

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

Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ep. 324: Breaking Social Contracts, feat. Josh "Kintanon" Wentworth
Josh "Kintanon" Wentworth, a Jiu-Jitsu expert from Apex MMA in Covington, Georgia, dives into the concept of social contracts in the sport. He explores how these unwritten rules can hinder performance and advocates for challenging them to foster skill development. The conversation covers the balance between aggression and assertiveness in techniques and the importance of questioning preconceived norms, including the acceptance of leg locks. Ultimately, it's about breaking free from limiting mental scripts to improve mastery and competitiveness in Jiu-Jitsu.

7 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 10min
Mini Ep. 41: Redundancies
Explore the fascinating concept of redundancies in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Learn how having multiple points of control can drastically reduce your vulnerabilities. Discover the importance of creating solid backup plans for every technique. This discussion highlights practical strategies and real-world examples that show how to maintain positional dominance and avoid critical failures in your game. It’s a clever approach to ensure you're always one step ahead on the mat.

Feb 10, 2025 • 57min
Ep. 323: Collaborative Camps, feat. Josh "Kintanon" Wentworth & Jesse Walker
Join Josh 'Kintanon' Wentworth, a BJJ black belt known for his innovative teaching at Apex MMA, and Jesse Walker, an insightful contributor from Rough Hands BJJ. They discuss revolutionary approaches to BJJ seminars, emphasizing collaborative, interactive environments over traditional methods. The duo explores maximizing training value in camps, the role of middle belts in mentoring, and the community-driven spirit of jiu-jitsu. Listeners will gain insights into innovative coaching methods and the benefits of diverse teaching styles.

8 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 7min
Mini Ep. 40: Placeholders
Discover the intriguing concept of placeholders in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, likened to climbing a ladder. Maintaining control during transitions is crucial—never let go of a solid position without securing a better one. Gain insights into techniques like the knee cut pass for improved grip management. This approach not only enhances safety but also boosts your overall effectiveness in grappling. Tune in for practical strategies designed to optimize your game!

Feb 3, 2025 • 55min
Ep. 322: Technique Zero, feat. Marc Ste-Marie
In this engaging discussion, Marc Ste-Marie, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the father of IBJJF champion Brianna Ste-Marie, shares his groundbreaking concept of "Technique Zero." He reveals how mastering entry points can revolutionize Jiu-Jitsu training. Marc emphasizes the importance of movement patterns and observational learning, particularly in leg attacks and grip control. He also highlights the challenges of transitioning from athlete to coach, while providing insights on how to navigate parenthood in the sport and stay engaged during setbacks.

4 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 8min
Mini Ep. 39: Surface Area
Dive into the intriguing concept of surface area in jiu-jitsu. Discover how applying force through a minimal surface area can create maximum pressure, illustrated by the 'shoulder of justice' crossface pin. Learn about the psychological tactics for outmaneuvering larger opponents while discussing various benefits of minimizing surface area. This episode blends physical insights with strategy, enhancing your understanding of pressure in the grappling art.

Jan 27, 2025 • 60min
Ep. 321: Submission Series: The Woj Lock, feat. Chris Wojcik
Chris Wojcik, a BJJ Mental Models sponsored athlete celebrated for his leg lock techniques and impressive ADCC showings, shares insights on his signature move, the Woj Lock. He explains its mechanics and strategic relevance, offering tips on positioning and defenses. Reflecting on his intense ADCC experience, Wojcik stresses how competition shifts training perspectives. The discussion also highlights applying various leg locks effectively, emphasizing body dimensions and alternative learning methods like his newsletter, The Grappler's Diary, to enhance jiu-jitsu training.

4 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 6min
Mini Ep. 38: Ratchet Control
Dive into the intriguing concept of ratchet control, a mental model that sharpens your game in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Learn how to position limbs into an ‘L’ shape for effective submissions, particularly focusing on techniques like the Kimura. The discussion highlights the mechanics of manipulating elbows to improve both offensive and defensive strategies. This unique insight is designed to boost your control on the mat!

Jan 20, 2025 • 52min
Ep. 320: The Language of Injury, feat. Scott Fritzinger
Scott Fritzinger, a BJJ black belt under Dave Camarillo and head instructor at Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu Academy Reno, dives into the indispensable topic of injury language in training. He emphasizes how choice of words can impact student behavior and injury prevention. The discussion navigates the supportive gym culture in Reno, advocating calm communication and awareness of personal limits. Fritzinger stresses the shift from chasing submissions to mastering positional control, encouraging a mindset that prioritizes learning and personal growth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

14 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 10min
Mini Ep. 37: Rotational Control
Discover the concept of rotational control to enhance your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game. Learn how preventing or allowing your opponent's torso rotation can secure your positions and improve submission success. Explore practical strategies to occupy key spaces around their elbows and knees, ensuring they can't escape or spin. Revisit fundamental mechanics for better performance and enjoy insights that can transform your approach on the mat!


