# Ep. 409: Super Mario Theory, feat. Nelson Puentes

An episode of [BJJ Mental Models](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1448833161), 21 Sep 2026, 1 h 01 min.

Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/243161/episodes/19835531-ep-409-super-mario-theory-feat-nelson-puentes.mp3

This week, we're joined by Nelson Puentes! Nelson co-founded Inverted Gear and runs Inverted Gear Academy in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In this episode, Nelson explains his Super Mario theory of jiu-jitsu: a good game teaches you how to play it by raising the difficulty one step at a time, and a good jiu-jitsu class works the same way. Topics include: game design, resource management, coaching without instructions, defensive jiu-jitsu, and intrinsic motivation. Buy Inverted Gear apparel: https://invertedgear.com Train at Inverted Gear Academy in Allentown, PA: https://invertedgearacademy.com Follow Nelson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/invertedgearnelson Mental models discussed in this episode: • Zone of Proximal Development https://bjjmentalmodels.com/zone-of-proximal-development • Investing in Loss https://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss • Constraints-Led Approach https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach • Self-Organization https://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-organization • Gamification https://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification • Ecological Dynamics https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics • Return on Investment https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment • Win Conditions https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions • Defense Paradox https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defense-paradox • Keep It Playful https://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful • Perception-Action Coupling https://bjjmentalmodels.com/perception-action-coupling • Continuum of Motivation https://bjjmentalmodels.com/continuum-of-motivation • Process Over Outcomes https://bjjmentalmodels.com/process-over-outcomes ⬆️ 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

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