BJJ Mental Models

Steve Kwan
  • 5.0 (2)
  • 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. 12 hr ago

    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

  2. 4 days ago

    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

    Mini Ep. 121: Constraints-Led Approach

  3. 24 Aug

    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

  4. 20 Aug

    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

    Mini Ep. 120: Ecological Dynamics

  5. 17 Aug

    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

  6. 13 Aug

    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

    Mini Ep. 119: Trading Up

  7. 10 Aug

    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

  8. 6 Aug

    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

    Mini Ep. 118: Labeling
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 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
    547
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 BJJ Mental Models
  • Show Website
    BJJ Mental Models

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