

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

31 snips
Jun 10, 2024 • 54min
Ep. 288: Open Guard Leg Entanglements, feat. Chris Wojcik
Chris Wojcik, a black belt under Jeff Serafin, discusses open guard leg entanglements strategies under different rulesets. Topics include inside channel control, ratchet control, technique chaining, grips dictating position, predictable responses, and more. The episode covers the importance of hand fighting, strategic decision-making, and optimizing techniques based on body type for successful guard play.

10 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 18min
Mini Ep. 5: The Alignment Scorecard
In this podcast, they introduce the alignment scorecard for grappling, helping you make smarter decisions faster by scoring your base, posture, and structure. The episode builds on previous mini-episodes and offers further study resources for enhancing your grappling skills.

Jun 3, 2024 • 1h 1min
Ep. 287: Automatic Grappling, feat. Cal McDonald
Cal McDonald, BJJ black belt, discusses automatic grappling in this episode, focusing on improving reaction time. Topics include effortful retrieval, cognitive load, interleaving skills, dictating pace, and deliberate practice. The concept of automatizing physical movements in BJJ to enhance decision-making and skill execution is explored. The episode also delves into ecological dynamics in Jiu-Jitsu practice and the importance of mastering fundamentals in building a strong foundation.

17 snips
May 30, 2024 • 11min
Mini Ep. 4: Alignment
Martial arts expert Rob Biernacki discusses the concept of alignment in Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing its importance in making smarter grappling decisions faster. He explores how aligning the body and mind simplifies techniques, focusing on base, posture, and structure to excel in disrupting opponents. The episode delves into the significance of prioritizing alignment in Jiu-Jitsu and the importance of quick decision-making based on muscle memory.

May 27, 2024 • 59min
Ep. 286: Submission Series: Ankle Locks, feat. Lucas Wilhan
Lucas Wilhan, black belt under Bruno Fernandes, discusses ankle locks in BJJ. Topics include evolution of ankle locks, outside ashi position, mastering techniques, and unity in training. Emphasizes modernization, strategic considerations, and risks of weight discrepancies.

10 snips
May 23, 2024 • 9min
Mini Ep. 3: Structure
Exploring the concept of 'structure' in jiu-jitsu, focusing on limb positioning and effectiveness. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining structural integrity for optimal performance and strength. Discussing the key role of structure in grappling, prioritizing limb strength over memorization for success.

14 snips
May 20, 2024 • 1h 2min
Ep. 285: Pulling the Trigger, feat. Dr. Jooyoung Lee
Dr. Jooyoung Lee, BJJ black belt and Professor of Sociology, discusses the science behind 'pulling the trigger' in grappling. He explores being more aggressive, handling opponent aggression, and mental models like consistency and visualization. Learn how anxiety can boost performance, mastering techniques for dynamic situations, and the transformative power of Jujitsu in empowering athletes.

12 snips
May 16, 2024 • 10min
Mini Ep. 2: Posture
Exploring the importance of posture in Jiu-Jitsu, highlighting its impact on defense and offense. Discussion on spinal alignment, manipulating opponent's head and spine for strategic advantage, and the connection between posture, base, and structure for skill enhancement.

May 13, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ep. 284: Stop Being Nice, feat. Beatrice Jin
Beatrice Jin, coach at Kogaion Academy in Virginia, discusses shedding a passive mindset in grappling, embracing tactical meanness, and mastering the mental game for competition. Topics include body tethering, momentum, abundance mindset, and optimizing performance through outsourcing decision-making.

10 snips
May 9, 2024 • 12min
Mini Ep. 1: Base
This podcast delves into the key mental model of 'base' in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, exploring its role in alignment theory. Listeners can gain insights on generating force, absorbing force, and enhancing movement and control. The importance of understanding base for excelling in Jiu-Jitsu techniques is emphasized.


