Ep. 296: Adapting on the Fly, feat. Tom "TP" Grant

This week, we're joined by one of our most often requested guests: Sonny Brown! Sonny, also known as "that other BJJ podcast guy," is working on a kesa gatame instructional. He joins us to share core concepts on this underutilized position. We debunk common kesa gatame misconceptions: "They'll just take my back""They'll just bridge me over""They'll just push my head into an armbar or crucifix""Kesa gatame is only for big guys""Once you get into kesa gatame, you’re stuck there." C...

14 Jun 20211h 4min

We've got a bonus episode for you this week! Rob Biernacki joins us to introduce arm drag concepts from his new instructional. Learn about Rob Biernacki's arm drag concepts here: Rob Biernacki: The BJJ 2 on 1 Grip, with Advanced Details https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-9tV6kU018 The Arm Drag and 2 on 1 Formula, with Rob Biernacki and Stephan Kesting https://www.grapplearts.com/the-arm-drag-and-2-on-1-formula/ BJJ Concepts https://bjjconcepts.net Mental models discussed in this epis...

10 Jun 202145min

This week, we're joined by Christian Graugart. Christian is the founder of BJJ Globetrotters, Beltchecker.com, and TeachingBJJ.com. In this episode, we break down Christian's five-part framework for creating: failure, brains, skills, ideas, and karma. Christian's creations: “Create Something” workshop with Christian Graugart https://youtu.be/gqtTRF5Fu98 BJJ Globetrotters https://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/ Belt Checker https://www.beltchecker.com/ Teaching BJJ https://www.teachi...

7 Jun 20211h 40min

This week, we're joined by Adam Medlock. Adam is the lead autism educator for a special school in the UK. He has worked with children and young adults with autism for most of his professional life. Adam joins us to educate the grappling community on autism. He provides a framework for understanding the autism spectrum and making BJJ more inclusive to autistic students. Topics discussed include: How autism and the spectrum are definedHow BJJ may be beneficial to autistic pe...

31 Mai 202159min

This week, Steve and Matt talk about frames. Can you believe we made it 127 episodes deep without doing a full episode on this topic? This is probably the most in-depth and conceptual discussion of frames you'll ever hear. Some key points about frames: Frames are a structural barrier used to keep your opponent at a distance. Frames and wedges are very similar. Frames are used for defense - as opposed to wedges, which are used for offense. Frames are strongest when "solid" - me...

24 Mai 202157min

This week we're joined again by Livia Giles! Livia's expecting, and will be adding motherhood to her long list of achievements! In this episode, we discuss Livia's experience with pregnancy, and how she balances being an expecting mother with the lifestyle of an elite-level BJJ black belt and coach. Mental models discussed in this episode: Train With Purpose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/ Prevention Over Cure https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cure/ Pr...

17 Mai 202157min

This week, we're joined by the living legend, Rafael Lovato Jr.! Rafael introduces his philosophy of Timeless Jiu-Jitsu, which he used to become one of the greatest champions of his generation. Rafael talks about being a forever student, teaching to learn, finding your why, leading from the front, competition, finding mentors, positivity, mindfulness, and investing in yourself. NOTE: Apologies for the background noise in this episode. We tried to clean it up. Lovato’s Timeless ...

10 Mai 202156min

This week, Matt and Steve talk about ratchet control: a powerful mental model for using limb rotation to break alignment. There are two directions of ratchet control: Internal rotation: Kimuras, heel hooks, reapsExternal rotation: Americanas, knee flares.While both are effective, internal rotation normally breaks alignment more than external rotation. Internal rotation also offers a path to the back. Mental models discussed in this episode: Ratchet Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/...

3 Mai 20211h 1min