Learning to stay loose is one of the quickest ways to improve your Jiu-Jitsu.  This week, Steve and Matt explain the importance of staying loose, how to develop awareness of when you're too tense, and when it's appropriate to use tension.Why you should stay loose:It masks your intentionsIt saves energy and prevents muscle burnoutIt denies your opponent leverage.When it's okay to use tension:When you're doing so for a reasonWhen your tension cannot be exploited.Mental models discussed in this episode:Staying Loosehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/staying-loose/Microtransitionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/microtransitions/Mask Your Intentionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mask-your-intentions/Mindfulnesshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mindfulness/Core Mechanicshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/Kuzushihttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/kuzushi/Force Compressionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/force-compression/Choking Mechanicshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/choking-mechanics/Breaking Mechanicshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/breaking-mechanics/IMPORTANT: BJJ Mental Models needs your help.In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the future for Steve and Matt is uncertain.  Our gyms are closed, our income is impacted, and we need your help in order to continue providing free content.  We've started a Patreon where you can support BJJ Mental Models.  Please help us keep the lights on so we can keep your game sharp during this once-in-a-century crisis.  Link here:https://patreon.com/bjjmentalmodels/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our mailing list:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/join/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Let them know you're an educated grappler with our merch:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/store/Get the latest BJJ Mental Models updates from Facebook:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/