In this mini-episode, we explain first principles: how we can repeatedly ask "why" to uncover simple and foundation truths so we can better understand jiu-jitsu.

Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Theory of Alignment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment

⬆️ 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

This week, we're joined by Kyvann Gonzalez! Kyvann is the head coach and co-owner of Bodega Jiu Jitsu in Maplewood, NJ, where he builds his classes around games and live training using the constraints-led approach. In this episode, Kyvann explains how to get the most out of a one-hour class, whether you're the coach running the room or a student with limited time to train. Topics include: cutting down coach talk time, keeping advanced classes simple, the "gray area" of technique, and secret games for students at traditional gyms.

Train at Bodega Jiu Jitsu in Maplewood, NJ:
https://www.bodegajiujitsu.com

Learn jiu-jitsu from Kyvann on the Bodega Jiu Jitsu Patreon:
https://patreon.com/BodegaJiuJitsu

Follow Kyvann on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/kyvanng


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Feedback Loop
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop
  
  
• Constraints-Led Approach
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach
  
  
• Extreme Ownership
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/extreme-ownership
  
  
• Ecological Dynamics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics
  
  
• Self-Organization
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-organization
  
  
• Concepts Over Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques
  
  
• Curse of Knowledge
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge
  
  
• Prevention Over Cure
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure
  
  
• Certainty Heuristic
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/certainty-heuristic
  
  
• Investing in Loss
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss
  
  
• Deliberate Practice
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/deliberate-practice
  
  
• Train with Purpose
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose
  
  
• Goodhart's Law
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/goodharts-law
  
  
• Training Handicaps
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/training-handicaps
  
  
  

⬆️ 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

In this mini-episode, we explain handicapping: how we can physically and strategically reduce our performance to get the most out of each training round.

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

This week, we're joined by Marc Ste-Marie! Marc is a second-degree black belt with Brazilian Top Team who has been grappling since the late 80s, coaches kids and adult classes, and is the father of Brianna Ste-Marie. In this episode, Marc explains how he uses technique sequencing to teach connected chains instead of isolated moves, whether he's showing moves step by step or coaching through games. Topics include: why random, disconnected classes slow students down, coaching with a starting point and a hint, judging a program by its average students, and building mat IQ through play.

Follow Marc on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/kwiksub2021

Train with Marc at BTT Canada West Island in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec:
https://bttcanadawestisland.com


Resources discussed in this episode:

Listen to Ep. 322: Technique Zero, feat. Marc Ste-Marie:
https://bjj.plus/322

Get Brianna Ste-Marie's competition course on BJJ Mental Models Premium:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Ecological Dynamics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics
  
  
• Technique Chaining
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining
  
  
• Predictable Responses
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses
  
  
• Constraints-Led Approach
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach
  
  
• Survivorship Bias
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/survivorship-bias
  
  
• Concepts Over Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques
  
  
• Keep It Playful
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful
  
  
• Process Over Outcomes
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/process-over-outcomes
  
  
• Investing in Loss
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss
  
  
  

⬆️ 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

In this mini-episode, we explain survivorship bias: a logical error where we overstudy those who were successful, but understudy those who failed.

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

This week, we're joined by Brandon Reed! Brandon is a three-time NAIA national champion wrestler from Louisville, Kentucky, who now trains jiu-jitsu full-time in Guelph, Ontario. In this episode, Brandon explains hand fighting for jiu-jitsu standup: how to get past your opponent's head, hands, and hips while protecting your own. Topics include: your default stance and the down block hand, feints and distance management, "positive" versus "negative" wrestling, fighting for inside ties, and play wrestling to build timing.

Learn wrestling for jiu-jitsu from Brandon at WrestleJitsu Club:
https://www.wrestlejitsu.club

Get Dominate the Hand Fight:
https://www.wrestlejitsu.club/dominate

Follow Brandon on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/brandonreed001

Subscribe to Brandon on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@brandonreed3x


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Controlling the Distance
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlling-the-distance
  
  
• Opening Salvos
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/opening-salvos
  
  
• Predictable Responses
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses
  
  
• Mask Your Intentions
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mask-your-intentions
  
  
• Tokui Waza
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/tokui-waza
  
  
• Keep It Playful
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful
  
  
• Do What Works
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works
  
  
• Inside Channel Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control
  
  
• Constraints-Led Approach
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach
  
  
• Head Position
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/head-position
  
  
• Windows of Opportunity
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/windows-of-opportunity
  
  
• Kuzushi
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi
  
  
• Dictate the Pace
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace
  
  
• Investing in Loss
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss
  
  
• Grips Dictate Position
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position
  
  
  

⬆️ 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

In this mini-episode, we explain confirmation bias: the human tendency to favor information that supports our existing beliefs, and discard information that doesn't.

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

This week, we're joined by Jeff Serafin! Jeff runs Serafin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu out of Gym 1801 in Evanston, Illinois, and has been training jiu-jitsu for almost 30 years. In this episode, Jeff talks about the fragmentation of the jiu-jitsu community, and what coaches and students can do to bring it back together. Topics include: gi versus no-gi tribalism, ecological versus traditional training, gatekeeping, and cross-training.

Train at Serafin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (inside Gym 1801) in Evanston, IL:
https://serafinjiujitsu.com

Follow Jeff on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/serafinbjj

Follow Gym 1801 on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/gym.1801


Resources discussed in this episode:

Mini Ep. 120: Ecological Dynamics, by Steve Kwan:
https://bjj.plus/mini120


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Ecological Dynamics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics
  
  
• Constraints-Led Approach
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach
  
  
• Keep Your Identity Small
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-your-identity-small
  
  
• Certainty Heuristic
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/certainty-heuristic
  
  
• Beginner's Mind
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind
  
  
• Resulting Fallacy
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/resulting
  
  
• Silver Bullet Fallacy
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/silver-bullet-fallacy
  
  
• Survivorship Bias
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/survivorship-bias
  
  
• Rapoport's Rules
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/rapoports-rules
  
  
• Curse of Knowledge
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge
  
  
• Intention
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/intention
  
  
  

⬆️ 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

In this mini-episode, we explain visualization: the science behind it, its limitations, the difference between general and technique visualization, and how it applies to 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

This week, we're joined by Hillary VanOrnum! Hillary is a third-degree black belt who runs Unicorn Jiu Jitsu in Portland, Oregon with her husband, and she just won her first Masters World Championship at black belt. In this episode, Hillary explains the difference between instructing and coaching, and how she uses questions to help students work out answers for themselves. Topics include: relating jiu-jitsu to sports students already know, building on each student's favorite techniques, letting go of control as a gym owner, turning Instagram clips into homework, and coaching students who only train twice a week.

Train at Unicorn Jiu Jitsu in Portland, OR:
https://unicornjiujitsu.com

Get private lessons, online coaching, or coach mentorship with Hillary:
https://unicornjiujitsu.com/page/PrivateLessons

Follow Hillary on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/unicorn_jiujitsu

Follow Unicorn Jiu Jitsu on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/unicornjiujitsupdx

Follow the Gathering of the Unicorns women's camp on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/gathering_of_the_unicorns


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Transfer of Learning
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/transfer-of-learning
  
  
• Tokui Waza
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/tokui-waza
  
  
• Growth from Discomfort
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort
  
  
• Constraints-Led Approach
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach
  
  
• Feedback Loop
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop
  
  
• Effortful Retrieval
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/effortful-retrieval
  
  
• 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

In this mini-episode, we explain perception-action coupling: a sports science concept explaining how practice should give athletes the same cues they'd face in a real match.

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