Interviews

We all have a plan of how we're going to get our black belt and what we will do once we get it. Sometimes, plans change. Today, Josh talks with his newest black belt Derek Maguire about what it's like to have to change your jiu-jitsu plans when life changes!

Brandon Morgan is a high level powerlifter who trains, coaches and competes out of the Kabuki Strength gym in Portland Oregon. In this episode we go deep into strength training and conditioning for combat sports drawing on his personal experience as a wrestler and training MMA athletes to be bigger, stronger, faster, and more injury resistant. Follow Brandon on Instagram at @bmorg33 and at @kabuki_virtualcoaching where he shares a ton of training tips. And please share this episode with someone you think would enjoy it. It's how this podcast grows! Thank you Stephan Kesting

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene did a Youtube Live Q&A. Some of the questions answered: 9:30 At what age can kids start adult classes? 15:33 Stories about Indiana BJJ guys like James Clingerman. 22:33 "Old-School Jiu-Jitsu" vs. "New-School Jiu-Jitsu." 35:20 More details about Chewjitsu and Origin Gi collaboration. 36:34 How to deal with the feeling of a "decline in BJJ." 37:30 Martial arts gyms resisting new jiu-jitsu techniques. 43:50 Letting go of attachment to the outcome. 50:30 White belt, who started training 6 weeks ago at age 43 keep getting injured. 54:15 Go-To abdominal exercises. 56:40 How to be a good training partner if you are less skilled. 1:02:00 Book recommendations. 1:05:30 Recommendations on starting your own Cash-Based Physical Therapy practice. 1:09:50 How you should treat tournament rolls. 1:12:42 How stay motivated to keep training after so many years. 1:19:53 What would you tell your younger self/what would you have done differently? 1:29:00 What exercises to practice to control breathing during training. 1:35:50 What are our thoughts about Jiu-Jitsu Being In The Olympics. Thanks to the podcast Sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to [https://bit.ly/31HEWoT](https://bit.ly/31HEWoT) and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out [https://www.epicrollbjj.com](https://www.epicrollbjj.com/) and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Manscaped. Check out [https://www.manscaped.com/](https://www.manscaped.com/) and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off and free shipping! Submission Nutrition. Pick up some oats to help fuel your training at www.submissionnutrition.com and use code Chewjitsu for 15% off your purchase.

This week, Steve is joined by Dominyka "Dom" Obelenyte! On that mats, Dom is a 4x BJJ world champion...but off the mats, she's also an accomplished artist. Together, we explore the "art" component of the gentle art. Dom helps us understand the definition of art, being uniquely who you are, building your professional skillset, goal setting, assigning value to the subjective, and finding your target audience. Dom's BJJ website: [http://dominykao.com/](http://dominykao.com/) Dom's artist website: [https://dominyka-art.com/](https://dominyka-art.com/) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Levels of Competition [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/levels-of-competition/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/levels-of-competition/)- Return on Investment [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/)- Habits Over Results [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/)- Windows of Opportunity [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/windows-of-opportunity/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/windows-of-opportunity/)- Table Selection [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/table-selection/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/table-selection/)- Race to the Bottom [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/race-to-the-bottom/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/race-to-the-bottom/)- Flow [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/flow/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/flow/)- Keep it Playful [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/) **Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!** If you love the podcast, you’ll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at **a fraction of the cost of a single private.** Our premium offerings are powered by Patreon. Sign up here: [https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?**Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/) Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) Music by Enterprize: [https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/](https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/) ⚠️**NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!** **MINDSET FOR BETAS,** our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta)

The frontman and guitarist of the metal band Trivium, BJJ brown belt Matt Heafy sits down to discuss how he's overcome being a "slow learner", making progress while balancing work and the value of failures. He also shares his love for leg locks!

In this new Joint Podcast format, Josh sits down with Chris Paines of The Villaincast and they break down the value of concepts and techniques, How to learn, and why you may struggle in competition. Free Simplifying Jiu-Jitsu Ebook: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/opt-in

Steve is rejoined by Jeff Shaw from Bellingham BJJ. Steve and Jeff do a deep dive into the art of professional wrestling, why it's so misunderstood, and why it's an excellent base for BJJ. **Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!** If you love the podcast, you’ll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at **a fraction of the cost of a single private.** Our premium offerings are powered by Patreon. Sign up here: [https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?**Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/) Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) Music by Enterprize: [https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/](https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/)

How does a brush with death change the way you live your life? This week, Steve is joined by Daniel Rodriguez, black belt and cancer survivor. We talk about how experiencing his own mortality taught Daniel to live with intention. **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Mindfulness [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/)- Kaizen [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/)- Loss Aversion [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/loss-aversion/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/loss-aversion/)- Growth From Discomfort [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/) **Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!** If you love the podcast, you’ll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at **a fraction of the cost of a single private.** Our premium offerings are powered by Patreon. Sign up here: [https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?**Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/) Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) Music by Enterprize: [https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/](https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/) ⚠️**NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!** **MINDSET FOR BETAS,** our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta)

Nini Munoz PhD has a very strong background in risk and failure analysis, and statistical process. She has used these skills and a background in biology to make the science around the Covid-19 pandemic easy to understand and digest on her amazing Instagram feed at https://www.instagram.com/niniandthebrain/ I think you'll enjoy our conversation about risk, science, and who to believe. Take care, Stephan

In this episode, Josh gets a listener question on how coaches should and shouldn't treat their students. As always he takes a round-about way to answer this question and also a few more, like: - The difference between a coach and a teacher - How to Know which one you are - The One thing a coach can NEVER do if they want to become/remain successful Free Simplifying Jiu-Jitsu Ebook: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/opt-in

Kurt is back and in typical fashion, the normal order of the show goes right off the rails… Topics discussed include gross things that dogs do, Mars rovers, intergalactic viruses, aliens, post-apocalyptic lifestyles and classic PC and arcade games.

In this episode I'm joined by pro-wrestler Tad Murphy to talk about the legendary wrestler Karl Gotch. Karl Gotch was a German-Hungarian wrestler born in Belgium who trained at the infamous 'Snake Pit' in Wigan, England, then competed in the United States and then taught several generations of pro-wrestlers in Japan. His influence is the common link between just about every major Japanese MMA organisation including Pride, Shooto, Pancrase, Shootboxing, Rizin and more. You can check out and/or download a high res copy of the Japanese MMA and Catch Wrestling family tree we discuss in this episode at https://www.grapplearts.com/karl-gotch/ Follow Tad Murphy the wrestler on Instagram at @tadwrestler or in his customer success career at @lincolnmurphy

Pete Roberts is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the founder and CEO of *Origin USA*, an American manufacturing company. Pete discusses his desire to create an American-Made Jiu-Jitsu gi, his love for Jiu-Jitsu, being humbled on the mats, starting a business that failed and using that as a motivator, the valuable lessons learned from having his ideas stolen, learning the idea of "Lean Manufacturing," where innovation happens, Pete's creative process, the idea behind the Origin Immersion Camps, How working with Jocko Changed Origin, and what a typical day in Pete's life looks like. Check out *Origin* gis, apparel, and supplements http://www.originusa.com/ Follow Origin USA on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/originusa/ Follow Pete on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pete.m.roberts/ Thanks to the podcast Sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to [https://bit.ly/31HEWoT](https://bit.ly/31HEWoT) and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out [https://www.epicrollbjj.com](https://www.epicrollbjj.com/) and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Submission Nutrition. Pick up some oats to help fuel your training at www.submissionnutrition.com and use code Chewjitsu for 15% off your purchase.

This week, we're joined again by “Papa Tortoise,” Priit Mihkelson! Priit talks about the best practices Jiu-Jitsu can take from other sports, such as pedagogic methods, the importance of play, and a reduced emphasis on hierarchy. **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Keep it Playful [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/)- Scientific Method [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/scientific-method/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/scientific-method/)- Respect People, Not Positions [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/)- Mindfulness [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/)- Beginner's Mind [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/) **Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!** If you love the podcast, you’ll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at **a fraction of the cost of a single private.** Our premium offerings are powered by Patreon. Sign up here: [https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?**Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/) Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) Music by Enterprize: [https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/](https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/) ⚠️**NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!** **MINDSET FOR BETAS,** our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta)

This week the GOONS talk about: the difference between the competitor and the martial artist mindset, how Tim breaks down film, the unruly content on the BJJ GOONS Patreon and much more.

Lead vocalist and guitarist of Biohazard, Billy talks about the impact BJJ has had on him, finding the art pre-UFC and his thoughts on effective teaching. He also shares some entertaining self defense stories and being attacked by Harley Flanagan's dog!

Are you born mentally tough? Combat Wrestling World Champion, Eric Huebner, doesn't think so. Join Josh(@thejoshmckinney) as he interviews his brand new Black Belt, Eric(@erichueb12). They dig deep into what it takes to have a great competitor mindset. Free Simplifying Jiu-Jitsu Ebook: https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/opt-in

Regardless of whether you want to fight in MMA, work as a cop, or just be effective in self defense you have to know how to function in a stressful environment. Today with Jeff Quail MSc we dive into the physiology of the fight or flight reflex, stress exposure training, the balance between training safety and realism, the carryover between combative sports and policing and much more. Jeff Quail served as a Winnipeg police officer for 25 years, has a Master's degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Liverpool and is currently heavily involved in training police officers how to be more effective in stressful scenarios. And, of course, he trains jiu-jitsu. His book, 'A Scientific Approach to Reality Based Training', is available on Amazon in both paperback and kindle formats [https://www.amazon.com/Scientific-Approach-Reality-Based-Training/dp/177529840X/](https://www.amazon.com/Scientific-Approach-Reality-Based-Training/dp/177529840X/) Enjoy! Stephan Kesting P.S. Check out my latest DVD and online streaming course on winning the guard battle using gripfighting and offbalancing at https://www.grapplearts.com/gripfighting

Sean is a BJJ black belt, actor, and stars in the new martial arts movie, "Born A Champion." On this episode, we discuss the importance of BJJ training and health during the pandemic, why Jiu-Jitsu is part of Sean's "religion," Sean's start in Jiu-Jitsu (and his powerful awakening because of BJJ), the two types of people (those that love winning and those that hate losing), how Sean's hate for losing fueled his desire to improve, taking time off of acting to train for the Pan Ams, if Sean would Sean have changed anything about his time on the mats, why you should focus on mastering basic techniques, the idea behind writing and making the movie, "Born A Champion," creating fight scenes in the movie, writing the book "Jane Two." the importance of getting your children into Jiu-Jitsu, being recognized as an actor when training Jiu-Jitsu, what separates BJJ from other martial arts, and Sean's plans for his acting career and goals for the future. Follow Sean on Instagram @spflanary and check out his gym www.hollywoodbjjhouston.com Thanks to the podcast Sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to [https://bit.ly/31HEWoT](https://bit.ly/31HEWoT) and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out [https://www.epicrollbjj.com](https://www.epicrollbjj.com/) and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Manscaped. Check out [https://www.manscaped.com/](https://www.manscaped.com/) and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off and free shipping! Submission Nutrition. Pick up some oats to help fuel your training at www.submissionnutrition.com and use code Chewjitsu for 15% off your purchase.

This week, Steve is joined by Judo world champion and 4x BJJ world champion Kathy Hubble. Kathy shares the tactics and adjustments that make Judo throws more effective in BJJ. Here's the YouTube video we reference in this episode: Judo for BJJ; Stephan Kesting and Kathy Hubble [https://youtu.be/8wScXUDkwB8](https://youtu.be/8wScXUDkwB8) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Predictable Responses [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/)- Kuzushi [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/)- Microtransitions [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/microtransitions/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/microtransitions/)- Funneling [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling/)- Beginner's Mind [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/)- Committed Techniques [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/)- Technique Chaining [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/) **Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!** If you love the podcast, you’ll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at **a fraction of the cost of a single private.** Our premium offerings are powered by Patreon. Sign up here: [https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?**Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/) Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) Music by Enterprize: [https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/](https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/) ⚠️**NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!** **MINDSET FOR BETAS,** our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta)

This week the GOONS welcome Erin Herle back to the show. Erin has gone through a lot since the last time she's been on BJJ GOONS and this episode she catches us up on what's new with her. Erin and the GOONS also discuss proper bitch slapping technique.

Ariel "Tarzan" Sexton joins the show to talk about the BJJ scene in Costa Rica, his MMA career, sports psychology, meditation and the reverse triangle. He also talks about street fights in Canada, laxative pranks, Australian accents and bad vegetables.

Two of the best ways to develop your guard are gripfighting and kuzushi. Today I talk with Rob Biernacki about these rarely taught critical skills and how to develop them. Go to https://www.grapplearts.com/gripfighting for more info! Cheers, Stephan Kesting

Josh McKinney(@thejoshmckinney) has lost his mind! You can't claim that "getting" a black belt is easy, right? Wrong. You could order one off of amazon and "have" a black belt in 2 days. The trick is becoming a black belt. In todays episode Josh Breaks down how to become a black belt and what he believes the belt to mean