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BJJ Mental Models

BJJ Mental Models

By: Steve Kwan
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About this listen

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.

© 2025 BJJ Mental Models
Combat Sports & Self-Defense Hygiene & Healthy Living Wrestling
Episodes
  • Mini Ep. 75: Curse of Knowledge
    Oct 9 2025

    In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the curse of knowledge: a cognitive bias explaining why it's hard for experts to relate to beginners.

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


    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/


    Need more BJJ Mental Models?

    Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

    Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

    Follow us on social:
    https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
    https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

    Get Jake O'Driscoll's triple threat ankle lock course, FREE:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/jake

    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Ep. 358: Please Tap, feat. Rob Biernacki
    Oct 6 2025

    In this episode, Rob Biernacki confronts a growing trend of competitors refusing to tap and taking serious injuries at low-level tournaments. Rob argues that reckless "tough-guy" behavior, poor finishing mechanics, and bad coaching culture are fueling unnecessary damage for hobbyists. Rob calls for smarter, safer training values, reminding athletes that protecting longevity matters more than risking ligaments for a $5 medal.

    Follow Rob on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/islandtopteam

    Train with Rob at Island Top Team in Nanaimo, BC, Canada:
    https://islandtopteam.com/

    Learn from Rob online at BJJ Concepts:
    https://bjjconcepts.net/


    Mental models discussed in this episode:

    • Defend With Purpose
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defend-with-purpose/

    • Constant and Variable Tension
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constant-and-variable-tension/

    • Keep Your Identity Small
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-your-identity-small/

    • Prioritize Longevity
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity/


    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/


    Need more BJJ Mental Models?

    Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

    Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

    Follow us on social:
    https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
    https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

    Music by Enterprize:
    https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

    Get Jake O'Driscoll's triple threat ankle lock course, FREE:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/jake

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Mini Ep 74: Center of Gravity
    Oct 2 2025

    In this week's mini-episode, we discuss center of gravity: your body's "tipping point" of balance. Your center of gravity is around 56% of the way up your body (around your pelvis) when standing upright, but moves as your body moves. Understanding your center of gravity is key to preventing it from being used against you. With practice, your center of gravity can even be a weapon.

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


    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/


    Need more BJJ Mental Models?

    Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

    Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

    Follow us on social:
    https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
    https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

    Get Jake O'Driscoll's triple threat ankle lock course, FREE:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/jake

    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
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