BJJ Mental Models

Steve Kwan
  • 4.8 (248)
  • 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. 6h ago

    Ep. 414: The One-Hour Problem, feat. Kyvann Gonzalez

    This week, we're joined by Kyvann Gonzalez! Kyvann is the head coach and co-owner of Bodega Jiu Jitsu in Maplewood, NJ, where he builds his classes around games and live training using the constraints-led approach. In this episode, Kyvann explains how to get the most out of a one-hour class, whether you're the coach running the room or a student with limited time to train. Topics include: cutting down coach talk time, keeping advanced classes simple, the "gray area" of technique, and secret games for students at traditional gyms. Train at Bodega Jiu Jitsu in Maplewood, NJ: https://www.bodegajiujitsu.com Learn jiu-jitsu from Kyvann on the Bodega Jiu Jitsu Patreon: https://patreon.com/BodegaJiuJitsu Follow Kyvann on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kyvanng Mental models discussed in this episode: Feedback Loop https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop Constraints-Led Approach https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach Extreme Ownership https://bjjmentalmodels.com/extreme-ownership Ecological Dynamics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics Self-Organization https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-organization Concepts Over Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques Curse of Knowledge https://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge Prevention Over Cure https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure Certainty Heuristic https://bjjmentalmodels.com/certainty-heuristic Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss Deliberate Practice https://bjjmentalmodels.com/deliberate-practice Train with Purpose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose Goodhart's Law https://bjjmentalmodels.com/goodharts-law Training Handicaps https://bjjmentalmodels.com/training-handicaps ⬆️ 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. 4d ago

    Mini Ep. 129: Handicapping

    In this mini-episode, we explain handicapping: how we can physically and strategically reduce our performance to get the most out of each training round. 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. 129: Handicapping

  3. Oct 19

    Ep. 413: Technique Sequencing, feat. Marc Ste-Marie

    This week, we're joined by Marc Ste-Marie! Marc is a second-degree black belt with Brazilian Top Team who has been grappling since the late 80s, coaches kids and adult classes, and is the father of Brianna Ste-Marie. In this episode, Marc explains how he uses technique sequencing to teach connected chains instead of isolated moves, whether he's showing moves step by step or coaching through games. Topics include: why random, disconnected classes slow students down, coaching with a starting point and a hint, judging a program by its average students, and building mat IQ through play. Follow Marc on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kwiksub2021 Train with Marc at BTT Canada West Island in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec: https://bttcanadawestisland.com Resources discussed in this episode: Listen to Ep. 322: Technique Zero, feat. Marc Ste-Marie: https://bjj.plus/322 Get Brianna Ste-Marie's competition course on BJJ Mental Models Premium: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Mental models discussed in this episode: Ecological Dynamics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics Technique Chaining https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining Predictable Responses https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses Constraints-Led Approach https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach Survivorship Bias https://bjjmentalmodels.com/survivorship-bias Concepts Over Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques Keep It Playful https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful Process Over Outcomes https://bjjmentalmodels.com/process-over-outcomes Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss ⬆️ 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. Oct 15

    Mini Ep. 128: Survivorship Bias

    In this mini-episode, we explain survivorship bias: a logical error where we overstudy those who were successful, but understudy those who failed. 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. 128: Survivorship Bias

  5. Oct 12

    Ep. 412: Hand Fighting, feat. Brandon Reed

    This week, we're joined by Brandon Reed! Brandon is a three-time NAIA national champion wrestler from Louisville, Kentucky, who now trains jiu-jitsu full-time in Guelph, Ontario. In this episode, Brandon explains hand fighting for jiu-jitsu standup: how to get past your opponent's head, hands, and hips while protecting your own. Topics include: your default stance and the down block hand, feints and distance management, "positive" versus "negative" wrestling, fighting for inside ties, and play wrestling to build timing. Learn wrestling for jiu-jitsu from Brandon at WrestleJitsu Club: https://www.wrestlejitsu.club Get Dominate the Hand Fight: https://www.wrestlejitsu.club/dominate Follow Brandon on Instagram: https://instagram.com/brandonreed001 Subscribe to Brandon on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@brandonreed3x Mental models discussed in this episode: Controlling the Distance https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlling-the-distance Opening Salvos https://bjjmentalmodels.com/opening-salvos Predictable Responses https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses Mask Your Intentions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mask-your-intentions Tokui Waza https://bjjmentalmodels.com/tokui-waza Keep It Playful https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful Do What Works https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works Inside Channel Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control Constraints-Led Approach https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach Head Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/head-position Windows of Opportunity https://bjjmentalmodels.com/windows-of-opportunity Kuzushi https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi Dictate the Pace https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss Grips Dictate Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position ⬆️ 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. Oct 8

    Mini Ep. 127: Confirmation Bias

    In this mini-episode, we explain confirmation bias: the human tendency to favor information that supports our existing beliefs, and discard information that doesn't. 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. 127: Confirmation Bias

  7. Oct 5

    Ep. 411: The Fragmentation of Jiu-Jitsu, feat. Jeff Serafin

    This week, we're joined by Jeff Serafin! Jeff runs Serafin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu out of Gym 1801 in Evanston, Illinois, and has been training jiu-jitsu for almost 30 years. In this episode, Jeff talks about the fragmentation of the jiu-jitsu community, and what coaches and students can do to bring it back together. Topics include: gi versus no-gi tribalism, ecological versus traditional training, gatekeeping, and cross-training. Train at Serafin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (inside Gym 1801) in Evanston, IL: https://serafinjiujitsu.com Follow Jeff on Instagram: https://instagram.com/serafinbjj Follow Gym 1801 on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gym.1801 Resources discussed in this episode: Mini Ep. 120: Ecological Dynamics, by Steve Kwan: https://bjj.plus/mini120 Mental models discussed in this episode: Ecological Dynamics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics Constraints-Led Approach https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach Keep Your Identity Small https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-your-identity-small Certainty Heuristic https://bjjmentalmodels.com/certainty-heuristic Beginner's Mind https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind Resulting Fallacy https://bjjmentalmodels.com/resulting Silver Bullet Fallacy https://bjjmentalmodels.com/silver-bullet-fallacy Survivorship Bias https://bjjmentalmodels.com/survivorship-bias Rapoport's Rules https://bjjmentalmodels.com/rapoports-rules Curse of Knowledge https://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge Intention https://bjjmentalmodels.com/intention ⬆️ 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. Oct 1

    Mini Ep. 126: Visualization

    In this mini-episode, we explain visualization: the science behind it, its limitations, the difference between general and technique visualization, and how it applies to 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

    Mini Ep. 126: Visualization
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4.8
out of 5
248 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
    563
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 BJJ Mental Models
  • Show Website
    BJJ Mental Models

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