This week, we're joined again by Josh McKinney! In this episode, Josh explains how to structure the perfect Jiu-Jitsu competition camp. Topics include: offense vs. defense days, performance days, intensity vs. recovery, overtraining, saying no ...

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the concept of the knee line: an imaginary line connecting your two knees. When the two points of this line combine with your groin, these three points create a triangle. That triangle is the basis...

This week, we're joined by Mike Mahaffey (Old Bastard BJJ) and Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ)! Mike and Jesse explain the "old bastard" style of closed guard: a way to play the position without relying on strength, speed, or athleticism.

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the curse of knowledge: a cognitive bias explaining why it's hard for experts to relate to beginners.Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:

In this episode, Rob Biernacki confronts a growing trend of competitors refusing to tap and taking serious injuries at low-level tournaments. Rob argues that reckless "tough-guy" behavior, poor finishing mechanics, and bad coaching culture are ...

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss center of gravity: your body's "tipping point" of balance. Your center of gravity is around 56% of the way up your body (around your pelvis) when standing upright, but moves as your body moves. Und...

This week, we're joined again by Jeff Shaw from Bellingham BJJ! In this episode, Jeff talks about the causes and cures for burnout in Jiu-Jitsu. Topics include: plateaus, the “blue belt blues,” the unique pressures faced by instructors and gym ...

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss tipping points: the idea that once you have sufficient leverage or momentum, your desired outcome can no longer be denied.Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:

This week, we're joined by Dr. Jen Case! Jen is a 13x IBJJF masters world champion, BJJ black belt under Renato Tavares, coach at Charlotte Jiu-Jitsu Academy, and PhD in Human Nutrition & Performance. In this episode, Jen covers the risks o...

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss what makes solid frames: relying on bone structure, and minimizing the joints involved. We explain the difference between short-range and long-range frames, and when to use them. Get our In...

This week, we're joined by Corey Guitard from 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Calgary! In this episode, Corey explains how tape study in Jiu-Jitsu (such as video feedback and instructionals) builds structured, efficient learning. Follow Corey on ...

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss Priit's 45° Rule, a helpful tip for surviving (and escaping) bad positions. The "rule" tells us: When your legs have been neutralized (ie. guard is passed), get your shoulders at 45 degrees rel...

This week, we're joined by Thomas Rozdzynski from RŌL Academy! In this episode, Thomas discusses how students’ Jiu-Jitsu goals evolve over time, the importance of coach–student communication, and balancing fun with measurable progress for long-...

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss Hick's Law, a powerful psychology and design concept that explains how the availability of more options increases our decision-making time.Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally ...

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Kristi Charish and Dr. Christle Guevarra for a deep dive into fitness and nutrition myths in Jiu-Jitsu! Kristi & Christle explore how bad information spreads, the role of genetics in performance, and why...

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss consistency as a concept, and explain how it acts as the basis for building good habits, achieving compound gains, and creating luck. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, ...

In this bonus episode, Rob Biernacki talks pedagogy! We discuss his updated pedagogy module on BJJ Concepts, the evolving landscape of Jiu-Jitsu instruction, balancing concepts with techniques, evidence versus anecdote, emotional dysregulation ...

This week we're joined by Niamh Bryn, owner of Snowblind BJJ in Seattle! In this episode, Niamh explores the versatility and depth of the arm drag, and why it's more than just a beginner move. We explain its role as an opening salvo to create r...

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss defensive thinking, the tendency to excuse poor performance before it even happens.Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:

This week, we're joined again by “Doctor Kickass” Mike Piekarski: physiotherapist, BJJ black belt, online course creator, and instructor! In this episode, Mike discusses injury mitigation, or “prehab,” for grapplers. We explore how injuries com...

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss loss aversion, the human tendency to fear losses more than we desire equivalent gains. While avoiding losses is rational, excessive fear of loss can hold us back from our biggest growth opportuniti...

In this episode, Brianna Ste-Marie talks about the front headlock: its offensive power, common pitfalls like “bloodlust,” strategic uses for control and distraction, and key differences between gi and no-gi.Follow Brianna on social:...

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 mi...

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 unexpecte...

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 d...