Mini Ep. 59: Growth Mindset
In this week's mini-episode we discuss growth mindsets, a mental model popularized by Carol Dweck in her hit 2006 book, "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success." Growth mindsets are defined by belief in our ability to improve, as opposed to fixed mindsets, which assume our attributes can't be changed. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Resources mentioned in this episode: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Dr. Carol D...
19 Juni 8min
Ep. 342: Developing Coaches, feat. Cody Maltais
In this episode, Steve sits down with Cody Maltais, head coach at Elevate MMA in Durham, North Carolina, to explore the art of developing coaches in Jiu-Jitsu. Cody shares his journey from Marine Corps veteran to academy leader and emphasizes the importance of fostering a collaborative, student-centered culture. He advocates for empowering students at all levels to take on coaching roles early, encouraging experimentation, mistake-making, and personal expression. Follow Cody on Instagram: ht...
16 Juni 57min
Mini Ep. 58: The 80/20 Rule
In this week's mini-episode we discuss the 80/20 rule, a mental model that's well-known, but misunderstood and overapplied. The 80/20 rule refers to an uneven distribution where the majority of results are produced by a minority of efforts. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Resources mentioned in this episode: Mini Ep. 57: The Map Is Not the Territory https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/17285192-mini-ep-57-th...
12 Juni 10min
Ep. 341: Jiu-Jitsu Is a Team Sport, feat. Francesco Fonte
In this episode, we're joined by Francesco Fonte, MMA and Jiu-Jitsu head coach from Sportschule Next Level in Germany! Francesco explores the idea of Jiu-Jitsu as a team sport. He explains how fostering a relaxed, playful training environment not only builds community but also accelerates learning by encouraging experimentation and removing the fear of mistakes. Drawing on his experiences organizing camps and running a diverse gym, Francesco highlights the value of humor, inside jokes, and a ...
9 Juni 50min
Mini Ep. 57: The Map Is Not the Territory
In this week's mini-episode we discuss how the map is not the territory, a foundational concept for working with mental models and other abstractions. The key lesson: no "map" is a 100% accurate reflection of the territory it describes. Similarly, no Jiu-Jitsu "concept" is 100% applicable all the time...including this one! Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the...
5 Juni 6min
Ep. 340: Awkward Turtles, feat. Sonia Sillan
In this episode of BJJ Mental Models, Steve Kwan welcomes back Sonia Sillan from Combat Arts Academy to explore the concept of the “awkward turtles:” the introverted, unsure, or atypical students who often feel like outsiders in Jiu-Jitsu. Sonya unpacks how gym culture, coaching priorities, and interpersonal communication affect whether these students feel welcome or alienated. Together, they discuss how creating an inclusive, empathetic training environment isn’t just good for business; it’s...
2 Juni 1h 5min
Mini Ep. 56: Controlled Breathing
In this week's mini-episode we discuss the importance of controlled breathing when sparring. Managing your breath effectively creates a positive ripple effect in your Jiu-Jitsu performance by reducing anxiety, avoiding adrenaline dumping, and concealing your emotional state from your opponent. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Resources mentioned in this episode: Mini Ep. 55: Staying Loose https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.co...
29 Maj 5min
Ep. 339: Developing Youth Programs, feat. Brennan Strimple
This week we're joined by Brennan Strimple! Brennan is the black belt head coach at RPMA (Rochester Phoenix Martial Arts). In this episode, Brennan shares his playbook for building a thriving kids' Jiu-Jitsu program, as well as leading the development of affordable kids' tournament circuits in the local community. Follow RPMA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rphxma Train at RPMA in Rochester, NY: https://rochesterjiujitsu.com/ Mental models discussed in this episode: Abundance Min...
26 Maj 51min
