Ep. 7: Mindfulness

This is it: the ultimate onboarding package for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Jeff Shaw, co-owner of Bellingham BJJ and host of Dirty White Belt Radio, joins us to tell absolute beginners what they need to know about Jiu-Jitsu. If you're looking to start BJJ, or you're introducing someone to BJJ, play this episode. Topics discussed in this episode: How to introduce the brand new student to Jiu-JitsuWhat to look for in a gym/instructorHow to identify red flags with a gym/instructorHow to...

22 Feb 20211h 6min

This week, Steve and Matt are rejoined by Dr. Valerie "Valhalla" Worthington. We have a thoughtful discussion on the ego, how it can hinder us, how it can help us, and whether "killing" the ego is a good idea. Mental models discussed in this episode: Beginner's Mind https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/ Respect People, Not Positions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/ Kaizen https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/ Incremental Learning https://bjjmentalmodels...

15 Feb 202159min

This week, Steve and Matt dive into knee on belly and break down the position using the mental models we discuss on the show. Uke's predictable responses from knee on belly: Getting to their side - either turning toward or away from youAttacking your feetGetting their foot on your hip or inverting into a leg entanglement Critical control points for knee on belly: Maintaining good foot position. No gaps between your shoelaces and their hip. Don't let them grab your legs, especially the ...

8 Feb 20211h 8min

This week, Steve is joined by Bruce Hoyer from Next Edge Academy. Bruce is best known for pioneering the reverse classroom model in BJJ. If you've been looking for a new and empowering way to structure your learning or classes, this is the episode for you. IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain. Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue provid...

1 Feb 202141min

This week, Steve and Matt are joined by multi-time world champion Emily Kwok. Having studied directly with Marcelo Garcia and Josh Waitzkin, Emily joins us to share her expertise on the study of peak performance. Mental models discussed in this episode: Kaizen https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kaizen/ Flow https://bjjmentalmodels.com/flow/ Stress and Recovery https://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery/ Shuhari https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shuhari/ Raise the Level in the Room https:/...

25 Jan 20211h 13min

This week, Steve and Matt are joined by Nelson Puentes, the co-founder of Inverted Gear. Nelson shares the story of the business and is generous with advice to other entrepreneurs who are looking to get started. We discuss the importance of branding, the joy of logistics, and how to pivot during adversity. Oh...and we talk about short shorts. IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain. ...

18 Jan 20211h 7min

This week, Steve is joined again by Robert Degle. Robert shares his experience with information literacy, and how grapplers can answer the questions: how do I know this technique is a good technique? And what makes a technique good, anyway? Due to incorrect audio settings in this episode, it sounds like Steve is yelling through a megaphone. We did our best to clean up the audio, but it's still noticeable. Sorry about this. Mental models discussed in this episode: Sc...

11 Jan 20211h 28min

This week, Steve is joined by the internet's favorite professor, Stephan Kesting. We have a post-mortem on the disastrous year that was 2020, discuss how we can develop a resilient mindset, and how the BJJ community can heal and recover in 2021. Mental models discussed in this episode: Raise the Level in the Room https://bjjmentalmodels.com/raise-the-level-in-the-room/ Train With Purpose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purpose/ Habits Over Results https://bjjmentalmodels.com/...

4 Jan 20211h 14min