Ep. 2: Core Mechanics

Be an anchor, not a tetherball. This week Steve and Matt discuss when you should and shouldn't tether your body to your opponent. Mental models discussed in this episode: Body Tethering https://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/ Alignment over Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/alignment-over-position/ Controlled Breathing https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlled-breathing/ Do What Works https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/We maintain an online database of the mental models g...

12 Aug 201956min

Action creates reaction. This week Steve and Matt discuss predictable responses, a mental model that helps you understand what your opponent is likely to do and decrease your reaction time. Mental models discussed in this episode: Predictable Responses https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/ Dictate the Pace https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-pace/ Form to Leave Form https://bjjmentalmodels.com/form-to-leave-form/ Funneling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/funneling/ Tec...

5 Aug 201959min

This week Steve and Matt discuss double trouble, a mental model popularized by John Danaher. Mental models discussed in this episode: Double Trouble https://bjjmentalmodels.com/double-trouble/ Rotational Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/rotational-control/ Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/ Core Mechanics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/ Kinetic Chains https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kinetic-chains/ Committed Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/commi...

29 Juli 20191h

This week Steve and Matt discuss the elbow-knee connection: a shockingly simple concept that, when applied intelligently, can improve your game in a variety of ways. Mental models discussed in this episode: Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/ Core Mechanics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/ Anatomic Hierarchy https://bjjmentalmodels.com/anatomic-hierarchy/ Elbow-Knee Connection https://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection/ First Principles https://bj...

22 Juli 20191h 9min

This week Steve and Matt discuss kuzushi, the Japanese art of balance breaking. Mental models discussed in this episode: Kuzushi https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/ Path of Least Resistance https://bjjmentalmodels.com/path-of-least-resistance/ Technique Chaining https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/ Types of Guard https://bjjmentalmodels.com/types-of-guard/ Microtransitions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/microtransitions/ Staying Loose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/staying-loose/ ...

15 Juli 20191h 2min

In the final episode of our instructor series, Steve & Matt shed light on the ugly side of Jiu-Jitsu and the instructors' responsibilities to create a healthy training environment. Topics include issues with your students, gym drama, cult mentality, and harassment. A huge thank you to Matt Kirtley, AKA Aesopian, for his detailed research into cults that contributed to this episode. Mental models discussed in this episode: Extreme Ownership https://bjjmentalmodels.com/extreme-owner...

8 Juli 20191h 15min

Steve and Matt discuss the business relationships and networking activities critical to running a successful gym. Topics include skill swapping, building logistics, the competitive landscape, neighbouring businesses, privates, seminars, workshops, open mats, tournaments, managing your own promotions, sponsorships, and social media conduct. Mental models discussed in this episode: Abundance Mindset https://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/ Idea Communism https://bjjmentalmodels.co...

1 Juli 20191h 17min

Once you've opened your gym, how do maintain and grow your membership base? Steve and Matt discuss lead generation, advertising, merchandising, social media, websites, designing your schedule, and retaining students. Mental models discussed in this episode: Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/ Abundance Mindset https://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/We maintain an online database of the mental models governing Jiu-Jitsu at: https://bjjmentalmodels.co...

24 Juni 20191h 18min