BJJ Mental Models

This week, we're joined by Priit Mihkelson! Priit is an Estonian black belt and co-owner of Estum Jiu-Jitsu in Tallinn, with 26 years of jiu-jitsu behind him. In this episode, Priit works through what a coach's job is, and why his answer (make people want to come back) has less to do with jiu-jitsu than he expected. Topics include: self-determination theory, the gym as a "third place," coaching lessons from parenting, whether coaching can scale, and finding your own voice as a coach.

Follow Priit on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/priit_mihkelson

Follow Priit on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/priit.mihkelson

Train with Priit at Estum Jiu-Jitsu in Tallinn, Estonia:
https://estumjiujitsu.ee/

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Continuum of Motivation
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/continuum-of-motivation

• The Third Place
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/third-place

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

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

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

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

⬆️ 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/

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Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

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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 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

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The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:
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Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

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https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
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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/

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https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

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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

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The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:
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https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

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https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
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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

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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/

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Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

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https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
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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/

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Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

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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

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https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels
https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social/
https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

This week, we're joined by Nelson Puentes! Nelson co-founded Inverted Gear and runs Inverted Gear Academy in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In this episode, Nelson explains his Super Mario theory of jiu-jitsu: a good game teaches you how to play it by raising the difficulty one step at a time, and a good jiu-jitsu class works the same way. Topics include: game design, resource management, coaching without instructions, defensive jiu-jitsu, and intrinsic motivation.

Buy Inverted Gear apparel:
https://invertedgear.com/

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

Follow Nelson on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/invertedgearnelson

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Zone of Proximal Development
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/zone-of-proximal-development

• Investing in Loss
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss

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

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

• Gamification
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification

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

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

• Win Conditions
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions

• Defense Paradox
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defense-paradox

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

• Perception-Action Coupling
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/perception-action-coupling

• Continuum of Motivation
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/continuum-of-motivation

• Process Over Outcomes
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/process-over-outcomes

⬆️ 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 deliberate practice: a training method intended to improve performance by addressing your weaknesses and breaking through plateaus.

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 Rob Cole! Rob has been training martial arts for over 35 years, 25 of them focused on grappling, and he coaches at Ascension Athletics in Connecticut, where he runs his practice through the ecological dynamics framework. In this episode, Rob explains the intention-led approach, where you give students a goal to work toward instead of specific things to focus on. Topics include: a plain-language primer on ecological dynamics, intention versus attention, win conditions as a driver of behavior, grip fighting as a warm-up, teaching leglocks without fear.

Follow Rob on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/liquid_rob

Train with Rob at Ascension Athletics:
https://ascensionathleticsct.com/

Resources discussed in this episode:

The Constraints-Led Approach, by Ian Renshaw, Keith Davids, Daniel Newcombe and Will Roberts:
https://routledge.com/9781138104075

Ecological Dynamics in Sport Coaching, by Steve M. Smith:
https://routledge.com/9781032869223

Ep. 144: The Constraints-Led Approach, feat. Dr. Rob Gray:
https://bjj.plus/144

Ep. 330: The Student's Guide to Eco, feat. Noah Shaffner & Greg Souders:
https://bjj.plus/330

Mental models discussed in this episode:

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

• Intention
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/intention

• Ecological Psychology
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-psychology

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

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

• Perception-Action Coupling
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/perception-action-coupling

• Win Conditions
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions

• Deliberate Practice
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/deliberate-practice

• Growth from Discomfort
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort

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

• Consistency
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency

⬆️ 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 differential learning: a training approach used in sports proposing that motor skills are learned by varying how the movement is executed rather than trying to get it identical every time.

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 Jesse Walker and Shelby York! Jesse and Shelby own Rough Hands BJJ in Louisville, Kentucky, a gym of about 200 students with an unusually high number of women and older grapplers (the average student is around 43). In this episode, they walk a complete beginner through what happens before your first jiu-jitsu class. Topics include: vetting a gym, what to bring, why you should tap early, panic and intensity, injury risk.

Learn more at Rough Hands BJJ:
https://roughhandsbjj.com/

Follow Jesse and Shelby at Rough Hands BJJ on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/roughhandsbjj

Resources discussed in this episode:

Yoga for BJJ, by Sebastian Brosche:
https://yogaforbjj.net/

Women's Grappling Network on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/groups/341922519178021

Mental models discussed in this episode:

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

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

• Acute Stress Response
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/acute-stress-response

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

• Survival Mode
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/survival-mode

• Compatible Intent
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compatible-intent

• Respect Your Opponent
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-your-opponent

• Investing in Loss
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss

• Beginner's Mind
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind

• Motivation
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/continuum-of-motivation

• Prevention Over Cure
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure

• Paradox of Tolerance
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/paradox-of-tolerance

⬆️ 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:
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Learn more mental models in our online database:
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Music by Enterprize:
https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

In this mini-episode, we explain gamification: the practice of adding game-like elements to something in order to motivate a certain type of behavior. It's a concept from software design with elements of applied psychology and is used for everything from marketing to products to (of course) jiu-jitsu.

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

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This week, we're joined by Barbara Ruiken and Giles Garcia! Barbara is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and the new head coach at Bergen Grappling in Norway, and she wrote her political science master's thesis on power and politics in jiu-jitsu organizations. Giles is the head coach and owner of Ronin Grappling in Rutherglen, just outside Glasgow, and a returning guest on the show. In this episode, Barbara and Giles explain why every gym has politics, whether the coach wants them or not. Topics include: informal power, accountability structures, setting your gym's culture on purpose, the jiu-jitsu cycle of abuse, and leadership burnout.

Read Barbara's master's thesis, Power and Politics in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Teams:
https://bit.ly/4iIUYH0

Follow Barbara on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/superbabs_bjj

Train with Barbara at Bergen Grappling:
https://www.bergengrappling.com/

Train with Giles at Ronin Grappling:
https://roningrappling.com/

Giles's jiu-jitsu portal, BJJ Codex:
https://www.bjjcodex.com/

Mental models discussed in this episode:

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

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

• Emotional Contagion
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/emotional-contagion

• Paradox of Tolerance
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/paradox-of-tolerance

• Extreme Ownership
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/extreme-ownership

⬆️ 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 constraints-led approach (CLA) in simple terms, and how it impacts your jiu-jitsu training.

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