BJJ Mental Models

Nov 21 2024 356 ep. 61 mins 1.6k
BJJ Mental Models Podcast artwork

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.

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Mini Ep. 29: Alignment Over Position

Nov 21 2024 8 mins  
In this week's mini-episode we explain alignment over position. This is a refinement on the classic "submission over position" concept using Rob Biernacki's alignment framework. It teaches us that having good alignment (base, posture, and structure) is more important than having any particular position. Before you listen to this episode, check out:BJJMM Mini Ep. 1: Basehttps://podc

Ep. 311: Complexity and Intensity, feat. Chris Paines

Nov 18 2024 73 mins  
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:https://www.instagram.com/chrisvillainbjjSubscribe to Chris' YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisPainesBJJBuy Chris' instructionals on BJJ Fanatics:http

Mini Ep. 28: Position Over Submission

Nov 14 2024 8 mins  
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 submissions. This episode explains the reasoning behind "position over submission," as well as the exceptions.Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, no

Ep. 310: Integrating Theory and Practice, feat. Aldo Vergel de Dios

Nov 11 2024 65 mins  
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 conceptual Jiu-Jitsu thinking with on-the-ground practice.Follow Aldo on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/aldojitsuTrain with Aldo at Motion Jiu-Jitsu:

Mini Ep. 27: Inside vs. Outside Channel Control

Nov 07 2024 10 mins  
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 under or between their legs as you'd do with X guard. Outside channel control refers to taking the outside route around your opponent's weapons, such as o

Ep. 309: Submission Series: The Anaconda Choke, feat. Drew Foster

Nov 04 2024 65 mins  
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 State of the Meta podcast on BJJ Mental Models Premium. In this episode, Drew breaks down the mechanics behind the anaconda choke.Follow Drew on Inst

Mini Ep. 26: Crossing the Center

Oct 31 2024 7 mins  
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 middle of your body, where your spine is. Forcing your opponent to "cross the center," or pass their arm or leg across the center line of their body, is

Ep. 308: From Good to Great, feat. Jake O'Driscoll

Oct 28 2024 61 mins  
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 accomplished competitor in his own right, having just won the IBJJF 2024 Pan Pacific No-Gi Heavyweight Championship in Masters 1. In this episode, Jake shares l

Mini Ep. 25: Hybrid Break Mechanics

Oct 24 2024 5 mins  
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 linear breaks, rotational breaks, and slicers. Hybrid breaks are often more powerful than those relying on a single breaking mechanic.(A note on terminology: a

Ep. 307: Agents & Representation, feat. Sara Rafferty

Oct 21 2024 63 mins  
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, managers, and representation to negotiate better sponsorships and fight contracts in Jiu-Jitsu.Follow Sara Rafferty on Instagram:https://www.instagram