BJJ Mental Models

In this week's mini-episode we explain tokui waza, a concept from Judo and traditional martial arts.  Translating roughly to "favorited technique" or "special skill," tokui waza refers to the tendency of martial artists to develop and leverage a few techniques they're especially good at.  Tokui waza is important to understand because it helps us break the misconception that the best in the world are good at everything.  Much like the pro wrestlers, they develop "finishing moves," or tokui waza.

Before you listen to this episode, check out:

Mini Ep. 34: Zone of Genius
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/16337686-mini-ep-34-zone-of-genius

Mini Ep. 33: Layers of Strategy
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/16303959-mini-ep-33-layers-of-strategy

Mini Ep. 32: Funneling
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/16266002-mini-ep-32-funneling

Mini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfare
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/16225783-mini-ep-31-asymmetric-warfare

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/

This week we're joined by Max Schneider!  Max is a BJJ black belt under Justin Flores, as well as a national Judo champion and Olympic alternate, 2x Illinois state wrestling champion, and former D1 wrestler. In this episode, Max explores the philosophy and techniques behind safe and effective takedown training. Topics include the importance of warmup and falling techniques, various types of breakfalls, the differences in approach between Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, adapting techniques to various body types, and integrating foot sweeps as low-risk takedown options.

Follow Max on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/onejudoka/

Subscribe to Max on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@onejudoka

Learn from Max on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/onejudoka


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Surface Area
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/
  
  
• Incremental Learning
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/
  
  
• Win Conditions
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions/
  
  
• Committed Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/
  
  
• Return on Investment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/
  
  
• Tokui Waza
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/tokui-waza/
  
  
• Momentum
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/momentum/
  
  
• Curse of Knowledge
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge/
  
  
• Opening Salvos
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/opening-salvos/
  
  
• Head Position
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/head-position/
  
  
• Ecological Dynamics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics/
  
  
  

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 explain the so-called "zone of genius:" a concept that encourages us to spend our time in the areas where we're most passionate and talented.  This has implications for Jiu-Jitsu strategy: We should build a gameplan that takes the fight to places where we are the most exceptional.  In terms of our skill development, this means we're best off doubling down on our strengths.  Instead of trying to "get good at everything" (which is impossible), we should "get good enough" to avoid losing in our areas of weaknesses, but be exceptional within our areas of strength.  As the old saying goes, we want to avoid being a jack of all trades but a master of none.

Before you listen to this episode, check out:

Mini Ep. 33: Layers of Strategy
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16303959-mini-ep-33-layers-of-strategy

Mini Ep. 32: Funneling
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16266002-mini-ep-32-funneling

Mini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfare
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16225783-mini-ep-31-asymmetric-warfare

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/

This week we're joined again by Jake Luigi from Less Impressed More Involved and Outlier DB!  In this episode, Jake discusses a problem we can all relate to: content overload in BJJ.  Jake shares great advice on choosing what to study in a world where quality Jiu-Jitsu content is plentiful but time is scarce.

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

Subscribe to Less Impressed More Involved on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@LIMIBJJ

Check out Outlier DB:
https://outlierdb.com/


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Inversion
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inversion/
  
  
• Analysis Paralysis
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/analysis-paralysis/
  
  
• Feedback Loop
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop/
  
  
• Cognitive Load
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load/
  
  
• Concepts Over Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques/
  
  
• Ecological Dynamics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics/
  
  
  

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 explain the layers of strategy: every good plan needs a solid foundation and a flexible perimeter.  This concept applies to all manner of strategies, both on and off the mats.

Before you listen to this episode, check out:

Mini Ep. 32: Funneling
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16266002-mini-ep-32-funneling

Mini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfare
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16225783-mini-ep-31-asymmetric-warfare

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/

This week we're joined again by Defensive BJJ coach and BJJMM fan-favorite guest Priit Mihkelson!  In this episode, Priit discusses the importance of angles when defending from inferior positions.  Priit explains concepts for finding the correct angle when defending from the bottom, such as maintaining a 45° angle relative to the floor after your legs have been cleared, and how "making a capital T" by positioning your body perpendicular to your opponent can prevent them from wrapping their arm around your head.

Follow Priit on social:
https://www.instagram.com/priit_mihkelson
https://www.facebook.com/priit.mihkelson

Buy Priit's instructionals on BJJ Fanatics:
https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/priit-mihkelson

Learn from Priit on Defensive BJJ:
https://www.defensivebjj.com/

Watch Priit's BJJ Globetrotters seminars:
https://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/category/videos/instructors/priit-mihkelson/


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Mirrored Stances
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mirrored-stances/
  
  
• Constraints-Led Approach
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach/
  
  
• You Are What You Train
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/you-are-what-you-train/
  
  
• Alignment Over Position
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/alignment-over-position/
  
  
• The Map Is not the Territory
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/the-map-is-not-the-territory/
  
  
• Labeling
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/labeling/
  
  
• Force Vectors
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/force-vectors/
  
  
• Priit's 45° Rule
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/priits-45-degree-rule/
  
  
  

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 explain funneling, a key concept for building Jiu-Jitsu strategies.  The idea is to build "funnels," or pathways to where we have an unfair/asymmetric advantage.  A good gameplan uses funnels to "connect the dots" so no matter where a match goes, you have a viable pathway to your strongest positions.

Before you listen to this episode, check out:

Mini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfare
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16225783-mini-ep-31-asymmetric-warfare

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/

This week we're joined by Ken Postnikoff!  Ken is the black belt head coach at Confluence Jiu Jitsu and a longtime member of the BJJMM community.  In this episode, Ken introduces the concept of "reluctant leadership," or how to be the leader your community needs when leadership doesn't come naturally to you.

Follow Ken on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kenpostnikoff

Train with Ken at Confluence Jiu Jitsu in Castlegar::
https://www.instagram.com/confluencejiujitsu


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Reframing
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/reframing/
  
  
• Self-Organization
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-organization/
  
  
• Self-Competition
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/
  
  
• Mindfulness
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/
  
  
• Growth Mindset
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-mindset/
  
  
• Magic Relationship Ratio
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/magic-relationship-ratio/
  
  
• Teach to Learn
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/teach-to-learn/
  
  
  

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 explain asymmetric warfare (or asymmetric advantages, if you want to be less dramatic).  Asymmetric warfare means looking for unfair advantages: places where we are strong and our opponent is weak.  In Jiu-Jitsu this often means seeking a superior position, but it can also mean playing to any other advantage we have, including natural attributes, favorite techniques, and match style.

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/

This week we're joined by Fiona Geisinger!  Fiona is the founder of Athletic Arts and is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt training out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.  In this episode, Fiona explains second-level coaching, and how athletes of all levels benefit from a "second opinion" by working with other coaches either in-person or remotely.

Follow Fiona on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fiona_athletic.arts

Connect with Fiona for coaching:
https://www.athleticarts.co/


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Psychological Safety
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety/
  
  
• Consistency
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/
  
  
• Do What Works
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/
  
  
• Feedback Loop
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop/
  
  
  

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/