BJJ Mental Models

This week, we're joined by Drew Weatherhead from Because Jitsu!  Drew shares his best practices for transmission of knowledge and efficient learning.

Book referenced in this episode:

Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374533557

Find Drew online at:

Drew Weatherhead Jiu-Jitsu
https://drewjitsuonline.com

Because Jitsu
https://www.instagram.com/because_jitsu

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Concepts vs. Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-vs-techniques/
  
  
• Form to Leave Form
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/form-to-leave-form/
  
  
• Teach to Learn
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/teach-to-learn/
  
  
• Cognitive Load
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load/
  
  
• Theory of Alignment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/
  
  
• Economy of Motion
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/economy-of-motion/
  
  
• Cognitive Dissonance
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-dissonance/
  
  
• Beginner's Mind
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/
  
  
• Path of Least Resistance
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/path-of-least-resistance/
  
  
• 3 Joint Rule
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/3-joint-rule/
  
  
• Alignment Over Position
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/alignment-over-position/
  
  
• Respect People, Not Positions
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/
  
  

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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.

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This week we're joined by Phrost, the founder of Bullshido.  You probably know Bullshido as one of the internet's best resources for debunking fake martial arts, fake news, and other bullshit.  In this episode, Phrost shares his toolkit for inoculating yourself against bullshit.

Phrost's advice:

• Enforce the burden of proof.
• Avoid dichotomous (black and white) thinking.
• Keep your identity small.
• Trust data, not anecdotes.
• Beware of those promising certainty.
• Understand that imperfect solutions are still useful.
• You can have too much of a good thing.
• It's easier to guard your mind from bullshit than to get it out later.
• You have to give a shit about the truth.
• Beware confirmation bias: is it true, or do you want it to be true?
• Check your sources, and then check the checks on those sources.
• Biased does not equal false.
• Asking for money does not immediately make you a scammer.
• Don't assume an edge case applies to the whole.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Keep Your Identity Small
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-your-identity-small/
  
  
• Probabilistic Thinking
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/probabilistic-thinking/
  
  
• Marginal Gains
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/marginal-gains/
  
  
• Certainty Bias
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/certainty-bias/
  
  
• Mindfulness
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/
  
  
• Confirmation Bias
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/confirmation-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.

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https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

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Music by Enterprize:
https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

This week, we're joined by Erin Herle!  Erin is a black belt under Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles, an elite competitor, and the founder of #submitthestigma, a mental health awareness organization for grapplers.

Learn more about #submitthestigma here:
https://www.submitthestigma.org/

This episode references the book Mindset, by Carol Dweck:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345472322

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Mindfulness
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/
  
  
• Growth Mindset
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-mindset/
  
  
• Incremental Learning
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/
  
  
• Consistency
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/
  
  
• Habits Over Results
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/
  
  
• Dictate the Pace
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/
  
  
• Growth from Discomfort
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/
  
  
• Table Selection
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/table-selection/
  
  

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:
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Need more BJJ Mental Models?

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https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

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https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

Music by Enterprize:
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This week, Steve and Matt do a super detailed breakdown of wedges: a core mechanic of Jiu-Jitsu that's critical to offense.  Frames and wedges have a lot in common, but frames are primarily used for defense, whereas wedges are primarily used for offense.  If you liked our prior conversation on frames, you'll love this one on wedges.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Core Mechanics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/
  
  
• Inside Channel Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/
  
  
• Kinetic Chains
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kinetic-chains/
  
  
• Double Trouble
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/double-trouble/
  
  
• Choking Mechanics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/choking-mechanics/
  
  
• Breaking Mechanics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/breaking-mechanics/
  
  
• Direct vs. Proxy Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/direct-vs-proxy-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/premium/


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/

Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/

Follow us on social:
https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

Music by Enterprize:
https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

This week, we're joined by newly minted black belt Margot Ciccarelli!  Margot leads us on one of our most interesting discussions ever: her philosophy of movement vocabulary.  Margot argues that we speak with our bodies, and that movement is a form of communication.  In this episode we talk about the vocabulary we use in Jiu-Jitsu: how we label, speak, and listen with movements we make. 

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Dictate the Pace
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/
  
  
• Feedback Loop
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop/
  
  
• Shuhari
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shuhari/
  
  
• Growth From Discomfort
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/
  
  
• Growth Mindset
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-mindset/
  
  
• Predictable Responses
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/
  
  
• Windows of Opportunity
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/windows-of-opportunity/
  
  
• Controlled Breathing
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlled-breathing/
  
  
• Staying Loose
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/staying-loose/
  
  
• Mask Your Intentions
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mask-your-intentions/
  
  

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:
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Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
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Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

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Follow us on social:
https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

Music by Enterprize:
https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

This week, we're joined by one of our most often requested guests: Sonny Brown!  Sonny, also known as "that other BJJ podcast guy," is working on a kesa gatame instructional.  He joins us to share core concepts on this underutilized position.

We debunk common kesa gatame misconceptions:

• "They'll just take my back"
• "They'll just bridge me over"
• "They'll just push my head into an armbar or crucifix"
• "Kesa gatame is only for big guys"
• "Once you get into kesa gatame, you’re stuck there."

Critical control points for kesa gatame:

• Keep your legs at a 90° angle to block the bridge
• Keep their near-side elbow off the mat
• Bring your opponent's chin to your chest.
• Don’t lean your head over to their far side.
  
  

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Do What Works
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/
  
  
• Predictable Responses
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/
  
  
• Theory of Alignment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/
  
  
• Surface Area
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/
  
  
• Shifting Platforms
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shifting-platforms/
  
  
• Critical Control Points
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/critical-control-points/
  
  
• 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.

Our premium offerings are powered by Patreon.  Sign up here:
https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/

Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

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https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/

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https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/

Music by Enterprize:
https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

We've got a bonus episode for you this week!  Rob Biernacki joins us to introduce arm drag concepts from his new instructional.

Learn about Rob Biernacki's arm drag concepts here:

• Rob Biernacki: The BJJ 2 on 1 Grip, with Advanced Details
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-9tV6kU018
  
  
• The Arm Drag and 2 on 1 Formula, with Rob Biernacki and Stephan Kesting
  https://www.grapplearts.com/the-arm-drag-and-2-on-1-formula/
  
  
• BJJ Concepts
  https://bjjconcepts.net
  
  

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Kuzushi
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/
  
  
• Direct vs. Proxy Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/direct-vs-proxy-control/
  
  
• Dictate the Pace
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/
  
  
• Leading Edges
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/leading-edges/
  
  
• Ratchet Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ratchet-control/
  
  
• Opening Salvos
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/opening-salvos/
  
  
• Committed Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/
  
  
• Probabilistic Thinking
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/probabilistic-thinking/
  
  
• Crossing the Center
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/crossing-the-center/
  
  

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.

Our premium offerings are powered by Patreon.  Sign up here:
https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/

Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/

Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook:
https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/

Music by Enterprize:
https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

This week, we're joined by Christian Graugart.  Christian is the founder of BJJ Globetrotters, Beltchecker.com, and TeachingBJJ.com.  In this episode, we break down Christian's five-part framework for creating: failure, brains, skills, ideas, and karma.

Christian's creations:

• “Create Something” workshop with Christian Graugart
  https://youtu.be/gqtTRF5Fu98
  
  
• BJJ Globetrotters
  https://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/
  
  
• Belt Checker
  https://www.beltchecker.com/
  
  
• Teaching BJJ
  https://www.teachingbjj.com/
  
  

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• 80/20 Rule
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/80-20-rule/
  
  
• Teach to Learn
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/teach-to-learn/
  
  
• Extreme Ownership
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/extreme-ownership/
  
  
• Respect People, Not Positions
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/
  
  
• The Golden Rule
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/golden-rule/
  
  
• Permission Paradox
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/permission-paradox/
  
  
• Consistency
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/
  
  
• Feedback Loop
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop/
  
  
• Placeholders
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/placeholders/
  
  
• Idea Communism
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/idea-communism/
  
  
• Levels of Competition
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/levels-of-competition/
  
  
• Transfer of Learning
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/transfer-of-learning/
  
  

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.

Our premium offerings are powered by Patreon.  Sign up here:
https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/

Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/

Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook:
https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/

Music by Enterprize:
https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

This week, we're joined by Adam Medlock.  Adam is the lead autism educator for a special school in the UK.  He has worked with children and young adults with autism for most of his professional life.

Adam joins us to educate the grappling community on autism.  He provides a framework for understanding the autism spectrum and making BJJ more inclusive to autistic students.

Topics discussed include:

• How autism and the spectrum are defined
• How BJJ may be beneficial to autistic people
• Where autistic people may struggle with BJJ
• How we inadvertently alienate autistic people
• How the instructor can help autistic students
• How to help your autistic training partners
• How to make your gym more accessible.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Keep it Playful
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/
  
  
• The Golden Rule
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/golden-rule/
  
  
• Cognitive Load
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load/
  
  
• Flow
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/flow/
  
  
• Incremental Learning
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/
  
  

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.

Our premium offerings are powered by Patreon.  Sign up here:
https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/

Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/

Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook:
https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/

Music by Enterprize:
https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

This week, Steve and Matt talk about frames.  Can you believe we made it 127 episodes deep without doing a full episode on this topic?  This is probably the most in-depth and conceptual discussion of frames you'll ever hear.

Some key points about frames:

• Frames are a structural barrier used to keep your opponent at a distance.
  
  
• Frames and wedges are very similar.
  
  
• Frames are used for defense - as opposed to wedges, which are used for offense.
  
  
• Frames are strongest when "solid" - meaning there are no structural weaknesses from your joints.
  
  
• With frames, you don't need to block the opposing side.  With wedges, you do.
  
  
• Making "pointy" frames with your elbow or knee is risky because your opponent might pass your limb across your center.
  
  

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Core Mechanics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/
  
  
• Controlling the Distance
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlling-the-distance/
  
  
• Dictate the Pace
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/
  
  
• Defend With Purpose
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defend-with-purpose/
  
  
• Force Vectors
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/force-vectors/
  
  
• Inside Channel Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/
  
  
• Solid Frames
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/solid-frames/
  
  
• Kuzushi
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/
  
  
• Head Position
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/head-position/
  
  
• Surface Area
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/
  
  

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.

Our premium offerings are powered by Patreon.  Sign up here:
https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/

Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/

Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook:
https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/

Music by Enterprize:
https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/