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...

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 ...

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 "...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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:

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...