BJJ Mental Models

Steve Kwan
  • 4.8 (24)
  • WRESTLING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
BJJ Mental Models

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. Mini Ep. 54: Controlling the Distance

    3 DAYS AGO

    Mini Ep. 54: Controlling the Distance

    In this week's mini-episode we discuss controlling the distance, a key lesson in most martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As general advice, many instructors  will coach you to close the distance when attacking and make space when defending. While this is often true, in this mini-episode we'll explore the exceptions to that rule and settle on a more general guideline for controlling the distance: find the distance where you can control them but they can't control you. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private. Sign up here for a free trial: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/ Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/ Follow us on social: https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/ https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

    9 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    Ep. 337: Gatekeepers Ruin Everything, feat. Charles Harriott

    This week we're joined again by Charles Harriott! In this episode, Charles discusses the problem of "gatekeepers" in Jiu-Jitsu, or people who try to enforce their way of thinking over others.  Charles explores how gatekeeping can shut down creativity, personal development, and fun. Follow Charles on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesharriott Charles Harriott's website: https://charlesharriott.com/ Get Charles' instructionals on BJJ Fanatics: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/dvd/fighter_charles-harriott Subscribe to Charles' YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjQfov7RyQ5fn3TLfqSmezQ Support Charles on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/charlesharriott Mental models discussed in this episode: Do What Works https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/ Shuhari https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shuhari/ Concepts Over Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques/ Ecological Dynamics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics/ Keep it Playful https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/ Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game.  We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private. Sign up here for a free trial: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/ Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/ Follow us on social: https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/ https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/ Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

    1h 21m
  3. Mini Ep. 53: Kuzushi

    8 MAY

    Mini Ep. 53: Kuzushi

    In this week's mini-episode we discuss kuzushi, the Japanese concept of breaking balance! Kuzushi is critical in Judo, but it's just as important in Jiu-Jitsu — both standing and on the ground. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Resources discussed in this episode: Mini Ep. 51: Technique Chaining https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/17035097-mini-ep-51-technique-chaining Mini Ep. 52: Shifting Platforms https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/17077049-mini-ep-52-shifting-platforms Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private. Sign up here for a free trial: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/ Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/ Follow us on social: https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/ https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

    6 min

  4. 5 MAY

    Ep. 336: Growing Your Academy, feat. Hillary Witt & Nelson Puentes

    This week we're joined by the founders of Inverted Gear: Hillary Witt and Nelson Puentes! Three years ago, Hillary and Nelson took the Inverted Gear brand beyond Jiu-Jitsu equipment and opened a physical academy in Pennsylvania! In this episode, Hillary and Nelson share key lessons learned from their journey into academy ownership. Follow Inverted Gear on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invertedgear Train at Inverted Gear Academy in Bethlehem, PA: https://www.invertedgearacademy.com/ Shop Inverted Gear: https://www.invertedgear.com/ Order the SWEET Moo Deng rashguard from BJJ Mental Models x Inverted Gear: http://bjjmentalmodels.com/moodeng Mental models discussed in this episode: Feedback Loop https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop/ Constraints-Led Approach https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach/ Ecological Dynamics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics/ Gamification https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification/ Defensive Thinking https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defensive-thinking/ Return on Investment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/ Incremental Learning https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/ Survivorship Bias https://bjjmentalmodels.com/survivorship-bias/ Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game.  We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private. Sign up here for a free trial: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/ Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/ Follow us on social: https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/ https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/ Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

    1h 3m
  5. Mini Ep. 52: Shifting Platforms

    1 MAY

    Mini Ep. 52: Shifting Platforms

    In this week's mini-episode we discuss shifting platforms, wherein you as the bottom player use continuous movement to prevent your opponent from fully establishing their base on top of you. Moving away from big, explosive escape attempts and toward smaller, continuous movement makes a huge difference in your success from bottom positions. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private. Sign up here for a free trial: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/ Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/ Follow us on social: https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/ https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

    11 min

  6. 28 APR

    Ep. 335: The PLAY Framework, feat. Erin Herle

    This week we're joined again by Erin Herle! In this episode, Erin introduces the PLAY framework and explains why humor is a fundamental element of good culture and learning. Follow Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinherle/ Get Erin's new book, If You’re Not Laughing, You’re Losing: https://amzn.to/4jP5x8K Work with Erin: https://www.erinherle.com/ http://highmentalperformance.com/ Resources mentioned in this episode: Humor Styles Questionnaire, by Rod A. Martin, PhD: http://www.humorstyles.com/ If You’re Not Laughing, You’re Losing, by Erin Herle: https://amzn.to/4jP5x8K VIA Character Strengths Survey: https://www.viacharacter.org/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Keep it Playful https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/ Habits Over Results https://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/ Defensive Thinking https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defensive-thinking/ 10-10-10 Rule https://bjjmentalmodels.com/10-10-10-rule/ Survivorship Bias https://bjjmentalmodels.com/survivorship-bias/ Consistency https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/ Psychological Safety https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety/ Respect People, Not Positions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/ Yes, And... https://bjjmentalmodels.com/yes-and/ Flow https://bjjmentalmodels.com/flow/ Reflecting "As If" https://bjjmentalmodels.com/reflecting-as-if/ Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game.  We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private. Sign up here for a free trial: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/ Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/ Follow us on social: https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/ https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/ Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp

    1h 4m
  7. Mini Ep. 51: Technique Chaining

    24 APR

    Mini Ep. 51: Technique Chaining

    In this week's mini-episode we explain the importance of technique chaining, and why "Jiu-Jitsu is the space between the techniques." Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private. Sign up here for a free trial: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/ Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/ Follow us on social: https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/ https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

    10 min

  8. 21 APR

    Ep. 334: Project-Based Gameplanning, feat. Josh Vogel & Dr. Mike Israetel

    This week we're joined by two BJJMM alumni: Josh Vogel and Dr. Mike Israetel! In this episode, Josh and Mike discuss the unique way they build gameplans at The Jiu-Jitsu Company. Follow Josh and Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshrvogel https://www.instagram.com/drmikeisraetel Subscribe to Josh and Mike on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejiujitsucompany https://www.youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodization Get Josh's instructional, 90 Day Project Based Jiu Jitsu: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/90-day-project-based-jiu-jitsu-by-josh-vogel Get ripped with Mike at RP Strength: https://rpstrength.com/ Resources mentioned in this episode: Arguing to Convince series, by Dr. Mike Israetel — YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyqKj7LwU2RufCp8SzFQy3Nb1FaHpsCLu Mental models discussed in this episode: Asymmetric Warfare https://bjjmentalmodels.com/asymmetric-warfare/ Zone of Genius https://bjjmentalmodels.com/zone-of-genius/ Defend with Purpose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defend-with-purpose/ Funneling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling/ Technique Chaining https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/ Dictate the Pace https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/ Tokui Waza https://bjjmentalmodels.com/tokui-waza/ Dilemma https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dilemma/ Plus, Minus, Equals https://bjjmentalmodels.com/plus-minus-equals/ Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game.  We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private. Sign up here for a free trial: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/ Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/ Follow us on social: https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/ https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/ Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

    57 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
24 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    408
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 BJJ Mental Models
  • Show Website
    BJJ Mental Models

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