BJJ Mental Models

This week we're joined again by Josh "Kintanon" Wentworth from Apex MMA in Covington, Georgia!  In this episode, Josh discusses "social contracts" in Jiu-Jitsu and how to break them.  Social contracts are the unwritten rules we abide by, which often aren't actually rules.  Social contracts can become invisible mental scripts and self-limiting habits that hold us back...

In this week's mini-episode, we explain the concept of redundancies, or how to ensure you have backup options if your plan fails.  There are two ways to create redundancies in your technique: by using multiple points of control, and by having a solid "plan B." Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to chec...

This week we're joined by a panel: Josh "Kintanon" Wentworth from Apex MMA and Jesse Walker from Rough Hands BJJ!  In this episode, Josh and Jesse recap lessons learned from our most recent BJJ Mental Models camp in Georgia, and share best practices for running a collaborative camp and breaking from the traditional "one-man show" seminar structure. Follow Josh on Instagram...

In this week's mini-episode, we explain the concept of placeholders.   Think of positional advancement like climbing a ladder: one rung at a time, and never let go of both rungs at once!  Don't abandon a point of control until you've got something equivalent or better. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forge...

This week we're joined by Marc Ste-Marie!  Marc is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the father of IBJJF "Queen" Brianna Ste-Marie.  In this episode, Marc explains the concept of "technique zero," or how we can teach Jiu-Jitsu quicker by reverse engineering and mastering the point of entry. Follow Marc on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwiksub2021 Subscribe to Mar...

In this week's mini-episode we explain the concept of surface area, or how much of your body is connected to your opponent when you apply force.  You can create more pressure by applying maximal force through the smallest surface area.  A classic example is the "shoulder of justice" side control crossface pin.  We also discuss other benefits to minimizing surface area, and other typ...

This week we're joined again by BJJ Mental Models sponsored athlete Chris Wojcik! In this episode, Chris breaks down the mechanics and meta relevance of his new signature move, the Woj Lock. Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismwojcik Subscribe to Chris' newsletter, The Grappler's Diary: https://thegrapplersdiary.substack.com/ Buy Chris' book of the same n...

In this week's mini-episode we explain ratchet control, a mental model that fine-tunes rotational submissions, especially the kimura.  Ratchet control occurs when you force their limb into an "L" shape and rotate it like an Allen/hex key. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Model...

This week we're joined by Scott Fritzinger!  Scott is a BJJ black belt under Dave Camarillo and is the head instructor at Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu Academy Reno.  In this episode, Scott discusses "the language of injury," or how our choice of words and delivery can change student behavior and influence the risk of injury in the gym. Follow Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu Academy Reno on Instagram: ht...

In this week's mini-episode we explain rotational control, a mental model that helps us better secure positions and complete submissions.  Rotational control involves either preventing your opponent from rotating their torso, or allowing them to rotate so you can follow and improve your position.  Achieving rotational control usually requires you to occupy their elbow-knee space along their t...

This week we're joined again by Eliot Marshall!  Eliot is a BJJ black belt, retired UFC fighter, and owner of Easton Training Center in Colorado.  In this episode, Eliot explains the 4 elements that every successful Jiu-Jitsu gym needs to nail: sales, marketing, product, and culture. Follow Eliot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firemarshall205 Train at Easton Training Center in Colora...

In this week's mini-episode we explain waypoints, also known as "pitstops."  Waypoints are positions of power where you are particularly well-trained, and feel comfortable that you can outgun your opponent due to experience and skill within the position.  Waypoints aren't necessarily the common point-scoring positions, but can instead be "positions within positions" t...

This week we're joined again by Beatrice Jin!  Beatrice is a black belt competitor and coach from Kogaion Academy in Arlington, Virginia.  In this episode, we continue our conversation from Beatrice's last visit about how to "stop being nice" when sparring.  Topics include the essential concepts of assertiveness and aggressiveness in BJJ, the cultural influences that shape one’...

In this week's mini-episode we explain tokui waza, a concept from Judo and traditional martial arts.  Translating roughly to "favorited technique" or "special skill," tokui waza refers to the tendency of martial artists to develop and leverage a few techniques they're especially good at.  Tokui waza is important to understand because it helps us break the misconceptio...

This week we're joined by Max Schneider!  Max is a BJJ black belt under Justin Flores, as well as a national Judo champion and Olympic alternate, 2x Illinois state wrestling champion, and former D1 wrestler. In this episode, Max explores the philosophy and techniques behind safe and effective takedown training. Topics include the importance of warmup and falling techniques, various types of b...

In this week's mini-episode we explain the so-called "zone of genius:" a concept that encourages us to spend our time in the areas where we're most passionate and talented.  This has implications for Jiu-Jitsu strategy: We should build a gameplan that takes the fight to places where we are the most exceptional.  In terms of our skill development, this means we're best off...

This week we're joined again by Jake Luigi from Less Impressed More Involved and Outlier DB!  In this episode, Jake discusses a problem we can all relate to: content overload in BJJ.  Jake shares great advice on choosing what to study in a world where quality Jiu-Jitsu content is plentiful but time is scarce. Follow Jake on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limibjj/ Subscribe to Less Impre...

In this week's mini-episode we explain the layers of strategy: every good plan needs a solid foundation and a flexible perimeter.   This concept applies to all manner of strategies, both on and off the mats. Before you listen to this episode, check out: Mini Ep. 32: Funneling https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16266002-mini-ep-32-funneling Mini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfare http...

This week we're joined again by Defensive BJJ coach and BJJMM fan-favorite guest Priit Mihkelson!  In this episode, Priit discusses the importance of angles when defending from inferior positions.  Priit explains concepts for finding the correct angle when defending from the bottom, such as maintaining a 45° angle relative to the floor after your legs have been cleared, and how "making a...

In this week's mini-episode we explain funneling , a key concept for building Jiu-Jitsu strategies.  The idea is to build "funnels," or pathways to where we have an unfair/asymmetric advantage.  A good gameplan uses funnels to "connect the dots" so no matter where a match goes, you have a viable pathway to your strongest positions. Before you listen to this episode, check...

This week we're joined by Ken Postnikoff!  Ken is the black belt head coach at Confluence Jiu Jitsu and a longtime member of the BJJMM community.  In this episode, Ken introduces the concept of "reluctant leadership," or how to be the leader your community needs when leadership doesn't come naturally to you. Follow Ken on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenpostnikoff Train...

In this week's mini-episode we explain asymmetric warfare (or asymmetric advantages, if you want to be less dramatic).  Asymmetric warfare means looking for unfair advantages: places where we are strong and our opponent is weak.  In Jiu-Jitsu this often means seeking a superior position, but it can also mean playing to any other advantage we have, including natural attributes, favorite techni...

This week we're joined by Fiona Geisinger!  Fiona is the founder of Athletic Arts and is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt training out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.  In this episode, Fiona explains second-level coaching, and how athletes of all levels benefit from a "second opinion" by working with other coaches either in-person or remotely. Follow Fiona on Instagram: https://www.ins...

In this week's mini-episode we explain predictable responses.   This mental model teaches us that each technique has a series of common reactions, and knowing these reactions allows you to anticipate and "mind read" your opponent.  In many ways, knowing a technique's predictable responses can be just as important as knowing the technique itself. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio...

This week we're joined by Kelsey Carter!  Kelsey is a newly minted black belt from Precision Jiu Jitsu Academy in Sacramento.  In this episode, Kelsey discusses the physics and mechanics underlying Jiu-Jitsu techniques, emphasizing the importance of fulcrums, weight distribution, and angles during sweeps and submissions. Kelsey provides insights into adapting techniques for different body typ...