BJJ Mental Models

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
  
  
  

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https://bjjmentalmodels.com/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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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?

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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
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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

This week, we're joined by Itamar Shatz! Itamar is a jiu-jitsu black belt and a Cambridge University researcher whose new book, Solving Procrastination, is published by Penguin Random House. In this episode, Itamar explains why we procrastinate, and walks through the strategies research shows will help. Topics include: the self-control fallacy, hard conversations with your coach, if-then rules for unsafe rolls, perfectionism, and burnout.

Get Solving Procrastination:
https://solvingprocrastination.com/book


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Second-Order Thinking
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/second-order-thinking
  
  
• Silver Bullet Fallacy
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/silver-bullet-fallacy
  
  
• Curse of Knowledge
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge
  
  
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-behavioral-therapy
  
  
• Acute Stress Response
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/acute-stress-response
  
  
• Precommitments
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/precommitments
  
  
• Escalation of Commitment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/escalation-of-commitment
  
  
• Analysis Paralysis
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/analysis-paralysis
  
  
• Building Your Triggers
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/building-your-triggers
  
  
• Growth from Discomfort
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort
  
  
• Incremental Learning
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning
  
  
• Consistency
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency
  
  
• Stress and Recovery
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery
  
  
• Prioritize Longevity
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity
  
  
  

⬆️ 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 ecological dynamics in simple terms, why it's misunderstood, 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

Jeff Shaw is guest hosting this week, and he's joined by Rosie Miller! Rosie is a jiu-jitsu educator known for explaining complicated positions in plain language. In this episode, Rosie walks through how the cross-grip pass works, and why she now teaches it starting from the tripod position instead of the entry. Topics include: collapsing the knee shield, counterattacks like the omoplata, gi versus no-gi differences, and teaching with games.

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

Rosie's instructionals, YouTube and everything else:
https://rosierollz.com

Follow Jeff on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/jeffshawbjj

Rosie's seminar at Bellingham BJJ on September 12, 2026:
https://bellinghambjj.com

Rosie's seminar at Framework BJJ Seattle on September 13, 2026:
https://frameworkseattle.com


Resources discussed in this episode:

Mastering Crazy Dog Passing, by Isaac Doederlein:
https://doederleinjj.com/mastering-crazy-dog-passing

Omoplatapalooza: The Omoplata System by Bellingham BJJ:
https://youtu.be/WwWmjmgdL5Y


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Phases of Passing
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/phases-of-passing
  
  
• Waypoints
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/waypoints
  
  
• Head Position
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/head-position
  
  
• Grips Dictate Position
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position
  
  
• Predictable Responses
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses
  
  
• Elbow-Knee Connection
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection
  
  
• Technique Chaining
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining
  
  
• Constraints-Led Approach
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach
  
  
• Funneling
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling
  
  
  

⬆️ 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 discuss trading up: the strategic importance of getting more than you give in any jiu-jitsu exchange.

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 again by Brennan Strimple! Brennan and his wife founded Rochester Jiu Jitsu in 2014, and almost all of their kids classes are taught by black belts. In this episode, Brennan explains why kids don't grapple like adults, and what the rest of us can learn from teaching them. Topics include: teaching goals instead of moves, coaching cues kids actually understand, how slowly kids process instruction, treating the tap like a video game respawn, and building young athletes.

Follow Brennan on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/coachbrennanstrimple

Follow Rochester Jiu Jitsu on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/rochesterjiujitsu

Train at Rochester Jiu Jitsu:
https://rochesterjiujitsu.com


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Concepts Over Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques
  
  
• Effortful Retrieval
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/effortful-retrieval
  
  
• Ecological Dynamics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics
  
  
• Constraints-Led Approach
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach
  
  
• Win Conditions
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions
  
  
• Gamification
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification
  
  
• Direct vs. Proxy Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/direct-vs-proxy-control
  
  
• Incremental Learning
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning
  
  
• Cognitive Load
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load
  
  
• Spaced Repetition
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/spaced-repetition
  
  
• Curse of Knowledge
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge
  
  
• Investing in Loss
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss
  
  
• External Cues
  https://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.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 discuss labeling: the practice of attaching a name, category, or descriptor to something in order to make it easier to identify and understand.

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