In this week's mini-episode we discuss growth mindsets, a mental model popularized by Carol Dweck in her hit 2006 book, "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success." Growth mindsets are defined by belief in our ability to improve, as opposed to fixed mindsets, which assume our attributes can't be changed. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normal…

In this episode, Steve sits down with Cody Maltais, head coach at Elevate MMA in Durham, North Carolina, to explore the art of developing coaches in Jiu-Jitsu. Cody shares his journey from Marine Corps veteran to academy leader and emphasizes the importance of fostering a collaborative, student-centered culture. He advocates for empowering students…

Daniel and Drew discuss the new Predator: Killer of Killers animated movie, poop knives, their growing Warhammer 40K rivalry, and as always, answer YOUR questions on this episode of No Dice, No Problem! - Support the launch of Daniel's wuxia TTRPG Wandering Blades here: ⁠⁠https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tonyatplusoneexp/wandering-blades⁠⁠ //SP…

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the 80/20 rule, a mental model that's well-known, but misunderstood and overapplied. The 80/20 rule refers to an uneven distribution where the majority of results are produced by a minority of efforts. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Resources …

In this episode, we're joined by Francesco Fonte, MMA and Jiu-Jitsu head coach from Sportschule Next Level in Germany! Francesco explores the idea of Jiu-Jitsu as a team sport. He explains how fostering a relaxed, playful training environment not only builds community but also accelerates learning by encouraging experimentation and removing the fea…

Asians Represent is back with a charity actual play benefiting AAPI United! Liana facilitated "A Family Affair", a Valor adventure she contributed to Unbreakable: Pathways. Unbreakable: Pathways is a collection of Asian-centric adventures that showcase the intersections of culture, tradition, and experiences utilizing a plethora of Tabletop Rolepla…

In this week's mini-episode we discuss how the map is not the territory, a foundational concept for working with mental models and other abstractions. The key lesson: no "map" is a 100% accurate reflection of the territory it describes. Similarly, no Jiu-Jitsu "concept" is 100% applicable all the time...including this one! Get our Intro to Mechanic…

In this episode of BJJ Mental Models, Steve Kwan welcomes back Sonia Sillan from Combat Arts Academy to explore the concept of the “awkward turtles:” the introverted, unsure, or atypical students who often feel like outsiders in Jiu-Jitsu. Sonya unpacks how gym culture, coaching priorities, and interpersonal communication affect whether these stude…

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the importance of controlled breathing when sparring. Managing your breath effectively creates a positive ripple effect in your Jiu-Jitsu performance by reducing anxiety, avoiding adrenaline dumping, and concealing your emotional state from your opponent. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, …

This week we're joined by Brennan Strimple! Brennan is the black belt head coach at RPMA (Rochester Phoenix Martial Arts). In this episode, Brennan shares his playbook for building a thriving kids' Jiu-Jitsu program, as well as leading the development of affordable kids' tournament circuits in the local community. Follow RPMA on Instagram: https://…

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the importance of staying loose when sparring. Being relaxed makes it easier to conserve energy, avoid being controlled, and conceal your intentions. There are times to be tense, such as when completing a throw or finishing a submission, but your "default mode" should be staying loose. Get our Intro to Mechani…

This week we're joined by Timothy Lee Peterson! In this episode, Timothy explains why gaze tracking — or where your eyes are looking — is a surprisingly important aspect of Jiu-Jitsu. Follow Timothy on social media: https://www.instagram.com/timothyleepeterson https://www.threads.com/@timothyleepeterson Resources discussed in this episode: Free+Sty…

Fresh off a game of Warhammer 40K, Daniel and Drew discussed the funding of the Wandering Blades RPG Kickstarter campaign, visiting historical sites for inspiration, and how they'd imprison spellcasters in a fantasy universe! - Support the launch of Daniel's wuxia TTRPG Wandering Blades here: ⁠https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tonyatplusoneexp/w…

In this week's mini-episode we discuss controlling the distance, a key lesson in most martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As general advice, many instructors will coach you to close the distance when attacking and make space when defending. While this is often true, in this mini-episode we'll explore the exceptions to that rule and settle …

Daniel interviewed Aki, a new game designer based in Tokyo, about their debut game Rising Action! Rising Action is a roleplaying game for two players where you play a pair of rivals having an ever-escalating battle where their past and passions collide. Inspired by action anime and JRPG cutscenes, it is designed to produce dramatic encounters that …

This week we're joined again by Charles Harriott! In this episode, Charles discusses the problem of "gatekeepers" in Jiu-Jitsu, or people who try to enforce their way of thinking over others. Charles explores how gatekeeping can shut down creativity, personal development, and fun. Follow Charles on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesharrio…

In this week's mini-episode we discuss kuzushi, the Japanese concept of breaking balance! Kuzushi is critical in Judo, but it's just as important in Jiu-Jitsu — both standing and on the ground. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Resources discussed in this episode: Mini Ep. 51: Techniq…

This week we're joined by the founders of Inverted Gear: Hillary Witt and Nelson Puentes! Three years ago, Hillary and Nelson took the Inverted Gear brand beyond Jiu-Jitsu equipment and opened a physical academy in Pennsylvania! In this episode, Hillary and Nelson share key lessons learned from their journey into academy ownership. Follow Inverted …

Daniel and Drew dive into the world of tabletop gaming storage, Chinese genealogy, bullet time, and more! - Check out Drew's article, Paper Families, Paper Trails: Genealogy and the Chinese Exclusion Act here: https://www.slcl.org/sites/default/files/2025-04/pastports-052025.pdf Support the launch of Daniel's wuxia TTRPG Wandering Blades here: http…

In this week's mini-episode we discuss shifting platforms, wherein you as the bottom player use continuous movement to prevent your opponent from fully establishing their base on top of you. Moving away from big, explosive escape attempts and toward smaller, continuous movement makes a huge difference in your success from bottom positions. Get our …

This week we're joined again by Erin Herle! In this episode, Erin introduces the PLAY framework and explains why humor is a fundamental element of good culture and learning. Follow Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinherle/ Get Erin's new book, If You’re Not Laughing, You’re Losing: https://amzn.to/4jP5x8K Work with Erin: https://www.e…

CW: Discussion of policing, firearms, and crime Enjoy this episode of the John Who? podcast - a spin-off of Asians Represent! For this episode of the podcast, Brandon Lim of Black Belt Cinema joined Daniel and Drew for a discussion about John Woo's 1992 Hong Kong action masterpiece, Hard Boiled. They discussed the impact of this movie on Hong Kong …

In this week's mini-episode we explain the importance of technique chaining, and why "Jiu-Jitsu is the space between the techniques." Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium memb…

This week we're joined by two BJJMM alumni: Josh Vogel and Dr. Mike Israetel! In this episode, Josh and Mike discuss the unique way they build gameplans at The Jiu-Jitsu Company. Follow Josh and Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshrvogel https://www.instagram.com/drmikeisraetel Subscribe to Josh and Mike on YouTube: https://www.youtube…

Ever wondered how an Asians Represent podcast episode comes together? In this special No Dice, No Problem episode, Daniel and Drew sat down for a laid-back chat about Battletech and to answer listener questions...only to end up planning some episodes for the next exciting season of Asians Rep! Check out the John Who? podcast: johnwhopodcast.carrd.c…

In this week's mini-episode we explain the phases of passing: disentangle, control, pass. Resources mentioned in this episode: Mini Ep. 49: Phases of Guard https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16950582-mini-ep-49-phases-of-guard Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't f…

This week we're joined by Nick Volpe! Nick is the black belt head coach at Dark Bear Jiu-Jitsu in Staten Island, New York. In this episode, Nick explains how he makes Jiu-Jitsu coaching accessible to students and coaches of all experience levels. Topics include: self-organized learning, teaching the "why" behind techniques, the importance of timing…

Ruled over by immortal dragons, Grand Cathay is the largest empire in the world of Warhammer fantasy. For this episode of the podcast, Daniel, Drew, and Izen explored the history of this Chinese-inspired fantasy setting by Games Workshop! *Correction: At the 15:21 mark, Izen mentions that there are 46 officially recognized ethnic groups in China. T…

In this week's mini-episode we explain the phases of guard, as taught by Rob Biernacki: engagement, maintenance, and retention. Resources mentioned in this episode: BJJMM Ep. 16: Guard Series: Engagement Phase https://bjj.plus/16 BJJMM Ep. 17: Guard Series: Engagement Phase https://bjj.plus/17 BJJMM Ep. 18: Guard Series: Engagement Phase https://bj…