BJJ Mental Models

Be an anchor, not a tetherball.  This week Steve and Matt discuss when you should and shouldn't tether your body to your opponent. Mental models discussed in this episode: Body Tethering https://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/ Alignment over Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/alignment-over-position/ Controlled Breathing https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlled-breathing/ Do What Works ht...

Action creates reaction.  This week Steve and Matt discuss predictable responses, a mental model that helps you understand what your opponent is likely to do and decrease your reaction time. Mental models discussed in this episode: Predictable Responses https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/ Dictate the Pace https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/ Form to Leave Form https://bjjme...

This week Steve and Matt discuss double trouble, a mental model popularized by John Danaher. Mental models discussed in this episode: Double Trouble https://bjjmentalmodels.com/double-trouble/ Rotational Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/rotational-control/ Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/ Core Mechanics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/ Kinetic Chains https:/...

This week Steve and Matt discuss the elbow-knee connection: a shockingly simple concept that, when applied intelligently, can improve your game in a variety of ways. Mental models discussed in this episode: Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/ Core Mechanics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/ Anatomic Hierarchy https://bjjmentalmodels.com/anatomic-hierarchy/ Elbow-Kn...

This week Steve and Matt discuss kuzushi, the Japanese art of balance breaking. Mental models discussed in this episode: Kuzushi https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/ Path of Least Resistance https://bjjmentalmodels.com/path-of-least-resistance/ Technique Chaining https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/ Types of Guard https://bjjmentalmodels.com/types-of-guard/ Microtransitions https://bjjm...

In the final episode of our instructor series, Steve & Matt shed light on the ugly side of Jiu-Jitsu and the instructors' responsibilities to create a healthy training environment.  Topics include issues with your students, gym drama, cult mentality, and harassment. A huge thank you to Matt Kirtley, AKA Aesopian, for his detailed research into cults that contributed to this episode. Menta...

Steve and Matt discuss the business relationships and networking activities critical to running a successful gym.  Topics include skill swapping, building logistics, the competitive landscape, neighbouring businesses, privates, seminars, workshops, open mats, tournaments, managing your own promotions, sponsorships, and social media conduct. Mental models discussed in this episode: Abundance Mindse...

Once you've opened your gym, how do maintain and grow your membership base?  Steve and Matt discuss lead generation, advertising, merchandising, social media, websites, designing your schedule, and retaining students. Mental models discussed in this episode: Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/ Abundance Mindset https://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/ We mai...

In the second episode of the instructor series, Steve and Matt discuss Matt's experience opening a gym.  They cover what's involved in making the decision, the qualifications required, targeting your customers, hidden costs, the path to profitability, and affiliation.  A must-listen for anyone interested in moving into Jiu-Jitsu as their full-time career. Mental models discussed in this...

Today marks the first of a new five-part series on BJJ Mental Models: the instructor series!  We're going to cover topics relevant to instructors and gym owners. Today's topic is coaching, and we're going to discuss: going from practitioner to coach, teaching class, one-on-one instruction, coaching children, coaching tournaments, and teaching seminars. Mental models discussed in thi...

As the old saying goes, "the bigger they are, the harder they cross-face you from side control."  This week Steve and Matt discuss the perils of fighting larger opponents. Mental models discussed in this episode: Do What Works https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/ Growth from Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/ Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com...

As the saying goes, if you don't lose you'll eventually win.  This week's episode discusses strategies for surviving bad positions like side control, knee on belly, mount, and back mount. Mental models discussed in this episode: Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/ Alignment vs Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/alignment-over-position/ Defend with Purpose ht...

They call it your Jiu-Jitsu journey for a reason.  Steve and Matt explain how to stay healthy and motivated for decades. Mental models discussed in this episode: Prioritize Longevity https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity/ Stress and Recovery https://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery/ Growth Mindset https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-mindset/ Consistency https://bjjmentalmodels.com...

Setbacks in your Jiu-Jitsu journey are inevitable.  This week Steve and Matt discuss the strategies and mental models for dealing with setbacks, including injuries and life changes. Mental models discussed in this episode: Training Handicaps https://bjjmentalmodels.com/training-handicaps/ Growth Mindset https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-mindset/ Extreme Ownership https://bjjmentalmodels.com/extre...

In the final episode of our three-part guard series, Matt and Steve discuss the retention phase, where grapplers make their final attempts to prevent a guard pass. Mental models discussed in this episode: Phases of Guard https://bjjmentalmodels.com/phases-of-guard/ Layers of Guard https://bjjmentalmodels.com/layers-of-guard/ Limb Coiling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/ Elbow-Knee Connect...

In the second episode of our three-part guard series, Matt and Steve discuss the maintenance phase, where both grapplers attempt to secure a passing or submission opportunity. Mental models discussed in this episode: Phases of Guard https://bjjmentalmodels.com/phases-of-guard/ Types of Guard https://bjjmentalmodels.com/types-of-guard/ Layers of Guard https://bjjmentalmodels.com/layers-of-guard/ Th...

Introducing the first in a three-part series on the guard!  This week Steve and Matt discuss the engagement phase, where first contact is made and the grip battle is fought. Mental models discussed in this episode: Phases of Guard https://bjjmentalmodels.com/phases-of-guard/ Controlling the Distance https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlling-the-distance/ Dictate the Pace https://bjjmentalmodels.com/...

Steve and Matt discuss Force Vectors and Leading Edges.  These mental models are critical to maintaining your guard once you've lost the grip fight, or engagement phase. Mental models discussed in this episode: Force Vectors https://bjjmentalmodels.com/force-vectors/ Core Mechanics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/ Solid Frames https://bjjmentalmodels.com/solid-frames/ Limb Coiling...

Steve & Matt discuss Joe Peters' upcoming lawsuit against Marcus Soares.  Joe is suing Marcus due to injuries sustained competing in his tournament.  The results of this lawsuit could have broad ramifications to future Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. Article about the lawsuit: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/jiu-jitsu-waivers-1.5042941 Court filing: https://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/jdb...

We've learned a lot since episode one.  Steve and Matt issue some very important corrections to prior episodes.  Listen and learn, this episode is 100% TRUTH. We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

Steve & Matt do a deep dive into Josh Waitzkin's book, the Art of Learning. Mental models discussed in this episode: Respect People, not Positions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/ Growth Mindset https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-mindset/ Do What Works https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/ Extreme Ownership https://bjjmentalmodels.com/extreme-ownership/ Mindf...

Regardless of your goals, managing mindset is one of the most important aspects of the mental game.  Steve & Matt discuss what makes a healthy mindset. Mental models discussed in this episode: Self-Competition https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/ Golden Rule https://bjjmentalmodels.com/golden-rule/ Growth from Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/ Habits over...

We all hit plateaus eventually.  Steve & Matt discuss mental models for breaking through them. Mental models discussed in this episode: Self-Competition https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/ Plus, Minus, Equals https://bjjmentalmodels.com/plus-minus-equals/ Abundance Mindset https://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/ Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/...

How do you remember all the information you receive during your training?  Steve & Matt explore techniques and mental models for retaining knowledge. Mental models discussed in this episode: Spaced Repetition https://bjjmentalmodels.com/spaced-repetition/ Learning Styles https://bjjmentalmodels.com/learning-styles/ Mnemonics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mnemonics/ Naming Concepts https://bjjmen...

Steve & Matt explore techniques to increase learning efficiency. Mental models discussed in this episode: Principles over Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/principles-over-techniques/ Naming Concepts https://bjjmentalmodels.com/naming-concepts/ Growth from Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/ Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/ Scient...