2, 2024 • 59min
Ep. 300: Teachers Who Compete, feat. James "300" Foster
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/
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