BJJ Mental Models

This week, we're joined by Christian Graugart.  Christian is the founder of BJJ Globetrotters, Beltchecker.com, and TeachingBJJ.com.  In this episode, we break down Christian's five-part framework for creating: failure, brains, skills, ideas, and karma. Christian's creations: “Create Something” workshop with Christian Graugart https://youtu.be/gqtTRF5Fu98 BJJ Globetrotters https://w...

This week, we're joined by Adam Medlock.  Adam is the lead autism educator for a special school in the UK.  He has worked with children and young adults with autism for most of his professional life. Adam joins us to educate the grappling community on autism.  He provides a framework for understanding the autism spectrum and making BJJ more inclusive to autistic students. Topics discussed inc...

This week, Steve and Matt talk about frames.  Can you believe we made it 127 episodes deep without doing a full episode on this topic?  This is probably the most in-depth and conceptual discussion of frames you'll ever hear. Some key points about frames: Frames are a structural barrier used to keep your opponent at a distance. Frames and wedges are very similar. Frames are used for defense -...

This week we're joined again by Livia Giles!  Livia's expecting, and will be adding motherhood to her long list of achievements!  In this episode, we discuss Livia's experience with pregnancy, and how she balances being an expecting mother with the lifestyle of an elite-level BJJ black belt and coach. Mental models discussed in this episode: Train With Purpose https://bjjmentalmodel...

This week, we're joined by the living legend, Rafael Lovato Jr.!  Rafael introduces his philosophy of Timeless Jiu-Jitsu, which he used to become one of the greatest champions of his generation. Rafael talks about being a forever student, teaching to learn, finding your why, leading from the front, competition, finding mentors, positivity, mindfulness, and investing in yourself. NOTE: Apologi...

This week, Matt and Steve talk about ratchet control: a powerful mental model for using limb rotation to break alignment. There are two directions of ratchet control: Internal rotation: Kimuras, heel hooks, reaps External rotation: Americanas, knee flares. While both are effective, internal rotation normally breaks alignment more than external rotation.  Internal rotation also offers a path to the...

This week, we're joined by Mike "Doctor Kickass" Piekarski!  Mike is a black belt and Doctor of Physical Therapy.  We discuss tactics for injury rehab and dispel some of the common myths. Check out Mike Piekarski at http://doctorkickass.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Stress and Recovery https://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery/ Limb Coiling https://bjjmentalmod...

This week, we're joined by Marcus Aurelius Anderson!  Marcus is a performance coach, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author of "The Gift of Adversity."  He joins us to discuss the 80/20 Rule, also known as the Pareto principle, and how its rigorous application can focus and change your life. In this episode, Marcus suggests these three steps for clarifying your priorities: Create a &q...

This week, Steve is joined by psychotherapist and executive coach David Zeitler.  David explains his process for coaching as he learned under Robert Kegan.  We discuss Robert Kegan's framework for adult development, the self-authoring mindset, world-class performance, what makes someone coachable, what makes a good coach, resistance to help, the difference between coaches/mentors/advisors, an...

This week, Steve is joined by Dominyka "Dom" Obelenyte!  On that mats, Dom is a 4x BJJ world champion...but off the mats, she's also an accomplished artist.  Together, we explore the "art" component of the gentle art.  Dom helps us understand the definition of art, being uniquely who you are, building your professional skillset, goal setting, assigning value to the subject...

Steve is rejoined by Jeff Shaw from Bellingham BJJ.  Steve and Jeff do a deep dive into the art of professional wrestling, why it's so misunderstood, and why it's an excellent base for BJJ. 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...

How does a brush with death change the way you live your life?  This week, Steve is joined by Daniel Rodriguez, black belt and cancer survivor.  We talk about how experiencing his own mortality taught Daniel to live with intention. Mental models discussed in this episode: Mindfulness https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/ Kaizen https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/ Loss Aversion https://bjjmental...

Steve here.  I told Rob Biernacki that we could record an episode on gripfighting and kuzushi to coincide with the release of his new instructional on the same topic.  This was a big mistake. Rob could not get his mic working - which, of course, he blamed on our recording software.  I later learned that he was recording from HIS MOM'S HOUSE, where I assume he was connecting via a 28 baud mode...

This week, we're joined again by “Papa Tortoise,” Priit Mihkelson!  Priit talks about the best practices Jiu-Jitsu can take from other sports, such as pedagogic methods, the importance of play, and a reduced emphasis on hierarchy. Mental models discussed in this episode: Keep it Playful https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/ Scientific Method https://bjjmentalmodels.com/scientific-metho...

Steve here!  Please check out this quick update on what we've been working on in the last year, and where we're going in the next. 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, downloadin...

This week, Steve is joined by Judo world champion and 4x BJJ world champion Kathy Hubble.  Kathy shares the tactics and adjustments that make Judo throws more effective in BJJ. Here's the YouTube video we reference in this episode: Judo for BJJ; Stephan Kesting and Kathy Hubble https://youtu.be/8wScXUDkwB8 Mental models discussed in this episode: Predictable Responses https://bjjmentalmodels....

This week, Steve is joined by Matt Kirtley, best known as Aesopian.  In addition to being a moderator of Reddit's /r/bjj and a long-time Jiu-Jitsu blogger, Matt is a critic of martial arts cults.  Matt joins us today to discuss the BITE (behavior, information, thought, emotional control) Model and influence continuum. The BITE Model and influence continuum are concepts defined by cult expert...

This week Steve is joined by Brian Glick, black belt from the Danaher Death Squad.  We discuss methods versus outcomes, how to know if we're on the right path, and how to tell if the resulting fallacy is leading us astray. Mental models discussed in this episode: Probabilistic Thinking https://bjjmentalmodels.com/probabilistic-thinking/ Position Over Submission https://bjjmentalmodels.com/pos...

This is it: the ultimate onboarding package for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  Jeff Shaw, co-owner of Bellingham BJJ and host of Dirty White Belt Radio, joins us to tell absolute beginners what they need to know about Jiu-Jitsu.  If you're looking to start BJJ, or you're introducing someone to BJJ, play this episode. Topics discussed in this episode: How to introduce the brand new student to Jiu-...

This week, Steve and Matt are rejoined by Dr. Valerie "Valhalla" Worthington.  We have a thoughtful discussion on the ego, how it can hinder us, how it can help us, and whether "killing" the ego is a good idea. Mental models discussed in this episode: Beginner's Mind https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/ Respect People, Not Positions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respe...

This week, Steve and Matt dive into knee on belly and break down the position using the mental models we discuss on the show. Uke's predictable responses from knee on belly: Getting to their side - either turning toward or away from you Attacking your feet Getting their foot on your hip or inverting into a leg entanglement Critical control points for knee on belly: Maintaining good foot posit...

This week, Steve is joined by Bruce Hoyer from Next Edge Academy.  Bruce is best known for pioneering the reverse classroom model in BJJ.  If you've been looking for a new and empowering way to structure your learning or classes, this is the episode for you. IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms a...

This week, Steve and Matt are joined by multi-time world champion Emily Kwok.  Having studied directly with Marcelo Garcia and Josh Waitzkin, Emily joins us to share her expertise on the study of peak performance. Mental models discussed in this episode: Kaizen https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/ Flow https://bjjmentalmodels.com/flow/ Stress and Recovery https://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-reco...

This week, Steve and Matt are joined by Nelson Puentes, the co-founder of Inverted Gear.  Nelson shares the story of the business and is generous with advice to other entrepreneurs who are looking to get started.  We discuss the importance of branding, the joy of logistics, and how to pivot during adversity.  Oh...and we talk about short shorts. IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help. In lig...

This week, Steve is joined again by Robert Degle.  Robert shares his experience with information literacy, and how grapplers can answer the questions: how do I know this technique is a good technique?  And what makes a technique good, anyway? Due to incorrect audio settings in this episode, it sounds like Steve is yelling through a megaphone.  We did our best to clean up the audio, but it's s...