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BJJ Mental Models

Steve Kwan

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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#409
Yesterday · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 409: Super Mario Theory, feat. Nelson Puentes
This week, we're joined by Nelson Puentes! Nelson co-founded Inverted Gear and runs Inverted Gear Academy in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In this episode, Nelson explains his Super Mario theory of jiu-jitsu: a good game teaches you how to play it by raising the difficulty one step at a time, and a good jiu-jitsu class works the same way. Topics include: game design, resource management, coaching without instructions, defensive jiu-jitsu, and intrinsic motivation. Buy Inverted Gear apparel: https://invertedgear.com Train at Inverted Gear Academy in Allentown, PA: https://invertedgearacademy.com Follow Nelson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/invertedgearnelson Mental models discussed in this episode: Zone of Proximal Development https://bjjmentalmodels.com/zone-of-proximal-development Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss Constraints-Led Approach https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach Self-Organization https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-organization Gamification https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification Ecological Dynamics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics Return on Investment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment Win Conditions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions Defense Paradox https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defense-paradox Keep It Playful https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful Perception-Action Coupling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/perception-action-coupling Continuum of Motivation https://bjjmentalmodels.com/continuum-of-motivation Process Over Outcomes https://bjjmentalmodels.com/process-over-outcomes ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com
Thursday · 5 min
Mini Ep. 124: Deliberate Practice
In this mini-episode, we explain deliberate practice: a training method intended to improve performance by addressing your weaknesses and breaking through plateaus. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels
#408
September 14 · 1 hr 7 min
Ep. 408: Intention-Led Jiu-Jitsu, feat. Rob Cole
This week, we're joined by Rob Cole! Rob has been training martial arts for over 35 years, 25 of them focused on grappling, and he coaches at Ascension Athletics in Connecticut, where he runs his practice through the ecological dynamics framework. In this episode, Rob explains the intention-led approach, where you give students a goal to work toward instead of specific things to focus on. Topics include: a plain-language primer on ecological dynamics, intention versus attention, win conditions as a driver of behavior, grip fighting as a warm-up, teaching leglocks without fear. Follow Rob on Instagram: https://instagram.com/liquid_rob Train with Rob at Ascension Athletics: https://ascensionathleticsct.com Resources discussed in this episode: The Constraints-Led Approach, by Ian Renshaw, Keith Davids, Daniel Newcombe and Will Roberts: https://routledge.com/9781138104075 Ecological Dynamics in Sport Coaching, by Steve M. Smith: https://routledge.com/9781032869223 Ep. 144: The Constraints-Led Approach, feat. Dr. Rob Gray: https://bjj.plus/144 Ep. 330: The Student's Guide to Eco, feat. Noah Shaffner & Greg Souders: https://bjj.plus/330 Mental models discussed in this episode: Ecological Dynamics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics Intention https://bjjmentalmodels.com/intention Ecological Psychology https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-psychology Self-Organization https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-organization Constraints-Led Approach https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach Perception-Action Coupling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/perception-action-coupling Win Conditions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions Deliberate Practice https://bjjmentalmodels.com/deliberate-practice Growth from Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort Psychological Safety https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety Consistency https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com
September 10 · 6 min
Mini Ep. 123: Differential Learning
In this mini-episode, we explain differential learning: a training approach used in sports proposing that motor skills are learned by varying how the movement is executed rather than trying to get it identical every time. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels
#407
September 7 · 1 hr 9 min
Ep. 407: Day Zero Jiu-Jitsu, feat. Jesse Walker & Shelby York
This week, we're joined by Jesse Walker and Shelby York! Jesse and Shelby own Rough Hands BJJ in Louisville, Kentucky, a gym of about 200 students with an unusually high number of women and older grapplers (the average student is around 43). In this episode, they walk a complete beginner through what happens before your first jiu-jitsu class. Topics include: vetting a gym, what to bring, why you should tap early, panic and intensity, injury risk. Learn more at Rough Hands BJJ: https://roughhandsbjj.com Follow Jesse and Shelby at Rough Hands BJJ on Instagram: https://instagram.com/roughhandsbjj Resources discussed in this episode: Yoga for BJJ, by Sebastian Brosche: https://yogaforbjj.net Women's Grappling Network on Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/341922519178021 Mental models discussed in this episode: Keep It Playful https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful Psychological Safety https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety Acute Stress Response https://bjjmentalmodels.com/acute-stress-response Prioritize Longevity https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity Survival Mode https://bjjmentalmodels.com/survival-mode Compatible Intent https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compatible-intent Respect Your Opponent https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-your-opponent Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss Beginner's Mind https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind Motivation https://bjjmentalmodels.com/continuum-of-motivation Prevention Over Cure https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure Paradox of Tolerance https://bjjmentalmodels.com/paradox-of-tolerance ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com
September 3 · 8 min
Mini Ep. 122: Gamification
In this mini-episode, we explain gamification: the practice of adding game-like elements to something in order to motivate a certain type of behavior. It's a concept from software design with elements of applied psychology and is used for everything from marketing to products to (of course) jiu-jitsu. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels
#406
August 31 · 1 hr 9 min
Ep. 406: The Problem of Leadership, feat. Barbara Ruiken & Giles Garcia
This week, we're joined by Barbara Ruiken and Giles Garcia! Barbara is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and the new head coach at Bergen Grappling in Norway, and she wrote her political science master's thesis on power and politics in jiu-jitsu organizations. Giles is the head coach and owner of Ronin Grappling in Rutherglen, just outside Glasgow, and a returning guest on the show. In this episode, Barbara and Giles explain why every gym has politics, whether the coach wants them or not. Topics include: informal power, accountability structures, setting your gym's culture on purpose, the jiu-jitsu cycle of abuse, and leadership burnout. Read Barbara's master's thesis, Power and Politics in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Teams: https://bit.ly/4iIUYH0 Follow Barbara on Instagram: https://instagram.com/superbabs_bjj Train with Barbara at Bergen Grappling: https://www.bergengrappling.com Train with Giles at Ronin Grappling: https://roningrappling.com Giles's jiu-jitsu portal, BJJ Codex: https://www.bjjcodex.com Mental models discussed in this episode: Psychological Safety https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety Respect People, Not Positions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions Emotional Contagion https://bjjmentalmodels.com/emotional-contagion Paradox of Tolerance https://bjjmentalmodels.com/paradox-of-tolerance Extreme Ownership https://bjjmentalmodels.com/extreme-ownership ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com
August 27 · 6 min
Mini Ep. 121: Constraints-Led Approach
In this mini-episode, we explain constraints-led approach (CLA) in simple terms, and how it impacts your jiu-jitsu training. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels
#405
August 24 · 52 min
Ep. 405: Solving Procrastination, feat. Itamar Shatz
This week, we're joined by Itamar Shatz! Itamar is a jiu-jitsu black belt and a Cambridge University researcher whose new book, Solving Procrastination, is published by Penguin Random House. In this episode, Itamar explains why we procrastinate, and walks through the strategies research shows will help. Topics include: the self-control fallacy, hard conversations with your coach, if-then rules for unsafe rolls, perfectionism, and burnout. Get Solving Procrastination: https://solvingprocrastination.com/book Mental models discussed in this episode: Second-Order Thinking https://bjjmentalmodels.com/second-order-thinking Silver Bullet Fallacy https://bjjmentalmodels.com/silver-bullet-fallacy Curse of Knowledge https://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge Cognitive Behavioral Therapy https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-behavioral-therapy Acute Stress Response https://bjjmentalmodels.com/acute-stress-response Precommitments https://bjjmentalmodels.com/precommitments Escalation of Commitment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/escalation-of-commitment Analysis Paralysis https://bjjmentalmodels.com/analysis-paralysis Building Your Triggers https://bjjmentalmodels.com/building-your-triggers Growth from Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort Incremental Learning https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning Consistency https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency Stress and Recovery https://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery Prioritize Longevity https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com
August 20 · 11 min
Mini Ep. 120: Ecological Dynamics
In this mini-episode, we explain ecological dynamics in simple terms, why it's misunderstood, and how it impacts your jiu-jitsu training. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels
#404
August 17 · 51 min
Ep. 404: Cross-Grip Passing, feat. Rosie Miller & Jeff Shaw
Jeff Shaw is guest hosting this week, and he's joined by Rosie Miller! Rosie is a jiu-jitsu educator known for explaining complicated positions in plain language. In this episode, Rosie walks through how the cross-grip pass works, and why she now teaches it starting from the tripod position instead of the entry. Topics include: collapsing the knee shield, counterattacks like the omoplata, gi versus no-gi differences, and teaching with games. Follow Rosie on Instagram: https://instagram.com/rosierollz Rosie's instructionals, YouTube and everything else: https://rosierollz.com Follow Jeff on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jeffshawbjj Rosie's seminar at Bellingham BJJ on September 12, 2026: https://bellinghambjj.com Rosie's seminar at Framework BJJ Seattle on September 13, 2026: https://frameworkseattle.com Resources discussed in this episode: Mastering Crazy Dog Passing, by Isaac Doederlein: https://doederleinjj.com/mastering-crazy-dog-passing Omoplatapalooza: The Omoplata System by Bellingham BJJ: https://youtu.be/WwWmjmgdL5Y Mental models discussed in this episode: Phases of Passing https://bjjmentalmodels.com/phases-of-passing Waypoints https://bjjmentalmodels.com/waypoints Head Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/head-position Grips Dictate Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position Predictable Responses https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses Elbow-Knee Connection https://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection Technique Chaining https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining Constraints-Led Approach https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach Funneling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com
August 13 · 5 min
Mini Ep. 119: Trading Up
In this mini-episode, we discuss trading up: the strategic importance of getting more than you give in any jiu-jitsu exchange. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels
#403
August 10 · 46 min
Ep. 403: Learning from Kids Class, feat. Brennan Strimple
This week, we're joined again by Brennan Strimple! Brennan and his wife founded Rochester Jiu Jitsu in 2014, and almost all of their kids classes are taught by black belts. In this episode, Brennan explains why kids don't grapple like adults, and what the rest of us can learn from teaching them. Topics include: teaching goals instead of moves, coaching cues kids actually understand, how slowly kids process instruction, treating the tap like a video game respawn, and building young athletes. Follow Brennan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/coachbrennanstrimple Follow Rochester Jiu Jitsu on Instagram: https://instagram.com/rochesterjiujitsu Train at Rochester Jiu Jitsu: https://rochesterjiujitsu.com Mental models discussed in this episode: Concepts Over Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques Effortful Retrieval https://bjjmentalmodels.com/effortful-retrieval Ecological Dynamics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics Constraints-Led Approach https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach Win Conditions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions Gamification https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification Direct vs. Proxy Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/direct-vs-proxy-control Incremental Learning https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning Cognitive Load https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load Spaced Repetition https://bjjmentalmodels.com/spaced-repetition Curse of Knowledge https://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss External Cues https://bjjmentalmodels.com/external-cues ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com
August 6 · 9 min
Mini Ep. 118: Labeling
In this mini-episode, we discuss labeling: the practice of attaching a name, category, or descriptor to something in order to make it easier to identify and understand. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels
#402
August 3 · 1 hr 14 min
Ep. 402: Dichotomies of Jiu-Jitsu, feat. Charles Harriott
This week, we're joined by Charles Harriott! Charles has been doing martial arts since he was four years old, and after years of traveling the world teaching seminars for BJJ Globetrotters and BJJ Fanatics, he recently opened his own gym, Lofi Dojo, in Gainesville, Florida. In this episode, Charles walks through the dichotomies of jiu-jitsu, the apparent opposites that often turn out to be sliding scales. Topics include: climbing versus leaping, gameplans versus improvisation, following the meta versus innovating, concepts versus techniques, and fun versus adversity. Train with Charles at Lofi Dojo: https://instagram.com/lofi.gnv Follow Charles on Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlesharriott Support Charles on Patreon: https://patreon.com/charlesharriott Get Charles's instructionals on BJJ Fanatics: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_charles-harriott Mental models discussed in this episode: Silver Bullet Fallacy https://bjjmentalmodels.com/silver-bullet-fallacy Certainty Heuristic https://bjjmentalmodels.com/certainty-heuristic Position Over Submission https://bjjmentalmodels.com/position-over-submission Placeholders https://bjjmentalmodels.com/placeholders Concepts Over Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques Ecological Dynamics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics Constraints-Led Approach https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach Self-Organization https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-organization Growth from Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort Keep It Playful https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful Psychological Safety https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety Gamification https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification Prioritize Longevity https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com
July 30 · 4 min
Mini Ep. 117: Mnemonics
In this mini-episode, we discuss mnemonics: memory shortcuts that help you remember what you learned in jiu-jitsu class. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels
#401
July 27 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 401: Escaping Positions, feat. Rosie Miller
This week, we're joined by returning guest Rosie Miller! Rosie is a black belt out of San Diego who built a following teaching jiu-jitsu beginners the things she wishes she'd known at white belt. In this episode, Rosie explains why survival has to come before escape, and how to spot the tipping point where a bad position turns into real danger. She also gets into why she steers beginners away from closed guard, and how small, constant movement keeps the person on top working until an escape opens. Topics include: positional escapes, tipping points, surviving bottom side control, escaping mount and back control, and the "black belt shimmy." Follow Rosie on Instagram, where you'll find her new instructional Suck Less: Foundations of Positional Escapes and a free positional escapes cheat sheet: https://instagram.com/rosierollz Subscribe to Rosie on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Rosierollz Mental models discussed in this episode: Position Over Submission https://bjjmentalmodels.com/position-over-submission Tipping Points https://bjjmentalmodels.com/tipping-points Terminal Positions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/terminal-positions Survival Mode https://bjjmentalmodels.com/survival-mode Ecological Dynamics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics Constraints-Led Approach https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach Systematic Abandonment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/systematic-abandonment ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com
July 23 · 3 min
Mini Ep. 116: Mental Gatekeeping
In this mini-episode, we discuss mental gatekeeping: the practice of guarding your mind against negative thinking and low-quality information. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels
#400
July 20 · 1 hr 11 min
Ep. 400: Always Timeless, feat. Rafael Lovato Jr.
This week, for our 400th episode, we're joined by Rafael Lovato Jr.! Rafael is a multiple-time jiu-jitsu world champion, a former Bellator middleweight MMA champion, and the creator of the Timeless Jiu-Jitsu philosophy. In this episode, Rafael makes the case that consistency beats intensity, and shows how a game built on timeless fundamentals lets you dominate opponents no matter your age. Topics include: consistency over intensity, competing in your 40s, playing the long game, mastering the fundamentals, and the case for the mount. Follow Rafael on Instagram: https://instagram.com/lovatojrbjj Get Rafael's new knee-passing instructional with his dad, Lovato Legacy: https://www.timelessjiujitsu.com/lovato-legacy-timeless-pressure-passing-from-the-knees Learn more at Timeless Jiu-Jitsu: https://www.timelessjiujitsu.com Train with Rafael in the Turks and Caicos Islands from Sep. 24-29, 2026: https://destinationjj.com Mental models discussed in this episode: Consistency https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency Prioritize Longevity https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity Compounding https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compounding Timeframe Paradox https://bjjmentalmodels.com/timeframe-paradox Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss Do What Works https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works Tokui Waza https://bjjmentalmodels.com/tokui-waza Position Over Submission https://bjjmentalmodels.com/position-over-submission Probabilistic Thinking https://bjjmentalmodels.com/probabilistic-thinking Marginal Gains https://bjjmentalmodels.com/marginal-gains Self-Competition https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com
July 16 · 4 min
Mini Ep. 115: Incremental Learning
In this mini-episode, we discuss incremental learning: the practice of breaking down a new concept to learn it piece by piece. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

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