BJJ Mental Models

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the idea of an abundance mindset, where we view success as something we can mutually achieve. The abundance mindset contrasts with a scarcity mindset, which sees success as a zero-sum game. This mini-episode explains why the abundance mindset can counterintuitively improve your Jiu-Jitsu over the long term, even though sport competition is usually zero-...

In this episode, we welcome back world champion Edwin “Junny” Ocasio for a deeply introspective conversation about the mental challenges of high-level competition. Junny shares how achieving his lifelong dream of winning a world title unexpectedly led to a period of depression and self-doubt, revealing the emotional complexity that comes with success. Follow Junny on social: https://www.instagram....

In this week's mini-episode we discuss process over outcomes, a mental model we've also referred to as habits over results. This concept teaches us to balance long-term goals with the short-term habits needed to achieve them. We discuss how building habits motivates us by creating consistent "wins," how quick feedback enables us to pivot early, and when "trust the process&...

In this episode, Steve Kwan welcomes back Francesco Fonte for an in-depth exploration of what Francesco calls the “timeline of coaching:” For coaches: INFO → SKILLS → GAMES For athletes: GAMES → SKILLS → INFO Francesco explains how effective Jiu-Jitsu instruction should reverse the traditional info-dump model: instead of starting with detailed techniques, coaches should design games that develop e...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss resulting, a logical fallacy where we incorrectly assume that the quality of our decisions are directly related to the quality of our results. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our...

In this episode of BJJ Mental Models, Steve Kwan is joined by Laurien Zurhake to explore how trauma-informed coaching can transform Jiu-Jitsu into a safer, more inclusive, and more effective training environment. Laurien, co-founder of Off the Zone, shares her ABC Playbook for Mental Health (Anticipate, Bring Them Back, and Course Correct), a practical framework for coaches to support students thr...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss self-competition.  You've probably heard the phrase, "comparison is the thief of joy." Self-comparison is a problem we all face, and self-competition is a helpful mental model for working with this problem. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Resources discussed in this episode...

In this episode, Steve Kwan is joined by Rosie Miller to explore the concept of the “tryhard hobbyist” in Jiu-Jitsu: someone who trains seriously and with intention, even if they don’t pursue the sport professionally. Rosie, a brown belt out of Atos HQ and founder of The Grappler’s Lab, shares her journey of evolving goals, identity, and self-worth within the sport. Together, they discuss the emot...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the Red Queen effect, a hypothesis based on a quote from Alice in Wonderland that is oddly applicable to science and Jiu-Jitsu! It teaches us that sometimes we need to keep moving just to maintain our position. The Red Queen effect helps explain why we don't feel like we're getting better at Jiu-Jitsu when we compare ourselves to our training p...

In this episode, Steve Kwan talks with elite competitor Elisabeth Clay about returning to Jiu-Jitsu after major life changes like pregnancy and injury. Clay shares her personal journey of Jiu-Jitsu and pregnancy, staying mentally engaged during time off, and the challenges of regaining physical performance post-layoff. Elisabeth also discusses the importance of staying immersed in the gym culture...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the concept of systematic abandonment, a mental model co-opted from business strategists like Peter Drucker and Michael Porter. Systematic abandonment teaches us to periodically review and discard habits that are no longer useful, because deciding what not to do is often just as (if not more) important than deciding what to do. Get our Intro to Mechanics...

In this episode of BJJ Mental Models, Steve Kwan is joined by Jake O’Driscoll from Essence BJJ in Perth for an in-depth discussion on the straight foot lock game. Jake explains his unique finishing mechanics, how his method differs from the popular “Woj Lock,” and how he uses straight foot locks not just for submissions but to control, off-balance, and transition to dominant positions like the bac...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the concept of flow, a mental model for peak performance first proposed in 1975 by the psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Resources mentioned in this episode: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi https://www.harpercollin...

In this episode, we're joined once again by Giles Garcia, head coach of Ronin Grappling in Glasgow, to tackle the complex topic of living your values in Jiu-Jitsu. Giles explores the challenges coaches and students face when trying to uphold personal and gym-wide values, especially in situations involving discrimination, safety, and accountability. Giles shares candid experiences from his own...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss growth mindsets, a mental model popularized by Carol Dweck in her hit 2006 book, "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success." Growth mindsets are defined by belief in our ability to improve, as opposed to fixed mindsets, which assume our attributes can't be changed. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmenta...

In this episode, Steve sits down with Cody Maltais, head coach at Elevate MMA in Durham, North Carolina, to explore the art of developing coaches in Jiu-Jitsu. Cody shares his journey from Marine Corps veteran to academy leader and emphasizes the importance of fostering a collaborative, student-centered culture. He advocates for empowering students at all levels to take on coaching roles early, en...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the 80/20 rule, a mental model that's well-known, but misunderstood and overapplied. The 80/20 rule refers to an uneven distribution where the majority of results are produced by a minority of efforts. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Resources mentioned in this episode: Mini Ep. 57:...

In this episode, we're joined by Francesco Fonte, MMA and Jiu-Jitsu head coach from Sportschule Next Level in Germany! Francesco explores the idea of Jiu-Jitsu as a team sport. He explains how fostering a relaxed, playful training environment not only builds community but also accelerates learning by encouraging experimentation and removing the fear of mistakes. Drawing on his experiences org...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss how the map is not the territory, a foundational concept for working with mental models and other abstractions. The key lesson: no "map" is a 100% accurate reflection of the territory it describes. Similarly, no Jiu-Jitsu "concept" is 100% applicable all the time...including this one! Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally...

In this episode of BJJ Mental Models, Steve Kwan welcomes back Sonia Sillan from Combat Arts Academy to explore the concept of the “awkward turtles:” the introverted, unsure, or atypical students who often feel like outsiders in Jiu-Jitsu. Sonya unpacks how gym culture, coaching priorities, and interpersonal communication affect whether these students feel welcome or alienated. Together, they disc...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the importance of controlled breathing when sparring. Managing your breath effectively creates a positive ripple effect in your Jiu-Jitsu performance by reducing anxiety, avoiding adrenaline dumping, and concealing your emotional state from your opponent. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro R...

This week we're joined by Brennan Strimple! Brennan is the black belt head coach at RPMA (Rochester Phoenix Martial Arts). In this episode, Brennan shares his playbook for building a thriving kids' Jiu-Jitsu program, as well as leading the development of affordable kids' tournament circuits in the local community. Follow RPMA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rphxma Train at R...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the importance of staying loose when sparring. Being relaxed makes it easier to conserve energy, avoid being controlled, and conceal your intentions. There are times to be tense, such as when completing a throw or finishing a submission, but your "default mode" should be staying loose. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE...

This week we're joined by Timothy Lee Peterson! In this episode, Timothy explains why gaze tracking — or where your eyes are looking — is a surprisingly important aspect of Jiu-Jitsu. Follow Timothy on social media: https://www.instagram.com/timothyleepeterson https://www.threads.com/@timothyleepeterson Resources discussed in this episode: Free+Style: Maximize Sport and Life Performance with...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss controlling the distance, a key lesson in most martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As general advice, many instructors  will coach you to close the distance when attacking and make space when defending. While this is often true, in this mini-episode we'll explore the exceptions to that rule and settle on a more general guideline for control...