BJJ Mental Models
Your guide to a conceptual and intelligent Jiu-Jitsu approach. BJJ black belt Steve Kwan and a slate of expert guests explain the concepts, strategies, and tactics behind the gentle art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Episodes
351 episodes
Mini Ep. 26: Crossing the Center
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 m...
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7:22
Ep. 308: From Good to Great, feat. Jake O'Driscoll
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 accompli...
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Episode 308
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1:01:19
Mini Ep. 25: Hybrid Break Mechanics
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 ...
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5:34
Ep. 307: Agents & Representation, feat. Sara Rafferty
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...
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Episode 307
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1:03:25
Mini Ep. 24: Slicer Mechanics
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 w...
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7:39
Ep. 306: Tactics for Jiu-Jitsu Anxiety, feat. Amanda Bruse
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 ...
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Episode 306
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50:47
Mini Ep. 23: Rotational Break Mechanics
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 expl...
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10:43
Ep. 305: Common Coaching Language, feat. Rob Biernacki & Island Top Team
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 ...
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Episode 305
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1:03:23
Mini Ep. 22: Linear Break Mechanics
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...
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9:22
BONUS: Why We Should Play the Sport, feat. Avery Lorenzato
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 gy...
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1:36:38
Ep. 304: Beer League Jiu-Jitsu, feat. Trey Hucks
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 m...
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Episode 304
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55:26
Mini Ep. 21: The 3 Joint Rule
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 res...
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10:53
Ep. 303: Building Wealth in BJJ, feat. David Bayarena
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 Planni...
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Episode 303
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55:48
Mini Ep. 20: Hybrid Choke Mechanics
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...
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8:30
Ep. 302: Short-Form BJJ Content, feat. Tum Energia
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...
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Episode 302
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56:35
Mini Ep. 19: Crank Mechanics
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. ...
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10:51
Ep. 301: Project-Based BJJ, feat. Josh Vogel
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 curricu...
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Episode 301
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59:06
Mini Ep. 18: Compression Choke Mechanics
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-percenta...
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10:00
Ep. 300: Teachers Who Compete, feat. James "300" Foster
For our 300th episode, there's only one guest that'll do: James "300" Foster! James is a 3x black belt masters world champion, 4th degree black belt under Giva Santana, and the head coach at Foster Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this episo...
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Episode 300
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59:29
Mini Ep. 17: Air Choke Mechanics
In this week's mini-episode we discuss air choke mechanics! Air chokes involve cutting off your opponent's ability to breathe by either compressing their trachea ("windpipe") or covering their mouth. Air chokes often don't ac...
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10:05
Ep. 299: Student Assessment, feat. Adam Medlock
This week we're joined again by Adam Medlock! Adam is a Braulio Estima black belt and a lead educator from the UK. In this episode, Adam discusses the challenges of student assessment, or how Jiu-Jitsu coaches can measure student pr...
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Episode 299
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1:02:02
Mini Ep. 16: Blood Choke Mechanics
In this week's mini-episode we discuss blood choke mechanics! This is the concept behind all chokes we'd classify as "carotid restraints," where compression on the carotid arteries cuts off blood flow to the brain. We'll disc...
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9:11
Ep. 298: Working Around Injury, feat. Mandy Schneider
This week we're joined by Mandy Schneider! Mandy is a BJJ Mental Models sponsored athlete competing at purple belt out of SOUL FIGHTERS Martial Arts in Allen, Texas. Mandy just underwent surgery for chronic bursitis in her elbow, an...
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Episode 298
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49:34