BJJ Mental Models

This week, Steve and Matt talk about gi-based open guards!  There are a lot of variations, including spider guard, collar and sleeve, and worm guard.  The sheer number of grip configurations can be overwhelming.  Rather than trying to memorize each variation, we suggest thinking in a concept-based approach.  In this episode, we discuss how.


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Direct vs. Proxy Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/direct-vs-proxy-control/
  
  
• Grips Dictate Position
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position/
  
  
• Inside Channel Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/
  
  
• Phases of Guard
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/phases-of-guard/
  
  
• Dictate the Pace
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/
  
  
• Critical Control Points
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/critical-control-points/
  
  

IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link 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 butterfly guard!  Butterfly is a hook-based guard that works in both gi and no-gi, and excels against larger opponents.


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Inside Channel Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/
  
  
• Body Tethering
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/
  
  
• Types of Guard
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/types-of-guard/
  
  
• Kuzushi
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/
  
  
• Head Position
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/head-position/
  
  
• Single vs. Double Lever Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/single-vs-double-lever-control/
  
  
• Principles Over Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/principles-over-techniques/
  
  
• Limb Coiling
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/
  
  
• Committed Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/
  
  
• Direct vs. Proxy Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/direct-vs-proxy-control/
  
  
• Beginner’s Mind
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/
  
  
• Incremental Learning
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/
  
  
• Predictable Responses
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/
  
  

IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link 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, X gon' give it to ya!  Steve and Matt discuss X guard and its variants.  X guard, while an advanced position and difficult to enter, is an incredibly powerful position that's especially effective against larger opponents.

There are three primary types of X guard:

• X guard - best used when you're right underneath your opponent
• Single leg X guard - best used when controlling the far leg is a challenge
• Reverse X guard - best used when your opponent is leaning forward.
  
  

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Committed Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/
  
  
• Predictable Responses
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/
  
  
• Myopia
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/myopia/
  
  
• Center of Gravity
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/center-of-gravity/
  
  
• Double Trouble
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/double-trouble/
  
  
• Technique Chaining
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/
  
  
• Kuzushi
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/
  
  
• Dominant Angles
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dominant-angles/
  
  
• Inside Channel Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/
  
  
• Limb Coiling
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/
  
  

IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link 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/

It's time for another series!  This week, Steve and Matt begin our new five-part Open Guard Series with a concept-based breakdown of the de la Riva guard and reverse de la Riva guard.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Types of Guard
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/types-of-guard/
  
  
• Body Tethering
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/
  
  
• Committed Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/
  
  
• Critical Control Points
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/critical-control-points/
  
  
• Dictating the Pace
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictating-the-pace/
  
  

IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link 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 discuss the concept of the third place.  It's a sociological concept coined by Ray Oldenburg, who argues that we have three important places in our life:

1. The first place: your home
2. The second place: your work
3. The third place: the anchor to your community.

The third place is where we blow off steam, get away from the demands of the first two places, and build relationships.  For most of us, our third place is Jiu-Jitsu.

You can read more about the third place here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_place

IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link 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/

The most important - and also hardest - part of every journey is the first step.  If you can't bring yourself to take the first step, you deny yourself the most important growth opportunities in life.  This week, Steve and Matt talk about the psychology of the first step, and how to overcome the natural fear of starting a new initiative.  And more importantly, we also talk about Final Fantasy VII Remake.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Mindfulness
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/
  
  
• Return on Investment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/
  
  
• Investing in Loss
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/
  
  
• Defensive Thinking
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defensive-thinking/
  
  
• Emotional Contagion
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/emotional-contagion/
  
  

IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link 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 discuss tipping points: the concept that, once you have sufficient leverage or momentum, your desired outcome can no longer be denied.

We've all experienced tipping points, whether it be on the mats or off.

In Jiu-Jitsu, tipping points occur when your opponent gains so much leverage that you cannot realistically fight off their attack anymore, and your only recourse is to change your tactics.

In real life, tipping points occur when an idea, product, or movement gains sufficient momentum that its growth becomes exponential.

Good strategies involve creating tipping points for yourself, and pivoting should your opponent create a tipping point against you.

Reading list for this episode:

• The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell
  https://www.gladwellbooks.com/titles/malcolm-gladwell/the-tipping-point/9780316316965/
  
  
• The Four Hour Work Week, by Tim Ferriss
  https://fourhourworkweek.com/
  
  

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Tipping Points
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/tipping-points/
  
  
• Consistency
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/
  
  
• Habits Over Results
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/
  
  
• Return on Investment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/
  
  
• Self-Competition
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/
  
  

IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link 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/

What is "the best way" to teach a Jiu-Jitsu class?  Is there even an answer to that question?  This week, Steve and Matt discuss common BJJ teaching methodologies such as concepts-based, toughness-based, and sequence-based.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Train With Purpose
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/
  
  
• Making Smaller Circles
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/making-smaller-circles/
  
  
• Predictable Responses
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/
  
  

IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link 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 discuss the concept of surface area, and why it's important to expose as little of your body's surface area as possible.  This strategy is sometimes referred to by the Danaher Death Squad as blading.

When you're on top, minimizing surface area makes it much harder for your opponent to block your guard passes.

When you're on bottom, minimizing surface area makes it much harder for your opponent to stabilize an offensive position.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Surface Area
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/
  
  
• Leading Edges
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/leading-edges/
  
  
• Force Vectors
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/force-vectors/
  
  
• Dominant Angles
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dominant-angles/
  
  
• Elbow-Knee Connection
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection/
  
  
• Minimize Attack Vectors
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/minimize-attack-vectors/
  
  

IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link 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 is joined by Rory van Vliet, an Island Top Team black belt under Rob Biernacki, to discuss online education.  Rory is the co-instructor of the BJJ Concepts online academy, the operator behind the RVV BJJ YouTube channel, and the creator of the Guard Retention Formula instructional series alongside Stephan Kesting.  Rory is uniquely qualified to discuss the topic of online education, so if you've ever wanted to share your knowledge with the world, this episode is for you.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Growth Mindset
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-mindset/
  
  
• Beginner's Mind
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/
  
  
• Kaizen
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/
  
  
• Consistency
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/
  
  

IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link 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/