Priit Mihkelson - BJJ Rituals & Self Determination Theory

Priit Mihkelson - BJJ Clapping Ritual & Self Determination Theory

I talk to Priit Mihkelson about reshaping Jiu-Jitsu rituals with evidence-based coaching, the psychology of motivation and his “defensive BJJ” teaching framework. We dig into why he objects to the ubiquitous “3-2-1 clap”, how he designs progressive-resistance games to replace rote technique drills and the role of autonomy, competence and relatedness in skill acquisition (self-determination theory).

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Topics

Iterative Content Development

Priit treats technique creation much like software engineering: publish an early “version 1”, stress-test it with as many practitioners as possible, then patch the weaknesses quickly. His new subscription site is built precisely for that purpose, members see experimental material, try it in live rounds, and report back so the next video can be updated or scrapped altogether. This cyclic approach shortens the time between idea and reliable solution, and it keeps even seasoned coaches accountable because “the feedback is the most important thing, more brains make the system stronger.

Self-Directed Learning & Spaced Repetition

ather than spoon-feeding fixed curricula, Priit encourages athletes to decide what they study, revisit core material at set intervals, and measure their own improvement. Borrowing from cognitive science, he argues that spaced repetition, brief, frequent returns to high-value positions, cements decision-making under fatigue far better than marathon technique sessions once a month. The result is a room full of problem-solvers who can adapt mid-roll rather than copy-paste a coach’s answers.

Feedback-Driven Innovation

Because every upload is a hypothesis, criticism is welcomed, not feared. Students flag when a move breaks under pressure, and those reports appear publicly so others can weigh in. Failures are logged, fixes filmed, and the cycle restarts. Over time the archive becomes less of an instructional library and more of a laboratory notebook charting each technique’s evolution.

Rethinking Rituals

From mandatory clapping to rigid lines at the end of class, Priit questions traditions that steal minutes from training while adding little measurable value. He would rather invest that time in extra rounds or micro-drills that align with the day’s objective. The takeaway for coaches: strip ceremonies back to what demonstrably improves learning; everything else is optional. “If all of your class structure is messed up, then clapping will not save it.”

Resources

Quotes

“If you clap every five minutes, it stops being special and starts being noise.”
“My job is to create games where your choices actually matter.”
“We praise community service rounds, help your partner, then play your game.”
“A technique isn’t finished when I can demo it; it’s finished when sixty strangers can do it under pressure.”
“Rituals aren’t bad, but they need the same scepticism we give to techniques.”