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BJJ Mental Models

BJJ Mental Models

By: Steve Kwan
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About this listen

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.

© 2026 BJJ Mental Models
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Episodes
  • Mini Ep. 102: Constant and Variable Tension
    Apr 16 2026

    In this mini-episode, we explain constant and variable tension, and the pros and cons of each in jiu-jitsu.

    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


    ⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!

    MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta

    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Ep. 386: Don't Make Them Feel Stupid, feat. Heather Morgan
    Apr 13 2026

    This week, we're joined by Heather Morgan! Heather is a jiu-jitsu black belt, competitor-turned-coach, and content creator based in San Diego who teaches in person at the Collective in Ocean Beach and online to students worldwide. In this episode, Heather shares how she coaches students to find their own game rather than copying hers, and why making people feel capable is the real job of a teacher. Topics include: developing individual jiu-jitsu style, psychological safety in the training room, the gap between being good at jiu-jitsu and being a good coach, gamification and constraint-led training, and coaching hobbyist students.

    Follow Heather on Instagram:
    https://instagram.com/heather_morganbjj

    Watch Heather on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@Heather_MorganBJJ


    Mental models discussed in this episode:

    • Psychological Safety
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety

    • Curse of Knowledge
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge

    • Constraints-Led Approach
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach

    • Gamification
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification

    • Ecological Dynamics
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics

    • Keep It Playful
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful


    ⬆️ 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


    ⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!

    MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Mini Ep. 101: Open Knowledge
    Apr 9 2026

    In this mini-episode, we explain the concept of open knowledge and when information should be kept secret, charged for, or shared freely.

    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


    ⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!

    MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta

    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
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