Ep. 157: The Pitfalls of Principles, feat. Jon Thomas

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss Priit's 45° Rule, a helpful tip for surviving (and escaping) bad positions. The "rule" tells us: When your legs have been neutralized (ie. guard is passed), get your shoulders at 45 degrees relative to the floor. 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 po...

11 Syys 8min

This week, we're joined by Thomas Rozdzynski from RŌL Academy! In this episode, Thomas discusses how students’ Jiu-Jitsu goals evolve over time, the importance of coach–student communication, and balancing fun with measurable progress for long-term success. Follow Thomas on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rozdzynskibjj Train with Thomas at RŌL Academy in Orland Park: https://www.rolacademy.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Compatible Intent https://bjjmentalmodels.com/co...

8 Syys 56min

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss Hick's Law, a powerful psychology and design concept that explains how the availability of more options increases our decision-making time. 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 journ...

4 Syys 4min

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Kristi Charish and Dr. Christle Guevarra for a deep dive into fitness and nutrition myths in Jiu-Jitsu! Kristi & Christle explore how bad information spreads, the role of genetics in performance, and why aspiring athletes often fail when trying to do everything at once. They break down key misconceptions around supplements, weight cutting, and performance-enhancing drugs, while also addressing sensitive but crucial topics like Ozempic, hormone therapy,...

1 Syys 1h 15min

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss consistency as a concept, and explain how it acts as the basis for building good habits, achieving compound gains, and creating luck. 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 ar...

28 Elo 5min

In this bonus episode, Rob Biernacki talks pedagogy! We discuss his updated pedagogy module on BJJ Concepts, the evolving landscape of Jiu-Jitsu instruction, balancing concepts with techniques, evidence versus anecdote, emotional dysregulation in students, and the role of community in gym culture. Rob also shares news on his upcoming retirement from full-time teaching at Island Top Team, the winding down of his visiting student program, and his plans for future teaching through visiting instr...

26 Elo 1h

This week we're joined by Niamh Bryn, owner of Snowblind BJJ in Seattle! In this episode, Niamh explores the versatility and depth of the arm drag, and why it's more than just a beginner move. We explain its role as an opening salvo to create reactions, off-balances, and angles rather than an all-or-nothing attempt at taking the back. Follow Snowblind BJJ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snowblind_bjj Train with Niamh at Snowblind BJJ: https://snowblindbjj.net/ Mental models discus...

25 Elo 55min

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss defensive thinking, the tendency to excuse poor performance before it even happens. 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 c...

21 Elo 5min