Imagine trying to play high-stakes chess while blindfolded and emotionally flustered. That’s what trading feels like for most people – until they learn the frameworks of Van Tharp.
In this episode of Talking Trading, I’m joined by Gabriel Grammatidis – one of Van’s most accomplished students, a Super Trader graduate, and now running the IntuFX Trading Community.
Discover the essential principles of trading psychology and system design that shaped thousands of traders under the guidance of Van Tharp.
We dive deep into the foundations that made Van Tharp legendary: position sizing, trading systems, and trader psychology.
But this isn’t just a look back.
Gabriel reveals how these concepts are evolving in today’s fast-moving markets – and why mindset is still the ultimate trading edge.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- What most traders still get wrong about trading psychology and system design
- How Gabriel uses simulation and deliberate practice to speed up trader development
- Why consistency is a skill, not a personality trait – and how to develop it
- The truth about intuition in trading and how to use it without losing structure
- What’s next in trader mindset and how Gabriel is building on Van’s legacy
Whether you’re a long-time Van Tharp fan or new to his work, this episode will change how you think about trading in Australia and beyond.
Gabriel’s insights on trader psychology, systems thinking, and position sizing are essential for anyone aiming for consistent profits.
Questions we discuss
- You spent years learning directly from Van Tharp, and then stepped into the role of instructor and coach at his institute – guiding traders for more than a decade. What was it about his philosophy that first pulled you in?
- Looking back now, what’s the most enduring impact Van Tharp had on your trading or teaching style?
- Your systems are renowned for their clarity and structure. What’s your personal process when building or refining a trading system? Where does it all begin?
- Price action patterns, breakout structures – you blend technical analysis with psychology in a very unique way. How did you arrive at this approach?
- You often say that intuition is a vital part of successful trading, yet many traders are taught to suppress it. Why do you believe intuition deserves a central place in the process, and how can traders develop it with purpose whilst still remaining mechanical?
- You’ve described the ‘Cool, Calm & Confident’ (CCC) state as a core psychological anchor. How does a trader recognise when they’re in it, what causes them to drift from it, and what habits help strengthen it?
- You often say “Trader Consistency” is one of the key factors of success. Why do most traders overlook this step – and what happens when they do?
- You put a strong emphasis on simulation and guided practice. What’s the difference between your approach and someone who’s just ‘paper trading’?
- You’ve helped many traders go from random results to consistent profits. What are the common turning points or ‘aha’ moments you’ve seen in that transformation?
- How do you help traders get past performance anxiety or perfectionism, especially when it keeps them from placing trades?
- With AI tools, algos, and fast-moving markets – how have your teachings evolved? Are the principles still just as relevant?
- You worked closely with Van Tharp, but since his passing, you’ve continued to move the legacy forward. What are you building now with IntuFX, and when you think about your own legacy, what would you hope to leave behind in the trader space.
About Gabriel Grammatidis
Gabriel Grammatidis is the founder of IntuFX and a globally respected trading coach, systems developer, and professional trader. Personally mentored by the late Dr Van K. Tharp, Gabriel combines deep psychological insight with rock-solid technical expertise.
With a background in economics and finance, he has a rare talent for distilling complex market behaviour into simple, repeatable systems. His speciality is rule-based, discretionary strategies in trending markets – strategies he’s taught to thousands of traders worldwide.
Gabriel’s grounded, practical style continues to shape the next generation of traders with clarity, precision, and confidence.
Stay in Touch with Gabriel
Take the free Van Tharp Trader Test: www.tharptradertest.com
Website: https://www.intufx.com/
Email: gabriel@intufx.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IntuFXcom
About Louise Bedford
Louise Bedford has traded, taught, and written extensively about the financial markets for over 30 years, building a reputation as a highly accomplished and experienced trader, educator, and author.
She co-founded The Trading Game and has gained recognition for her unique approach to teaching trading psychology and market analysis.
Louise has authored several successful trading books. In particular, her titles include Trading Secrets, Charting Secrets, The Secret of Candlestick Charting, and Investing Psychology Secrets.
Louise runs her hugely popular, repeat-for-free Mentor Program Pro online course. Through this course, she shows you how to automate your trading so you can retire early and get on with your life.
To get in touch with Louise
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradingGame/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheTradingGame
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/louise-bedford/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tradinggame
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradinggame.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradinggame.com.au/
Image by AI Google Labs
