BJJ Mental Models

This week, we're joined by Corey Guitard! Corey is a black belt under Louis Ho and now runs Main Quest BJJ in Calgary, where six of his students have medaled in the adult divisions at No-Gi Worlds. In this episode, Corey shares what he's learned about going pro without going broke, from his own competition career and from coaching athletes who want to make it. Topics include: learning from outliers without copying them, developing a second skill, what complete commitment looks like, and why prize money rarely pays the bills.Train with Corey at Main Quest BJJ in Calgary, Alberta:https://mainquestbjj.comFollow Corey on Instagram:https://instagram.com/mainquestbjjMental models discussed in this episode:Prioritize Longevityhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevitySurvivorship Biashttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/survivorship-biasZone of Geniushttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/zone-of-geniusConsistencyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistencyProbabilistic Thinkinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/probabilistic-thinkingTable Selectionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/table-selection⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:https://bjjmentalmodels.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodelsMusic by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com

In this mini-episode, we explain the protégé effect, and why teaching is one of the best ways to learn.Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:https://bjjmentalmodels.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

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 want to come back) has less to do with jiu-jitsu than he expected. Topics include: self-determination theory, the gym as a "third place," coaching lessons from parenting, whether coaching can scale, and finding your own voice as a coach.Follow Priit on Instagram:https://instagram.com/priit_mihkelsonFollow Priit on Facebook:https://facebook.com/priit.mihkelsonTrain with Priit at Estum Jiu-Jitsu in Tallinn, Estonia:https://estumjiujitsu.eeMental models discussed in this episode:Continuum of Motivationhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/continuum-of-motivationThe Third Placehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/third-placeConstraints-Led Approachhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approachEcological Dynamicshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamicsPsychological Safetyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safetySelf-Organizationhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-organization⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:https://bjjmentalmodels.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodelsMusic by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com

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:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintroMental models discussed in this episode:Theory of Alignmenthttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:https://bjjmentalmodels.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

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 how to get the most out of a one-hour class, whether you're the coach running the room or a student with limited time to train. Topics include: cutting down coach talk time, keeping advanced classes simple, the "gray area" of technique, and secret games for students at traditional gyms.Train at Bodega Jiu Jitsu in Maplewood, NJ:https://www.bodegajiujitsu.comLearn jiu-jitsu from Kyvann on the Bodega Jiu Jitsu Patreon:https://patreon.com/BodegaJiuJitsuFollow Kyvann on Instagram:https://instagram.com/kyvanngMental models discussed in this episode:Feedback Loophttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loopConstraints-Led Approachhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approachExtreme Ownershiphttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/extreme-ownershipEcological Dynamicshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamicsSelf-Organizationhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-organizationConcepts Over Techniqueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniquesCurse of Knowledgehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledgePrevention Over Curehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/prevention-over-cureCertainty Heuristichttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/certainty-heuristicInvesting in Losshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-lossDeliberate Practicehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/deliberate-practiceTrain with Purposehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/train-with-purposeGoodhart's Lawhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/goodharts-lawTraining Handicapshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/training-handicaps⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:https://bjjmentalmodels.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodelsMusic by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com

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:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:https://bjjmentalmodels.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

This week, we're joined by Marc Ste-Marie! Marc is a second-degree black belt with Brazilian Top Team who has been grappling since the late 80s, coaches kids and adult classes, and is the father of Brianna Ste-Marie. In this episode, Marc explains how he uses technique sequencing to teach connected chains instead of isolated moves, whether he's showing moves step by step or coaching through games. Topics include: why random, disconnected classes slow students down, coaching with a starting point and a hint, judging a program by its average students, and building mat IQ through play.Follow Marc on Instagram:https://instagram.com/kwiksub2021Train with Marc at BTT Canada West Island in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec:https://bttcanadawestisland.comResources discussed in this episode:Listen to Ep. 322: Technique Zero, feat. Marc Ste-Marie:https://bjj.plus/322Get Brianna Ste-Marie's competition course on BJJ Mental Models Premium:https://bjjmentalmodels.comMental models discussed in this episode:Ecological Dynamicshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamicsTechnique Chaininghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chainingPredictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responsesConstraints-Led Approachhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approachSurvivorship Biashttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/survivorship-biasConcepts Over Techniqueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniquesKeep It Playfulhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playfulProcess Over Outcomeshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/process-over-outcomesInvesting in Losshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:https://bjjmentalmodels.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodelsMusic by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com

In this mini-episode, we explain survivorship bias: a logical error where we overstudy those who were successful, but understudy those who failed.Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:https://bjjmentalmodels.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

This week, we're joined by Brandon Reed! Brandon is a three-time NAIA national champion wrestler from Louisville, Kentucky, who now trains jiu-jitsu full-time in Guelph, Ontario. In this episode, Brandon explains hand fighting for jiu-jitsu standup: how to get past your opponent's head, hands, and hips while protecting your own. Topics include: your default stance and the down block hand, feints and distance management, "positive" versus "negative" wrestling, fighting for inside ties, and play wrestling to build timing.Learn wrestling for jiu-jitsu from Brandon at WrestleJitsu Club:https://www.wrestlejitsu.clubGet Dominate the Hand Fight:https://www.wrestlejitsu.club/dominateFollow Brandon on Instagram:https://instagram.com/brandonreed001Subscribe to Brandon on YouTube:https://youtube.com/@brandonreed3xMental models discussed in this episode:Controlling the Distancehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlling-the-distanceOpening Salvoshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/opening-salvosPredictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responsesMask Your Intentionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mask-your-intentionsTokui Wazahttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/tokui-wazaKeep It Playfulhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playfulDo What Workshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-worksInside Channel Controlhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-controlConstraints-Led Approachhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approachHead Positionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/head-positionWindows of Opportunityhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/windows-of-opportunityKuzushihttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushiDictate the Pacehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/dictate-the-paceInvesting in Losshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-lossGrips Dictate Positionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:https://bjjmentalmodels.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodelsMusic by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com

In this mini-episode, we explain confirmation bias: the human tendency to favor information that supports our existing beliefs, and discard information that doesn't.Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!The world's LARGEST library of jiu-jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:https://bjjmentalmodels.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels