In this week's mini-episode, we introduce the four types of guard: hook, clamp, frame, and hybrid. Every guard in Jiu-Jitsu can be classified into one of these types.

Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro


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

Get Jake O'Driscoll's triple threat ankle lock course, FREE:
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This week, we're joined again by Josh McKinney! In this episode, Josh explains how to structure the perfect Jiu-Jitsu competition camp. Topics include: offense vs. defense days, performance days, intensity vs. recovery, overtraining, saying no to unsafe rolls, and advice for non-competitors.

Follow Josh McKinney on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thejoshmckinney

Train with Josh at HeadNod HQ in Granite City, IL:
https://headnodhq.com

Check out Josh on the I Suck at Jiu-Jitsu Show:
https://youtube.com/@isuckatjiujitsu

Get Josh's ebook, The Competitor's Journey:
https://www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com/comp

Join BJJMM Premium and get direct online coaching from Josh:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/coaching


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Deliberate Practice
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/deliberate-practice
  
  
• Defense Paradox
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defense-paradox
  
  
• Plus, Minus, Equals
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/plus-minus-equals
  
  
• Raise the Level in the Room
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/raise-the-level-in-the-room
  
  
• Training Handicaps
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/training-handicaps
  
  
• Prioritize Longevity
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity
  
  
• Stress and Recovery
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery
  
  
• Parkinson's Law
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/parkinsons-law
  
  
• Planning Paradox
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/planning-paradox
  
  
• Last Mile Problem
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/last-mile-problem
  
  
  

⬆️ 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

Get Jake O'Driscoll's triple threat ankle lock course, FREE:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/jake

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the concept of the knee line: an imaginary line connecting your two knees. When the two points of this line combine with your groin, these three points create a triangle. That triangle is the basis for how we use our legs to clamp or wedge our opponent in place.

To clamp or wedge their body part in place with your knees, it should be inside your knee+knee+groin triangle. To prevent them from doing the same to you, your body part should be outside their knee+knee+groin triangle.

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 membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.

Sign up here for a free trial:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

Follow us on social:
https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

Get Jake O'Driscoll's triple threat ankle lock course, FREE:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/jake

This week, we're joined by Mike Mahaffey (Old Bastard BJJ) and Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ)! Mike and Jesse explain the "old bastard" style of closed guard: a way to play the position without relying on strength, speed, or athleticism.

Follow Mike Mahaffey:
https://instagram.com/oldbastardbjj
https://threads.com/@oldbastardbjj

Follow Jesse Walker:
https://instagram.com/roughhandsbjj

Train with Jesse Walker at Rough Hands BJJ in Louisville, KY:
https://roughhandsbjj.com/


Resources discussed in this episode:

100 men vs. 1 gorilla: Jesse Walker on CNN
https://redd.it/1kdahgj

BJJ Mental Models Ep. 191: Old Bastard Jiu-Jitsu, feat. Mike Mahaffey
https://bjj.plus/191

Old Bastard Jiu-Jitsu audio course from BJJMM
https://bjj.plus/oldbastardbjj


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Theory of Alignment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment
  
  
• Types of Guard
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/types-of-guard/
  
  
• Body Tethering
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/body-tethering/
  
  
• Static vs. Dynamic Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/static-vs-dynamic-control/
  
  
• Kinetic Chains
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kinetic-chains/
  
  
• Paradox of Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/paradox-of-control/
  
  
• Knee Line
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/knee-line/
  
  
• Pattern Interrupts
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/pattern-interrupts/
  
  
• Placeholders
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/placeholders/
  
  
  

Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!

If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.

Sign up here for a free trial:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

Follow us on social:
https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

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

Get Jake O'Driscoll's triple threat ankle lock course, FREE:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/jake

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the curse of knowledge: a cognitive bias explaining why it's hard for experts to relate to beginners.

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 membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.

Sign up here for a free trial:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

Follow us on social:
https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

Get Jake O'Driscoll's triple threat ankle lock course, FREE:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/jake

In this episode, Rob Biernacki confronts a growing trend of competitors refusing to tap and taking serious injuries at low-level tournaments. Rob argues that reckless "tough-guy" behavior, poor finishing mechanics, and bad coaching culture are fueling unnecessary damage for hobbyists. Rob calls for smarter, safer training values, reminding athletes that protecting longevity matters more than risking ligaments for a $5 medal.

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

Train with Rob at Island Top Team in Nanaimo, BC, Canada:
https://islandtopteam.com/

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


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Defend With Purpose
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defend-with-purpose/
  
  
• Constant and Variable Tension
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constant-and-variable-tension/
  
  
• Keep Your Identity Small
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-your-identity-small/
  
  
• Prioritize Longevity
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/prioritize-longevity/
  
  
  

Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!

If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.

Sign up here for a free trial:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

Follow us on social:
https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

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

Get Jake O'Driscoll's triple threat ankle lock course, FREE:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/jake

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss center of gravity: your body's "tipping point" of balance. Your center of gravity is around 56% of the way up your body (around your pelvis) when standing upright, but moves as your body moves. Understanding your center of gravity is key to preventing it from being used against you. With practice, your center of gravity can even be a weapon.

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 membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.

Sign up here for a free trial:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

Follow us on social:
https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

Get Jake O'Driscoll's triple threat ankle lock course, FREE:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/jake

This week, we're joined again by Jeff Shaw from Bellingham BJJ! In this episode, Jeff talks about the causes and cures for burnout in Jiu-Jitsu. Topics include: plateaus, the “blue belt blues,” the unique pressures faced by instructors and gym owners, keeping training sustainable, protecting consistency, staying playful, reframing expectations, and redefining what Jiu-Jitsu should mean for your life over the long term.

Follow Jeff on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bellinghambjj

Train with Jeff at Bellingham BJJ:
https://bellinghambjj.com/


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Reframing
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/reframing/
  
  
• Keep /Your Identity Small
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-your-identity-small/
  
  
• Consistency
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/
  
  
• Training Handicaps
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/training-handicaps/
  
  
• Stress and Recovery
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery/
  
  
• Keep it Playful
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/
  
  
• Zone of Genius
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/zone-of-genius/
  
  
• Raise the Level in the Room
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/raise-the-level-in-the-room/
  
  
• Abundance Mindset
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-mindset/
  
  
  

Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!

If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.

Sign up here for a free trial:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/


Need more BJJ Mental Models?

Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

Follow us on social:
https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

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

Get Jake O'Driscoll's triple threat ankle lock course, FREE:
https://bjjmentalmodels.com/jake