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
  
  
  

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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://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social
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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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https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

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https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
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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


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 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


⬆️ 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 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

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 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


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 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


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 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