Steve Kwan

BJJ Mental Models

Sports EN ↓ 532 episodes

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.

Author

Steve Kwan

Category

Sports

Podcast website

bjjmentalmodels.com

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

Ep. 174: Structuring a Curriculum, feat. Nick Purler 11.04.2022

This week we're joined by Nick Purler!  Nick is the head coach at Purler Wrestling Academy.  In this episode, Nick brings his wealth of wrestling and coaching knowledge to the podcast, discussing topics such as: structuring a curriculum, cultivating a gameplan, the coach/student relationship, and introducing wrestling into your BJJ game. Purler Wrestling's Instagram: https://www.instagra...

Ep. 173: S&C for Elite Athletes, feat. Lucius Tirey IV 04.04.2022

This week we're joined by Lucius Tirey IV!  Lucius is the strength & conditioning coach for Rafael Lovato Jr. and Xande Ribeiro.  In this episode, Lucius discusses how he builds and executes strength & conditioning programs for elite-level BJJ athletes. Lucius' Instagram: https://instagram.com/greenstrengthiv/ Lucius' website: https://greenstrengthhq.com/ Mental models discu...

Ep. 172: The Law of Attraction, feat. Sonny Brown 01.04.2022

In this very special episode, we're joined by Jiu-Jitsu podcaster and transcendental scholar Sonny Brown.  Sonny joins us to break down the most powerful mental model of them all: the Law of Attraction. Mental models discussed in this episode: Law of Attraction https://bjjmentalmodels.com/law-of-attraction/ Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you...

Ep. 171: Financial Jiu-Jitsu, feat. Meg He 28.03.2022

This week we're joined by Meg He!  Meg is the co-founder and co-CEO of Aday, a Forbes 30 under 30 winner, and well-known Jiu-Jiteiro.  Meg joins us to share some key business concepts for grapplers looking to make a living in the gentle art. Mental models discussed in this episode: Idea Communism https://bjjmentalmodels.com/idea-communism/ Race to the Bottom https://bjjmentalmodels.com/race-t...

Ep. 170: Following Your Passion, feat. Braulio Estima 21.03.2022

This week we're joined by Braulio Estima!  Braulio talks about the importance of following your passion, and explains what "clicked" for him when he burst onto the world scene at black belt. Braulio's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/braulioestima Mental models discussed in this episode: Self-Competition https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/ Concepts Over Techniques https://...

Ep. 169: Submission Series: The D'Arce Choke, feat. Drew Foster 14.03.2022

This week we're joined by Drew Foster!  Drew, also known as Darce_Knight on Reddit, is the host of The Neon Belly Podcast.  In this episode, Drew breaks down one of his specializations: the D'Arce choke. Drew's podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1844219 Drew on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Darce_Knight Drew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewdarce/ Mental models dis...

Ep. 168: Workshopping, feat. Malachy Friedman 07.03.2022

This week, Malachy Friedman joins us to discuss workshopping! Malachy's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/MalachyFriedman Mental models discussed in this episode: Scientific Method https://bjjmentalmodels.com/scientific-method/ Cognitive Load https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load/ Meditative Drilling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/meditative-drilling/ Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com...

Ep. 167: Position Series: Inverted Guard, feat. Nikki Sullivan 28.02.2022

This week we're joined by Nikki Sullivan!  Nikki is a black belt under André Galvão and is an inverted guard specialist.  Nikki breaks down the concepts behind her inverted game, which she calls "panda." Nikki's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkicuddlejitsu/ The Panda Guard by Nikki Sullivan - BJJ Fanatics: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/the-panda-guard-by-nikki-sulli...

Ep. 166: Position Series: Back Control, feat. Nick "Chewy" Albin 21.02.2022

This week we're joined by Nick "Chewy" Albin!  Chewy breaks down strategies and concepts for back control.  The BJJ podcast crossover you never knew you needed! Chewy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chewjitsu/ Chewy's website: https://www.chewjitsu.net/ Chewy's YouTube: https://bit.ly/3sMOuM2 Chewy's back control playlist: https://bit.ly/36fAra3 Mental mod...

Ep. 165: Behavior Analysis, feat. Dr. Antonio Harrison 14.02.2022

This week we're joined by Dr. Antonio Harrison!  Antonio, affectionately known as "Coach Doc," holds a PhD in behavior analysis, and has a wealth of experience in sports coaching.  Doc introduces us to the field of behavior analysis, and shares lessons on how coaches can bring out the best in their athletes. Doc's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onecoachdoc/ Doc's web...

Ep. 164: S&C for Normal People, feat. Leanne Pedante 07.02.2022

This week we're joined by Leanne Pedante!  Leanne is the Head of Fitness at Supernatural.  Leanne shares her philosophy for making strength & conditioning accessible and fun for the non-athletes among us. Leanne's Instagram: https://instagram.com/leannepedante Leanne's website: https://www.leannepedante.com/ Supernatural: https://www.getsupernatural.com/ Mental models discussed...

Ep. 163: Training with Constraints, feat. Mark Harari 31.01.2022

This week we're joined by Mark Harari!  Mark is the owner of Pulse Fitness Studio, coach on Supernatural, and a reputed celebrity fitness trainer.  Mark joins us to explain how fitness programs are structured to accommodate the needs of individuals with real-life constraints around their training, such as limited time, physical constraints, or work requirements. Mark's Instagram: https:/...

Ep. 162: The Language of Coaching, feat. Nick Winkelman 24.01.2022

This week we're joined by Dr. Nick Winkelman!  Nick is the author of The Language of Coaching and the Head of Athletic Performance at Irish Rugby.  In this episode, Nick shares concepts that coaches can use to maximize athletic performance in their students. Topics discussed include: Types of cues: internal, external, analogy. The "long loop" for teaching new movements: describe it,...

Ep. 161: Pressure Concepts, feat. Xande Ribeiro 17.01.2022

This week we're joined by Xande Ribeiro!  Xande joins us to discuss the concepts behind pressure: one of the most potent weapons in Jiu-Jitsu. Xande's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xanderibeirojj/ Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu: https://www.instagram.com/sixbladesjiujitsu/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Surface Area https://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/ Force Vectors https://b...

Ep. 160: Wrestling for BJJ, feat. Sara McMann 10.01.2022

This week we're joined by Olympic wrestler and UFC fighter Sara McMann!  Sara explains how Jiu-Jiteiros can level up their wrestling in BJJ. Follow Sara McMann on Instagram: https://instagram.com/saramcmann Mental models discussed in this episode: Direct vs. Proxy Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/direct-vs-proxy-control/ Mask Your Intentions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mask-your-intentions...

Ep. 159: Inclusivity, feat. Hillary VanOrnum 03.01.2022

This week, we're joined by Hillary VanOrnum!  Hillary is a black belt under James Foster and the head instructor at Unicorn Jiu Jitsu.  In this episode, Hillary discusses her philosophy for making BJJ an inclusive "safe place for violence." Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you’ll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The...

Ep. 158: Catastrophic Injury, feat. Matt Kwan & Seb Lavoie 27.12.2021

Seb Lavoie is a frequent BJJ Mental Models guest, BJJ black belt, CrossFit athlete, gym owner, and retired RCMP Sergeant Major.  Earlier in 2021, Seb experienced a freak accident in which the muscles in his leg necrotized and had to be removed.  Seb survived, but now has significantly reduced functionality in his leg and is facing the possibility of amputation.  Seb has always worked in physically...

BONUS: The Master & The Apprentice, feat. Emily Kwok & Dominyka Obelenyte 23.12.2021

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from BJJ Mental Models!  On a personal note, I'd just like to thank you for supporting us.  Whether you support us on BJJ Mental Models Premium, read the newsletter, or listen to the podcast, I'm really and truly grateful that you've chosen to invest your valuable time and attention in our work.  It really, truly means a lot to me, and you've...

Ep. 157: The Pitfalls of Principles, feat. Jon Thomas 20.12.2021

Jon Thomas is back!  This week, Jon continues a topic he brought up in his last BJJ Mental Models appearance: the pitfalls of principles. Jon's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SnakePlisken09 Jon's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonthomasbjj Jon's website: https://www.jonthomasbjj.com Mental models discussed in this episode: Concepts Over Techniques https://bjjmentalmodel...

Ep. 156: Submission Series: Bow & Arrow, feat. Kristina Barlaan 13.12.2021

This week we're joined by Kristina Barlaan!  Kristina is a 2nd degree black belt under Caio Terra.  Kristina breaks down the details behind one of her favorite techniques: the bow & arrow choke. Kristina's three tips for perfecting the bow & arrow: Ensure you have the correct grip (make a fist, wrist not bent) Hide your elbow Get the correct angle. Check out Kristina's bow &...

Ep. 155: Concepts Over Techniques, feat. Chris Paines 06.12.2021

This week, we're joined by "The Villain" Chris Paines!  Chris is a BJJ black belt under Priit Mihkelson, and an advocate for concept-based BJJ instruction.  In this episode, Chris discusses his personal journey into Jiu-Jitsu concepts, and how he uses concepts to teach his students. Mental models discussed in this episode: Limb Coiling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/ Grips...

Ep. 154: Submission Series: The Omoplata, feat. Stephan Kesting 29.11.2021

This week we're joined again by Stephan Kesting!  Stephan is in the process of releasing his new Omoplata 2.0 instructional, so what better time than now to break down the mechanics of this underutilized submission? Get Stephan's new Omoplata 2.0 instructional here: https://www.grapplearts.com/omoplata/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Waypoints https://bjjmentalmodels.com/waypoi...

Ep. 153: Our Shared Responsibility, feat. Averi Clements 22.11.2021

This week, we're joined by Jiu-Jitsu journalist extraordinaire Averi Clements!  Fresh off her incredible run at the Jiu-Jitsu Times, Averi joins us to discuss her passion: our shared responsibility for making this sport as inclusive and clean as it can be. Referenced in this episode: The Call Is Coming From Inside The Gym, by Averi Clements https://www.jiujitsutimes.com/the-call-is-coming-fro...

Ep. 152: Goal Setting, feat. Travis Stevens 15.11.2021

This week, we're joined again by Olympic Judo legend Travis Stevens!  Travis discusses the goal-setting methodology he uses to coach and prepare his students for elite-level competition. Mental models discussed in this episode: Short-term/Long-term Paradox https://bjjmentalmodels.com/short-term-long-term-paradox/ Compartmentalization https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compartmentalization/ Mindfulne...

Ep. 151: Guard Passing, feat. Malachy Friedman 08.11.2021

This week, we're joined by Malachy Friedman!  Malachy is a second-degree black belt under Ricardo Liborio and the founder of Black Label Martial Arts.  Malachy shares his strategy and philosophy for guard passing. Follow Malachy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malachyfriedman/ Visit Malachy's website: https://www.malachyfriedman.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Econo...

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