BJJ Mental Models

This week we're joined by Eli Knight!  Eli is a black belt under Royce Gracie and is a prolific online BJJ instructor.  In this episode, Eli breaks down concepts behind an underloved aspect of Jiu-Jitsu: compression locks. Follow Eli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knight_jiu_jitsu_/ Subscribe to Eli on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KnightJiuJitsu Get Eli's Compression Locks...

This week we're joined by Jozef Chen!  Jozef is a member of the B Team and has been a BJJ Mental Models community member since the early days.  Jozef is also known for how rapidly he developed his skillset as a Jiu-Jitsu athlete.  In this episode, Jozef shares his method, with some great insights into Josh Waitzkin's work, growth versus performance, innovators versus honers, competitive...

In this special bonus episode, Andrew Wiltse from Daisy Fresh and Wiltse Bros BJJ joins us for a raw and transparent conversation about mental health, the future of Jiu-Jitsu, and how we can best support our athletes. Wiltse Bros. on BJJ Fanatics: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_andrew-wiltse Wiltse Bros. on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WiltseBrothersBJJ Wilt...

This week we're joined by Rachel Ranschau!  Rachel is a black belt under André Galvão and an avid Jiu-Jitsu note-taker.  In this episode, Rachel shares her approach to note-taking, and explains how it accelerates information retention and skill development. Follow Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelranschau/ Check out Rachel's Jiu Jitsu X instructional, Systematically S...

This week we're joined by Jake Luigi!  Jake is best known as the creator of the hugely popular BJJ YouTube channel, Less Impressed More Involved.  In this episode, Jake explains his analytical approach, which he used to create one of the most essential Jiu-Jitsu resources on YouTube.  A great listen for anyone interested in research and tape study. Jake's YouTube channel - Less Impressed...

This week we're joined by Amanda Bruse!  Amanda is a new black belt under André Galvão, and just joined the BJJ Mental Models review team!  In this episode, Amanda provides some great perspective on how competitors can navigate competition anxiety. Follow Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandabruse.bjj/ Book referenced on the podcast: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience,...

This week we're joined again by BJJMM team member and fan favorite Margot Ciccarelli!  They call her "The Nomadic Mars" for a reason: Margot has lived the nomadic lifestyle and has trained at gyms all around the world.  In this episode, Margot shares her tips for becoming a world-class athlete from anywhere in the world. Follow Margot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margotci...

This week we're joined by Taylor Biagi!  Taylor is the founder and head instructor at Taylor Biagi Jiu Jitsu in Chicago.  In this episode, Steve and Taylor talk about how instructors learn, and how their learning journey is different from that of a student. Follow Taylor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorbiagibjj/ Taylor's website: https://taylorbiagijiujitsu.com/ Taylor&apos...

This week we're joined by Jorgen Matsi!  Jorgen is an Estonian BJJ black belt with a background in sports psychology.  In this episode, Jorgen explains how coaches and students can use incentive systems and triggers to direct skill development. Book referenced in this episode: Applying Educational Psychology in Coaching Athletes, by Jeffrey J. Huber https://amzn.to/3H6ZsUU Watch Jorgen teach...

This week we're joined by Justin Su'a!  Justin is the Head of Mental Performance with the Tampa Bay Rays.  In this episode, Justin draws on his world-class experience to discuss how coaches can help their athletes achieve peak performance. Follow Justin on social media: https://www.instagram.com/justinsua/ https://twitter.com/Justinsua https://www.facebook.com/justin.sua/ Books discussed...

This week we're joined by Lyzz "Daemonette" Mitrovic!  Fresh off winning gold in black belt masters at the 2022 IBJJF Worlds, Lyzz joins us to talk about something she (and all of us, really) battle with: perfectionism. Follow Lyzz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms_daemonette/ Follow Lyzz on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ekfoster Mental models discussed in this episode...

This week we’re joined by Jordan Preisinger!  Jordan is a BJJ black belt best known for his YouTube channel, Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu.  In this episode, Jordan shares his thoughts on scrambles, and how to do them safely. Subscribe to Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JordanTeachesJiujitsu Listen to Jordan's podcast, Talk-Jitsu: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1992689 Fol...

This week we’re joined by Adam Haidary!  Adam is the co-founder of Effective Fitness Combatives and the creator of the popular Instagram account PolicePosts.  In this episode, Adam shares how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be integrated with law enforcement officer (LEO) training. Effective Fitness Combatives website: https://www.efcombatives.com/ Effective Fitness Combatives on Instagram: https://www.in...

This week we’re joined again by Dr. David Ley!  Dr. Ley is a Gracie Barra black belt and a leading psychotherapist in New Mexico.  In this episode, Dr. Ley gives us a primer on cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is an effective tool for treating anxiety, depression, and many mental health disorders. It’s also a great tool for general lifestyle and mindset improveme...

This week we're joined by Sheena Osborne!  Sheena is an advanced care paramedic and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt.  In this episode, Sheena shares highlights from the stress management program she teaches to her fellow first responders.  It's a great dive into human factors, stress response, and performance in stressful situations. Follow Sheena on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s...

This week we're joined again by fan-favorite Robert Degle!  In this episode, Robert brings both his Jiu-Jitsu and philosophy backgrounds to the table to discuss some of the trickier questions around rules and ethics.  What is stalling, and should there be rules against it?  Is it acceptable to apply submissions with the intent to injure your opponent?  And what changes could we make to the Ji...

This week we’re joined by Kabir Bath!  Kabir is a black belt under Rafael Lovato Jr., the Head of International at the Lovato Jiu-Jitsu Association, and the head instructor at Kaboom BJJ. Kabir’s gym is best known for its Kaboom Kids BJJ program, with currently over 300 child enrolments and still growing.  In this episode, Kabir shares his framework for building a top-quality kids program that int...

This week we’re joined again by Dr. Rob Gray!  Rob is an Associate Professor of Human Systems Engineering at Arizona State University, the host of the Perception & Action Podcast, and the author of How We Learn to Move: A Revolution in the Way We Coach & Practice Sports Skills. In this episode, Rob provides an introduction to the material covered in How We Learn to Move.  We have a great c...

This week we're joined by Tum Energia!  Thomas Voorn, better known by his nickname Tum Energia, is a BJJ black belt and the founder of Energia Martial Arts.  In this episode, Tum explains the concept of psychological safety: a key tactic for building a culture where your students aren't afraid to show vulnerability and ask questions. Follow Tum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tum...

This week we're joined by Brother Matt Kwan and Alex Simoes!  Alex is the CEO of Tekneek, and Brother Matt is Brother Matt.  In this episode, we talk about how recent advances in coaching technology can benefit everyone, from students to coaches. Email Alex to create your Tekneek account: alex@tekneek.io Check out the On Guard BJJ online academy: https://onguardbjj.com/p/online-academy Mental...

This week we're joined by Greg Souders!  Greg is the head coach at Standard Jiu-Jitsu.  In this episode, Greg explains how we can integrate coaching best practices from other sports into Jiu-Jitsu. Email Greg: greg@standardjiujitsu.com Follow Greg on social: https://www.facebook.com/standardjiujitsu https://www.instagram.com/standardjiujitsu/ Train with Greg at Standard Jiu-Jitsu: https://sta...

This week we’re joined by Amy Campo!  Hot off taking gold at ADCC 2022, Amy joins us to discuss her process for breaking through personal limits.  A great and inspiring conversation on structuring your training camp, maximizing the use of your team, and how to believe in yourself. Follow Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amycampofighter/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Intention...

This week we're joined by Brianna Ste-Marie!  Fresh off her amazing performance at ADCC 2022, Brianna joins us to break down one of her signature positions: the closed guard. Follow Brianna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannasm/ Get Brianna's English instructionals on Jiu Jitsu X: https://jiujitsux.com/profile/brianna-ste-marie/ Get Brianna's French instructionals on Lec...

Episode 200 is a very special milestone, and requires a very special guest: Claudia do Val! Claudia is a 3x black belt world champion and is considered one of the best of her generation.  If you follow Claudia's story, you probably know she went public two years ago with a very personal and traumatic story.  That trauma, combined with the harassment she's received since, has completely c...

This week we're joined by Shane McCarthy!  Shane is an instructor at Princeton BJJ and a newly minted black belt under Emily Kwok.  In this episode, Shane shares best practices for taking ownership of your Jiu-Jitsu skill development. Follow Shane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakaflakashane/ Listen to Shane's podcast, Tinfoil Mat: https://anchor.fm/collin-wiemer/ Train with Sh...