Ep. 16: Guard Series: Engagement Phase

This week, Steve and Matt break down the differences between single and double lever control. In general, single lever control affords more damage, whereas double lever control affords more control. Learn more about this mental model here: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/single-vs-double-lever-control/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Single vs. Double Lever Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/single-vs-double-lever-control/ Rotational Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/rotatio...

21 Sep 20201h 11min

This week, Steve is once again joined by Rob Biernacki from Island Top Team. If you follow Rob, you know how passionate he is about respecting expertise and calling out impostors. We live in a world where identifying expertise is harder - and more important - than ever. In this episode, we give you the tools to do so. When assessing an expert, beware these red flags: Does the expert speak with 100% certainty at all times?Does the expert avoid disclosing the limits of their ...

14 Sep 20201h 55min

This week, Steve and Matt talk about seated guards! Seated guards are a great way to track and harass your opponent from the bottom. In this episode, you'll also learn why supine guard is sometimes referred to as Ali-Inoki position - which is a much more dignified nickname than how seated guard is referred to as "buttscooting." Mental models discussed in this episode: Inside Channel Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/ Predictable Responses https://bjjmen...

7 Sep 20201h 22min

This week, Steve and Matt talk about gi-based open guards! There are a lot of variations, including spider guard, collar and sleeve, and worm guard. The sheer number of grip configurations can be overwhelming. Rather than trying to memorize each variation, we suggest thinking in a concept-based approach. In this episode, we discuss how. Mental models discussed in this episode: Direct vs. Proxy Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/direct-vs-proxy-control/ Grips Dictat...

31 Aug 20201h 9min

This week, Steve and Matt talk about butterfly guard! Butterfly is a hook-based guard that works in both gi and no-gi, and excels against larger opponents. Mental models discussed in this episode: Inside Channel Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/ Body Tethering https://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/ Types of Guard https://bjjmentalmodels.com/types-of-guard/ Kuzushi https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/ Head Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/head-pos...

24 Aug 20201h 7min

This week, X gon' give it to ya! Steve and Matt discuss X guard and its variants. X guard, while an advanced position and difficult to enter, is an incredibly powerful position that's especially effective against larger opponents. There are three primary types of X guard: X guard - best used when you're right underneath your opponentSingle leg X guard - best used when controlling the far leg is a challengeReverse X guard - best used when your opponent is leaning forward. Mental ...

17 Aug 20201h 8min

It's time for another series! This week, Steve and Matt begin our new five-part Open Guard Series with a concept-based breakdown of the de la Riva guard and reverse de la Riva guard. Mental models discussed in this episode: Types of Guard https://bjjmentalmodels.com/types-of-guard/ Body Tethering https://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/ Committed Techniques https://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/ Critical Control Points https://bjjmentalmodels.com/critical-control-poin...

10 Aug 20201h 10min

This week, Steve and Matt discuss the concept of the third place. It's a sociological concept coined by Ray Oldenburg, who argues that we have three important places in our life: The first place: your homeThe second place: your workThe third place: the anchor to your community.The third place is where we blow off steam, get away from the demands of the first two places, and build relationships. For most of us, our third place is Jiu-Jitsu. You can read more about the third place ...

3 Aug 20201h 8min