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BJJ Fanatics 656: Renato Canuto

BJJ Fanatics 656: Renato Canuto

The BJJ Fanatics Podcast

Renato Canuto joins the show fresh off his professional MMA debut! He talks about his experience stepping into the cage, balancing grappling competitions with his MMA training, and gives a detailed breakdown of the 100 men vs a gorilla question!

Jul 1, 2025 · 1:46:11 · Listen

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Stephan Kesting of Grapplearts and Jeff Shaw of Bellingham BJJ sit down with clinical psychologist, author, and BJJ black belt Dr. David Ley to challenge everything you think you know about gender. Is “alpha male” behavior really about dominance and strength? Or is it just bad psychology wrapped in influencer hype? Dr. Ley breaks down the biological, psychological, and cultural science behind gender norms, toxic masculinity, and the emotional hunger many men bring to the Jiu-Jitsu mat. From PowerSlap to Jordan Peterson to NoFap, we explore how pseudoscience and insecurity get weaponized—and how grappling can offer men a healthier, evidence-based path forward. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Dr. David Ley – Clinical Psychologist, Author, BJJ Black Belt Jeff Shaw @BellinghamBJJ Stephan Kesting @StephanKesting ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • The real psychology of “alpha males” • How hostile masculinity leads to loneliness and harm • Why BJJ helps men form healthy, platonic bonds • The gender equality paradox: more freedom, more difference • Is toughness always a virtue—or just a blunt force fantasy? • Why touch, teamwork, and problem solving matter more • How pseudoscience fuels fascist masculinity movements • What “white knighting” critics get completely wrong • The role of Jiu-Jitsu in reshaping modern masculinity ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Defining Masculinity 06:09 Cultural Constructs of Masculinity 12:05 Toxic Masculinity vs. Healthy Masculinity 18:43 The Role of Jiu-Jitsu in Masculinity 25:32 Problem Solving and Masculinity 28:03 Healthy Masculinity in Sports 30:06 Protecting the Vulnerable: A Discussion on Masculinity 32:19 The Role of Empathy and Pretending 34:02 Masculinity and Femininity as a Spectrum 35:55 The Alt-Right and Masculinity Influencers 38:20 Cuckolding and Masculinity 41:23 Toxic Femininity: A Counter Perspective 44:50 Guidance for Healthy Masculinity

Jul 1, 2025 · 51:14 · Listen
Stop Being So Nice With Your BJJ (Episode 370)

On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss why you should stop being so nice with your BJJ. We discuss the importance of using pressure with your techniques, ideas on how to properly apply pressure, your intentions when applying pressure, how to recognize a student with "bad intentions," the factors that impact aggressiveness in training, using BJJ to deal with anger and to use intensity in a contained way, training techniques vs. competition techniques, having the ability to shift gears in BJJ, when not to use pressure in training, why there is power in failure, and how to you develop the ability to be more aggressive in BJJ. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to **https://bit.ly/chewjitsu30** and use the promo code Chewjitsu30 to get 30% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://epicrollbjj.com/ and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

Jun 30, 2025 · 55:00 · Listen

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models is joined by Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ and attorney/mediator Andrew Burcham for a deep dive into the legal minefield of free speech, particularly how it intersects with combat sports culture and the internet. What does the First Amendment actually protect? Can private companies limit your speech? Why do so many fighters and fans misunderstand their rights, and what happens when “free speech” is weaponized to shield bigotry? From Dana White to Gordon Ryan, from hate speech to stochastic terrorism, this episode explores how legal frameworks shape behavior online and on the mats—plus what it means for those navigating both the Jiu-Jitsu community and public discourse today. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Andrew Burcham – Attorney & Mediator Jesse Walker ‪@RoughHandsBJJ‬ Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • What the First Amendment actually says • Why free speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences • The legality of hate speech in the U.S. vs. Canada • Stochastic terrorism, incitement, and internet mobbing • Citizens United and how money became “speech” • How lawfare, venue shopping, and religious freedom collide • What Jiu-Jitsu can learn from better civic literacy ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: Meet Andrew Burcham, attorney & Jiu-Jitsu practitioner 01:15 – Free speech in the U.S. vs. Canada 03:55 – Bryce Mitchell, Dana White, and the misuse of “free speech” 06:24 – What the First Amendment really protects 10:00 – The cake maker case: religion vs. discrimination 14:41 – How venue shopping influences legal outcomes 17:23 – U.S. vs. EU: why American law varies state to state 20:08 – The illusion of blind justice and stacking the courts 25:14 – Social media, incitement, and Brandenburg v. Ohio 29:59 – Internet mobs: the Gordon Ryan effect 32:18 – Stochastic terrorism and platform accountability 35:07 – Hate speech laws in Canada vs. the U.S. 39:37 – Can employers fire you for what you say online? 42:00 – Protected classes colliding: religion vs. gender identity 46:16 – Weaponizing religion in legal challenges 51:18 – Citizens United: when corporations got free speech 55:25 – Buying political power: Elon Musk, TrumpCoin & ROI 58:45 – Cuts to Medicaid: real-world consequences in rural America 01:02:33 – Why Americans misunderstand free speech 01:06:34 – The myth of “free speech absolutism” 01:09:13 – Why some grapplers can’t speak out 01:10:36 – Final thoughts: Be kind, question power, fight for truth

Jun 29, 2025 · 1:12:20 · Listen

You want to get better but you feel stuck? Or maybe you can't stop getting injured, and you don't know how to get yourself back. Even though these martial arts are solo missions, it's so important to get the right team behind you to succeed. Learn a little bit more about that in this episode... ---------------------- BULLETPROOF SHIRTS: https://www.fanwear.com.au/products/core-bullet-proof-for-bjj-classic-tee ---------------------- Increase athleticism, reduce injuries and build a grapplers physique with the Bulletproof for BJJ App. Start your FREE 14 Day Trial today: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bulletproof-for-bjj/id6444311790 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bulletproofforbjj&utm_source=na_Med Stay Hydrated with Sodii the tastiest electrolytes in the Game! Get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof

Jun 29, 2025 · 19:47 · Listen

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models is joined by Stephan Kesting (Grapplearts), Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ), and the incomparable Giles Garcia (Ronin Grappling) for a raw, unscripted deep dive into the political and cultural fault lines running through the Jiu-Jitsu world. From media manipulation to fascist creep in martial arts, Giles brings the fire with unfiltered commentary on how the right hijacked the narrative, why conspiracies thrive in the fight scene, and what it really means to stand for something as a coach and leader. If you’ve ever wondered why “just stick to Jiu-Jitsu” is a cop-out, or what role you play in the bigger fight, this one’s for you. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Giles Garcia – Ronin Grappling Stephan Kesting – Grapplearts Jesse Walker – Rough Hands BJJ Steve Kwan – BJJ Mental Models ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • The rise of fascism in martial arts culture • Why conspiracy theories thrive in Jiu-Jitsu • Media consolidation and fake neutrality • How coaches can lead without preaching • Culture war vs. class war in BJJ • Giles responds to Nazi commenters (for real) • What real leadership looks like in hard times ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 02:50 The Role of Martial Arts in Society 05:36 Personal Stories and Experiences with Organizations 08:43 Global Perspectives on Societal Threats 11:51 Media Control and Government Overreach 14:41 The Illusion of Left and Right Politics 17:54 Conspiracies and Their Impact on Society 20:24 The Influence of Popular Media Figures 23:11 The Fight Community and Its Dynamics 26:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 36:00 The Rise of New Media and Its Impact 39:02 The Challenge of Truth in Media 42:10 Understanding the Left's Struggles 47:01 The Need for a Political Reset 48:49 Addressing Real Concerns in Society 52:53 Navigating Power Dynamics in Coaching 58:40 The Importance of Safe Spaces in Training 01:01:45 Responding to Controversial Comments

Jun 26, 2025 · 1:14:24 · Listen

Has your reign at your gym started to come to an end? That blue belt you used to style on is now a grisled brown belt, and your sweeps and submissions are dwindling by the session. What do you do? Is there a way to counteract this phenomenon? Or is the best way to learn to love this moment as a martial artist? Find out ALL of the answers here... ---------------------- BULLETPROOF SHIRTS: https://www.fanwear.com.au/products/core-bullet-proof-for-bjj-classic-tee ---------------------- Increase athleticism, reduce injuries and build a grapplers physique with the Bulletproof for BJJ App. Start your FREE 14 Day Trial today: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bulletproof-for-bjj/id6444311790 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bulletproofforbjj&utm_source=na_Med Stay Hydrated with Sodii the tastiest electrolytes in the Game! Get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof

Jun 26, 2025 · 13:25 · Listen
Mini Ep. 60: Flow

Mini Ep. 60: Flow

BJJ Mental Models

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the concept of **flow,** a mental model for peak performance first proposed in 1975 by the psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro) **Resources mentioned in this episode:** Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi [https://www.harpercollins.com/products/flow-mihaly-csikszentmihalyi](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/flow-mihaly-csikszentmihalyi) Mini Ep. 57: The Map Is Not the Territory [https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/17285192-mini-ep-57-the-map-is-not-the-territory](https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/17285192-mini-ep-57-the-map-is-not-the-territory) **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.** Sign up here for a free trial: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Follow us on social: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/) ⚠️**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)

Jun 25, 2025 · 8:26 · Listen
Minne Master - Tripod Sweep #1

Minne Master Activities where kids teach the move of the week can significantly enhance social skills, cognitive abilities, and physical coordination. When children take on the role of teacher, they solidify their own understanding of the subject matter, while also developing social skills, cognitive development, and physical development. Teaching the move on their own way is a great way to encourage them to develop their social skills such as teamwork, encouraging children to work towards a common goal, fostering communication, the ability of negotiate, and compromise. Teaching others requires basic and clear communication, explaining concepts, and adapting to a better understanding. This improves verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and the ability to interact effectively with their teammates. Explaining concepts and details of the move to other kids in class in a way that it’s easier for themselves to understand helps them to think critically about the topic being studied and it’s helpful for other friends to learn. That requires children to think creatively, strategize, and work through challenges themselves, enhancing problem-solving skills and critical thinking. Teaching often involves recalling information and presenting it in a structured manner. This strengthens memory and recall abilities. All as continuing developing their gross and fine motor skills. #bjj #hus #husa #independentplay #jiujitsu #kidsclasses #lakenokomis #martialarts #mendotaheights #minnehahafalls #kidsjiujitsu #twincities #saintpaulmn #haus021 #haus021us #martialartsforkids #jiujitsufamily #familyactivities #motorskills #funtime #bjj #selfdefense #brazilianjiujitsu #saintpaul #minnegrappler #motorskills #mendotaheightsmn #independentplay #fujimats #hyperice #kidsclasses #antibullying #drinklmnt

Jun 25, 2025 · Watch

Today I'm joined by wrestler, jiu-jitsuka, and author Chris Jessulat (https://www.thewrongsideof35.com/) to discuss the best practices for staying relevant on the mats as you enter your fourth decade and beyond... 00:00 Training as an Older Grappler 02:48 The Transition from Competitive to Recreational Training 05:46 Physical Changes and Changing to a Mobility Focus 08:34 Quantifying Progress in Jiu-Jitsu 11:47 Breaking Through Training Plateaus 14:23 Comfort in Unfamiliar Positions 17:11 Training Strategies for Older Grapplers 29:35 Creating Positive Training Environments 31:12 The Impact of Focussing on Recovery and Positive Lifestyle Choices 33:41 Proactive Injury Management and Recovery Strategies 37:44 Navigating Injury Diagnosis and Treatment 40:51 Adapting Techniques and Mindset in Training 44:22 Reflections on Writing and Sharing Martial Arts Experiences 48:26 Lessons Learned from Martial Arts Training 51:20 The Importance of Community in Martial Arts If you've read this far down then check out my best-selling book Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic, available everywhere including Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/dp/1639368612/

Jun 24, 2025 · 56:22 · Listen
THE SIMPLE MAN PODCAST Ep.126 | NICKY RYAN DATING SHOW?

Don't forget to Like & Subscribe to GET SIMPLIFIED!In this wild ride of an episode, the Simpleman crew dives headfirst into the chaos of street fights, breaks down some of the biggest current events happening around the globe, and—just when you think it couldn’t get weirder—they pitch a TV show based on Nicky Ryan’s dating life. Unfiltered, unpredictable, and undeniably entertaining—this one has it all.Anaconda Fightwear:https://anacondafightwear.co/collections/braces-supports?snowball=SIMPLEMAN15Promo code: https://anacondafightwear.co/SIMPLEMAN15MASF Supplementsuse promo code "SIMPLEMAN" at check out to receive a 15% discount "BE KIND OR ELSE!"https://masfsupplements.comhttps://www.instagram.com/masf_supplements/Pronoia:https://www.pronoiabjj.com/Use promocode SIMPLEMAN for 10% off your entire order at checkoutPronoia Instagram: @pronoiabjjSimpleman instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesimplemanpodcast/Merch Store: https://www.alvafitness.com/collections/simple-man-podcastSimpleman Rashguard: https://bteamjj.shop/products/simple-man-podcast-rash-guardCarne Jerky:https://www.instagram.com/carnejerky_/ NEW TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@therealsimplemanpodcast?lang=enMarekhealth:🥼 https://marekhealth.com/simpleman - Get a 10% discount on diagnostic testing (use code SIMPLEMAN)Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SimpleManPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creatorChapters: 00:00 Intro02:34 UFC Breakdowns04:06 Coffee Drinkers06:53 Simple Man IQ12:44 WNO Breakdown22:20 Street Fight Breakdowns36:15 Nicky Ryan diet40:28 Happy Fathers Day Nicky Rod43:36 Wrestlers make money?47:45 McGregor Era51:46 UFC Chat56:30 Nicky Ryan Inhalers01:04:10 Hospital Visit01:14:49 Crypto01:18:02 World Affairs01:31:42 Nicky Ryan dating show01:38:35 Outro

Jun 23, 2025 · 1:42:11 · Listen
Our Thoughts On "UFC-BJJ" (Episode 369)

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the new "UFC-BJJ" show and BJJ promotion formed by the UFC. We discuss the new BJJ reality show, how to make BJJ more spectator-friendly, whether the UFC should focus on grapplers or people who have never trained to improve viewership, the advantage of having a refs decision, our thoughts on the UFC taking the ruleset from the CJI, the potential challenges of signing an exclusive contract with the UFC, our thoughts on the coaches of this season of UFC-BJJ, the differences between Jiu-Jitsu culture and MMA culture, and our thoughts on where the UFC could take the sport? Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to **https://bit.ly/chewjitsu30** and use the promo code Chewjitsu30 to get 30% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://epicrollbjj.com/ and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

Jun 23, 2025 · 1:06:59 · Listen

In this episode, we're joined once again by Giles Garcia, head coach of Ronin Grappling in Glasgow, to tackle the complex topic of living your values in Jiu-Jitsu. Giles explores the challenges coaches and students face when trying to uphold personal and gym-wide values, especially in situations involving discrimination, safety, and accountability. Giles shares candid experiences from his own gym, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture rooted in inclusion, respect, and trust. Giles dives into how values must be enforced consistently, even when it’s uncomfortable or financially inconvenient, and how both coaches and students have the power—and responsibility—to speak up when those values are threatened. Follow Giles on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/el_guanche](https://www.instagram.com/el_guanche) Train with Giles at Ronin Grappling in Glasgow: [https://roningrappling.com/](https://roningrappling.com/) Learn online with Giles at BJJ Codex: [https://www.bjjcodex.com/](https://www.bjjcodex.com/) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Normalization [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/normalization/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/normalization/)- First Principles [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/first-principles/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/first-principles/)- The Golden Rule [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/golden-rule/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/golden-rule/)- Precommitments [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/precommitments/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/precommitments/)- Paradox of Tolerance [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/paradox-of-tolerance/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/paradox-of-tolerance/) **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.** Sign up here for a free trial: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Follow us on social: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://instagram.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)

Jun 23, 2025 · 1:24:49 · Listen

Well... it's not actually the laziest way. But it may help you become the most consistent version of yourself. When you set achievable goals, you are much less likely to burn out from overtraining jiu jitsu, lifting, and mobility. We shine a new light on how you can get your training in each week and how you can stay in the gym and on the mats. ---------------------- BULLETPROOF SHIRTS: https://www.fanwear.com.au/products/core-bullet-proof-for-bjj-classic-tee ---------------------- Increase athleticism, reduce injuries and build a grapplers physique with the Bulletproof for BJJ App. Start your FREE 14 Day Trial today: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bulletproof-for-bjj/id6444311790 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bulletproofforbjj&utm_source=na_Med Stay Hydrated with Sodii the tastiest electrolytes in the Game! Get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof

Jun 23, 2025 · 13:02 · Listen

Stephan, Jesse, and Shelby are joined by Eva Schubert from the popular Villains and Virgins Podcast to discuss tactics used by all authoritarian states regardless of whether they are theocratic, fascist, or communist in nature. They examine Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale' in the context of today's political climate and address the need for protests and collective action in combating these issues while emphasising the need for empathy and humanity in the face of adversity. Check out Eva's podcast at [https://www.villainsandvirgins.com](https://www.villainsandvirgins.com) and on YouTube at [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnOZJsYzx1k&list=PLteESDDVIavTfrljkgjFpLlrlCuC3I2dV](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnOZJsYzx1k&list=PLteESDDVIavTfrljkgjFpLlrlCuC3I2dV)

Jun 21, 2025 · 59:31 · Listen

Why is there a stereotype of purple belts always skipping the warm up and why is it completely true? Who is at fault here? Is it jiu jitsu traditional warm ups? Is it the purple belts for getting lazy? Or could it be the coaches not holding them accountable? Maybe it's all of these things. We are putting this episode out as a warning to the purple belts who skip warmups. You are only hurting your future self by doing so. Maybe your warmup is the same thing everyday and is outdated. But maybe you can help change that so you and your buddies aren't broken when you finally get your black belts. ---------------------- BULLETPROOF SHIRTS: https://www.fanwear.com.au/products/core-bullet-proof-for-bjj-classic-tee ---------------------- Increase athleticism, reduce injuries and build a grapplers physique with the Bulletproof for BJJ App. Start your FREE 14 Day Trial today: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bulletproof-for-bjj/id6444311790 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bulletproofforbjj&utm_source=na_Med Stay Hydrated with Sodii the tastiest electrolytes in the Game! Get 15% OFF: BULLETPROOF15 https://sodii.com.au/bulletproof

Jun 20, 2025 · 15:03 · Listen

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models is joined by Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ, Mike Mahaffey of Old Bastard BJJ, and mental health advocate David Figueroa-Martinez to challenge the outdated definitions of masculinity still thriving in the Jiu-Jitsu world. Why are men in Jiu-Jitsu still afraid to talk about emotion? What’s the cost of performative toughness on and off the mats? And how can coaches reshape gym culture to support real growth—for everyone? This isn’t about making BJJ "softer." It’s about making it stronger, by fostering vulnerability, empathy, and honesty in an often hypermasculine sport. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: • Jesse Walker ‪@RoughHandsBJJ‬ • Mike Mahaffey ‪@OldBastardBJJ‬ • David Figueroa-Martinez ‪@dfm.2099‬ • Steve Kwan ‪@bjjmentalmodels‬ ⸻ 🧠 Topics We Cover: • Why emotional repression hurts male athletes • The damage done by “fake toughness” in Jiu-Jitsu • Why coaching is about more than just technique • How to build mentally healthy gym culture • The double standard for male vs female emotion • Why acknowledging weakness is a sign of strength ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:58 Exploring Men's Mental Health 05:59 Emotional Intelligence in Men 08:49 Generational Perspectives on Emotions 11:53 The Impact of Media on Masculinity 14:44 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership 17:35 Navigating Grief and Loss 20:29 The Dichotomy of Progress and Pushback 23:30 The Importance of Authenticity in Coaching 37:28 The Performative Coach 38:55 Vulnerability in Coaching 39:25 The Evolving Stigma of Mental Health 40:39 Public Figures and Mental Health 41:38 Emotional Vulnerability in Leadership 43:41 Relatability in Leadership 45:30 The Mask of Professionalism 47:47 The Role of Jiu-Jitsu in Mental Health 49:03 Emotional Intelligence and Anger 51:15 The Dangers of Anger 53:21 Generational Challenges 56:35 Cultural Backlash and Representation 58:03 The Impact of Social Media 01:00:55 Cyberbullying and Youth Challenges 01:03:41 The Role of Jiu-Jitsu Coaches 01:05:17 Authenticity in Coaching 01:07:22 The True Essence of Coaching 01:09:15 Redefining Success in Coaching 01:11:01 Closing Thoughts on Authenticity

Jun 19, 2025 · 1:15:07 · Listen
Mini Ep. 59: Growth Mindset

Mini Ep. 59: Growth Mindset

BJJ Mental Models

In this week's mini-episode we discuss **growth mindsets,** a mental model popularized by Carol Dweck in her hit 2006 book, "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success." Growth mindsets are defined by belief in our ability to improve, as opposed to fixed mindsets, which assume our attributes can't be changed. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro) **Resources mentioned in this episode:** Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Dr. Carol Dweck [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/44330/mindset-by-carol-s-dweck-phd/](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/44330/mindset-by-carol-s-dweck-phd/) Mini Ep. 57: The Map Is Not the Territory [https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/17285192-mini-ep-57-the-map-is-not-the-territory](https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/17285192-mini-ep-57-the-map-is-not-the-territory) **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.** Sign up here for a free trial: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/) Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/) Follow us on social: [https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/) [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/) ⚠️**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)

Jun 19, 2025 · 8:05 · Listen
#327 The 25 Most HATED People in Every BJJ Gym

Welcome to the most brutally honest episode of ISAJJ yet. I(@thejoshmckinney) asked my listeners: What do you hate most about Jiu Jitsu? The answers were unhinged. From the tape mummies and smelly gi warriors to the spazzy white belts and the legend of the "let's roll light liar"—this is a full-on roast of the most annoying people in every BJJ gym. If you don’t laugh… you’re probably one of them. Buckle up. It’s about to get disrespectful. Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) [BJJ Mental Models](https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck) [Kicksite FREE 30 Day Trial](https://kicksite.com/josh-mckinney/) [Datsusara](https://www.dsgear.com/) 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK” [Master ANY Position](https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/6) in 6 Weeks Join[⁠ISAJJ PRO](https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/suck) (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place) Join the[Gi Gazette](https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/GG) Follow the show on[⁠ Instagram⁠](https://www.instagram.com/isuckatjiujitsushow) [⁠Check out the ISAJJ Youtube Channel⁠](https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMcKinney)

Jun 19, 2025 · 1:09:27 · Listen

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