BJJ Mental Models

BJJ Mental Models

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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.

Episode List

Ep. 379: Position Series: The 90/90, feat. Rob Biernacki

Mar 2nd, 2026 8:00 AM

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/islandtopteamTrain with Rob at Island Top Team in Nanaimo, BC:https://www.instagram.com/islandtopteambjjhttps://islandtopteam.comLearn online with Rob at BJJ Concepts:https://bjjconcepts.netMental models discussed in this episode:3 Joint Rulehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/3-joint-ruleKnee Linehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/knee-lineMyopiahttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/myopiaPrevention Over Curehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cureUniversal Defenseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/universal-defensesProximal and Distal Controlhttps://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.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodelsMusic 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/beta

Mini Ep. 95: Impostor Syndrome

Feb 26th, 2026 8:00 AM

In this week's mini-episode, we tackle impostor syndrome: the common (but false) belief that you are unworthy of your rank or accomplishments. 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.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://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/beta

Ep. 378: Repetition and Representation, feat. Cal Jones

Feb 23rd, 2026 8:00 AM

This week, we're joined by Cal Jones! A 32-year grappling veteran with a master's in advanced coaching practice, Cal is one of the most recognized voices in the constraints-led approach (CLA) space. In this episode, Cal breaks down why the quality of your reps matters more than the quantity and how to design training that actually transfers to competition. Topics include: repetition and representation, the PVCT model (a framework for layering increasingly representative training tasks), perception-action coupling, invariants in BJJ, open mat intention, and the role of fun and confidence in long-term skill development.Follow Cal on Instagram:https://instagram.com/calwjonesConnect with Cal for consulting:https://calendly.com/calumwalkerjones/consultancyResources discussed in this episode:Ecological Dynamics in Sport Coaching: An Essential Guide, by Steve M. Smith:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWCTGND5Mental models discussed in this episode:Ecological Dynamicshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamicsInvariantshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/invariantsPerception-Action Couplinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/perception-action-couplingIntentionhttps://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.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodelsMusic 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/beta

Mini Ep. 94: Kinetic Chains

Feb 19th, 2026 8:00 AM

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss kinetic chains: a concept from mechanical engineering and physiology that explains how movement in our joints affects the other joints in that limb. Kinetic chains are open when the hand/foot is unconnected, or closed when connected to a surface. 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.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://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/beta

Ep. 377: Presence & Anticipation, feat. Margot Ciccarelli

Feb 16th, 2026 8:00 AM

This week, we're joined again by Margot Ciccarelli! In this episode, Margot shares mindset advice on staying present and escaping the mental trap of "anticipating" negative outcomes. Margot covers important mental reframing topics like fear, hesitation, our internal dialogue, intentional exposure, pattern interrupts, and rhythm changes.Follow Margot on Instagram:https://instagram.com/margotciccarelliMargot's mindset coach, Dr. Frazer Atkinson @ Kaizen:https://kaizenmp.comResources discussed in this episode:BJJMM Ep. 131: Movement Vocabulary, feat. Margot Ciccarellihttps://bjj.plus/131Mental models discussed in this episode:Acute Stress Responsehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/acute-stress-responseMindfulnesshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulnessEmotional Contagionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/emotional-contagionReframinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/reframingPattern Interruptshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/pattern-interruptsEcological Dynamicshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamicsPredictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responsesExternal Cueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/external-cues⬆️ 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.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodelsMusic 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/beta

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