BJJ Mental Models

This week Steve and Matt discuss double trouble, a mental model popularized by John Danaher.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Double Trouble
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/double-trouble/
  
  
• Rotational Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/rotational-control/
  
  
• Alignment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/
  
  
• Core Mechanics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/
  
  
• Kinetic Chains
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kinetic-chains/
  
  
• Committed Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/
  
  
• Body Tethering
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/
  
  
• Predictable Responses
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/

We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

This week Steve and Matt discuss the elbow-knee connection: a shockingly simple concept that, when applied intelligently, can improve your game in a variety of ways.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Alignment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/
  
  
• Core Mechanics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/
  
  
• Anatomic Hierarchy
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/anatomic-hierarchy/
  
  
• Elbow-Knee Connection
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection/
  
  
• First Principles
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/first-principles/
  
  
• Microtransitions
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/microtransitions/
  
  
• Kinetic Chains
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kinetic-chains/
  
  
• Shifting Platforms
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shifting-platforms/
  
  
• Principles over Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/principles-over-techniques/
  
  
• Do What Works
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/
  
  
• Making Smaller Circles
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/making-smaller-circles/
  
  
• Economy of Motion
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/economy-of-motion/

We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

This week Steve and Matt discuss kuzushi, the Japanese art of balance breaking.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Kuzushi
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/
  
  
• Path of Least Resistance
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/path-of-least-resistance/
  
  
• Technique Chaining
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/
  
  
• Types of Guard
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/types-of-guard/
  
  
• Microtransitions
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/microtransitions/
  
  
• Staying Loose
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/staying-loose/
  
  
• Mask Your Intentions
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mask-your-intentions/
  
  
• Predictable Responses
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/

We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

In the final episode of our instructor series, Steve & Matt shed light on the ugly side of Jiu-Jitsu and the instructors' responsibilities to create a healthy training environment.  Topics include issues with your students, gym drama, cult mentality, and harassment.

A huge thank you to Matt Kirtley, AKA Aesopian, for his detailed research into cults that contributed to this episode.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Extreme Ownership
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/extreme-ownership/
  
  
• Abundance Mindset
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/
  
  
• Emotional Contagion
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/emotional-contagion/
  
  
• Mindfulness
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/

We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

Steve and Matt discuss the business relationships and networking activities critical to running a successful gym.  Topics include skill swapping, building logistics, the competitive landscape, neighbouring businesses, privates, seminars, workshops, open mats, tournaments, managing your own promotions, sponsorships, and social media conduct.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Abundance Mindset
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/
  
  
• Idea Communism
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/idea-communism/
  
  
• Investing in Loss
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/

We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

Once you've opened your gym, how do maintain and grow your membership base?  Steve and Matt discuss lead generation, advertising, merchandising, social media, websites, designing your schedule, and retaining students.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Investing in Loss
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/
  
  
• Abundance Mindset
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/

We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

In the second episode of the instructor series, Steve and Matt discuss Matt's experience opening a gym.  They cover what's involved in making the decision, the qualifications required, targeting your customers, hidden costs, the path to profitability, and affiliation.  A must-listen for anyone interested in moving into Jiu-Jitsu as their full-time career.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Habits over Results
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/
  
  
• Loss Aversion
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/loss-aversion/
  
  
• Abundance Mindset
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/

We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

Today marks the first of a new five-part series on BJJ Mental Models: the instructor series!  We're going to cover topics relevant to instructors and gym owners.

Today's topic is coaching, and we're going to discuss: going from practitioner to coach, teaching class, one-on-one instruction, coaching children, coaching tournaments, and teaching seminars.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Beginner's Mind
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/
  
  
• Psychological Safety
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety/
  
  
• Respect People, not Positions
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/
  
  
• Incremental Learning
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/
  
  
• Learning Styles
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/learning-styles/
  
  
• The Golden Rule
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/golden-rule/
  
  
• Kaizen
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/

We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

As the old saying goes, "the bigger they are, the harder they cross-face you from side control."  This week Steve and Matt discuss the perils of fighting larger opponents.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Do What Works
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/
  
  
• Growth from Discomfort
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/
  
  
• Investing in Loss
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/
  
  
• Dictate the Pace
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/
  
  
• Dominant Angles
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dominant-angles/
  
  
• Microtransitions
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/microtransitions/
  
  
• Shifting Platforms
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shifting-platforms/
  
  
• Grips Dictate Position
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position/
  
  
• Grip Inversion
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grip-inversion/
  
  
• Limb Coiling
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/
  
  
• Staying Loose
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/staying-loose/

We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/

As the saying goes, if you don't lose you'll eventually win.  This week's episode discusses strategies for surviving bad positions like side control, knee on belly, mount, and back mount.

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Alignment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/
  
  
• Alignment vs Position
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/alignment-over-position/
  
  
• Defend with Purpose
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defend-with-purpose/
  
  
• Limb Coiling
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/
  
  
• Elbow-Knee Connection
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection/
  
  
• Kinetic Chains
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kinetic-chains/
  
  
• Controlled Breathing
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlled-breathing/
  
  
• Staying Loose
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/staying-loose/
  
  
• Microtransitions
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/microtransitions/
  
  
• Shifting Platforms
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shifting-platforms/

We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/