Ep. 45: Committed Techniques

This week Steve and Matt discuss the concept of surface area, and why it's important to expose as little of your body's surface area as possible. This strategy is sometimes referred to by the Danaher Death Squad as blading. When you're on top, minimizing surface area makes it much harder for your opponent to block your guard passes. When you're on bottom, minimizing surface area makes it much harder for your opponent to stabilize an offensive position. Mental models discussed in thi...

6 Juli 20201h 11min

This week Steve is joined by Rory van Vliet, an Island Top Team black belt under Rob Biernacki, to discuss online education. Rory is the co-instructor of the BJJ Concepts online academy, the operator behind the RVV BJJ YouTube channel, and the creator of the Guard Retention Formula instructional series alongside Stephan Kesting. Rory is uniquely qualified to discuss the topic of online education, so if you've ever wanted to share your knowledge with the world, this episode is for ...

29 Juni 20201h 27min

This week, Steve and Matt discuss how to get motivated and stay motivated. It's easy to lose that fire inside and become exhausted through the rigors and routine of everyday life. Every now and then, you need to draw from different sources to become invigorated and motivated again. In this episode we talk about four common sources of motivation: Motivation from failureMotivation from regretMotivation from inspirationMotivation from necessity.Mental models discussed in this episode: Gro...

22 Juni 20201h 7min

It's our honor and privilege to be joined this week by Sergeant Major Seb Lavoie. In addition to a lifetime of experience in the martial arts, Seb is a 19-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and previously served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Seb is currently the divisional Sergeant Major for British Columbia, Canada. This week Seb joins us to discuss the killing of George Floyd, police use of force, and where police organizations around the world can go from...

15 Juni 20201h 37min

Fear of time, or chronophobia, is a cause of constant anxiety and stress for many of us. It's the persistent fear that you're just not doing enough. This week, Steve and Matt discuss strategies for combating the fear of time. Ways to combat the fear of time: Kaizen (continuous improvement)CompartmentalizingBeing presentRecommended reading if you need help combating the fear of time: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, by Dale Carnegie Mental models discussed in this episode: S...

8 Juni 202050min

Submissions aren't just fight-ending techniques; they're tools to advance the position even if the submission fails. This week, Steve and Matt discuss how to use submissions as a way to advance position. Mental models discussed in this episode: Myopia https://bjjmentalmodels.com/myopia/ Body Tethering https://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/ Dilemma https://bjjmentalmodels.com/dilemma/ Technique Chaining https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/ Kuzushi https://bjjmentalmod...

1 Juni 202052min

This week, Steve and Matt talk about the mount: an old-school, demoralizing, and devastating position. The mount has three sub-positions: low mount, where you lie on top of uke;high mount, where you bring your knees into uke's armpits and posture up;technical mounts, including jockey mount and S mount.Mental models discussed in this episode: Crossing the Center https://bjjmentalmodels.com/crossing-the-center/ Defend with Purpose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defend-with-purpose/ Head Positio...

25 Maj 20201h 1min

This week Steve and Matt talk about stress. Stress is a fact of life, and it can be a tool for growth if used properly. Some techniques for managing stress: ExercisingEating wellSleepingControlled breathingMindfulnessChallenging yourself regularlyMaking time for yourselfDoing what you loveNot becoming obsessed with comfortAppreciating when you have enough.Mental models discussed in this episode: Growth From Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/ Stress and Reco...

18 Maj 20201h 1min