BJJ Mental Models

This week, we're joined by Jesse Walker! Jesse is the head coach and co-founder of Rough Hands BJJ in Louisville, Kentucky, and a frequent BJJ Mental Models collaborator. In this episode, Jesse makes the case for loading a joint with tension before you ever start the breaking mechanics, so the finish takes a fraction of the effort. Topics include: adding traction before the break, the order of operations of a joint lock, backing up to retighten a loose position, fixing the much-maligned Americana, and leglock safety through control.

Train with Jesse at Rough Hands BJJ:
https://roughhandsbjj.com

Follow Rough Hands on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/roughhandsbjj

Mental models discussed in this episode:
Breaking Mechanics
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/breaking-mechanics

3 Joint Rule
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/3-joint-rule

Double Trouble
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/double-trouble

Core Mechanics
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics

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https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

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https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
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Music by Enterprize:
https://enterprize.bandcamp.com

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:
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.com

Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

Follow us on social:
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels
https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social
https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

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. Topics include: minding the gap in no-gi grips, the inverted grip, the omoplata as a control system, wedging, and hybrid lasso guards.

Rob on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/islandtopteam

Learn from Rob at BJJ Concepts:
https://bjjconcepts.net

Get Rob's No-Gi Lasso instructional:
https://bjjconcepts.net/instructionals

Mental models discussed in this episode:
Do What Works
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works

Grips Dictate Position
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/grips-dictate-position

Prioritize Longevity
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity

Mind the Gap
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mind-the-gap

Kinetic Chains
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kinetic-chains

Core Mechanics
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics

Scientific Method
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/scientific-method

⬆️ 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.com

Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

Follow us on social:
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels
https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social
https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

Music by Enterprize:
https://enterprize.bandcamp.com

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:
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.com

Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

Follow us on social:
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels
https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social
https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

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, redefining what counts as fundamental, and training leg locks through games instead of memorization.

Get Woj Lock 2.0 from BJJ Fanatics:
https://bjjfanatics.com/products/woj-lock-2-0-completing-the-leg-lock-game-by-chris-wojcik

Subscribe to the Grappler's Diary:
https://thegrapplersdiary.substack.com

Get the Grappler's Diary book:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRS9K6LQ

Follow Chris Wojcik on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/chrismwojcik

Mental models discussed in this episode:
Constraints-Led Approach
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach

3 Joint Rule
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/3-joint-rule

Proximal and Distal Pathways
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/proximal-and-distal-pathways

Kuzushi
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi

⬆️ 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.com

Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter

Learn more mental models in our online database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database

Follow us on social:
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels
https://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodels
https://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.social
https://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodels

Music by Enterprize:
https://enterprize.bandcamp.com