BJJ Mental Models

In this week's mini-episode, we explain shuhari: a Japanese concept from the traditional martial arts explaining the three stages of mastery.

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https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro


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This week, we're joined again by fan favorite Josh "Kintanon" Wentworth! Josh explains one of the most overlooked concepts in jiu-jitsu: having a "game." Drawing inspiration from the Mendes brothers, Josh explains why a repeatable, deliberate path from standing to finish beats reactive rolling every time. Topics include: decision-making loops, why "taking what they give you" is a trap, and how to actually build a game plan that works under pressure.

Follow Josh on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/apexconyers

Train with Josh at Apex MMA Conyers in Covington, Georgia:
https://www.apexconyers.com

Argue with Josh on Reddit:
https://reddit.com/u/kintanon


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Feedback Loop
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop
  
  
• Technique Chaining
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining
  
  
• Funneling
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling
  
  
• Tokui Waza
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/tokui-waza
  
  
  

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The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

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https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels
https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social
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Music by Enterprize:
https://enterprize.bandcamp.com

In this week's mini-episode, we explain the double tap: a deceptive way to trick your opponent into lowering their defenses.

Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro


⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!

The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

Follow us on social:
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels
https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social
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This week, we're joined again by Livia Giles! In this episode, Livia explains why growing your gym's female membership isn't just the right thing to do, it's smart business. Livia shares what actually moves the needle on women's participation, the culture shifts that make women feel welcome, why intimidation kills retention before it starts, and how gym owners can practically double their potential clientele by taking women seriously.

Follow Livia on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/livia_giles

Train with Livia at Absolute MMA in St. Kilda, Australia:
https://absolutemma.com.au

Learn online with Livia at SUBMETA (seriously, do it):
https://submeta.io


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Psychological Safety
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety
  
  
  

⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!

The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

Follow us on social:
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels
https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social
https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

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

In this week's mini-episode, we explain the relationship between direct control and proxy control. Direct control means a dominant grip through immediate contact; proxy control means using something else (like the gi).

Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro


⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!

The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

Follow us on social:
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels
https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social
https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

This week, Rob Biernacki is back! In this episode, Rob explains the 90/90: a yoga-style "pigeon pose" position ideal for defending leglocks and getting to the running man escape (AKA the "Captain Morgan").

Follow Rob on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/islandtopteam

Train with Rob at Island Top Team in Nanaimo, BC:
https://www.instagram.com/islandtopteambjj
https://islandtopteam.com

Learn online with Rob at BJJ Concepts:
https://bjjconcepts.net


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• 3 Joint Rule
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/3-joint-rule
  
  
• Knee Line
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/knee-line
  
  
• Myopia
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/myopia
  
  
• Prevention Over Cure
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure
  
  
• Universal Defenses
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/universal-defenses
  
  
• Proximal and Distal Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/proximal-and-distal-control
  
  
  

⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!

The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

Follow us on social:
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels
https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social
https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

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

In this week's mini-episode, we tackle impostor syndrome: the common (but false) belief that you are unworthy of your rank or accomplishments.

Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro


⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!

The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

Follow us on social:
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels
https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social
https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

This week, we're joined by Cal Jones! A 32-year grappling veteran with a master's in advanced coaching practice, Cal is one of the most recognized voices in the constraints-led approach (CLA) space. In this episode, Cal breaks down why the quality of your reps matters more than the quantity and how to design training that actually transfers to competition. Topics include: repetition and representation, the PVCT model (a framework for layering increasingly representative training tasks), perception-action coupling, invariants in BJJ, open mat intention, and the role of fun and confidence in long-term skill development.

Follow Cal on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/calwjones

Connect with Cal for consulting:
https://calendly.com/calumwalkerjones/consultancy


Resources discussed in this episode:

Ecological Dynamics in Sport Coaching: An Essential Guide, by Steve M. Smith:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWCTGND5


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Ecological Dynamics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics
  
  
• Invariants
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/invariants
  
  
• Perception-Action Coupling
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/perception-action-coupling
  
  
• Intention
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/intention
  
  
  

⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!

The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

Follow us on social:
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels
https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social
https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

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

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss kinetic chains: a concept from mechanical engineering and physiology that explains how movement in our joints affects the other joints in that limb. Kinetic chains are open when the hand/foot is unconnected, or closed when connected to a surface.

Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro


⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!

The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

Follow us on social:
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels
https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social
https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

This week, we're joined again by Margot Ciccarelli! In this episode, Margot shares mindset advice on staying present and escaping the mental trap of "anticipating" negative outcomes. Margot covers important mental reframing topics like fear, hesitation, our internal dialogue, intentional exposure, pattern interrupts, and rhythm changes.

Follow Margot on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/margotciccarelli

Margot's mindset coach, Dr. Frazer Atkinson @ Kaizen:
https://kaizenmp.com


Resources discussed in this episode:

BJJMM Ep. 131: Movement Vocabulary, feat. Margot Ciccarelli
https://bjj.plus/131


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Acute Stress Response
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/acute-stress-response
• Mindfulness
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness
• Emotional Contagion
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/emotional-contagion
• Reframing
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/reframing
• Pattern Interrupts
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/pattern-interrupts
• Ecological Dynamics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics
• Predictable Responses
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses
• External Cues
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/external-cues
  
  
  

⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!

The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

Follow us on social:
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels
https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social
https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

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