BJJ Mental Models

Steve Kwan
  • 4.9 (59)
  • Wrestling
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 2d ago

    Ep. 395: Take the Slack Out, feat. Jesse Walker

    This week, we're joined by Jesse Walker! Jesse is the head coach and co-founder of Rough Hands BJJ in Louisville, Kentucky, and a frequent BJJ Mental Models collaborator. In this episode, Jesse makes the case for loading a joint with tension before you ever start the breaking mechanics, so the finish takes a fraction of the effort. Topics include: adding traction before the break, the order of operations of a joint lock, backing up to retighten a loose position, fixing the much-maligned Americana, and leglock safety through control. Train with Jesse at Rough Hands BJJ: https://roughhandsbjj.com Follow Rough Hands on Instagram: https://instagram.com/roughhandsbjj Mental models discussed in this episode: Breaking Mechanics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/breaking-mechanics 3 Joint Rule https://bjjmentalmodels.com/3-joint-rule Double Trouble https://bjjmentalmodels.com/double-trouble Core Mechanics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics ⬆️ 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

    52 min
  2. Mini Ep. 110: Mind the Gap

    6d ago

    Mini Ep. 110: Mind the Gap

    In this mini-episode, we discuss "mind the gap:" a no-gi gripping concept that prevents your opponent from pulling or circling their hand free. 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

    8 min

  3. Jun 8

    Ep. 394: Position Series: No-Gi Lasso, feat. Rob Biernacki

    This week we're joined again by Rob Biernacki! Rob is the head instructor of Island Top Team and the mind behind BJJ Concepts. In this episode, Rob breaks down how he built a working no-gi version of the lasso, a position long considered gi-only. Topics include: minding the gap in no-gi grips, the inverted grip, the omoplata as a control system, wedging, and hybrid lasso guards. Rob on Instagram: https://instagram.com/islandtopteam Learn from Rob at BJJ Concepts: https://bjjconcepts.net Get Rob's No-Gi Lasso instructional: https://bjjconcepts.net/instructionals Mental models discussed in this episode: Do What Works https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works Grips Dictate Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position Prioritize Longevity https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity Mind the Gap https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mind-the-gap Kinetic Chains https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kinetic-chains Core Mechanics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics Scientific Method https://bjjmentalmodels.com/scientific-method ⬆️ 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

    55 min
  4. Mini Ep. 109: Overwhelming Force

    Jun 4

    Mini Ep. 109: Overwhelming Force

    In this mini-episode, we discuss overwhelming force: the idea that we maximize our power by using the most of our body's weapons against the least of our opponent's. 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

    11 min

  5. Jun 1

    Ep. 393: Submission Series: The Woj Lock 2.0, feat Chris Wojcik

    This week, we're joined again by Chris Wojcik! In this episode, Chris rebuilds his approach to the Woj Lock around a few guiding concepts instead of a catalog of techniques. Topics include: the three points of control, proximal vs. distal control, redefining what counts as fundamental, and training leg locks through games instead of memorization. Get Woj Lock 2.0 from BJJ Fanatics: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/woj-lock-2-0-completing-the-leg-lock-game-by-chris-wojcik Subscribe to the Grappler's Diary: https://thegrapplersdiary.substack.com Get the Grappler's Diary book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRS9K6LQ Follow Chris Wojcik on Instagram: https://instagram.com/chrismwojcik Mental models discussed in this episode: Constraints-Led Approach https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach 3 Joint Rule https://bjjmentalmodels.com/3-joint-rule Proximal and Distal Pathways https://bjjmentalmodels.com/proximal-and-distal-pathways Kuzushi https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi ⬆️ 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

    55 min
  6. Mini Ep. 108: Inertia

    May 28

    Mini Ep. 108: Inertia

    In this mini-episode, we discuss inertia: a concept from physics explaining that objects are resistant to changes in velocity. 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

    6 min

  7. May 25

    Ep. 392: The 90% That Matters, feat. Beatrice Jin

    This week, we're joined by Beatrice Jin! Beatrice is a black belt competing in the IBJJF top 10 at lightweight and middleweight, and she's known across jiu-jitsu social media for her whiteboard reels. In this episode, Beatrice breaks down the 90% of jiu-jitsu that has nothing to do with sparring, and why the work around the mat is what actually builds a career. Topics include: what podium finishes actually feel like, building a women's open mat from three people to thirty, finding the niche only you can fill, and using social media to build trust before asking for the sale. Follow Beatrice on Instagram: https://instagram.com/berimbozo Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@berimbozo Train with Beatrice at Kogaion Academy in Arlington, Virginia: https://kogaionacademy.com Support her merch brand Butt Scooter Jiu Jitsu: https://buttscooterjiujitsu.com Mental models discussed in this episode: Zone of Genius https://bjjmentalmodels.com/zone-of-genius Beginner's Mind https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind Inertia https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inertia 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

    51 min
  8. Mini Ep. 107: Emotional Contagion

    May 21

    Mini Ep. 107: Emotional Contagion

    In this mini-episode, we discuss emotional contagion: a psychological and physiological concept that shows us how much our emotions and behavior impact others around us. 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

    9 min
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4.9
out of 5
59 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Kwan
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    525
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 BJJ Mental Models
  • Show Website
    BJJ Mental Models

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