BJJ Mental Models

In this week's mini-episode we explain predictable responses.  This mental model teaches us that each technique has a series of common reactions, and knowing these reactions allows you to anticipate and "mind read" your opponent.  In many ways, knowing a technique's predictable responses can be just as important as knowing the technique itself.

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 Kelsey Carter!  Kelsey is a newly minted black belt from Precision Jiu Jitsu Academy in Sacramento.  In this episode, Kelsey discusses the physics and mechanics underlying Jiu-Jitsu techniques, emphasizing the importance of fulcrums, weight distribution, and angles during sweeps and submissions. Kelsey provides insights into adapting techniques for different body types and teaching empowering strategies, particularly for women in the sport. The episode also delves into advanced concepts such as energy conservation, the dynamics of bottom position, and the science behind effective movements.

Follow Kelsey on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kels.jitsu


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Core Mechanics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/
  
  
• Breaking Mechanics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/breaking-mechanics/
  
  
• Surface Area
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/
  
  
• The Map Is Not the Territory
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/the-map-is-not-the-territory/
  
  
• Theory of Alignment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/
  
  
• Kuzushi
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/
  
  
• Dominant Angles
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dominant-angles/
  
  
• Shifting Platforms
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shifting-platforms/
  
  
• Center of Gravity
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/center-of-gravity/
  
  
  

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 alignment over position.  This is a refinement on the classic "position over submission" concept using Rob Biernacki's alignment framework.  It teaches us that having good alignment (base, posture, and structure) is more important than having any particular position.

Before you listen to this episode, check out:

BJJMM Mini Ep. 1: Base
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15022850-mini-ep-1-base

BJJMM Mini Ep. 2: Posture
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15078064-mini-ep-2-posture

BJJMM Mini Ep. 3: Structure
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15121901-mini-ep-3-structure

BJJMM Mini Ep. 4: Alignment
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15154544-mini-ep-4-alignment

BJJMM Mini Ep. 5: The Alignment Scorecard
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15202951-mini-ep-5-the-alignment-scorecard

BJJMM Mini Ep. 28: Position Over Submission
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/16103640-mini-ep-28-position-over-submission

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 Chris "The Villain" Paines!  In this episode, Chris explains the two "dials" that coaches and students can use to modulate their training: complexity and intensity.

Follow Chris on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chrisvillainbjj

Subscribe to Chris' YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisPainesBJJ

Buy Chris' instructionals on BJJ Fanatics:
https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_chris-paines

Check out InTheory BJJ on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/intheorybjj


Resources discussed in this episode:

How to Defend Everything with Chris Paines — YouTube
https://youtu.be/BWitv9AKoNU

Ep. 155: Concepts Over Techniques, feat. Chris Paines
https://bjj.plus/155

Terry Tate: Office Linebacker
https://youtu.be/RzToNo7A-94


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Gamification
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification/
  
  
• Respect Reople, Not Positions
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/
  
  
• Return on Investment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/
  
  
• Position Over Submission
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/position-over-submission/
  
  
• Inversion
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inversion/
  
  
• External Cues
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/external-cues/
  
  
• Concepts Over Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques/
  
  
• Goodhart's Law
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/goodharts-law/
  
  
• Survivorship Bias
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/survivorship-bias/
  
  
  

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 one of the most commonly discussed mental models in Jiu-Jitsu: position over submission.  This concept teaches us that it's often better to maintain position than risk losing it by hunting for submissions.  This episode explains the reasoning behind "position over submission," as well as the exceptions.

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 Aldo Vergel de Dios!  Aldo is the black belt head coach at Motion Jiu-Jitsu in Metro Manila, Philippines.  In this episode, Aldo discusses a problem relevant to students and coaches alike: how to integrate conceptual Jiu-Jitsu thinking with on-the-ground practice.

Follow Aldo on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/aldojitsu

Train with Aldo at Motion Jiu-Jitsu:
https://www.motionjiujitsu.com/


Resources discussed in this episode:

BJJMM Ep. 162: The Language of Coaching, feat. Nick Winkelman
https://bjj.plus/162


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Concepts Over Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques/
  
  
• Constraints-Led Approach
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach/
  
  
• Cognitive Load
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load/
  
  
• Ecological Dynamics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics/
  
  
• Inside Channel Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/
  
  
• Probabilistic Thinking
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/probabilistic-thinking/
  
  
• Invariants
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/invariants/
  
  
• Incremental Learning
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/
  
  
• Self-Organization
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-organization/
  
  
• Phases of Guard
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/phases-of-guard/
  
  
• Curse of Knowledge
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge/
  
  
• Psychological Safety
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety/
  
  
  

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 two important and related concepts: inside channel control and outside channel control.  Inside channel control refers to taking the inside route around your opponent's weapons, such as going under or between their legs as you'd do with X guard.  Outside channel control refers to taking the outside route around your opponent's weapons, such as outside hook / de la Riva guard, closed guard, and matrix back takes.

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 Drew Foster!  Best known as u/darce_knight on Reddit and @drewdarce on Instagram, Drew is a black belt instructor at Elevate MMA in North Carolina, the host of The Neon Belly Podcast, and the host of the State of the Meta podcast on BJJ Mental Models Premium.  In this episode, Drew breaks down the mechanics behind the anaconda choke.

Follow Drew on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drewdarce

Listen to Drew on The Neon Belly Podcast:
https://theneonbelly.buzzsprout.com/

Buy Drew's instructionals on the d'arce and anaconda choke:
https://darcedynamics.com/


Resources discussed in this episode:

BJJMM Ep. 136: The Anaconda System, feat. Matt Skaff
https://bjj.plus/136

BJJMM Ep. 169: Submission Series: The D'Arce Choke, feat. Drew Foster
https://bjj.plus/169


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Limb Coiling
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/
  
  
• Alignment Over Position
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/alignment-over-position/
  
  
• Position Over Submission
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/position-over-submission/
  
  
• Body Tethering
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/
  
  
• Concepts Over Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques/
  
  
• Overwhelming Force
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/overwhelming-force/
  
  
• Asymmetric Warfare
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/asymmetric-warfare/
  
  
• Gamification
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification/
  
  
• Myopia
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/myopia/
  
  
• Single vs. Double Lever Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/single-vs-double-lever-control/
  
  
  

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're talking about crossing the center, an ancient mental model that appears in many martial arts beyond Jiu-Jitsu — and for good reason!  The "center line" refers to an imaginary line running down the middle of your body, where your spine is.  Forcing your opponent to "cross the center," or pass their arm or leg across the center line of their body, is a surefire way to break their posture and structure.


Further study:

BJJMM Mini Ep. 1: Base
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15022850-mini-ep-1-base

BJJMM Mini Ep. 2: Posture
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15078064-mini-ep-2-posture

BJJMM Mini Ep. 3: Structure
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15121901-mini-ep-3-structure

BJJMM Mini Ep. 4: Alignment
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/15154544-mini-ep-4-alignment

BJJMM Mini Ep. 5: The Alignment Scorecard
https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/16022574-mini-ep-26-crossing-the-center

Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki (exclusively on BJJMM Premium)
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

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 Jake O'Driscoll!  Jake is the black belt head coach at Essence BJJ in Perth, Australia.  Best known for coaching Adele Fornarino to her incredible 2x ADCC 2024 World Championship win, Jake is also an accomplished competitor in his own right, having just won the IBJJF 2024 Pan Pacific No-Gi Heavyweight Championship in Masters 1.  In this episode, Jake shares lessons on crossing the gap from good to great, and what separates the best in the world from the other outstanding grapplers in the sport.

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

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


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Extreme Ownership
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/extreme-ownership/
  
  
• Zone of Genius
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/zone-of-genius/
  
  
• Compartmentalization
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/compartmentalization/
  
  
• Habits Over Results
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/
  
  
  

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/