In this week's mini-episode, we explain the elbow-knee connection: a defensive (and also offensive) concept where we shrink the gap between our elbow and knee. Closing this space makes guard passing and retention easier by denying our opponent access to our hips, arms, and legs.

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


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⚠️ 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

This week, we're joined again by Tum Energia! In this episode, we explain the real challenge facing grapplers today: not finding good technique, but filtering through way too much of it. Tum breaks down how concepts and mechanical cues beat memorizing techniques, and why simple games like "dirty feet" build better jiu-jitsu than drilling the latest viral submission.

Follow Tum on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/tumenergia

Subscribe to Energia Martial Arts on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@EnergiaMartialArts

Train with Tum at Energia Martial Arts in Nijmegen, Netherlands:
https://energia-martialarts.com


Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Concepts Over Techniques
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques
  
  
• Hick's Law
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/hicks-law
  
  
• Cognitive Load
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load
  
  
• Ecological Dynamics
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics
  
  
• Inside Channel Control
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control
  
  
• Kuzushi
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi
  
  
• Theory of Alignment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment
  
  
• External Cues
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/external-cues
  
  
• Abundance Paradox
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/abundance-paradox
  
  
• Red Queen Effect
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/red-queen-effect
  
  
  

⬆️ 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

In this week's mini-episode, we explain shuhari: a Japanese concept from the traditional martial arts explaining the three stages of mastery.

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