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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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...