

BJJ Mental Models
Steve Kwan
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 19, 2024 • 50min
Ep. 298: Working Around Injury, feat. Mandy Schneider
Mandy Schneider, a purple belt and rising star from SOUL FIGHTERS Martial Arts, shares her journey navigating the challenges of training after surgery for elbow bursitis. She discusses distinguishing manageable injuries from those needing full rest, and the mental toll of recovery. Mandy emphasizes the importance of setting personal goals and maintaining motivation while sidelined. With insights on resilience and adaptability, she encourages listeners to focus on long-term health and personal growth through setbacks.

5 snips
Aug 15, 2024 • 8min
Mini Ep. 15: Dominant Angles
Dive into the intriguing concept of dominant angles in grappling. It's not just about position; it's about how your body relates to your opponent's. Discover which angles give you the upper hand and learn to challenge conventional wisdom in Jiu-Jitsu. Gain insights on body alignment that can effectively neutralize your opponent's attacks. This episode will reshape your understanding and approach on the mat!

Aug 12, 2024 • 1h 4min
Ep. 297: Leaving Your Gym, feat. David Figueroa-Martinez
David Figueroa-Martinez, a black belt and instructor from Gracie La Mesa, dives into the emotional complexities of leaving a martial arts gym. He shares personal anecdotes about vulnerability and growth during transitions, while emphasizing the importance of professionalism. The discussion touches on navigating gym politics and maintaining healthy relationships between coaches and students. Figueroa-Martinez also advocates for choosing supportive training environments that foster psychological safety, highlighting how leaving a gym can reflect positive personal development.

7 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 8min
Mini Ep. 14: Countergripping
Dive into the world of countergripping in jiu-jitsu! Discover three effective strategies: break the grip, invert it for dominance, or change the angle for maximum efficiency. Each method offers unique advantages, with changing the angle being the most efficient. The discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining dominant grips to enhance control over your opponent. Tune in for insights that’ll sharpen your grip game and elevate your jiu-jitsu skills!

Aug 5, 2024 • 1h 1min
Ep. 296: Adapting on the Fly, feat. Tom "TP" Grant
In this conversation, Tom "TP" Grant, a BJJ black belt and prolific MMA writer, highlights the need for adaptability in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He emphasizes how techniques are often modified in real-time rather than executed perfectly. The discussion dives into the philosophy behind martial arts instruction, advocating for a curriculum that promotes creativity. Tom also tackles the complexities of grappling, the importance of position over submission, and the significance of effective communication with simpler terminology in jiu-jitsu. This insight is a must-listen for martial artists!

13 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 7min
Mini Ep. 13: Grips Dictate Position
This mini-episode dives into the crucial concept that grips dictate position in Jiu-Jitsu. Winning the grip fight is not just a tactic; it's a game-changer that defines your control on the mat. Personal experiences showcase how mastering grips can elevate performance significantly. The discussion includes strategies for passing guard and assessing grip effectiveness, emphasizing that a strong grip can lead directly to positional dominance and success in submissions.

8 snips
Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 17min
Ep. 295: Organizing Knowledge, feat. Sebastian Brosche
Sebastian Brosche, a BJJ black belt and founder of Yoga for BJJ and Teach Grappling, dives into the intricacies of organizing knowledge in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He emphasizes the importance of structured teaching strategies to enhance beginner experiences and reduce dropout rates. Sebastian advocates for a simplified curriculum focused on foundational skills, effective mentorship, and community support. He also discusses the significance of time management in coaching and highlights innovative educational methods to foster student growth in the sport.

8 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 9min
Mini Ep. 12: The Anatomic Hierarchy
Discussing the anatomic hierarchy in jiu-jitsu, organizing body parts from strongest to weakest for effective techniques. Emphasizing the importance of using multiple weapons and targeting weaker body parts during attacks.

6 snips
Jul 22, 2024 • 57min
Ep. 294: Unconventional Jiu-Jitsu Careers, feat. Kiaya Jackson
Kiaya Jackson, a Jiu-Jitsu competitor, shares her unconventional career journey in the sport, emphasizing the power of consistency in social media and content creation. She also discusses creating avatars for product design, maximizing audience engagement, and navigating challenges in the jiu-jitsu apparel business.

8 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 12min
Mini Ep. 11: Posts
Explore the strategic use of posts in Jiu-Jitsu, an essential element for maintaining base and creating attack opportunities. Learn about the importance of posts in controlling opponents and setting up attacks. Dive into the core mechanics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, understanding the concept of 'posting' and its relation to injury prevention.


