BJJ Mental Models
Steve Kwan
<p>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.</p>
- 7 minutes 37 secondsMini 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
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The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:
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https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database
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⚠️ 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/beta2 April 2026, 7:00 am - 38 minutes 21 secondsEp. 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
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https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels
https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social
https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels
Music by Enterprize:
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/beta1 April 2026, 7:00 am - 1 hour 1 minuteEp. 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
⚠️ 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/beta30 March 2026, 7:00 am - Process Over Outcomes
- 10 minutes 2 secondsMini 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
⚠️ 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/beta26 March 2026, 7:00 am - 59 minutes 59 secondsEp. 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
⚠️ 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/beta23 March 2026, 7:00 am - Concepts Over Techniques
- 7 minutes 9 secondsMini 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
⚠️ 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/beta19 March 2026, 7:00 am - 1 hour 5 minutesEp. 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
⚠️ 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/beta16 March 2026, 7:00 am - Feedback Loop
- 4 minutes 32 secondsMini 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
⚠️ 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/beta12 March 2026, 7:00 am - 1 hour 1 minuteEp. 380: Women Grow Gyms, feat. Livia Giles
This week, we're joined again by Livia Giles! In this episode, Livia explains why growing your gym's female membership isn't just the right thing to do, it's smart business. Livia shares what actually moves the needle on women's participation, the culture shifts that make women feel welcome, why intimidation kills retention before it starts, and how gym owners can practically double their potential clientele by taking women seriously.
Follow Livia on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/livia_giles
Train with Livia at Absolute MMA in St. Kilda, Australia:
https://absolutemma.com.au
Learn online with Livia at SUBMETA (seriously, do it):
https://submeta.io
Mental models discussed in this episode:- Psychological Safety
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety
⬆️ 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
⚠️ 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/beta9 March 2026, 7:00 am - Psychological Safety
- 8 minutes 14 secondsMini Ep. 96: Direct and Proxy Control
In this week's mini-episode, we explain the relationship between direct control and proxy control. Direct control means a dominant grip through immediate contact; proxy control means using something else (like the gi).
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
⚠️ 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/beta5 March 2026, 8:00 am - 48 minutes 50 secondsEp. 379: Position Series: The 90/90, feat. Rob Biernacki
This week, Rob Biernacki is back! In this episode, Rob explains the 90/90: a yoga-style "pigeon pose" position ideal for defending leglocks and getting to the running man escape (AKA the "Captain Morgan").
Follow Rob on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/islandtopteam
Train with Rob at Island Top Team in Nanaimo, BC:
https://www.instagram.com/islandtopteambjj
https://islandtopteam.com
Learn online with Rob at BJJ Concepts:
https://bjjconcepts.net
Mental models discussed in this episode:- 3 Joint Rule
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/3-joint-rule - Knee Line
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/knee-line - Myopia
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/myopia - Prevention Over Cure
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure - Universal Defenses
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/universal-defenses - Proximal and Distal Control
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/proximal-and-distal-control
⬆️ 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
⚠️ 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/beta2 March 2026, 8:00 am - 3 Joint Rule
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