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BJJ Mental Models

Steve Kwan
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu Jitsu
BJJ Mental Models
Mindset
BJJ Mental Models Premium
Essence BJJ
Injury Prevention
Ecological Dynamics
Mental Health
Kuzushi
Competition
Leg Locks
Guard Passing
Judo
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Self-Defense
Jake O'driscoll
Woj Lock
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 weeklyEpisodes565Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
WrestlingHealth & FitnessSports

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Artwork for BJJ Mental Models

Latest Episodes

This week, we're joined by Priit Mihkelson! Priit is an Estonian black belt and co-owner of Estum Jiu-Jitsu in Tallinn, with 26 years of jiu-jitsu behind him. In this episode, Priit works through what a coach's job is, and why his answer (make people... more

YouTube

In this mini-episode, we explain first principles: how we can repeatedly ask "why" to uncover simple and foundation truths so we can better understand jiu-jitsu.

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

bjjmentalmodels.co... more

This week, we're joined by Kyvann Gonzalez! Kyvann is the head coach and co-owner of Bodega Jiu Jitsu in Maplewood, NJ, where he builds his classes around games and live training using the constraints-led approach. In this episode, Kyvann explains ho... more

YouTube

In this mini-episode, we explain handicapping: how we can physically and strategically reduce our performance to get the most out of each training round.

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

bjjmentalmodels.com/freein... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Kyvann Gonzalez
Head coach and co-owner of Bodega Jiu Jitsu
Bodega Jiu Jitsu
Episode: Ep. 414: The One-Hour Problem, feat. Kyvann Gonzalez
Marc Ste-Marie
Second-degree Brazilian Top Team black belt, coach, and lifelong grappler.
Brazilian Top Team
Episode: Ep. 413: Technique Sequencing, feat. Marc Ste-Marie
Brandon Reed
Guest with a wrestling background and jiu-jitsu practitioner
Pedagos Mission Fighting / Daisy Fresh (team member)
Episode: Ep. 412: Hand Fighting, feat. Brandon Reed
Jeff Serafin
Head coach at Serafin Jiu-Jitsu (gym owner)
Serafin Jiu-Jitsu
Episode: Ep. 411: The Fragmentation of Jiu-Jitsu, feat. Jeff Serafin
Jeff Shaw
Professor of history and head instructor at Bellingham BJJ
Western Washington University; Bellingham BJJ
Episode: Mini Ep. 126: Visualization
Hillary VanOrnum
World champion practitioner and owner of Unicorn Jiu Jitsu in Portland
Unicorn Jiu Jitsu, Portland, Oregon
Episode: Ep. 410: Instructing Versus Coaching, feat. Hillary VanOrnum
Nelson Puentes
Co-founder of Inverted Gear, Academy owner
Inverted Gear
Episode: Ep. 409: Super Mario Theory, feat. Nelson Puentes
Rob Cole
Grappling-focused martial artist and ecologically-driven coach
Ascension Athletics, Connecticut
Episode: Ep. 408: Intention-Led Jiu-Jitsu, feat. Rob Cole
Jesse Walker
Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ, Louisville, KY
Rough Hands BJJ
Episode: Ep. 407: Day Zero Jiu-Jitsu, feat. Jesse Walker & Shelby York

Host

Steve Kwan
Host and presenter focused on conceptual Jiu-Jitsu, teaching methodologies, and mental models.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 813 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
    Australia6 months 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 States8 months ago
  • An okay listening experience

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

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Not Greg souders
    United States2 years 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 States3 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Many praise the mix of pedagogy, strategy, and business insight.
Listeners appreciate the depth and practicality of concepts.
Some critique that interview focus can overshadow guest voices.

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. 414: The One-Hour Problem, feat. Kyvann Gonzalez
Q: What do you mean by gray area? I love that term. What does the gray area mean to you and what lives in there?
The gray area is the difficult connective work between the techniques instructors demonstrate, such as securing a two-on-one and getting both feet behind an opponent's feet. Gonzalez says games should give students time to practice those challenging transitions, which vary with body type, strength, and experience.
Ep. 414: The One-Hour Problem, feat. Kyvann Gonzalez
Q: What does a class structure at Bodega look like? And I guess the first thing to ask, we've been talking about our blocks, but I realize I haven't asked you, how do you structure your classes? Do you do 60 minutes, 90 minutes, whatever? And what do people expect in those classes?
Bodega runs 60-minute classes, beginning with a short introduction to a game and then moving into live training. Depending on class size, the games focus on standing, guard, or pinning, with 45 to 50 minutes spent training. The gym also leaves time afterward for questions or extra rounds.
Ep. 413: Technique Sequencing, feat. Marc Ste-Marie
Q: How do you develop mat IQ, and is there a way to coach it for new and advanced students?
Ste-Marie says mat experience helps build mat IQ, and coaches can accelerate it through connected sequences, self-discovery, play, and hints that direct students toward the next move.
Ep. 413: Technique Sequencing, feat. Marc Ste-Marie
Q: How do you coach beginners to look for things in a sequence when they naturally want a specific move?
Ste-Marie uses playful games with tight parameters, encourages students to explore solutions, and gives hints rather than immediately providing answers.
Ep. 412: Hand Fighting, feat. Brandon Reed
Q: What does hand fighting actually mean in this context?
Hand fighting is the strategic process of creating safe access to your opponent's head, hands, and hips, using grips and ties to set up takedowns while defending against the opponent's attacks. It involves a mix of down block tactics, backhand connections, and a constant cycle of hands on and off to control distance and openings.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About BJJ Mental Models

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

Across recent episodes, the show emphasizes a conceptual, systems-based view of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, blending mental models, teaching methods, and game design with practical on-mat applications. Topics repeatedly cover how to think about leverage, risk, strategy, and learning efficiency, often anchored by data-driven or framework-based perspectives. Guests range from researchers and authors to elite practitioners, all contributing ideas that help practitioners understand why techniques work, how to teach them, and how to structure training for long-term growth. The show stands out for integrating pedagogy, measurable progress, and accessible content—often through concise frameworks, charts, and actionable takeaways that appeal to coaches, i... more

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Which podcasts are similar to BJJ Mental Models?

These podcasts share a similar audience with BJJ Mental Models:

1. The Chewjitsu Podcast
2. I Suck At Jiu Jitsu Show
3. Bulletproof For BJJ Podcast
4. Forever White Belt
5. The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting

How many episodes of BJJ Mental Models are there?

BJJ Mental Models launched 8 years ago and published 565 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on BJJ Mental Models?

Recent guests on BJJ Mental Models include:

1. Kyvann Gonzalez
2. Marc Ste-Marie
3. Brandon Reed
4. Jeff Serafin
5. Jeff Shaw
6. Hillary VanOrnum
7. Nelson Puentes
8. Rob Cole

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.

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