Rephonic
Artwork for BJJ Mental Models

BJJ Mental Models

Steve Kwan
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu Jitsu
Mindset
BJJ Mental Models Premium
Mental Health
Essence BJJ
BJJ Mental Models
Mental Models
Competition
Injury Prevention
Kuzushi
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Grappling
Leg Locks
Three Joint Rule
Guard Passing
Judo
Rotational Breaks
Wrestling

Your guide to a conceptual and intelligent Jiu-Jitsu approach. BJJ black belt Steve Kwan and a slate of expert guests explain the concepts, strategies, and tactics behind the gentle art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes524Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SportsHealth & FitnessWrestling

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for BJJ Mental Models

Latest Episodes

In this mini-episode, we discuss "mind the gap:" a no-gi gripping concept that prevents your opponent from pulling or circling their hand free.

Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:

bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro

⬆️ LE... more

This week we're joined again by Rob Biernacki! Rob is the head instructor of Island Top Team and the mind behind BJJ Concepts. In this episode, Rob breaks down how he built a working no-gi version of the lasso, a position long considered gi-only. Top... more

In this mini-episode, we discuss overwhelming force: the idea that we maximize our power by using the most of our body's weapons against the least of our opponent's.

Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:

bjjmentalmodel... more

This week, we're joined again by Chris Wojcik! In this episode, Chris rebuilds his approach to the Woj Lock around a few guiding concepts instead of a catalog of techniques. Topics include: the three points of control, proximal vs. distal control, re... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Recent Guests

Beatrice Jin
Black belt competitor, coach at Kogaion Academy
Kogaion Academy
Episode: Ep. 392: The 90% That Matters, feat. Beatrice Jin
Ryan Rich
Returning champion and practitioner advocating CLA
Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu
Episode: Ep. 390: Making Jiu-Jitsu Accessible, feat. Ryan Rich & Max Corteggiano
Max Corteggiano
First-time guest focusing on BJJ Flowcharts and BJJ Games
BJJ Flowcharts, BJJ Games
Episode: Ep. 390: Making Jiu-Jitsu Accessible, feat. Ryan Rich & Max Corteggiano
Drew Foster
Black belt coach at Elevate MMA, Durham, NC; Chief of Staff for PGF
Elevate MMA, PGF
Episode: Ep. 389: The Double Tap, feat. Drew Foster
Alex Sterner
Strength coach, BJJ black belt, owner of Electrum Performance
Electrum Performance
Episode: Ep. 388: Injury and the Stockdale Paradox, feat. Alex Sterner
Christopher Round
Head Judo Instructor at High Noon (Alexandria, VA); experienced in Judo/Jiu-Jitsu coaching and competition
High Noon; IGF Tour
Episode: Ep. 387: Trips & Foot Sweeps, feat. Isa Friedlander & Chris Round
Isa Friedlander
Judo coach and competitor with Unity background; brown belt in jiu-jitsu
Unity, Dojo (Bushwick)
Episode: Ep. 387: Trips & Foot Sweeps, feat. Isa Friedlander & Chris Round
Justin Relph
Owner, Jiu Jitsu Invermere
Jiu Jitsu Invermere
Episode: Ep. 385: Jiu-Jitsu "Third Places," feat. Justin Relph
Brad Stulberg
Author of The Way of Excellence
Author, Speaker
Episode: Ep. 383: The Way of Excellence in BJJ, feat. Brad Stulberg

Host

Steve Kwan
Host of BJJ Mental Models; guides conversations and introduces topics; a BJJ black belt

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 794 ratings
  • SIMPLY PUT… SUBSCRIBE.

    These podcasts are an exceptionally indispensable resource for Jiu-Jitsu aficionados.

    Articulately discussed, well reasoned, and offering important perspectives on the art.

    You’d be silly not to listen…

    …then hit subscribe.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lethwei Bob
    Australiaa month ago
  • Not an Interviewer

    In his “interview” of Rob Gray, he talked 2-3x more than Gray. Wanted to hear Gray, not him.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    ColoradoFly
    United States3 months ago
  • An okay listening experience

    So many mix messages, and Steve agrees with every guess.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Not Greg souders
    United Statesa year ago
  • Best BJJ podcast for learning

    This is the best BJJ podcast I’ve found that can help us as new BJJ practitioners. It is helpful to start with early episodes to get a basic groundwork for the concepts discussed throughout other episodes.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MMcDowell23
    United States2 years ago
  • Thank you

    Very good information to a new older white belt. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Old white belt
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the thoughtful, concept-driven approach and practical coaching insights.
Many reviewers value the depth and breadth of guest expertise and the focus on mindset and pedagogy.
Some criticism notes the host can dominate conversations and be less listener-led.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep. 389: The Double Tap, feat. Drew Foster
Q: What is the Double Tap in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
The Double Tap is a tactic where you reapply a submission after momentarily letting it go, usually from a stable position, to catch your opponent off-guard and force them to readjust under pressure, which often deepens the submission on the second attempt.
Ep. 388: Injury and the Stockdale Paradox, feat. Alex Sterner
Q: Alex, my friend, how are you doing and where might people know you from?
I'm a strength coach and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who runs Electrum Performance in San Diego, focusing on training Jiu-Jitsu and combat athletes in the weight room and remotely.
Ep. 386: Don't Make Them Feel Stupid, feat. Heather Morgan
Q: How do you create a learning environment that doesn't make beginners feel stupid?
The approach centers on psychological safety, simplifying language, stripping jargon, and building confidence so day-one students feel capable; instructors should explain techniques in accessible terms, avoid shaming, and design classes that progress through achievable goals while maximizing reps.
Ep. 386: Don't Make Them Feel Stupid, feat. Heather Morgan
Q: What does your teaching look like today and how have you evolved to your current approach?
Heather describes a teaching style that prioritizes student autonomy, ongoing learning, and adapting to individual goals rather than enforcing a single “best” style; she balances lineages of technique with a flexible game plan and emphasizes the importance of in-person and online teaching, and evolving her methods based on student needs.
Ep. 379: Position Series: The 90/90, feat. Rob Biernacki
Q: How does the 90-90 fit into both no-gi and gi contexts?
The 90-90 is versatile in both contexts; in gi it helps defend straight ankle locks and 50-50 positions, while in no-gi it requires careful management of heel exposure and lever control, with the gi offering easier heel concealment in some setups.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About BJJ Mental Models

What is BJJ Mental Models about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful show that centers on understanding Jiu-Jitsu as a system rather than a collection of techniques. Across episodes, the hosts and guests explore teaching methods, cognitive strategies, and leadership within gym culture, blending psychology, pedagogy, and practical coaching tips. Listeners can expect conversations about how to measure progress, reduce cognitive load in training, design accessible and engaging instruction, and build community around the sport. Notable strengths include a consistent emphasis on long-term retention, inclusive coaching, and content that often ties conceptually rich ideas to actionable on-mat applications. The format frequently features guest experts who contribute specialized perspectives, from streng... more

Where can I find podcast stats for BJJ Mental Models?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for BJJ Mental Models. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to BJJ Mental Models and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does BJJ Mental Models get?

Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for three million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for BJJ Mental Models, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.

What are the audience demographics for BJJ Mental Models?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for BJJ Mental Models, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

How many subscribers and views does BJJ Mental Models have?

To see how many followers or subscribers BJJ Mental Models has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to BJJ Mental Models?

These podcasts share a similar audience with BJJ Mental Models:

1. Bulletproof For BJJ Podcast
2. The Chewjitsu Podcast
3. I Suck At Jiu Jitsu Show
4. The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting
5. MightyCast w/ Demetrious Johnson

How many episodes of BJJ Mental Models are there?

BJJ Mental Models launched 7 years ago and published 524 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact BJJ Mental Models?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for BJJ Mental Models?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for BJJ Mental Models from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.

How do I access podcast episode transcripts for BJJ Mental Models?

Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of BJJ Mental Models. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

What guests have appeared on BJJ Mental Models?

Recent guests on BJJ Mental Models include:

1. Beatrice Jin
2. Ryan Rich
3. Max Corteggiano
4. Drew Foster
5. Alex Sterner
6. Christopher Round
7. Isa Friedlander
8. Justin Relph

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

Find and pitch the right podcasts

We help savvy brands, marketers and PR professionals to find the right podcasts for any topic or niche. Get the data and contacts you need to pitch podcasts at scale and turn listeners into customers.
Try it free for 7 days