Ep. 233: Gripfighting From the Top, feat. Chris "The Villain" Paines

This week, we're joined by 10th Planet standout Keith Krikorian! In this episode, Keith shares his thoughts on mental health, community, and staying grounded in an increasingly chaotic world. Keith shares how Jiu-Jitsu builds confidence, connection, and emotional resilience, why the sport attracts so many unique personalities, and how gratitude transformed both his mindset and his game. Follow Keith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkrikorian Mental models discussed in this epis...

17 Nov 202556min

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the race to the bottom: a pricing phenomenon where we drive prices so low that they become unsustainable. This concept is critical to understand for any Jiu-Jitsu business. 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...

13 Nov 20257min

This week, we're joined by Mat Made founder Kenny Kim! In this episode, Kenny discusses how to build deeper connections and stronger communities through Jiu-Jitsu. Topics include: creating lasting engagement at gyms, growing authentic online followings, using storytelling to inspire others, overcoming imposter syndrome, building consistency, and leading with purpose. Follow Kenny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennykimbjj The Jiu-Jitsu Millionaire, by Kenny Kim: https://a.co/d/fZg...

10 Nov 202552min

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss how the torso and levers become points of control. With torso control, we clamp or hook onto our opponent's torso so we can hold them in position or rotate around them. With lever control, we use our opponent's arms, legs, and/or head to create leverage. Attacking a single lever usually affords more force, whereas attacking multiple levers simultaneously usually affords more control. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https:/...

6 Nov 20259min

This week, we're joined again by "Silver Fox" Karel Pravec! In this episode, Karel explores one of Jiu-Jitsu's most underrated submissions: the omoplata. Karel explains why the omoplata is so effective as both a sweep and control position, how to chain between parallel and perpendicular omoplatas, and why it excels against bigger opponents. Follow Karel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverfoxbjj Get Karel's instructionals on BJJ Fanatics: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/karel-...

3 Nov 202554min

In this week's mini-episode, we introduce the last mile problem, which explains why it gets harder to achieve our goals as we near the end (or "last mile"). The last mile problem is commonly caused by complexity, complacency, consistency, or confidence. 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 coa...

30 Okt 202511min

This week, we're joined by Stephan Kesting! In this episode, Stephan teaches the Kimura as both a submission and a positional system: its ancient origins, key positional variations, and how it functions as a control framework rather than just a finishing move. Topics include finishing mechanics, leverage physics, the "fat old lazy man" Kimura, and Kesting’s new instructional, The Kimura Roadmap. Follow Stephan Kesting on Instagram: https://instagram.com/stephan_kesting Learn online with Ste...

27 Okt 202558min

In this week's mini-episode, we introduce the four types of guard: hook, clamp, frame, and hybrid. Every guard in Jiu-Jitsu can be classified into one of these types. 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 ...

23 Okt 20257min