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
365 episodes
Mini Ep. 33: Layers of Strategy
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.Befo...
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11:19
Ep. 315: Defensive Angles, feat. Priit Mihkelson
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 ...
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Episode 315
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1:04:46
Mini Ep. 32: Funneling
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 "...
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9:00
Ep. 314: Reluctant Leadership, feat. Ken Postnikoff
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...
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Episode 314
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57:30
Mini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfare
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.&nbs...
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9:27
Ep. 313: Second-Level Coaching, feat. Fiona Geisinger
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 athlet...
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Episode 313
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1:10:36
Mini Ep. 30: Predictable Responses
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.&nb...
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7:59
Ep. 312: Fulcrums, feat. Kelsey Carter
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 th...
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Episode 312
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1:00:38
Mini Ep. 29: Alignment Over Position
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,...
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8:38
Ep. 311: Complexity and Intensity, feat. Chris Paines
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:
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Episode 311
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1:11:36
Mini Ep. 28: Position Over Submission
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 ...
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8:09
Ep. 310: Integrating Theory and Practice, feat. Aldo Vergel de Dios
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 co...
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Episode 310
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1:04:36
Mini Ep. 27: Inside vs. Outside Channel Control
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 u...
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10:25
Ep. 309: Submission Series: The Anaconda Choke, feat. Drew Foster
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 Sta...
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Episode 309
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1:04:35
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