BJJ Mental Models

To grab a dude, or to grab a dude by his clothing?  This week, Steve and Matt discuss direct versus proxy control. Mental models discussed in this episode: Direct vs. Proxy Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/direct-vs-proxy-control/ Kuzushi https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/ Phases of Guard https://bjjmentalmodels.com/phases-of-guard/ Committed Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-t...

This week, Steve and Matt explain why you don't deserve that blue belt. 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 grappler with our merch: https://bjjmentalmodel...

How have we not covered this topic yet?  In this week's episode, Steve and Matt discuss the principles behind guard passing. Mental models discussed in this episode: Inside Channel Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/ Dictate the Pace https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/ Grips Dictate Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position/ Direct vs. Proxy...

Oliver Taza is back!  Matt and Oliver discuss Oliver's performance at No Gi Worlds, gym ownership, tournament strategy, and today's competitors. 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 the...

This week's episode is for those of us who aren't natural Jiu-Jitsu prodigies. Mental models discussed in this episode: Self-Competition https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/ Consistency https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/ Growth from Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/ Beginner's Mind https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/ Funneling http...

Uke is a Japanese word meaning the person who receives a technique.  A good uke can amplify the effectiveness of your drilling.  This week, Steve and Matt discuss how to be a good uke. Mental models discussed in this episode: Predictable Responses https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/ Raise the Level in the Room https://bjjmentalmodels.com/raise-the-level-in-the-room Beginner's M...

You don't need to compromise your ethics to build a successful gym.  Rob Biernacki, head coach of Island Top Team and bjjconcepts.net, shares his insights on how to build an ethical Jiu-Jitsu business. 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 dat...

It all begins again.  For our 50th episode, Steve and Matt revisit the topic of our very first episode: the alignment framework.  But this time around, we've invited Rob Biernacki - the innovator of the concept - to explain alignment. Mental models discussed in this episode: Theory of Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/ Alignment over Position https://bjjmentalmodels.co...

Modern Jiu-Jitsu has dozens, if not hundreds, of different types of guard...and that number is only going to grow as we continue to innovate.  This week Steve and Matt discuss how you can group guards into categories to more easily understand them. Mental models discussed in this episode: Types of Guard https://bjjmentalmodels.com/types-of-guard/ Phases of Guard https://bjjmentalmodels.com/phases-...

We've always said growth comes from pushing yourself...but giving yourself time to recover is just as important.  This week, Steve and Matt teach how to grow physically and mentally by using a combination of stress and recovery. Mental models discussed in this episode: Stress and Recovery https://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery/ Growth from Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growt...

This week, Steve and Matt discuss systems thinking for Jiu-Jitsu.  Organizing ideas into systems is one of the best ways to truly understand any difficult discipline. Mental models discussed in this episode: Making Smaller Circles https://bjjmentalmodels.com/making-smaller-circles/ Predictable Responses https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/ Form to Leave Form https://bjjmentalmodels.c...

When you get greedy, you make mistakes...and if you want to win, avoiding mistakes is key.  This week Steve and Matt discuss frugality as a strategy for Jiu-Jitsu. Mental models discussed in this episode: Grips Dictate Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position/ Plus, Minus, Equals https://bjjmentalmodels.com/plus-minus-equals/ Raise the Level in the Room https://bjjmentalmodels.c...

This week Steve and Matt discuss how some techniques require a greater level of commitment than others.  We discuss commitment both as a strategy and a method for preventing injury. Mental models discussed in this episode: Committed Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/ Predictable Responses https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/ Overwhelming Force https://bjjmen...

This week Steve and Matt discuss rulesets in Jiu-Jitsu.  We talk about specific examples such as IBJJF and ADCC, as well as strategies for optimizing your gameplan under a specific ruleset. 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://bj...

This week Steve and Matt weigh in on the age-old debate between sport and self-defense BJJ. 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 grappler with our merch: https:/...

This week we were privileged to speak to Oliver Taza from the Danaher Death Squad.  Oliver shares his thoughts on competing at the highest levels, PEDs, and training with the Danaher Death Squad. 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: http...

You'd be surprised how often we're asked to cover this topic.  Well, we're finally going to do it.  This week Steve and Matt discuss how to shut down a much smaller opponent. Mental models discussed in this episode: Grips Dictate Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position/ Theory of Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/ Do What Works https://bjj...

As the great mathematician Carl Jacobi said, "invert, always invert."  This week Steve and Matt discuss inversion, not just as a strategy for Jiu-Jitsu but also as a strategy for breaking out of your thought patterns. Mental models discussed in this episode: Inversion https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inversion/ Path of Least Resistance https://bjjmentalmodels.com/path-of-least-resistance/ Pre...

This week Steve and Matt discuss inside channel control, also known as inside position.  It's a tremendously powerful mental model, especially if your strategy involves leglocks or getting underneath your opponent. Mental models discussed in this episode: Inside Channel Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/ Controlling the Distance https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlling...

Steve and Matt continue sharing your stories on Jiu-Jitsu and mental health.  This week we share some very raw and personal stories about depression, PTSD, coping with loss, and suicidal thoughts.  This episode does get heavy at times.  We thank our listeners for sharing these stories, which couldn't have been easy. Note that we advocate Jiu-Jitsu as a SUPPLEMENT to therapy, NOT a replacement...

How much benefit does Jiu-Jitsu really have for your mental health?  We all know exercise is beneficial, but is there something special about Jiu-Jitsu?  Matt and I decided to find out.  In Part 1, we discuss confidence, addiction, and expert advice. Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/ Get nitty-gritty de...

Jiu-Jitsu isn't about fighting; it's about making your opponent stop fighting.  In this week's episode we discuss strategies for de-escalation, both in Jiu-Jitsu and in real life. Mental models discussed in this episode: Controlled Breathing https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlled-breathing/ Staying Loose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/staying-loose/ Dictate the Pace https://bjjmentalmo...

Respect your opponent, always.  This week Steve and Matt discuss the different types of respect and why it's important. Mental models discussed in this episode: Respect your Opponent https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-your-opponent/ Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/ Raise the Level in the Room https://bjjmentalmodels.com/raise-the-level-in-the-room/ Rapoport&ap...

Funneling, as coined by Nelson Puentes from Inverted Gear, is the strategy of forcing your opponent into areas where you are comfortable and experienced.  It's key to high-level gameplanning. Mental models discussed in this episode: Funneling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling/ Asymmetric Warfare https://bjjmentalmodels.com/asymmetric-warfare/ Predictable Responses https://bjjmentalmodels....

Don't worry, this one's not about politics!  Today we discuss the pros and cons of Robert K. Merton's idea communism philosophy.  The core question answered in this episode is: when should you share your ideas freely, and when should you use them for profit? Mental models discussed in this episode: Idea Communism & Idea Capitalism https://bjjmentalmodels.com/idea-communism/ Abun...