BJJ Mental Models

In this week's mini-episode we explain alignment over position.   This is a refinement on the classic "position over submission" concept using Rob Biernacki's alignment framework.  It teaches us that having good alignment (base, posture, and structure) is more important than having any particular position. Before you listen to this episode, check out: BJJMM Mini Ep. 1: Base htt...

This week we're joined again by Chris "The Villain" Paines!  In this episode, Chris explains the two "dials" that coaches and students can use to modulate their training: complexity and intensity. Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisvillainbjj Subscribe to Chris' YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisPainesBJJ Buy Chris' instructio...

In this week's mini-episode we explain one of the most commonly discussed mental models in Jiu-Jitsu: position over submission.   This concept teaches us that it's often better to maintain position than risk losing it by hunting for submissions.  This episode explains the reasoning behind "position over submission," as well as the exceptions. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio co...

This week we're joined by Aldo Vergel de Dios!  Aldo is the black belt head coach at Motion Jiu-Jitsu in Metro Manila, Philippines.  In this episode, Aldo discusses a problem relevant to students and coaches alike: how to integrate conceptual Jiu-Jitsu thinking with on-the-ground practice. Follow Aldo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aldojitsu Train with Aldo at Motion Jiu-Jitsu: https...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss two important and related concepts: inside channel control and outside channel control.  Inside channel control refers to taking the inside route around your opponent's weapons, such as going under or between their legs as you'd do with X guard.  Outside channel control refers to taking the outside route around your opponent's weapons, suc...

This week we're joined again by Drew Foster!  Best known as u/darce_knight on Reddit and @drewdarce on Instagram, Drew is a black belt instructor at Elevate MMA in North Carolina, the host of The Neon Belly Podcast, and the host of the State of the Meta podcast on BJJ Mental Models Premium.  In this episode, Drew breaks down the mechanics behind the anaconda choke. Follow Drew on Instagram: h...

In this week's mini-episode we're talking about crossing the center, an ancient mental model that appears in many martial arts beyond Jiu-Jitsu — and for good reason!  The "center line" refers to an imaginary line running down the middle of your body, where your spine is.  Forcing your opponent to "cross the center," or pass their arm or leg across the center line of...

This week we're joined by Jake O'Driscoll!  Jake is the black belt head coach at Essence BJJ in Perth, Australia.  Best known for coaching Adele Fornarino to her incredible 2x ADCC 2024 World Championship win, Jake is also an accomplished competitor in his own right, having just won the IBJJF 2024 Pan Pacific No-Gi Heavyweight Championship in Masters 1.  In this episode, Jake shares less...

In this week's mini-episode we finish our series of discussions on the different types of breaking mechanics in Jiu-Jitsu!  This episode explains hybrid breaks, or submissions that combine multiple breaking mechanics such as linear breaks, rotational breaks, and slicers.  Hybrid breaks are often more powerful than those relying on a single breaking mechanic. (A note on terminology: a "br...

This week we're joined by Sara Rafferty!  Sara is the agent and manager for Jiu-Jitsu standouts like Adele Fornarino, Brianna Ste-Marie, and Jake O'Driscoll.  In this episode, Sara shares her advice on how athletes can leverage agents, managers, and representation to negotiate better sponsorships and fight contracts in Jiu-Jitsu. Follow Sara Rafferty on Instagram: https://www.instagram.c...

In this week's mini-episode we continue our series of discussions on the different types of breaking mechanics in Jiu-Jitsu!  This episode explains slicers, a submission that usually targets the bicep or calf, and discusses why these submissions may be underused due to IBJJF ruleset restrictions. (A note on terminology: a "break" as described here is technically more of a "tear...

This week we're joined again by Amanda Bruse!  Amanda is a black belt under André Galvão training out of Atos HQ and a BJJ Mental Models sponsored athlete.  In this episode, we continue the topic from Amanda's last appearance: how to manage the anxiety that comes with Jiu-Jitsu competition.  Amanda presents specific, evidence-backed tactics for managing Jiu-Jitsu anxiety for athletes of...

In this week's mini-episode we continue our series of discussions on the different types of breaking mechanics in Jiu-Jitsu!  This episode explains rotational breaks like kimuras, omoplatas, and heel hooks.  We also explain the difference between internal and external rotations, and why internal rotations are so powerful. (A note on terminology: a "break" as described here is techni...

This week we're joined by Rob Biernacki, Cory Burton, and Gary Gilbert!  Collectively, they are the coaching team at Island Top Team in Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.  In this episode, Rob and the team explain the importance of having a common coaching language across the entire team, and how our choice of language shapes our behavior. Train with Island Top Team in Vancouver Island, BC, Canada...

In this week's mini-episode we begin a series of discussions on the different types of breaking mechanics in Jiu-Jitsu!  This episode explains linear breaks like armbars and kneebars, which hyperextend the middle joint (elbow/knee) of a limb. (A note on terminology: a linear "break" as described here is technically more of a "tear," as you're not breaking bone, you&ap...

This week you're getting a bonus episode!  Avery Lorenzato from Golden Jiu Jitsu in Colorado joins us to share his philosophy of "playing the sport."  A great conversation on the importance of play, and what it's like to train at a gym that focuses on a games-based approach. Follow Golden Jiu Jitsu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golden_jiujitsu Train with Avery at Gold...

This week we're joined by Trey Hucks!  Trey is best known as the founder of Slime Mold Grappling Club, an amazing database of Jiu-Jitsu games based on the ecological approach and other coaching best practices.  In this episode, Trey makes the case for "Beer League Jiu-Jitsu," a mindset emphasizing the social and communal benefits of Jiu-Jitsu first and foremost, above athletic accom...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the 3 joint rule!   It's an essential mental model for understanding how you control your opponent's arms and legs, especially when advancing position or attempting a submission. More resources on the 3 joint rule: BJJ Mental Models Ep. 270: The 3 Joint Rule, feat. Jeff Shaw https://bjj.plus/270 The 3 Joint Rule — BJJMM Database https://www.bjj...

This week we're taking on a topic by listener demand: how to help BJJ business owners succeed financially!  In this episode, we're joined by David Bayarena, a BJJ black belt, certified financial planner, and founder of Kaizen Wealth Planning and RONIN Financial Planning.  David highlights topics relevant to all BJJ business owners, such as insurance, tax mitigation, succession plans, and...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss hybrid choke mechanics!   We've already covered the primary types of chokes in Jiu-Jitsu.  Now let's talk about what happens when we combine these types of chokes, whether hybrid chokes are "better," and how hybrid chokes muddle complicated topics like rulesets and consent. Listen to our prior mini-episodes on choke mechanics: Mini Ep...

This week we're joined again by Tum Energia!  Thomas Voorn, better known by his nickname Tum Energia, is a BJJ black belt and the founder of Energia Martial Arts.  In this episode, we discuss the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu digital content toward short-form content like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Stories.  We discuss the implications to BJJ content creators, how practitioners can learn f...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss crank mechanics!   Cranks are submissions that attack the cervical spine (the neck).  We discuss the ethics of cranks, how to engage with them safely, and their relevance to rulesets. Listen to our prior mini-episodes on choke mechanics: Mini Ep. 16: Blood Choke Mechanics https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15622350-mini-ep-16-blood-choke-mechanic...

This week we're joined by Josh Vogel!  Alongside his wife Angie, Josh is a co-founder and head instructor at The Jiu Jitsu Company in Old City, Philadelphia.  In this episode, Josh emphasizes the importance of structured class curriculums and a project-based focus, where students develop their skills through specific, measurable 90-day projects targeting various techniques. Follow Josh on Ins...

In this week's mini-episode we discuss compression choke mechanics!   Compression chokes involve squeezing your opponent's chest so tightly that their lungs can't expand to take in air.  They're a bit silly and not high-percentage, but they're still worth knowing about so you don't wind up on the wrong end of someone else's compression choke highlight reel. Liste...