BJJ Mental Models

What is "the best way" to teach a Jiu-Jitsu class?  Is there even an answer to that question?  This week, Steve and Matt discuss common BJJ teaching methodologies such as concepts-based, toughness-based, and sequence-based. Mental models discussed in this episode: Train With Purpose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/ Making Smaller Circles https://bjjmentalmodels.com/making-...

This week Steve and Matt discuss the concept of surface area, and why it's important to expose as little of your body's surface area as possible.  This strategy is sometimes referred to by the Danaher Death Squad as blading. When you're on top, minimizing surface area makes it much harder for your opponent to block your guard passes. When you're on bottom, minimizing surface ar...

This week Steve is joined by Rory van Vliet, an Island Top Team black belt under Rob Biernacki, to discuss online education.  Rory is the co-instructor of the BJJ Concepts online academy, the operator behind the RVV BJJ YouTube channel, and the creator of the Guard Retention Formula instructional series alongside Stephan Kesting.  Rory is uniquely qualified to discuss the topic of online education...

This week, Steve and Matt discuss how to get motivated and stay motivated.  It's easy to lose that fire inside and become exhausted through the rigors and routine of everyday life. Every now and then, you need to draw from different sources to become invigorated and motivated again. In this episode we talk about four common sources of motivation: Motivation from failure Motivation from regret...

It's our honor and privilege to be joined this week by Sergeant Major Seb Lavoie.  In addition to a lifetime of experience in the martial arts, Seb is a 19-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and previously served in the Canadian Armed Forces.  Seb is currently the divisional Sergeant Major for British Columbia, Canada. This week Seb joins us to discuss the killing of Geo...

Fear of time, or chronophobia, is a cause of constant anxiety and stress for many of us.  It's the persistent fear that you're just not doing enough.  This week, Steve and Matt discuss strategies for combating the fear of time. Ways to combat the fear of time: Kaizen (continuous improvement) Compartmentalizing Being present Recommended reading if you need help combating the fear of time:...

Submissions aren't just fight-ending techniques; they're tools to advance the position even if the submission fails.  This week, Steve and Matt discuss how to use submissions as a way to advance position. Mental models discussed in this episode: Myopia https://bjjmentalmodels.com/myopia/ Body Tethering https://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/ Dilemma https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dilemm...

This week, Steve and Matt talk about the mount: an old-school, demoralizing, and devastating position. The mount has three sub-positions: low mount, where you lie on top of uke; high mount, where you bring your knees into uke's armpits and posture up; technical mounts, including jockey mount and S mount. Mental models discussed in this episode: Crossing the Center https://bjjmentalmodels.com/...

This week Steve and Matt talk about stress.  Stress is a fact of life, and it can be a tool for growth if used properly. Some techniques for managing stress: Exercising Eating well Sleeping Controlled breathing Mindfulness Challenging yourself regularly Making time for yourself Doing what you love Not becoming obsessed with comfort Appreciating when you have enough. Mental models discussed in this...

As we've learned from Street Fighter, combos are important.  A single technique in isolation is not as effective as a series of chained attacks. There are two ways you can chain attacks together: in a sequence, or in parallel. Mental models discussed in this episode: Technique Chaining https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/ Theory of Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-al...

This week, Steve and Matt cover a commonly requested topic: controlling your breathing.  It's a great technique for energy regulation, overcoming fear, and improving general well-being. Mental models discussed in this episode: Controlled Breathing https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlled-breathing/ Staying Loose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/staying-loose/ Growth from Discomfort https://bjjmental...

Learning to stay loose is one of the quickest ways to improve your Jiu-Jitsu.  This week, Steve and Matt explain the importance of staying loose, how to develop awareness of when you're too tense, and when it's appropriate to use tension. Why you should stay loose: It masks your intentions It saves energy and prevents muscle burnout It denies your opponent leverage. When it's okay t...

What better topic for episode #69 than north-south?  Let's talk about the barbecue position. Mental models discussed in this episode: Theory of Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/ Elbow-Knee Connection https://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection/ Inside Channel Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/ Head Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/he...

In crisis, there is opportunity.  Let's talk about entrepreneurship, and why this global pandemic may be the opportunity you need to start your business. Mental models discussed in this episode: Return on Investment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/ Race to the Bottom https://bjjmentalmodels.com/race-to-the-bottom/ Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-los...

As Matt says, you need to learn to be happy for other people.  Let's talk about how a mindset of gratitude destroys the ego and improves your learning. Mental models discussed in this episode: Abundance Mindset https://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/ Cognitive Dissonance https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-dissonance/ Raise the Level in the Room https://bjjmentalmodels.com/raise-the-...

We've got a special announcement for you: BJJ Mental Models is proud to announce we are launching the world's first fully virtual online Jiu-Jitsu academy!  Achieve black belt excellence in the comfort of your own home. IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted,...

Sometimes we choose adversity, and sometimes adversity chooses us.  Steve and Matt talk about the best mindset for times of crisis.  As a community, we'll get through this one together. Mental models discussed in this episode: Growth from Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/ Return on Investment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/ Defensive Thinking htt...

IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-cen...

IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-cen...

This week, Rob is back to help Steve and Matt discuss the tactics used by cult-like organizations.  We discuss why these are dangerous, common objections from cult members, and tactics to combat cult-like behaviour in your organization. For more on the BITE influence continuum: https://freedomofmind.com/influence-continuum/ Why cult tactics are dangerous: The rabbit hole effect: Although belief in...

This week, Steve and Matt are once again joined by Rob Biernacki to discuss a topic very near and dear to us: cults and the tactics they use.  Cults have a long and storied history within the martial arts.  This episode gives you the tools you need to identify when you're being exploited by a cult-like organization. Who is vulnerable to recruitment: People seeking security People seeking belo...

This week, Steve and Matt teach you how to be ALPHA. Mental models discussed in this episode: Dictate the Pace https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/ Dominant Angles https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dominant-angles/ Defend with Purpose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defend-with-purpose/ Win Conditions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions/ Mask your Intentions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mask-...

This week, Steve and Matt talk about how to identify and exploit opportunities. Mental models discussed in this episode: Core Mechanics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/ Grips Dictate Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position/ Train with Purpose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/ Win Conditions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions/ Kaizen https://bjjm...

This week, Steve and Matt talk about passivity.  I mean, if it's okay with you.  If not, we can talk about something else. Mental models discussed in this episode: Growth from Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/ Path of Least Resistance https://bjjmentalmodels.com/path-of-least-resistance/ Dictate the Pace https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/ Defensive Thin...

It's history lesson time!  This week Steve and Matt dive into the hemarkable story of the first family of Jiu-Jitsu. Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/ Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/ Let them know you're an educated gr...