BJJ Mental Models

In this episode, Steve Kwan welcomes back Francesco Fonte for an in-depth exploration of what Francesco calls the “timeline of coaching:”

For coaches: INFO → SKILLS → GAMES
For athletes: GAMES → SKILLS → INFO

Francesco explains how effective Jiu-Jitsu instruction should reverse the traditional info-dump model: instead of starting with detailed techniques, coaches should design games that develop essential skills, which only later become associated with specific concepts and information.

Follow Francesco on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/francescofonte76


Resources discussed in this episode:

Francesco's “timeline of coaching” Instagram post
https://www.instagram.com/p/DLubCRqtpd3


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Inversion
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inversion/
  
  
• The Map Is Not the Territory
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/the-map-is-not-the-territory/
  
  
• Cognitive Load
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load/
  
  
• Analysis Paralysis
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/analysis-paralysis/
  
  
• Incremental Learning
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/
  
  
• Compartmentalization
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compartmentalization/
  
  
• Diminishing Returns
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/diminishing-returns/
  
  
  

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/

In this week's mini-episode we discuss resulting, a logical fallacy where we incorrectly assume that the quality of our decisions are directly related to the quality of our results.

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/

In this episode of BJJ Mental Models, Steve Kwan is joined by Laurien Zurhake to explore how trauma-informed coaching can transform Jiu-Jitsu into a safer, more inclusive, and more effective training environment. Laurien, co-founder of Off the Zone, shares her ABC Playbook for Mental Health (Anticipate, Bring Them Back, and Course Correct), a practical framework for coaches to support students through mental health challenges.

Follow Laurien and Off the Zone on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/off_the_zone

Work with Laurien @ Off the Zone:
https://www.off-the-zone.com/


Resources discussed in this episode:

Off the Zone's Mental First Aid ABC Protocol
https://www.off-the-zone.com/68538


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Psychological Safety
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety/
  
  
• Compatible Intent
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compatible-intent/
  
  
• Gamification
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification/
  
  
• Growth Mindset
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-mindset/
  
  
• Beginner's Mind
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/
  
  
• Mindfulness
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/
  
  
• Pattern Interrupts
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/pattern-interrupts/
  
  
  

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/

In this week's mini-episode we discuss self-competition. You've probably heard the phrase, "comparison is the thief of joy." Self-comparison is a problem we all face, and self-competition is a helpful mental model for working with this problem.

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

Resources discussed in this episode:

How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Other People - Eyepatch Wolf
https://youtu.be/wL93C0lm0nQ?t=126s


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/

In this episode, Steve Kwan is joined by Rosie Miller to explore the concept of the “tryhard hobbyist” in Jiu-Jitsu: someone who trains seriously and with intention, even if they don’t pursue the sport professionally. Rosie, a brown belt out of Atos HQ and founder of The Grappler’s Lab, shares her journey of evolving goals, identity, and self-worth within the sport. Together, they discuss the emotional and mental challenges hobbyists face, including impostor syndrome, burnout, risk management, and the struggle to balance ambition with sustainability. Rosie offers a values-based framework to help practitioners define their goals, align training with life priorities, and find long-term fulfillment in Jiu-Jitsu, regardless of competitive aspirations.

Follow Rosie on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rosierollz

Work with Rosie @ The Grappler's Lab:
https://www.thegrapplerslab.com/


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Cognitive Dissonance
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-dissonance/
  
  
• Prioritize Longevity
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity/
  
  
• Return on Investment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/
  
  
• Reframing
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/reframing/
  
  
• Flow
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/flow/
  
  
• Impostor Syndrome
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/impostor-syndrome/
  
  
• Self-Competition
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/
  
  
  

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/

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the Red Queen effect, a hypothesis based on a quote from Alice in Wonderland that is oddly applicable to science and Jiu-Jitsu! It teaches us that sometimes we need to keep moving just to maintain our position. The Red Queen effect helps explain why we don't feel like we're getting better at Jiu-Jitsu when we compare ourselves to our training partners.

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/

In this episode, Steve Kwan talks with elite competitor Elisabeth Clay about returning to Jiu-Jitsu after major life changes like pregnancy and injury. Clay shares her personal journey of Jiu-Jitsu and pregnancy, staying mentally engaged during time off, and the challenges of regaining physical performance post-layoff. Elisabeth also discusses the importance of staying immersed in the gym culture when not actively training, how community can combat isolation and depression, and navigating the Jiu-Jitsu world as a new mom.

Follow Elisabeth on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/elisabethclaybjj


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Stress and Recovery
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery/
  
  
• Reframing
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/reframing/
  
  
• Compatible Intent
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compatible-intent/
  
  
• Consistency
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/
  
  
• Analysis Paralysis
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/analysis-paralysis/
  
  
• Normalization
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/normalization/
  
  
  

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/

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the concept of systematic abandonment, a mental model co-opted from business strategists like Peter Drucker and Michael Porter. Systematic abandonment teaches us to periodically review and discard habits that are no longer useful, because deciding what not to do is often just as (if not more) important than deciding what to do.

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/

In this episode of BJJ Mental Models, Steve Kwan is joined by Jake O’Driscoll from Essence BJJ in Perth for an in-depth discussion on the straight foot lock game. Jake explains his unique finishing mechanics, how his method differs from the popular “Woj Lock,” and how he uses straight foot locks not just for submissions but to control, off-balance, and transition to dominant positions like the back or mount. He emphasizes the importance of using 50/50 as a dynamic, offensive platform rather than a stalling position and shares insights on controlling all three leg joints for effective submissions. Jake also offers coaching advice, training concepts, and resources for grapplers looking to master the modern leg lock meta.

Follow Jake on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jakeod_essencebjj

Train with Jake at Essence BJJ in Perth:
https://essencebjj.com.au/

Learn online from Jake via his Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=112559996


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• 3 Joint Rule
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/3-joint-rule/
  
  
• Direct vs. Proxy Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/direct-vs-proxy-control/
  
  
• Myopia
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/myopia/
  
  
• Mask Your Intentions
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mask-your-intentions/
  
  
• Dilemma
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dilemma/
  
  
• Asymmetric Warfare
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/asymmetric-warfare/
  
  
• Kuzushi
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/
  
  
• Defense Paradox
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defense-paradox/
  
  
  

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/

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the concept of flow, a mental model for peak performance first proposed in 1975 by the psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.

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


Resources mentioned in this episode:

Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/flow-mihaly-csikszentmihalyi

Mini Ep. 57: The Map Is Not the Territory
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/17285192-mini-ep-57-the-map-is-not-the-territory


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/