BJJ Mental Models Mini Ep. 100: The Golden Rule
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Apr 2, 2026 A concise look at the golden rule as a core mental model for jiu-jitsu and life. Short takes on reciprocity, training relationships, and why mutual improvement matters. Discussion of smart training tactics, choosing good partners, and how empathy in the gym translates to broader life situations.
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Golden Rule As The Core Jiu-Jitsu Model
- The Golden Rule is the core mental model for jiu-jitsu and life, framing behavior as treating others how you'd want to be treated.
- Steve Kwan explains it's the ethic of reciprocity and invites empathy by asking what you'd reasonably want in their shoes.
Train For Mutual Gain Not Constant Winning
- Train for mutual gain instead of always trying to win; aim to help partners improve while you improve.
- Steve Kwan warns against steamrolling partners and says training smart means not fighting all the time but learning together.
Avoid Being A Rough Training Partner
- Don't break training partners' enthusiasm by being overly aggressive; preserve relationships so people keep training with you.
- Kwan notes rough partners lose partners, which limits access to quality, challenging training needed to improve.