Best Matt Kwan Podcasts (2025)

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Mini Ep. 78: Last Mile Problem 12:07

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3d ago12:07

12:07

In this week's mini-episode, we introduce the last mile problem, which explains why it gets harder to achieve our goals as we near the end (or "last mile"). The last mile problem is commonly caused by complexity, complacency, consistency, or confidence. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeint…

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Building a resilient business that runs without you with Sam Vander Wielen 43:14

4d ago43:14

43:14

What if your business could thrive even when your world is falling apart? Imagine breaking free from hustle culture and building a business that’s in alignment with your life. That’s exactly what Sam Vander Wielen did. After a difficult season revealed how unsustainable her pace was, she reworked her business so that it could run even when she didn…

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Ep. 361: Submission Series: The Kimura, feat. Stephan Kesting 58:53

6d ago58:53

58:53

This week, we're joined by Stephan Kesting! In this episode, Stephan teaches the Kimura as both a submission and a positional system: its ancient origins, key positional variations, and how it functions as a control framework rather than just a finishing move. Topics include finishing mechanics, leverage physics, the "fat old lazy man" Kimura, and …

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Mini Ep. 77: Types of Guard 7:57

10d ago7:57

7:57

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 ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu…

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Ep. 360: The Perfect Training Camp, feat. Josh McKinney 59:56

13d ago59:56

59:56

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.…

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Mini Ep. 76: Knee Line 14:54

17d ago14:54

14:54

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…

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How to pivot when your business is failing with John Branch IV 50:32

18d ago50:32

50:32

When your business hits a wall, do you freeze or do you rebuild? At the start of 2025, wedding photographer and YouTube creator John Branch IV had a reality check. His inbox was empty, his calendar had only two bookings, and everything that used to work in his business to bring him clients wasn’t working anymore. From where he sat, his business was…

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Ep. 359: Old Bastard Closed Guard, feat. Mike Mahaffey & Jesse Walker 52:51

20d ago52:51

52:51

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…

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Mini Ep. 75: Curse of Knowledge 4:36

24d ago4:36

4:36

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 prem…

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Breaking the people-pleasing habit to build a business that lasts with Laurie Petrolino 32:59

25d ago32:59

32:59

This Santa Barbara cake artist turned her side hustle into a brand featured in Vogue Weddings and People Magazine, and she did it without a huge social media following. In this episode of Unbreakable Business, I sit down with Laurie Petrolino, baker, business owner, and Honeybook member. Laurie owns Room For Cake, where she creates stunning cakes f…

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Ep. 358: Please Tap, feat. Rob Biernacki 52:46

27d ago52:46

52:46

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…

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Mini Ep 74: Center of Gravity 5:55

1M ago5:55

5:55

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…

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The freelancer’s guide to a sustainable and scalable business with Jamie Brindle 47:43

1M ago47:43

47:43

It’s time to rewrite the definition of “freelancer.” The entire freelancing market and industry are changing, and it’s time to break free from surviving gig to gig and build a business that scales. Jamie Brindle joins us to share insights on how he built his own freelancing empire and now teaches others to do the same. He shares it all, including h…

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Ep. 357: The Truth About Burnout, feat. Jeff Shaw 58:38

1M ago58:38

58:38

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…

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Mini Ep. 73: Tipping Points 5:57

1M ago5:57

5:57

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss tipping points: the idea that once you have sufficient leverage or momentum, your desired outcome can no longer be denied. 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 def…

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Ep. 356: Safer Jiu-Jitsu Competitions, feat. Dr. Jen Case 57:04

1M ago57:04

57:04

This week, we're joined by Dr. Jen Case! Jen is a 13x IBJJF masters world champion, BJJ black belt under Renato Tavares, coach at Charlotte Jiu-Jitsu Academy, and PhD in Human Nutrition & Performance. In this episode, Jen covers the risks of Jiu-Jitsu competition and how it can be made safer. Follow Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjen…

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Mini Ep. 72: Solid Frames 7:53

1M ago7:53

7:53

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss what makes solid frames: relying on bone structure, and minimizing the joints involved. We explain the difference between short-range and long-range frames, and when to use them. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Me…

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Building a values-aligned business (that actually feels good to run) with Milou Pietersz 44:17

2M ago44:17

44:17

Sometimes you have to stop waiting for permission and start building what you know is meant for you. That’s exactly what today’s guest, Milou Pietersz, did when she realized no one was going to hand her the opportunity she deserved. After being ghosted by every agency she applied to, Milou founded her own marketing agency, Simply Multimedia. In thi…

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Ep. 355: Jiu-Jitsu Tape Study, feat. Corey Guitard 1:02:42

2M ago1:02:42

1:02:42

This week, we're joined by Corey Guitard from 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Calgary! In this episode, Corey explains how tape study in Jiu-Jitsu (such as video feedback and instructionals) builds structured, efficient learning. Follow Corey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/10thplanetcalgary Train with Corey at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu in Calgary: https…

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Mini Ep. 71: Priit's 45° Rule 8:59

2M ago8:59

8:59

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss Priit's 45° Rule, a helpful tip for surviving (and escaping) bad positions. The "rule" tells us: When your legs have been neutralized (ie. guard is passed), get your shoulders at 45 degrees relative to the floor. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintr…

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Ep. 354: How Goals Evolve, feat. Thomas Rozdzynski 57:30

2M ago57:30

57:30

This week, we're joined by Thomas Rozdzynski from RŌL Academy! In this episode, Thomas discusses how students’ Jiu-Jitsu goals evolve over time, the importance of coach–student communication, and balancing fun with measurable progress for long-term success. Follow Thomas on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rozdzynskibjj Train with Thomas at RŌL…

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Mini Ep. 70: Hick's Law 5:19

2M ago5:19

5:19

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss Hick's Law, a powerful psychology and design concept that explains how the availability of more options increases our decision-making time. 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 po…

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Clarify your messaging before it costs you more clients with Maya Elious 44:11

2M ago44:11

44:11

Are you struggling to craft a message that attracts the high-quality clients you know you deserve? This episode is for you. Messaging expert, Maya Elious joins us today to help you find clarity in your messaging. Listen in as Maya unpacks why so many high-potential entrepreneurs stay stuck in small language, and what you can do about it. This jam-p…

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Ep. 353: Jiu-Jitsu Fitness Myths, feat. Dr. Kristi Charish & Dr. Christle Guevarra 1:15:53

2M ago1:15:53

1:15:53

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Kristi Charish and Dr. Christle Guevarra for a deep dive into fitness and nutrition myths in Jiu-Jitsu! Kristi & Christle explore how bad information spreads, the role of genetics in performance, and why aspiring athletes often fail when trying to do everything at once. They break down key misconceptions around …

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Mini Ep. 69: Consistency 6:15

2M ago6:15

6:15

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss consistency as a concept, and explain how it acts as the basis for building good habits, achieving compound gains, and creating luck. 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,…

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BONUS: Updated Pedagogy, feat. Rob Biernacki 1:01:00

2M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

In this bonus episode, Rob Biernacki talks pedagogy! We discuss his updated pedagogy module on BJJ Concepts, the evolving landscape of Jiu-Jitsu instruction, balancing concepts with techniques, evidence versus anecdote, emotional dysregulation in students, and the role of community in gym culture. Rob also shares news on his upcoming retirement fro…

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Ep. 352: Arm Drag Concepts, feat. Niamh Bryn 56:31

2M ago56:31

56:31

This week we're joined by Niamh Bryn, owner of Snowblind BJJ in Seattle! In this episode, Niamh explores the versatility and depth of the arm drag, and why it's more than just a beginner move. We explain its role as an opening salvo to create reactions, off-balances, and angles rather than an all-or-nothing attempt at taking the back. Follow Snowbl…

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Mini Ep. 68: Defensive Thinking 6:25

2M ago6:25

6:25

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss defensive thinking, the tendency to excuse poor performance before it even happens. 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 off…

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Turning cultural shifts into strategic advantages in business with Jasmine Bina 46:05

2M ago46:05

46:05

Our society and culture guide our lives and businesses in more ways than we think. When you lean into the shifts that are happening around you, they can guide you to more strategic business decisions. In this episode of Unbreakable Business, Jasmine Bina, a cultural futurist, brand strategist, and CEO of Concept Bureau, joins us to explore how to b…

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Ep. 351: Injury Prehab, feat. Dr. Mike Piekarski 1:00:06

3M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

This week, we're joined again by “Doctor Kickass” Mike Piekarski: physiotherapist, BJJ black belt, online course creator, and instructor! In this episode, Mike discusses injury mitigation, or “prehab,” for grapplers. We explore how injuries commonly occur in Jiu-Jitsu through joint locks, scrambles, takedowns, and ego-driven decisions, and emphasiz…

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Mini Ep. 67: Loss Aversion 7:02

3M ago7:02

7:02

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss loss aversion, the human tendency to fear losses more than we desire equivalent gains. While avoiding losses is rational, excessive fear of loss can hold us back from our biggest growth opportunities. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forg…

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Ep. 350: Front Headlocks, feat. Brianna Ste-Marie 1:03:54

3M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

In this episode, Brianna Ste-Marie talks about the front headlock: its offensive power, common pitfalls like “bloodlust,” strategic uses for control and distraction, and key differences between gi and no-gi. Follow Brianna on social: https://www.instagram.com/briannasm Mental models discussed in this episode: Myopia https://bjjmentalmodels.com/myop…

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Mini Ep. 66: Abundance Mindset 5:51

3M ago5:51

5:51

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the idea of an abundance mindset, where we view success as something we can mutually achieve. The abundance mindset contrasts with a scarcity mindset, which sees success as a zero-sum game. This mini-episode explains why the abundance mindset can counterintuitively improve your Jiu-Jitsu over the long term, e…

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How content builds trust for front-facing founders with Natalie Barbu 44:10

3M ago44:10

44:10

As a business owner and content creator, do you feel confused over how to blend your personal and professional social media presence? You aren’t alone. On this episode, we explore how to navigate the roles of both a content creator and CEO with Natalie Barbu. Natalie is a long-time content creator and the founder of Rella, an all-in-one social medi…

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Ep. 349: Overcoming Obstacles, feat. Edwin "Junny" Ocasio 57:18

3M ago57:18

57:18

In this episode, we welcome back world champion Edwin “Junny” Ocasio for a deeply introspective conversation about the mental challenges of high-level competition. Junny shares how achieving his lifelong dream of winning a world title unexpectedly led to a period of depression and self-doubt, revealing the emotional complexity that comes with succe…

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Mini Ep. 65: Process Over Outcomes 8:36

3M ago8:36

8:36

In this week's mini-episode we discuss process over outcomes, a mental model we've also referred to as habits over results. This concept teaches us to balance long-term goals with the short-term habits needed to achieve them. We discuss how building habits motivates us by creating consistent "wins," how quick feedback enables us to pivot early, and…

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Ep. 348: The Timeline of Coaching, feat. Francesco Fonte 55:14

3M ago55:14

55:14

In this episode, Steve Kwan welcomes back Francesco Fonte for an in-depth exploration of what Francesco calls the “timeline of coaching:” For coaches: INFO → SKILLS → GAMES For athletes: GAMES → SKILLS → INFO Francesco explains how effective Jiu-Jitsu instruction should reverse the traditional info-dump model: instead of starting with detailed tech…

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Mini Ep. 64: Resulting 7:46

3M ago7:46

7:46

In this week's mini-episode we discuss resulting, a logical fallacy where we incorrectly assume that the quality of our decisions are directly related to the quality of our results. 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 …

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Using AI to get inside your buyer's mind with Katie Read 48:49

3M ago48:49

48:49

Want to know exactly how your ideal client will react to your next offer before you even release it? With AI as your business partner, you can. In this episode of The Unbreakable Business podcast, we’re diving into all things AI and buyer psychology with Katie Read. Katie is a psychologist turned business owner who teaches other entrepreneurs how t…

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Ep. 347: The ABCs of Mental Coaching, feat. Laurien Zurhake 1:00:04

3M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

In this episode of BJJ Mental Models, Steve Kwan is joined by Laurien Zurhake to explore how trauma-informed coaching can transform Jiu-Jitsu into a safer, more inclusive, and more effective training environment. Laurien, co-founder of Off the Zone, shares her ABC Playbook for Mental Health (Anticipate, Bring Them Back, and Course Correct), a pract…

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Mini Ep. 63: Self-Competition 7:35

4M ago7:35

7:35

In this week's mini-episode we discuss self-competition. You've probably heard the phrase, "comparison is the thief of joy." Self-comparison is a problem we all face, and self-competition is a helpful mental model for working with this problem. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Resour…

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The Everyday Jiu Jitsu Podcast Ep 117: How & Why BJJ is Always Changing, Identity Politics 1:12:50

4M ago1:12:50

1:12:50

As we all know, the sport of BJJ is always changing and evolving. Every competition is another opportunity to unleash a new move or attack, and the natural response that follows is, "How do we learn said attack and develop a solution for it?" I talk about trends in the sport, both old and new, kids’ BJJ, and staying ahead of the curve. I also discu…

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Ep. 346: Tryhard Hobbyists, feat. Rosie Miller 1:01:42

4M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

In this episode, Steve Kwan is joined by Rosie Miller to explore the concept of the “tryhard hobbyist” in Jiu-Jitsu: someone who trains seriously and with intention, even if they don’t pursue the sport professionally. Rosie, a brown belt out of Atos HQ and founder of The Grappler’s Lab, shares her journey of evolving goals, identity, and self-worth…

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Mini Ep. 62: The Red Queen Effect 7:39

4M ago7:39

7:39

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the Red Queen effect, a hypothesis based on a quote from Alice in Wonderland that is oddly applicable to science and Jiu-Jitsu! It teaches us that sometimes we need to keep moving just to maintain our position. The Red Queen effect helps explain why we don't feel like we're getting better at Jiu-Jitsu when we …

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The Everyday Jiu Jitsu Podcast Ep 116: Reinventing Yourself Feat. Aaron "Tex" Johnson 2:10:34

4M ago2:10:34

2:10:34

Tex Johnson is a multiple-time IBJJF No Gi Pan Champ, ADCC Trials winner, an ADCC World Championship veteran, and a former professional MMA fighter. He has competed against an impressive list of BJJ legends with and without the gi. We discuss a wide variety of topics, including his start in martial arts, his career-ending injury vs. Orlando Sanchez…

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3 reasons high-earning clients aren’t buying from you 19:37

4M ago19:37

19:37

Is this you? You show up every day for your business and deliver real results, but you still aren’t landing the high-paying clients you know you’re ready for. Here’s a newsflash: it’s not because of your pricing. In this episode of Unbreakable Business, we’re getting to the root of the issue with the top three reasons high-earning clients aren’t bu…

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Ep. 345: Back After Layoffs, feat. Elisabeth Clay 55:47

4M ago55:47

55:47

In this episode, Steve Kwan talks with elite competitor Elisabeth Clay about returning to Jiu-Jitsu after major life changes like pregnancy and injury. Clay shares her personal journey of Jiu-Jitsu and pregnancy, staying mentally engaged during time off, and the challenges of regaining physical performance post-layoff. Elisabeth also discusses the …

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Mini Ep. 61: Systematic Abandonment 10:02

4M ago10:02

10:02

In this week's mini-episode we discuss the concept of systematic abandonment, a mental model co-opted from business strategists like Peter Drucker and Michael Porter. Systematic abandonment teaches us to periodically review and discard habits that are no longer useful, because deciding what not to do is often just as (if not more) important than de…

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The Everyday Jiu Jitsu Podcast Ep 115: The Coyote Half Guard 54:51

4M ago54:51

54:51

The coyote half guard is one of the best half guard systems in the sport. It’s is a big part of my game, and I believe every grappler should learn it. I discuss the most important details of the system, half guard fundamentals, how to win the whizzer vs. under hook battle, the dogbar, and shutting down the coyote half guard. The choice is between a…

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Ep. 344: Ankle Lock Strategy, feat. Jake O'Driscoll 59:43

4M ago59:43

59:43

In this episode of BJJ Mental Models, Steve Kwan is joined by Jake O’Driscoll from Essence BJJ in Perth for an in-depth discussion on the straight foot lock game. Jake explains his unique finishing mechanics, how his method differs from the popular “Woj Lock,” and how he uses straight foot locks not just for submissions but to control, off-balance,…