BJJ Mental Models

Feb 03 2025 377 ep. 59 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.

  Sports  Health & Fitness
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Ep. 322: Technique Zero, feat. Marc Ste-Marie

Feb 03 2025 54 mins  
This week we're joined by Marc Ste-Marie! Marc is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the father of IBJJF "Queen" Brianna Ste-Marie. In this episode, Marc explains the concept of "technique zero," or how we can teach Jiu-Jitsu quicker by reverse engineering and mastering the point of entry. Follow Marc on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwiksub2021 Subscribe to Marc's YouTube

Mini Ep. 39: Surface Area

Jan 30 2025 8 mins  
In this week's mini-episode we explain the concept of surface area, or how much of your body is connected to your opponent when you apply force. You can create more pressure by applying maximal force through the smallest surface area. A classic example is the "shoulder of justice" side control crossface pin. We also discuss other benefits to minimizing surface area, and other types

Ep. 321: Submission Series: The Woj Lock, feat. Chris Wojcik

Jan 27 2025 59 mins  
This week we're joined again by BJJ Mental Models sponsored athlete Chris Wojcik! In this episode, Chris breaks down the mechanics and meta relevance of his new signature move, the Woj Lock.Follow Chris on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chrismwojcikSubscribe to Chris' newsletter, The Grappler's Diary:https://thegrapplersdiary.substack.com/Buy Chris' book of the same name on Am

Mini Ep. 38: Ratchet Control

Jan 23 2025 6 mins  
In this week's mini-episode we explain ratchet control, a mental model that fine-tunes rotational submissions, especially the kimura. Ratchet control occurs when you force their limb into an "L" shape and rotate it like an Allen/hex key. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintroDon't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premi

Ep. 320: The Language of Injury, feat. Scott Fritzinger

Jan 20 2025 52 mins  
This week we're joined by Scott Fritzinger! Scott is a BJJ black belt under Dave Camarillo and is the head instructor at Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu Academy Reno. In this episode, Scott discusses "the language of injury," or how our choice of words and delivery can change student behavior and influence the risk of injury in the gym. Follow Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu Academy Reno on Instagram: htt

Mini Ep. 37: Rotational Control

Jan 16 2025 9 mins  
In this week's mini-episode we explain rotational control, a mental model that helps us better secure positions and complete submissions. Rotational control involves either preventing your opponent from rotating their torso, or allowing them to rotate so you can follow and improve your position. Achieving rotational control usually requires you to occupy their elbow-knee space alon

Ep. 319: 4 Pillars of Successful Gyms, feat. Eliot Marshall

Jan 13 2025 75 mins  
This week we're joined again by Eliot Marshall! Eliot is a BJJ black belt, retired UFC fighter, and owner of Easton Training Center in Colorado. In this episode, Eliot explains the 4 elements that every successful Jiu-Jitsu gym needs to nail: sales, marketing, product, and culture. Follow Eliot on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/firemarshall205Train at Easton Training Center in

Mini Ep. 36: Waypoints

Jan 09 2025 7 mins  
In this week's mini-episode we explain waypoints, also known as "pitstops." Waypoints are positions of power where you are particularly well-trained, and feel comfortable that you can outgun your opponent due to experience and skill within the position. Waypoints aren't necessarily the common point-scoring positions, but can instead be "positions within positions" that occur along

Ep. 318: Still Not Nice, feat. Beatrice Jin

Jan 06 2025 54 mins  
This week we're joined again by Beatrice Jin! Beatrice is a black belt competitor and coach from Kogaion Academy in Arlington, Virginia. In this episode, we continue our conversation from Beatrice's last visit about how to "stop being nice" when sparring. Topics include the essential concepts of assertiveness and aggressiveness in BJJ, the cultural influences that shape one’s app

Mini Ep. 35: Tokui Waza

Jan 02 2025 6 mins  
In this week's mini-episode we explain tokui waza, a concept from Judo and traditional martial arts. Translating roughly to "favorited technique" or "special skill," tokui waza refers to the tendency of martial artists to develop and leverage a few techniques they're especially good at. Tokui waza is important to understand because it helps us break the misconception that the best