Episode 59

E59 | How I Use Open Mats To Get Better

Published on: 7th October, 2025

Open Mats are one of my favorite types of training. You're free to do or not do whatever it is you want. Some people chat, some drill, and others train with and without goals in mind. I personally use the Open Mat as a lab where I can test theories and the application of techniques I'm developing.

Lets dive in!

BJJ Mental Models Support

I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning.

Use my link to explore their premium offerings and support the show:

👉 Join BJJ Mental Models+ 

(Code: FIGUEROAMARTINEZ)


Join the FREE DFM Coaching Community Here.


Are You New, Start Here!


Stay Connected

DFM Coaching

For remote coaching, seminars, mindset tools, and more:

🌐 www.DFMCoaching.com

📸 Instagram @dfm.2099

▶️ YouTube @DFM2099

Choke Point Media

Long-form storytelling, deep strategy, and the philosophy behind the fight:

🌐 www.ChokePointChronicles.com

📸 Instagram @chokepoint.media

Support the Mission

If you found this episode valuable, share it with a teammate, repost it to your story, or leave a quick review. That’s how we grow—and keep the signal strong.

Stay tapped in.

Thank you,

David Figueroa-Martinez

Founder, DFM Coaching

Coach | Writer | Grappler

DFM Coaching is dedicated to helping you overcome mental hurdles and achieve your full potential in BJJ. Whether through in-person instruction, seminars, private lessons, remote coaching, or video analysis, I provide personalized support tailored to your needs. Keep pushing forward, and let’s grow together!

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Tapped In: A JiuJitsu Podcast

About the Podcast

Tapped In: A JiuJitsu Podcast
A Bjj/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Podcast By DFM Coaching
Tapped In: Structure, Strategy, and the Inner Game of Jiu-Jitsu

Tapped In is for grapplers who train with intention, not just for medals, but for mastery.

Hosted by BJJ black belt and coach David Figueroa-Martinez, this short-form series explores the mindset, structure, and strategy behind real Jiu-Jitsu growth. Each episode blends sharp coaching insight with grounded reflection, covering everything from game-planning and mat culture to ego management and mental resilience.

No fluff. Just clear, tactical thinking for those who want to train with clarity, lead with purpose, and stay steady in the chaos.

New episodes weekly. Train smarter. Think deeper. Stay tapped in.

About your host

Profile picture for David Figueroa-Martinez

David Figueroa-Martinez

I’m David Figueroa-Martinez, Jiu-Jitsu black belt, mindset coach, and founder of Tapped In. This podcast isn’t for hype or highlight reels. It’s for grapplers who train with purpose.

I teach structure, not chaos. Mindset, not ego. Progress, not performance.

Through each episode, I share grounded lessons from the mats, the mind, and the moments that shape who we become, as athletes, as leaders, and as people.

I also run DFM Coaching, where I help White and Blue Belts build clarity and structure through personalized systems, and write Choke Point Chronicles, a weekly series diving deep into strategy, growth, and culture in Jiu-Jitsu.

Whether you’re a White Belt looking for direction or a black belt trying to stay sharp without selling your soul, this is where we train the inner game.