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BJJ Mental Models

by Steve Kwan

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Latest episodes

  • Mini Ep. 130: First Principles

    October 29, 2026 · 8 min

    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, FR…

  • Ep. 414: The One-Hour Problem, feat. Kyvann Gonzalez

    October 26, 2026 · 56 min

    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…

  • Mini Ep. 129: Handicapping

    October 22, 2026 · 6 min

    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: http…

  • Ep. 413: Technique Sequencing, feat. Marc Ste-Marie

    October 19, 2026 · 59 min

    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…

  • Mini Ep. 128: Survivorship Bias

    October 15, 2026 · 6 min

    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://bjj…

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  • Ep. 412: Hand Fighting, feat. Brandon Reed

    October 12, 2026 · 56 min

    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…

  • Mini Ep. 127: Confirmation Bias

    October 8, 2026 · 8 min

    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…

  • Ep. 411: The Fragmentation of Jiu-Jitsu, feat. Jeff Serafin

    October 5, 2026 · 1 hr 3 min

    This week, we're joined by Jeff Serafin! Jeff runs Serafin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu out of Gym 1801 in Evanston, Illinois, and has been training jiu-jitsu for almost 30 years. In this episode, Jeff talks about the fragmentation of the jiu-jitsu…

  • Mini Ep. 126: Visualization

    October 1, 2026 · 6 min

    In this mini-episode, we explain visualization: the science behind it, its limitations, the difference between general and technique visualization, and how it applies to jiu-jitsu. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79…

  • Ep. 410: Instructing Versus Coaching, feat. Hillary VanOrnum

    September 28, 2026 · 1 hr 0 min

    This week, we're joined by Hillary VanOrnum! Hillary is a third-degree black belt who runs Unicorn Jiu Jitsu in Portland, Oregon with her husband, and she just won her first Masters World Championship at black belt. In this episode…

  • Mini Ep. 125: Perception-Action Coupling

    September 24, 2026 · 8 min

    In this mini-episode, we explain perception-action coupling: a sports science concept explaining how practice should give athletes the same cues they'd face in a real match. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79…

  • Ep. 409: Super Mario Theory, feat. Nelson Puentes

    September 21, 2026 · 1 hr 1 min

    This week, we're joined by Nelson Puentes! Nelson co-founded Inverted Gear and runs Inverted Gear Academy in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In this episode, Nelson explains his Super Mario theory of jiu-jitsu: a good game teaches you how to play…

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About the show

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.