Ep. 240: Position Series: Sideways Open Guard, feat. Priit Mihkelson

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 202049min

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

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

As we've learned from Street Fighter, combos are important. A single technique in isolation is not as effective as a series of chained attacks. There are two ways you can chain attacks together: in a sequence, or in parallel. Mental models discussed in this episode: Technique Chaining https://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/ Theory of Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/ Alignment over Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/alignment-over-position/ Kuzushi...

11 Maj 202058min

This week, Steve and Matt cover a commonly requested topic: controlling your breathing. It's a great technique for energy regulation, overcoming fear, and improving general well-being. Mental models discussed in this episode: Controlled Breathing https://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlled-breathing/ Staying Loose https://bjjmentalmodels.com/staying-loose/ Growth from Discomfort https://bjjmentalmodels.com/growth-from-discomfort/ Mindfulness https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/ Self...

4 Maj 202052min

Learning to stay loose is one of the quickest ways to improve your Jiu-Jitsu. This week, Steve and Matt explain the importance of staying loose, how to develop awareness of when you're too tense, and when it's appropriate to use tension. Why you should stay loose: It masks your intentionsIt saves energy and prevents muscle burnoutIt denies your opponent leverage.When it's okay to use tension: When you're doing so for a reasonWhen your tension cannot be exploited. Mental models discusse...

27 Apr 202059min

What better topic for episode #69 than north-south? Let's talk about the barbecue position. Mental models discussed in this episode: Theory of Alignment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/ Elbow-Knee Connection https://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection/ Inside Channel Control https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/ Head Position https://bjjmentalmodels.com/head-position/ Force Vectors https://bjjmentalmodels.com/force-vectors/ Predictable Responses...

20 Apr 202055min