BONUS: Why We Should Play the Sport, feat. Avery Lorenzato

This week we're joined by a panel: Josh "Kintanon" Wentworth from Apex MMA and Jesse Walker from Rough Hands BJJ! In this episode, Josh and Jesse recap lessons learned from our most recent BJJ Mental Models camp in Georgia, and share best practices for running a collaborative camp and breaking from the traditional "one-man show" seminar structure. Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apexconyers Train with Josh at Apex MMA in Covington, Georgia: https://www.apexconyers....

10 Feb 56min

In this week's mini-episode, we explain the concept of placeholders. Think of positional advancement like climbing a ladder: one rung at a time, and never let go of both rungs at once! Don't abandon a point of control until you've got something equivalent or better. 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 me...

6 Feb 7min

This week we're joined by Marc Ste-Marie! Marc is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the father of IBJJF "Queen" Brianna Ste-Marie. In this episode, Marc explains the concept of "technique zero," or how we can teach Jiu-Jitsu quicker by reverse engineering and mastering the point of entry. Follow Marc on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwiksub2021 Subscribe to Marc's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@marcstemarie6821 Resources discussed in this episode: The Fig...

3 Feb 54min

In this week's mini-episode we explain the concept of surface area, or how much of your body is connected to your opponent when you apply force. You can create more pressure by applying maximal force through the smallest surface area. A classic example is the "shoulder of justice" side control crossface pin. We also discuss other benefits to minimizing surface area, and other types of pressure beyond the physics definition. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally ...

30 Jan 8min

This week we're joined again by BJJ Mental Models sponsored athlete Chris Wojcik! In this episode, Chris breaks down the mechanics and meta relevance of his new signature move, the Woj Lock. Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismwojcik Subscribe to Chris' newsletter, The Grappler's Diary: https://thegrapplersdiary.substack.com/ Buy Chris' book of the same name on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gc74Uh Buy Woj Lock the World on BJJ Fanatics: https://bit.ly/wojlock Resources...

27 Jan 59min

In this week's mini-episode we explain ratchet control, a mental model that fine-tunes rotational submissions, especially the kimura. Ratchet control occurs when you force their limb into an "L" shape and rotate it like an Allen/hex key. 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...

23 Jan 6min

This week we're joined by Scott Fritzinger! Scott is a BJJ black belt under Dave Camarillo and is the head instructor at Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu Academy Reno. In this episode, Scott discusses "the language of injury," or how our choice of words and delivery can change student behavior and influence the risk of injury in the gym. Follow Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu Academy Reno on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guerrillajjreno Train with Scott at Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu Academy Reno: https:...

20 Jan 52min

In this week's mini-episode we explain rotational control, a mental model that helps us better secure positions and complete submissions. Rotational control involves either preventing your opponent from rotating their torso, or allowing them to rotate so you can follow and improve your position. Achieving rotational control usually requires you to occupy their elbow-knee space along their torso, or restrict the movement of their far arm/leg so they can't spin. Get our Intro to Me...

16 Jan 9min