BJJ Mental Models

Conceptual BJJ, strategy, and mental frameworks for all levels.

Hosted by Steve Kwan.

Media
Episodes
521 episodes
Mini Ep. 101: Open Knowledge

In this mini-episode, we explain the concept of open knowledge and when information should be kept secret, charged for, or shared freely. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

Apr 9, 2026 · Watch
Mini Ep. 101: Open Knowledge

In this mini-episode, we explain the concept of **open knowledge** and when information should be kept secret, charged for, or shared freely. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro) ⬆️ **LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!** The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://youtube.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)

Apr 9, 2026 · 7:40 · Listen
Ep. 385: Jiu-Jitsu "Third Places," feat. Justin Relph

This week, we're joined by Justin Relph! Justin is a self-described die-hard hobbyist, event marketer, and the black belt coach behind Jiu Jitsu Invermere, a not-for-profit gym in the mountains of British Columbia. In this episode, Justin shares his experience building community through jiu-jitsu in a small resort town, and we revisit the concept of third places: the social spaces beyond home and work that so many of us are missing. Topics include: the decline of third places in modern life, how to build gym culture around community rather than competition, bringing jiu-jitsu to where people are, and the power of unstructured social time after training. Follow Jiu Jitsu Invermere on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jiujitsuinvermere Train with Justin at Jiu Jitsu Invermere in Invermere, BC: https://invybjj.ca Mental models discussed in this episode: Third Places https://bjjmentalmodels.com/third-places Growth from Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort Ecological Dynamics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com

Apr 6, 2026 · Watch

This week, we're joined by Justin Relph! Justin is a self-described die-hard hobbyist, event marketer, and the black belt coach behind Jiu Jitsu Invermere, a not-for-profit gym in the mountains of British Columbia. In this episode, Justin shares his experience building community through jiu-jitsu in a small resort town, and we revisit the concept of third places: the social spaces beyond home and work that so many of us are missing. Topics include: the decline of third places in modern life, how to build gym culture around community rather than competition, bringing jiu-jitsu to where people are, and the power of unstructured social time after training. Follow Jiu Jitsu Invermere on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/jiujitsuinvermere](https://instagram.com/jiujitsuinvermere) Train with Justin at Jiu Jitsu Invermere in Invermere, BC: [https://invybjj.ca](https://invybjj.ca/) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Third Places [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/third-places](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/third-places)- Growth from Discomfort [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort)- Ecological Dynamics [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics) ⬆️ **LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!** The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://youtube.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)

Apr 6, 2026 · 59:08 · Listen
Mini Ep. 100: The Golden Rule

In our 100th mini-episode, we explain the golden rule, also known as the ethic of reciprocity or the "do unto others" principle. In our opinion, despite not being explicitly about grappling, the golden rule is the most important mental model for jiu-jitsu. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

Apr 2, 2026 · Watch
Mini Ep. 100: The Golden Rule

In our 100th mini-episode, we explain **the golden rule,** also known as the ethic of reciprocity or the "do unto others" principle. In our opinion, despite not being explicitly about grappling, the golden rule is the most important mental model for jiu-jitsu. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro) ⬆️ **LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!** The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://youtube.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)

Apr 2, 2026 · 7:37 · Listen
Ep. 384: Secret Gracie History, feat. Jeff Shaw

This week, we're joined by Jeff Shaw! Jeff is a black belt, head coach at Bellingham BJJ, and a history professor with peer-reviewed publications on jiu-jitsu history. In this episode, Jeff shares his findings on one of the most obscure and underappreciated figures in jiu-jitsu history: Rorden Gracie. Follow Jeff on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jeffshawbjj Train with Jeff at Bellingham BJJ in Washington: https://bellinghambjj.com ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com

Apr 1, 2026 · Watch

This week, we're joined by Jeff Shaw! Jeff is a black belt, head coach at Bellingham BJJ, and a history professor with peer-reviewed publications on jiu-jitsu history. In this episode, Jeff shares his findings on one of the most obscure and underappreciated figures in jiu-jitsu history: Rorden Gracie. Follow Jeff on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/jeffshawbjj](https://instagram.com/jeffshawbjj) Train with Jeff at Bellingham BJJ in Washington: [https://bellinghambjj.com](https://bellinghambjj.com/) ⬆️ **LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!** The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://youtube.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)

Apr 1, 2026 · 38:21 · Listen
Ep. 383: The Way of Excellence in BJJ, feat. Brad Stulberg

This week, we're joined by Brad Stulberg! Brad is the author of multiple bestsellers including The Way of Excellence and Peak Performance. In this episode, Brad shares his findings from a decade of researching excellence: what it actually is, why we chase it, and what separates real pursuit from the performative version flooding our feeds. Topics include: the three Cs of excellence (caring, curiosity, consistency), self-handicapping, reframing nerves as excitement, why plateaus are a feature (not a bug), and how to make intelligent trade-offs so you stop spreading yourself too thin. If you've ever beaten yourself up for not progressing fast enough, this one's for you. Get The Way of Excellence and Brad's other books: https://bradstulberg.com Mental models discussed in this episode: Process Over Outcomes https://bjjmentalmodels.com/process-over-outcomes Feedback Loop https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop Defensive Thinking https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defensive-thinking Consistency https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency Compounding https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compounding Surface Area https://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area Keep It Playful https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com

Mar 30, 2026 · Watch

This week, we're joined by Brad Stulberg! Brad is the author of multiple bestsellers including *The Way of Excellence* and *Peak Performance.* In this episode, Brad shares his findings from a decade of researching excellence: what it actually is, why we chase it, and what separates real pursuit from the performative version flooding our feeds. Topics include: the three Cs of excellence (caring, curiosity, consistency), self-handicapping, reframing nerves as excitement, why plateaus are a feature (not a bug), and how to make intelligent trade-offs so you stop spreading yourself too thin. If you've ever beaten yourself up for not progressing fast enough, this one's for you. Get The Way of Excellence and Brad's other books: [https://bradstulberg.com](https://bradstulberg.com) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Process Over Outcomes [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/process-over-outcomes](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/process-over-outcomes)- Feedback Loop [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop)- Defensive Thinking [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defensive-thinking](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defensive-thinking)- Consistency [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency)- Compounding [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compounding](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compounding)- Surface Area [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area)- Keep It Playful [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful) ⬆️ **LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!** The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://youtube.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)

Mar 30, 2026 · 1:01:27 · Listen
Mini Ep. 99: Elbow-Knee Connection

In this week's mini-episode, we explain the elbow-knee connection: a defensive (and also offensive) concept where we shrink the gap between our elbow and knee. Closing this space makes guard passing and retention easier by denying our opponent access to our hips, arms, and legs. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

Mar 26, 2026 · Watch
Mini Ep. 99: Elbow-Knee Connection

In this week's mini-episode, we explain the **elbow-knee connection:** a defensive (and also offensive) concept where we shrink the gap between our elbow and knee. Closing this space makes guard passing and retention easier by denying our opponent access to our hips, arms, and legs. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro) ⬆️ **LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!** The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://youtube.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)

Mar 26, 2026 · 10:02 · Listen
Ep. 382: Simple Beats Fancy, feat. Tum Energia

This week, we're joined again by Tum Energia! In this episode, we explain the real challenge facing grapplers today: not finding good technique, but filtering through way too much of it. Tum breaks down how concepts and mechanical cues beat memorizing techniques, and why simple games like "dirty feet" build better jiu-jitsu than drilling the latest viral submission. Follow Tum on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tumenergia Subscribe to Energia Martial Arts on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@EnergiaMartialArts Train with Tum at Energia Martial Arts in Nijmegen, Netherlands: https://energia-martialarts.com Mental models discussed in this episode: Concepts Over Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques Hick's Law https://bjjmentalmodels.com/hicks-law Cognitive Load https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load Ecological Dynamics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics Inside Channel Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control Kuzushi https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi Theory of Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment External Cues https://bjjmentalmodels.com/external-cues Abundance Paradox https://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-paradox Red Queen Effect https://bjjmentalmodels.com/red-queen-effect ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com

Mar 23, 2026 · Watch

This week, we're joined again by Tum Energia! In this episode, we explain the real challenge facing grapplers today: not finding good technique, but filtering through way too much of it. Tum breaks down how concepts and mechanical cues beat memorizing techniques, and why simple games like "dirty feet" build better jiu-jitsu than drilling the latest viral submission. Follow Tum on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/tumenergia](https://instagram.com/tumenergia) Subscribe to Energia Martial Arts on YouTube: [https://youtube.com/@EnergiaMartialArts](https://youtube.com/@EnergiaMartialArts) Train with Tum at Energia Martial Arts in Nijmegen, Netherlands: [https://energia-martialarts.com](https://energia-martialarts.com) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Concepts Over Techniques [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques)- Hick's Law [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/hicks-law](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/hicks-law)- Cognitive Load [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load)- Ecological Dynamics [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics)- Inside Channel Control [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control)- Kuzushi [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi)- Theory of Alignment [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment)- External Cues [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/external-cues](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/external-cues)- Abundance Paradox [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-paradox](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-paradox)- Red Queen Effect [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/red-queen-effect](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/red-queen-effect) ⬆️ **LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!** The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://youtube.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)

Mar 23, 2026 · 59:59 · Listen
Mini Ep. 98: Shuhari

In this week's mini-episode, we explain shuhari: a Japanese concept from the traditional martial arts explaining the three stages of mastery. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

Mar 19, 2026 · Watch
Mini Ep. 98: Shuhari

In this week's mini-episode, we explain **shuhari:** a Japanese concept from the traditional martial arts explaining the three stages of mastery. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro) ⬆️ **LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!** The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://youtube.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)

Mar 19, 2026 · 7:09 · Listen
Ep. 381: What's My Game Again? feat. Josh "Kintanon" Wentworth

This week, we're joined again by fan favorite Josh "Kintanon" Wentworth! Josh explains one of the most overlooked concepts in jiu-jitsu: having a "game." Drawing inspiration from the Mendes brothers, Josh explains why a repeatable, deliberate path from standing to finish beats reactive rolling every time. Topics include: decision-making loops, why "taking what they give you" is a trap, and how to actually build a game plan that works under pressure. Follow Josh on Instagram: https://instagram.com/apexconyers Train with Josh at Apex MMA Conyers in Covington, Georgia: https://www.apexconyers.com Argue with Josh on Reddit: https://reddit.com/u/kintanon Mental models discussed in this episode: Feedback Loop https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop Technique Chaining https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining Funneling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling Tokui Waza https://bjjmentalmodels.com/tokui-waza ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels Music by Enterprize: https://enterprize.bandcamp.com

Mar 16, 2026 · Watch

This week, we're joined again by fan favorite Josh "Kintanon" Wentworth! Josh explains one of the most overlooked concepts in jiu-jitsu: having a "game." Drawing inspiration from the Mendes brothers, Josh explains why a repeatable, deliberate path from standing to finish beats reactive rolling every time. Topics include: decision-making loops, why "taking what they give you" is a trap, and how to actually build a game plan that works under pressure. Follow Josh on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/apexconyers](https://instagram.com/apexconyers) Train with Josh at Apex MMA Conyers in Covington, Georgia: [https://www.apexconyers.com](https://www.apexconyers.com) Argue with Josh on Reddit: [https://reddit.com/u/kintanon](https://reddit.com/u/kintanon) **Mental models discussed in this episode:** - Feedback Loop [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop)- Technique Chaining [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining)- Funneling [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling)- Tokui Waza [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/tokui-waza](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/tokui-waza) ⬆️ **LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!** The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://youtube.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)

Mar 16, 2026 · 1:05:27 · Listen
Mini Ep. 97: Double Tap

In this week's mini-episode, we explain the double tap: a deceptive way to trick your opponent into lowering their defenses. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: https://bjjmentalmodels.com Need more BJJ Mental Models? Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter Learn more mental models in our online database: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database Follow us on social: https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

Mar 12, 2026 · Watch
Mini Ep. 97: Double Tap

In this week's mini-episode, we explain the **double tap:** a deceptive way to trick your opponent into lowering their defenses. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro) ⬆️ **LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!** The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/) **Need more BJJ Mental Models?** Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter) Learn more mental models in our online database: [https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database](https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database) Follow us on social: [https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels](https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels) [https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels) [https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social](https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/) [https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels](https://youtube.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)

Mar 12, 2026 · 4:32 · Listen

Reviews

Sign in to leave a review.

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.

Report an Issue

Found outdated information, a broken link, or incorrect data? Let us know and we'll fix it.

0 characters (minimum 10)

We'll use this to follow up if needed