
Ep. 318: Still Not Nice, feat. Beatrice Jin
This week we're joined again by Beatrice Jin! Beatrice is a black belt competitor and coach from Kogaion Academy in Arlington, Virginia. In this episode, we continue our conversation from Beatrice's last visit about how to "stop being nice" when sparring. Topics include the essential concepts of assertiveness and aggressiveness in BJJ, the cultural influences that shape one’s approach to the sport, the significance of a competitive mindset, the necessity of pushing personal ...
6 Jan 54min

Mini Ep. 35: Tokui Waza
In this week's mini-episode we explain tokui waza, a concept from Judo and traditional martial arts. Translating roughly to "favorited technique" or "special skill," tokui waza refers to the tendency of martial artists to develop and leverage a few techniques they're especially good at. Tokui waza is important to understand because it helps us break the misconception that the best in the world are good at everything. Much like the pro wrestlers, they develop "finishing moves...
2 Jan 6min

Ep. 317: Takedown Safety, feat. Max Schneider
This week we're joined by Max Schneider! Max is a BJJ black belt under Justin Flores, as well as a national Judo champion and Olympic alternate, 2x Illinois state wrestling champion, and former D1 wrestler. In this episode, Max explores the philosophy and techniques behind safe and effective takedown training. Topics include the importance of warmup and falling techniques, various types of breakfalls, the differences in approach between Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, adapting techniques to various...
30 Des 202455min

Mini Ep. 34: Zone of Genius
In this week's mini-episode we explain the so-called "zone of genius:" a concept that encourages us to spend our time in the areas where we're most passionate and talented. This has implications for Jiu-Jitsu strategy: We should build a gameplan that takes the fight to places where we are the most exceptional. In terms of our skill development, this means we're best off doubling down on our strengths. Instead of trying to "get good at everything" (which is impossible), we sh...
26 Des 20248min

Ep. 316: Content Overload, feat. Jake Luigi
This week we're joined again by Jake Luigi from Less Impressed More Involved and Outlier DB! In this episode, Jake discusses a problem we can all relate to: content overload in BJJ. Jake shares great advice on choosing what to study in a world where quality Jiu-Jitsu content is plentiful but time is scarce. Follow Jake on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limibjj/ Subscribe to Less Impressed More Involved on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LIMIBJJ Check out Outlier DB: htt...
23 Des 202456min

Mini Ep. 33: Layers of Strategy
In this week's mini-episode we explain the layers of strategy: every good plan needs a solid foundation and a flexible perimeter. This concept applies to all manner of strategies, both on and off the mats. Before you listen to this episode, check out: Mini Ep. 32: Funneling https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16266002-mini-ep-32-funneling Mini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfare https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16225783-mini-ep-31-asymmetric-warfare Get our...
19 Des 202411min

Ep. 315: Defensive Angles, feat. Priit Mihkelson
This week we're joined again by Defensive BJJ coach and BJJMM fan-favorite guest Priit Mihkelson! In this episode, Priit discusses the importance of angles when defending from inferior positions. Priit explains concepts for finding the correct angle when defending from the bottom, such as maintaining a 45° angle relative to the floor after your legs have been cleared, and how "making a capital T" by positioning your body perpendicular to your opponent can prevent them from wrappin...
16 Des 20241h 4min

Mini Ep. 32: Funneling
In this week's mini-episode we explain funneling, a key concept for building Jiu-Jitsu strategies. The idea is to build "funnels," or pathways to where we have an unfair/asymmetric advantage. A good gameplan uses funnels to "connect the dots" so no matter where a match goes, you have a viable pathway to your strongest positions. Before you listen to this episode, check out: Mini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfare https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16225783-mini-ep-31-as...
12 Des 20249min





















