• Mini Ep. 53: Kuzushi
    May 8 2025

    In this week's mini-episode we discuss kuzushi, the Japanese concept of breaking balance! Kuzushi is critical in Judo, but it's just as important in Jiu-Jitsu — both standing and on the ground.

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


    Resources discussed in this episode:

    Mini Ep. 51: Technique Chaining
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/17035097-mini-ep-51-technique-chaining

    Mini Ep. 52: Shifting Platforms
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/17077049-mini-ep-52-shifting-platforms


    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/

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    6 mins
  • Ep. 336: Growing Your Academy, feat. Hillary Witt & Nelson Puentes
    May 5 2025

    This week we're joined by the founders of Inverted Gear: Hillary Witt and Nelson Puentes! Three years ago, Hillary and Nelson took the Inverted Gear brand beyond Jiu-Jitsu equipment and opened a physical academy in Pennsylvania! In this episode, Hillary and Nelson share key lessons learned from their journey into academy ownership.

    Follow Inverted Gear on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/invertedgear

    Train at Inverted Gear Academy in Bethlehem, PA:
    https://www.invertedgearacademy.com/

    Shop Inverted Gear:
    https://www.invertedgear.com/

    Order the SWEET Moo Deng rashguard from BJJ Mental Models x Inverted Gear:
    http://bjjmentalmodels.com/moodeng


    Mental models discussed in this episode:

    • Feedback Loop
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop/

    • Constraints-Led Approach
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach/

    • Ecological Dynamics
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics/

    • Gamification
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification/

    • Defensive Thinking
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defensive-thinking/

    • Return on Investment
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/

    • Incremental Learning
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/

    • Survivorship Bias
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/survivorship-bias/


    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/

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Mini Ep. 52: Shifting Platforms
    May 1 2025

    In this week's mini-episode we discuss shifting platforms, wherein you as the bottom player use continuous movement to prevent your opponent from fully establishing their base on top of you. Moving away from big, explosive escape attempts and toward smaller, continuous movement makes a huge difference in your success from bottom positions.


    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/

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    11 mins
  • Ep. 335: The PLAY Framework, feat. Erin Herle
    Apr 28 2025

    This week we're joined again by Erin Herle! In this episode, Erin introduces the PLAY framework and explains why humor is a fundamental element of good culture and learning.

    Follow Erin on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/erinherle/

    Get Erin's new book, If You’re Not Laughing, You’re Losing:
    https://amzn.to/4jP5x8K

    Work with Erin:
    https://www.erinherle.com/
    http://highmentalperformance.com/


    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    Humor Styles Questionnaire, by Rod A. Martin, PhD:
    http://www.humorstyles.com/

    If You’re Not Laughing, You’re Losing, by Erin Herle:
    https://amzn.to/4jP5x8K

    VIA Character Strengths Survey:
    https://www.viacharacter.org/


    Mental models discussed in this episode:

    • Keep it Playful
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/

    • Habits Over Results
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/

    • Defensive Thinking
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defensive-thinking/

    • 10-10-10 Rule
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/10-10-10-rule/

    • Survivorship Bias
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/survivorship-bias/

    • Consistency
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/

    • Psychological Safety
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety/

    • Respect People, Not Positions
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/

    • Yes, And...
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/yes-and/

    • Flow
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/flow/

    • Reflecting "As If"
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/reflecting-as-if/


    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

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Mini Ep. 51: Technique Chaining
    Apr 24 2025

    In this week's mini-episode we explain the importance of technique chaining, and why "Jiu-Jitsu is the space between the techniques."


    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/

    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • Ep. 334: Project-Based Gameplanning, feat. Josh Vogel & Dr. Mike Israetel
    Apr 21 2025

    This week we're joined by two BJJMM alumni: Josh Vogel and Dr. Mike Israetel! In this episode, Josh and Mike discuss the unique way they build gameplans at The Jiu-Jitsu Company.

    Follow Josh and Mike on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/joshrvogel
    https://www.instagram.com/drmikeisraetel

    Subscribe to Josh and Mike on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@thejiujitsucompany
    https://www.youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodization

    Get Josh's instructional, 90 Day Project Based Jiu Jitsu:
    https://bjjfanatics.com/products/90-day-project-based-jiu-jitsu-by-josh-vogel

    Get ripped with Mike at RP Strength:
    https://rpstrength.com/


    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    Arguing to Convince series, by Dr. Mike Israetel — YouTube
    https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyqKj7LwU2RufCp8SzFQy3Nb1FaHpsCLu


    Mental models discussed in this episode:

    • Asymmetric Warfare
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/asymmetric-warfare/

    • Zone of Genius
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/zone-of-genius/

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

    • Funneling
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling/

    • Technique Chaining
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/

    • Dictate the Pace
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/

    • Tokui Waza
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/tokui-waza/

    • Dilemma
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dilemma/

    • Plus, Minus, Equals
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/plus-minus-equals/


    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/

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    57 mins
  • Mini Ep. 50: Phases of Passing
    Apr 17 2025

    In this week's mini-episode we explain the phases of passing: disentangle, control, pass.

    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    Mini Ep. 49: Phases of Guard
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16950582-mini-ep-49-phases-of-guard


    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/

    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Ep. 333: Coaching for All Levels, feat. Nick Volpe
    Apr 14 2025

    This week we're joined by Nick Volpe! Nick is the black belt head coach at Dark Bear Jiu-Jitsu in Staten Island, New York. In this episode, Nick explains how he makes Jiu-Jitsu coaching accessible to students and coaches of all experience levels. Topics include: self-organized learning, teaching the "why" behind techniques, the importance of timing, creating objectives that guide student progress, and layered difficulties during live resistance training.

    Follow Nick on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/darkbeardojo

    Train with Nick at Dark Bear Jiu-Jitsu in Staten Island:
    https://www.darkbeardojo.com/


    Mental models discussed in this episode:

    • Ecological Dynamics
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics/

    • Concepts Over Techniques
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques/

    • Self-Organization
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-organization/

    • Economy of Motion
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/economy-of-motion/

    • Windows of Opportunity
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/windows-of-opportunity/

    • Gamification
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification/

    • Probabilistic Thinking
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/probabilistic-thinking/

    • Training Handicaps
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/training-handicaps/


    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/

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    1 hr and 4 mins