• Ep. 312: Fulcrums, feat. Kelsey Carter
    Nov 25 2024

    This week we're joined by Kelsey Carter! Kelsey is a newly minted black belt from Precision Jiu Jitsu Academy in Sacramento. In this episode, Kelsey discusses the physics and mechanics underlying Jiu-Jitsu techniques, emphasizing the importance of fulcrums, weight distribution, and angles during sweeps and submissions. Kelsey provides insights into adapting techniques for different body types and teaching empowering strategies, particularly for women in the sport. The episode also delves into advanced concepts such as energy conservation, the dynamics of bottom position, and the science behind effective movements.

    Follow Kelsey on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/kels.jitsu


    Mental models discussed in this episode:

    • Core Mechanics
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/

    • Breaking Mechanics
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/breaking-mechanics/

    • Surface Area
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/

    • The Map Is Not the Territory
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/the-map-is-not-the-territory/

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

    • Kuzushi
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/

    • Dominant Angles
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dominant-angles/

    • Shifting Platforms
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shifting-platforms/

    • Center of Gravity
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/center-of-gravity/


    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/

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Mini Ep. 29: Alignment Over Position
    Nov 21 2024

    In this week's mini-episode we explain alignment over position. This is a refinement on the classic "position over submission" concept using Rob Biernacki's alignment framework. It teaches us that having good alignment (base, posture, and structure) is more important than having any particular position.

    Before you listen to this episode, check out:

    BJJMM Mini Ep. 1: Base
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15022850-mini-ep-1-base

    BJJMM Mini Ep. 2: Posture
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15078064-mini-ep-2-posture

    BJJMM Mini Ep. 3: Structure
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15121901-mini-ep-3-structure

    BJJMM Mini Ep. 4: Alignment
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15154544-mini-ep-4-alignment

    BJJMM Mini Ep. 5: The Alignment Scorecard
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15202951-mini-ep-5-the-alignment-scorecard

    BJJMM Mini Ep. 28: Position Over Submission
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/16103640-mini-ep-28-position-over-submission

    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. 311: Complexity and Intensity, feat. Chris Paines
    Nov 18 2024

    This week we're joined again by Chris "The Villain" Paines! In this episode, Chris explains the two "dials" that coaches and students can use to modulate their training: complexity and intensity.

    Follow Chris on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/chrisvillainbjj

    Subscribe to Chris' YouTube Channel:
    https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisPainesBJJ

    Buy Chris' instructionals on BJJ Fanatics:
    https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_chris-paines

    Check out InTheory BJJ on Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/intheorybjj


    Resources discussed in this episode:

    How to Defend Everything with Chris Paines — YouTube
    https://youtu.be/BWitv9AKoNU

    Ep. 155: Concepts Over Techniques, feat. Chris Paines
    https://bjj.plus/155

    Terry Tate: Office Linebacker
    https://youtu.be/RzToNo7A-94


    Mental models discussed in this episode:

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

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

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

    • Position Over Submission
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/position-over-submission/

    • Inversion
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inversion/

    • External Cues
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/external-cues/

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

    • Goodhart's Law
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/goodharts-law/

    • 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/

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Mini Ep. 28: Position Over Submission
    Nov 14 2024

    In this week's mini-episode we explain one of the most commonly discussed mental models in Jiu-Jitsu: position over submission. This concept teaches us that it's often better to maintain position than risk losing it by hunting for submissions. This episode explains the reasoning behind "position over submission," as well as the exceptions.

    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
    8 mins
  • Ep. 310: Integrating Theory and Practice, feat. Aldo Vergel de Dios
    Nov 11 2024

    This week we're joined by Aldo Vergel de Dios! Aldo is the black belt head coach at Motion Jiu-Jitsu in Metro Manila, Philippines. In this episode, Aldo discusses a problem relevant to students and coaches alike: how to integrate conceptual Jiu-Jitsu thinking with on-the-ground practice.

    Follow Aldo on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/aldojitsu

    Train with Aldo at Motion Jiu-Jitsu:
    https://www.motionjiujitsu.com/


    Resources discussed in this episode:

    BJJMM Ep. 162: The Language of Coaching, feat. Nick Winkelman
    https://bjj.plus/162


    Mental models discussed in this episode:

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

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

    • Cognitive Load
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load/

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

    • Inside Channel Control
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/

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

    • Invariants
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/invariants/

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

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

    • Phases of Guard
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/phases-of-guard/

    • Curse of Knowledge
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge/

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


    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/

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Mini Ep. 27: Inside vs. Outside Channel Control
    Nov 7 2024

    In this week's mini-episode we discuss two important and related concepts: inside channel control and outside channel control. Inside channel control refers to taking the inside route around your opponent's weapons, such as going under or between their legs as you'd do with X guard. Outside channel control refers to taking the outside route around your opponent's weapons, such as outside hook / de la Riva guard, closed guard, and matrix back takes.

    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. 309: Submission Series: The Anaconda Choke, feat. Drew Foster
    Nov 4 2024

    This week we're joined again by Drew Foster! Best known as u/darce_knight on Reddit and @drewdarce on Instagram, Drew is a black belt instructor at Elevate MMA in North Carolina, the host of The Neon Belly Podcast, and the host of the State of the Meta podcast on BJJ Mental Models Premium. In this episode, Drew breaks down the mechanics behind the anaconda choke.

    Follow Drew on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/drewdarce

    Listen to Drew on The Neon Belly Podcast:
    https://theneonbelly.buzzsprout.com/

    Buy Drew's instructionals on the d'arce and anaconda choke:
    https://darcedynamics.com/


    Resources discussed in this episode:

    BJJMM Ep. 136: The Anaconda System, feat. Matt Skaff
    https://bjj.plus/136

    BJJMM Ep. 169: Submission Series: The D'Arce Choke, feat. Drew Foster
    https://bjj.plus/169


    Mental models discussed in this episode:

    • Limb Coiling
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/

    • Alignment Over Position
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/alignment-over-position/

    • Position Over Submission
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/position-over-submission/

    • Body Tethering
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/

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

    • Overwhelming Force
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/overwhelming-force/

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

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

    • Myopia
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/myopia/

    • Single vs. Double Lever Control
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/single-vs-double-lever-control/


    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/

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Mini Ep. 26: Crossing the Center
    Oct 31 2024

    In this week's mini-episode we're talking about crossing the center, an ancient mental model that appears in many martial arts beyond Jiu-Jitsu — and for good reason! The "center line" refers to an imaginary line running down the middle of your body, where your spine is. Forcing your opponent to "cross the center," or pass their arm or leg across the center line of their body, is a surefire way to break their posture and structure.


    Further study:

    BJJMM Mini Ep. 1: Base
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15022850-mini-ep-1-base

    BJJMM Mini Ep. 2: Posture
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15078064-mini-ep-2-posture

    BJJMM Mini Ep. 3: Structure
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15121901-mini-ep-3-structure

    BJJMM Mini Ep. 4: Alignment
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15154544-mini-ep-4-alignment

    BJJMM Mini Ep. 5: The Alignment Scorecard
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/16022574-mini-ep-26-crossing-the-center

    Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki (exclusively on BJJMM Premium)
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

    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
    7 mins