
The Chewjitsu Podcast
The Chewjitsu Podcast is hosted by BJJ Black Belt Nick "Chewy" Albin and co-host Dr. Eugene Tsozik, a BJJ Black Belt and physical therapist. The show covers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, training, diet, health, injury prevention, Q&A sessions, and interviews.
Episodes

Cutting and Gaining Weight For BJJ Competition With Eli Coffey (Episode 432)
On this live recording episode of the Chewjitsu Podcast, we are once again joined by Strength and Nutrition Coach Eli Coffey. Eli joins the podcast to discuss cutting weight for BJJ competition, when to start a weight cut, best foods for cutting weight, building a good relationship with food, rehydration, peaking for competition, two big mistakes when gaining weight, the importance of strength tra

BJJ Business #2 - Become A Black Belt In Content Creation (Episode 431)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss content creation and how to create content to help your business. We discuss whether you need to create content for your business, the importance of having a "grand strategy" for your content, what to focus on and what do avoid when making content, why AI content can create a crash in content creation, how to be a good story teller, the importance of creat

An Important Paradigm Shift For Your BJJ (Especially If You're Older) (Episode 430)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss an important paradigm shift in BJJ. We discuss why BJJ practitioners initially get too fixated on making a technique work, but with experience and skill, you will need start to focus more on getting deeper into a position rather than a technique. Why also discuss why you should focus on purely holding position, thinking differently about wha

The Best of the Podcast #5: Rules For Jiu-Jitsu #10-12 (Episode 429)
On this episode of the podcast, we share some of the best moments from the podcast. In this edition, we dive into a recap of the "Rules For Jiu-Jitsu" series. We discuss the following rules: The Chewjitsu Podcast #225 - Rules For Jiu-Jitsu #10: Keep Your Training Private - We discuss why you should keep your training private. We chat about why you shouldn't record your training sessions or post th

Rules For Jiu-Jitsu #22: Be Vulnerable To Become Better At BJJ (Episode 428)
In this Rules For Jiu-Jitsu episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the importance of being vulnerable to improve in BJJ. We discuss why people are afraid to take action, using the "worst case scenario" to limit fear, why you should "tae the bait" in training, why vulnerability requires the right environment, the importance of taking decisive action, and advice for white belts afraid to be vulnerable on

Harness Your Aggression In BJJ Like A Spartan King (Episode 427)
On this episode we answer an e-mail question from "Bob" who has been told he is too passive and polite when training with teens and women, but is too on aggressive when training with inexperienced white belts due to fear of injury. "Bob" asks about proper training etiquette and what he can do to keep himself safe on the mats. Chewy and Eugene share some ideas on how to tap into and harness aggress

How To Be A More Productive Grappler On and Off The Mats (Episode 426)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss how to improve your daily productivity to live the life that you want. We discuss how constant attention switching impacts your brain function, trying to minimize the distractions to get more from yourself, dealing with the fear of missing out, the idea of "balance," designing your life, creating sustainability in BJJ, being happy with the process, giving

BJJ Business #1 - Chewy Is Starting An Association (Episode 425)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy discusses the start of his Chewjitsu Association. Chewy discusses why he wanted to start his own association, the major marketing mistakes he made when growing his gym, (the "DVD marketing disaster"), what makes a successful marketing campaign, important ideas on retaining students at the gym, what people can expect to receive as part of the Chewjitsu Associat

10 Annoying Myths In BJJ (Episode 424)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss 10 annoying Jiu-Jitsu myths. Strength doesn't matter and technique conquers all. The only way to get good at BJJ is to train really hard. Being a black belt means you are a good person. Being a black belt means you are more disciplined. Gym owners are "money-grubbing evil-doers" who only want to extract money from their members. You need brand new never b

5 Traits of Successful Grapplers (Episode 423)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss 5 traits of successful grapplers. We discuss the following ideas: Know when to go and when to chill (also to focus on breathing and decreasing tunnel vision). Focus on small battles (grips, hand fighting, and inside position). Train with deliberate intent (don't try to win every round and don't be a needy grappler). Be able to relax in bad spots. Know whe

BJJ Black Belt Alberto Crane (Episode 422)
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by BJJ Black Belt and UFC veteran Professor Alberto Crane. Professor Crane discusses his start in BJJ in 1994 and eventually transitioning to fighting in early MMA events starting at King of the Cage, old school training in the 1990's, the evolution of BJJ in MMA, the evolution of BJJ in sport jiu-jitsu, how to make sport BJJ more exciting, overcoming

Do You Need Discipline To Get A Black Belt In BJJ? (Episode 421)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the idea of whether getting a BJJ black belt requires discipline. We also discuss things you are "pushed" to do vs. things you are "pulled" to do, if BJJ is for everyone, which aspects of training require discipline, why people quit BJJ, adjusting your goals as a beginner, the importance of routine, getting over the "hump" in BJJ, the "deflation" of reachi

The "Secret" To Getting Good At Jiu-Jitsu (Episode 420)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss the "secret" to getting good at Jiu-Jitsu. Chewy discusses the importance of having tough training partners to improve and build your techniques, being able to communicate and trust your training partners, and what makes a strong training partner. We also discuss the different types of "battle buddies," the importance of moving towards disco

Jiu-Jitsu On A Plane With BJJ Black Belt Josh Longood (Episode 419)
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by BJJ Black Belt and former professional MMA fighter Josh Longood. Josh has gotten recent attention due to a video circulating of him apprehending a disruptive passenger on a flight. He shares his experience and gives an in-depth breakdown of how he was able to apprehend and control the passenger using his Jiu-Jitsu. Josh also discusses if anything ha

Confessions of A Driller (Episode 418)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy discusses how drilling helped him hit new techniques in competition. Chewy discusses the brawl at the ADCC Open in Atlanta, why he chooses to not show too much emotion after wins and losses, if anything would cause Chewy to get in an altercation at a tournament, the techniques that don't require drilling, what makes a technique better for drilling, the problem

Training and Competing As An Older Grappler With BJJ Black Belt Brad Steinborn (Episode 417)
On this episode of the podcast we are joined by BJJ black belt and Master's competitor Brad Steinborn. Brad discusses the importance of focusing on diet, strength training, and recovery outside the gym. We also discuss "Volume Training" and the type of lifting Brad has done since he has gotten older, how to adjust to training as you get older, how Brad's BJJ game has evolved, thoughts on drilling,

Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety Andy Wilson (Episode 416)
On this episode of the podcast we are joined by the Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety Andy Wilson. Director Wilson discusses his responsibilities as the Director of Public Safety In Ohio, the importance and effectiveness of Jiu-Jitsu and defensive tactics for police officers for de-escalation and safe management in arrests and altercations, the barriers to implementing Jiu-Jitsu tra

BJJ Black Belt William Tackett (Episode 415)
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by multiple time ADCC trials winner, ADCC veteran, CJI veteran, and UFC BJJ athlete William Tackett. William discusses the importance of making exciting matches, the worst rule sets for BJJ, one thing that most promotions get wrong when making exciting matches, the unique challenges of competing in multiple 5 minute rounds, how training at a smaller gy

PGF Season 9 Champion Kevin Beuhring (Episode 414)
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by PGF Season 9 Champion and 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt Kevin Beuhring. Kevin discusses what it was like being away from home for 6 weeks while competing at the PGF, what life has been like after winning the PGF title, the depressed state that follows a big accomplishment, how Kevin prepared for the PGF, the zone of command that makes grapplers

How To Use Deliberate Practice To Improve In BJJ (Episode 413)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the main principles of "deliberate practice" from the book "Peak" by Anders Ericsson and how to better develop and maximize progress in BJJ. We discuss why talent is overrated, why some people excel physically at specific sports and why BJJ is unique, training for skill and not for knowledge, why developing skill is a "messy process," what makes a "skilled

Is TRT Cheating In BJJ? (Episode 412)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss TRT, Chewy's experience with it, and whether using TRT in BJJ is cheating. Chewy shares his first experience with steroids, if intent matters when using Testosterone, women using TRT, the issues with modern medicine, potential injuries from abusing Testosterone, if BJJ should have stricter testing, and the stigmas around Testosterone use. Thanks to the pod

Rapid Fire Q&A With Chewy and Eugene (Episode 411)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene chat about internet trolls and we also answer some questions we have received though e-mails, YouTube, and Instagram. Chewy discusses how an internet troll helped bring the gym together and how to respond to internet trolls. Q&A: 1. Which belt in BJJ was the longest and most difficult? 2. What have we wanted to change about ourselves? 3. Have we had to deal with a

Datsusara Founder and BJJ Blue Belt Chris Odell (Episode 410)
Chris Odell is the founder and creative director of Datsusara, a martial arts bag and apparel company focused on creating high quality hemp gear for grapplers. Chris joins the podcast to discuss his start in martial arts, finding BJJ, being a blue belt for 10 years, coming back to BJJ after a 7 year break, the impact moving frequently had on his BJJ, starting Datsusara, working with Joe Rogan and

A Birthday Message I Wish Someone Sent Me At 25 - Part 3 (Episode 409)
In part 3 of this series, Chewy shares the last 5 ideas that he wishes he received when he was 25 years old to help with getting the most out of life. On this episode we discuss the following ideas: Why having an immense amount of "mental weight" on your shoulders everyday gives purpose. Why to avoid debt like the plague. Why you should avoid this misquoted bible verse. You will screw up a

A Birthday Message I Wish Someone Sent Me At 25 - Part 2 (Episode 408)
In part 2 of this series, Chewy shares 5 more ideas that he wishes he received when he was 25 years old to help with getting the most out of life. On this episode we discuss the following ideas: Why Chewy and his wife lived in a small apartment (one of Chewy's favorite "money moments"). Why Chewy bought a car with cash and plans to drive it until the wheels fall off. Why Chewy never bought his wi

A Birthday Message I Wish Someone Sent Me At 25 - Part 1 (Episode 407)
On this episode, Chewy shares some ideas that he wishes he received when he was 25 years old to help with getting the most out of life. In this episode we discuss these ideas: 1. Why Chewy "ate crap" to figure out his business. 2. How Chewy dealt with criticism and how following your own path can get lonely. 3. Why Chewy lost a lot of relationships in the process of creating the life he wanted. 4.

The Reason People Don't Improve In Jiu-Jitsu (Episode 406)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the main reason people don't improve in BJJ. We discuss an idea from the Jiu-Jitsu "GOAT" Roger Gracie, who shares the idea of why people don't improve in BJJ. His thoughts are that most people don't spend enough time developing their techniques and move on to learning different techniques too quickly. We chat about the process of developing your technique

BJJ Black Belt and Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Megan Jimenez
Doctor Megan Jimenez is a BJJ black belt, Kenpo Karate Black Belt, and an Orthopedic Surgeon. She joins the podcast to discuss going through Medical School to become an Orthopedic Surgeon, the challenges of working with grapplers, how she recovered from an ACL injury, positions and techniques to avoid in BJJ, learning BJJ while injured, red flags to watch out for when traveling, why rolling is lik

The Good Old Days of BJJ (Episode 404)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss "the good old days of BJJ" and appreciating the time that you get on the mats. We also discuss the importance of having boundaries on time, the "Hercules Complex," advice for newer grapplers, why you should be more reflective, and Chewy's most memorable "eras" of training. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and us

Why Modern BJJ Sucks For Modern MMA (Episode 403)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss why modern BJJ has been less effective in modern mixed martial arts. We discuss the BJJ ruleset shift created in 1975 that incentivized groundwork and removed penalties for guard pulling which ultimately shaped the direction of Jiu-Jitsu. We also talk about the technique that Jiu-Jitsu does best, the first "Three Waves of MMA," what Chewy's

Hero Worship vs. Admiration In BJJ (Episode 402)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the recent allegations against Andre Galvao. We discuss importance of boundaries in Jiu-Jitsu due to the closeness of grappling, the important of safety at the gym, reaching your breaking point, if power corrupts leaders, "Hero Admiration" vs. "Hero Worship," and what the Jiu-Jitsu community do differently moving forward, and red flags to be aware of. Than

10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Nathan Orchard (Episode 401)
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu black belt Nathan Orchard. Nathan discusses his extensive MMA career prior to learning Jiu-Jitsu, how he only stayed at Blue Belt for 2 weeks, learning to fight in his front yard, the development of the "Dead Orchard" submission, developing of your game - how much is intentional vs. accidental, the importance of a clean environ

TRT, Peptides, and Gut Health With Allison From 1st Optimal (Episode 400)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene are joined by Allison from 1st Optimal. Allison is a Certified Health Coach that works with Chewy directly. Allison discusses the use of GLP-1 medications and suggestions to increase muscle mass while on this medication, the benefits of TRT and also misconceptions around the use of TRT, signs of low testosterone, what blood markers people don't get checked but are

Is BJJ Just Bad Judo? (Episode 399)
Chewy discusses the idea of "American Jiu-Jitsu." Chewy also discusses a bit of the history of Jiu-Jitsu, the "mythology of Jiu-Jitsu," the influence of Americans on Jiu-Jitsu. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to https://bit.l

The Best of the Podcast #4: Rules For Jiu-Jitsu #7-9 (Episode 398)
On this episode of the podcast, we share some of the best moments from the podcast. In this edition, we dive into a recap of the "Rules For Jiu-Jitsu" series. We discuss the following rules: Episode 194 - Rules For Jiu-Jitsu #7: Attempt To Control Your Emotions - Chewy and Eugene discuss the importance of attempting to control your emotions, and how this can impact your Jiu-Jitsu as well as your l

7 BJJ Commandments To Train Safe & Improve Your Submissions (Episode 397)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss the 7 BJJ Commandments to training safe and how these ideas can improve your submissions. Though shalt remember, none of this matters. Though shalt catch fast and finish slow. Though shalt avoid those who eat submissions. Though shalt have a "kill switch." Though shalt communicate with your training partners. Though shalt tap fas

How To Actually Accomplish New Year's Goals (Episode 396)
On this episode of the podcast Chewy and Eugene discuss how to accomplish your New Year's goals. We discuss why people don't accomplish the goals that they set, how to design your goals around the life you would like to have, the value of "debriefing" previous goals, the habits you should incorporate, the value of a mentor and coach, tangbile vs. the intangible goals, and what makes people quit t

The Best of the Podcast #3: Rules For Jiu-Jitsu #4-6 (Episode 395)
On this episode of the podcast, we share some of the best moments from the podcast. In this edition, we dive into a recap of the "Rules For Jiu-Jitsu" series. We discuss the following rules: Episode 174 - Rules For Jiu-Jitsu 4: Roll To Win Episode 178 - Rules For Jiu-Jitsu 5: The Paradox of Improvng For BJJ Episode 185 - Rules For Jiu-Jitsu 5: Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover Thanks to t

How To Improve From BJJ Injuries and Losing Matches (Episode 394)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss dealing with injuries and also losing matches. Eugene discusses dealing with a knee injury and what he is working on for recovery as well as how he is dealing with taking time off of training. Chewy also discusses not making the podium of a tournament for the first time in almost 10 years, the mistakes he made in his match, and what he will do differently

The Jiu-Jitsu "Waiting Game" (Episode 393)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss competition prep ideas and what to do the week of competition, day of competition, and during the competition to have the best performance. We discuss why it's important to decrease training intensity the week of your competition, what to do the day of competition, what to bring (gear and food/hydration), why Chewy uses a heart rate monitor

12 Things The Chewster Is Thankful For (Episode 392)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy shares 12 things that he is thankful for. 1. Thankful for lack of talent. 2. Thankful for being "1st World Poor." 3. Thankful for my mom. 4. Thankful for my absent father. 5. Thankful for my wife. 6. Thankful for the gym and the people in it. 7. Thankful that when faced with trauma as a youngster I made the decisions I made. 8. Thankful I grew up in the 80's a

2025 ADCC East Coast Trials Champion Brandon Reed (Episode 391)
Brandon Reed is a Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt, ADCC Veteran, 3x NAIA National Wrestling Champion, and the 2025 ADCC 99+ KG East Coast Trials Champion. Brandon joins the podcast fresh off of his ADCC East Coast Trials win. He discusses the process of overcoming a loss, how to block out the noise and distractions, dealing with the nerves of competition, what he learned from his loss to Felipe Pena at ADCC

The Mindset For Success With World Champion Roosevelt Sousa (Episode 390)
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Jiu-Jitsu World Champion and BJJ Black Belt Roosevelt Sousa. Roosevelt discusses his start in Jiu-Jitsu, what helped with developing a strong work ethic, how learning the mindset of high level Volleyball players hlped with success in BJJ, how to get the most out of training as a black belt, how working with a sports psychologist helped with performa

Avoid The BJJ Cult Of Overtraining (Episode 389)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss overtraining, how to be aware of the warning signs of overtraining, and how to avoid overtraining. We also discuss common reasons people avoid taking time off, the idea of "making up for lost time," the importance of focusing on things you can control, finding your own routine and rhythm, and why you should change what you consider training.

Jiu-Jitsu Red Flags (Episode 388)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss some Jiu-Jitsu gym red flags. Here are some of the "Jiu-Jitu Red Flags" If the coach is demonstrating unacceptable behavior or if the coach is not engaged. Negative gym culture. Coach showing up intoxicated. Coach not allowing you to cross-train or visit other gyms. No open mats. Not allowing newer students to roll at all. No upper belts at

10 Reasons To Master BJJ Defense and Escapes (Episode 387)
Chewy and Eugene share 10 ideas on why you should master defense and escapes in BJJ. Here are the ideas we discussed: 1. To escape effectively, you will have less fear and worries on the mat. 2. When you become skilled defensively, you can become more aggressive with your offense. 3. Increased efficiency on the mats. 4. When you avoid training escapes then you turn into a grappler with a "glass ja

The Misconception of Discipline (Episode 386)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss the idea of discipline and the misconceptions about discipline. We discuss why discipline is about flexibility, what all success is built on, how to develop the ability to be flexible and not get off track, the importance of being reflective, habit stacking, having contrast, how to prioritize the most important tasks, how to train your subco

Rules For Jiu-Jitsu #21: The Golden Rule of Jiu-Jitsu Competition (Episode 385)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss the "Golden Rule" of competition. We discuss why the way you win is just as important as if you win, doing the honorable thing in competition, why how you go about daily training is important for your success, why competitions are "controlled aggression" and not "animosity," what makes competing so unique, and the experience of coaching a st

The Best of the Podcast #2: Rules For Jiu-Jitsu #1-3 (Episode 384)
On this episode of the podcast, we share some of the best moments from the podcast. In this edition, we dive into a recap of the "Rules For Jiu-Jitsu" series. We discuss the following rules: BJJ is a marathon (Episode 160: Rules For Jiu-Jitsu 1) Be an anti-martial artist (Episode 164: Rules For Jiu-Jitsu 2) Grips First (Episode 166: Rules for Jiu-Jitsu 3) Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check ou

The "BJJ 80-20 Rule" (Episode 383)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the "Pareto Principle," also known as this "80-20 Rule." We discuss the idea of 20% of your BJJ techniques accounting for 80% of your success in grappling. We discuss if the "80-20 Rule" could be a trap and make your game too limited, how to identify what needs to change and how to get out of a rut, when the best time is to reflect on your training session

ADCC Veteran and BJJ Black Belt John Hansen (Episode 382)
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by ADCC veteran and BJJ black belt John Hansen. John discusses bouncing around gyms initially and then finding a consistent training environment, when his life started to change into a more positive directions, 5 things all grappling is based around, how his training has changed as he has gotten older, getting things that you want in training and havin

BJJ Black Belt and Founder of "Tap Cancer Out" Jon Thomas (Episode 381)
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by BJJ Black Belt and Founder of the non-profit organization "Tap Cancer Out." Jon discusses starting Jiu-Jitsu in 2008, why earning a blue belt had significant meaning, dealing with "imposter syndrome" in BJJ, how "Tap Cancer Out" started and the process of running a tournament, the challenges of running a Jiu-Jitsu non-profit business, finding the be

Surviving "The Pyjama Game" (Episode 380)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss a book Chewy has been reading titled "The Pyjama Game" and discuss an idea from the book on the unique take Japanese Judokas take to martial arts. We discuss how the Japanese Judokas had a great ability to relax while being thrown which allowed them to commit to throws and takedowns with less fear because of their ability to take a throw and

CJI 2 Reaction: The Good, The Band, And The Ugly (Episode 379)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene give their thoughts and reactions to the recent Craig Jones Invitational. We discuss our experience at the event, our thoughts on the ruleset, why there was more passivity in the matches, why a "Wrestling Duals" format may be a better ruleset, the controversy of whether Giancarlo Bodoni tapped out, the different roles of the athletes in the Quintet

CJI 2 Preview (Episode 378)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene preview the upcoming Craig Jones Invitational (CJI 2). We discuss the new Quintet team format, how the wrestling and takedowns will change when competing in a pit, what made the CJI a unique tournament, what Chewy would focus on if prepping for an event like CJI, and potential strategies for the teams. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athl

Choosing The Right Gym For You (Self-Defense vs. Sport) (Episode 377)
On this episode we answer a question from an anonymous podcast listener. "Bob" wrestled in high school and is currently a member at a self-defense gym, but has been cross-training at a Sport/Competition gym and really liking it. "Bob" is wondering if he should switch gyms if he wants to become a successful competitor. We discuss why wrestlers prefer Sport Jiu-Jitsu, why martial arts and fighting i

Why Do "Alpha Male Bros" Become BJJ Gym Memes? (Episode 376)
Chewy and Eugene discuss "Alpha Male Bros" and some stories of these guys coming into the gym. We discuss some of these "Alpha Bro" characters that show up on-line and the ridiculousness of their perspectives, stories of the "I See Red" guys showing up to the gym, why we tend to want nice cars and big houses as young men, cultural norms of success, the fulfillment of skill acquisition, ego death/"

Beware Of Other People's BJJ Commandments (Episode 375)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene get asked about BJJ Black Belt Henry Akins' recent comments that "Half Guard" is not a very good position in BJJ. Chewy and Eugene discuss why you shouldn't always accept other people's "dogma," the idea that "half guard is half passed," the original thoughts on leg locks in BJJ, why half guard is a great passing and sweeping position, why Jiu-Jitsu lives in the g

Powerful Mindset Tips For BJJ And Life (Episode 374)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss multiple mindset tips that can help with BJJ and in life. We discuss the idea of "detachment," separating yourself from your accomplishments, dealing with negative self-talk, how to develop awareness and change things that you don't like about yourself, how a loss helped Chewy get refocused and re-energized, being the "watcher," how to stop

BJJ Black Belt Chris Wojcik (Episode 373)
Chis Wojcik is a BJJ black belt who trains out of "B Team," he is an ADCC veteran, and creator of "The Woj Lock." On this episode we discuss "celebrity belts" in Jiu-Jitsu, the difference between black belts today as compared to 20 years ago, what developments have occurred at "B Team," the transition of moving to a more competitive gym, ego in BJJ, avoiding the negative loop and managing emotions

What Is A BJJ Black Belt? (Episode 372)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss what is a legitimate black belt. We chat about the recent story of "Derek Moneyberg," who received a BJJ black belt in 3.5 years by doing only private lessons. Chewy shares a couple stories of teaching students who only wanted to do private lessons and wanted to get promoted, the limitations of only doing private lessons, "celebrity belts,"

4 BJJ Rules That Changed My Life (Episode 371)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss 4 things that they learned through Jiu-Jitsu that impacted their lives. Facing your fears - fear as part of the process and how to overcome the resistance to achieving your goals. The cost of skill and progress - pick things that align with what you want. Taking care of your body - get contrast through BJJ and create habits or better performance on the ma

Stop Being So Nice With Your BJJ (Episode 370)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss why you should stop being so nice with your BJJ. We discuss the importance of using pressure with your techniques, ideas on how to properly apply pressure, your intentions when applying pressure, how to recognize a student with "bad intentions," the factors that impact aggressiveness in training, using BJJ to deal with anger and to use inten

Our Thoughts On "UFC-BJJ" (Episode 369)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the new "UFC-BJJ" show and BJJ promotion formed by the UFC. We discuss the new BJJ reality show, how to make BJJ more spectator-friendly, whether the UFC should focus on grapplers or people who have never trained to improve viewership, the advantage of having a refs decision, our thoughts on the UFC taking the ruleset from the CJI, the potential challenges

Building A Resilient Body For Martial Arts With Ryan Hurst (Episode 368)
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Judo black belt, Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, former gymnast, and one of the founders of "GMB Fitness," Ryan Hurst. Ryan discusses his start in gymnastics and then transitioning to training Judo. He shares his experience of living in Japan for over 20 years, what it was like training Judo in Japan and being one of the few non-Japanese practitioners, how gy

Q&A: 7 Questions On Fears, Food, and BJJ (Episode 367)
On this episode Chewy and Eugene answer 7 questions from listeners on BJJ, food, and life. We discuss the following questions: How did you meet your wife? What are you most afraid of? What are some tips on remembering techniques? What is a guilty pleasure food? What is a good breakfast before training? Do you ease off of training during the holidays? How do you feel about lower belts not being ab

Why Calling Yourself A "Hobbyist" In BJJ Is Dangerous (Episode 366)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss the idea of training and thinking like an athlete instead of as a hobbyist. We discuss why this mindset shift to training as an athlete is important for longevity, how an athlete treats their body compared to how a hobbyist, the foods chewy avoids before training BJJ, how diet can impact performance, the importance of rhythm and routine, hol

Mixed Movement Arts Founder Cameron Shayne (Episode 365)
On this episode of the podcast we are joined by Cameron Shayne. Cameron pioneered the phrase and concept of Mixed Movement Arts in 2001 by combining the combat arts of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts together with Yoga, Crawling Patterns, Mobility, Calisthenics, and Cognitive Studies into a single black belt system known as Budokon. Cameron also holds black belts in Olympic style Taekwo

How To Become An Efficient Grappler In BJJ (Episode 364)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss why inexperience leads to inefficient activity on the mats. we discuss the process of improving efficiency on the mats, what Chewy focused on to improve efficiency, why "feeling is understanding," why mindset plays a huge roll in BJJ, why clearer goals lead to more efficiency, and how Chewy discovered that Youtube was the best way for him to

5 Old Man Jiu-Jitsu Tips (Episode 363)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss 5 important Jiu-Jitsu tips for older grapplers to help with your performance on the mats. We discuss the following ideas: Try not to win every round. Get good at defense. Use heart rate to monitor intensity. Train with intention. Focus on diet/weight loss. To learn more about Chewy's new "Flow & Control" Program, check out http://chewjitsu

How To Develop An "Older Grappler" BJJ Game (Episode 362)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy discusses why he needed to develop his "older grappler" BJJ game to adapt to training and to remain competitive against younger and more athletic grapplers. Chewy discusses how he started to discover this new element to his game, the position he would go to when fatigued, the moment Chewy decided to change his game, ideas on "uneven pressure" in side control,

The Most Beneficial Part Of BJJ Training People Avoid (Episode 361)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss the importance of rest days and why many BJJ practitioners avoid rest days and taking time off. We start off the podcast by answering a question from "Bob," who is a 47 y/o BJJ practitioner who tries to train daily and even some days twice per day. "Bob" says that by mid week he has a hard time with focused and technical training and feels t

4th Degree BJJ Black Belt James Clingerman Returns (Episode 360)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene are joined by one of the Jiu-Jitsu pioneers in the Midwest, 4th degree BJJ Black Belt James Clingerman. James joins the podcast to discuss celebrating the 25th anniversary of his gym, his biggest marketing mistakes as a new gym owner, taking the risk to start a gym 25 years ago as a BJJ blue belt, how he had to rebuild his gym after losing most of h

Olympic Wrestler Jake Herbert (Episode 359)
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Olympian, 9X U.S. National Champion, 3X World Medalist, and BJJ Purple Belt Jake Herbert. Jake is a husband, father of four, and business coach. Jake discusses his start in wrestling, how he got his kids to start training in grappling, pros and cons of specialization vs training in multiple sports, "living through your kids," starting BJJ, the impor

Old School BJJ With Black Belt Daniel Bertina (Episode 358)
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by one of Chewy's first training partners, BJJ Black Belt Daniel Bertina. Daniel is a BJJ Black Belt and coach that lives in the Netherlands. Daniel discusses his early days in BJJ and his training sessions with Chewy, what training sessions were like in the early 2000's, ideas on decreasing injuries, recommendations for older grapplers, why you should

Chewy's A Fruitcake That Likes To Play Graba$$
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene have fun with a comment that called Chewy "A Fruitcake That Likes To Play Graba$$". This troll comment came in response to an e-mail Chewy sent out that stated "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helps you find yourself and lose yourself at the same time." We discuss how Jiu-Jitsu can force you look at yourself and derive deeper meaning from life and also can be used as an escap

BJJ Black Belt AJ Clingerman Returns (Episode 356)
On this episode of the Chewjitsu Podcast, we are joined by BJJ Black Belt and gym owner AJ Clingerman. AJ discusses the start of her "Roll Models" BJJ Camps, the idea behind a women's only camp and what makes it unique from other camps, the challenges women face in BJJ, the importance of women's only classes, red flags for women in BJJ, why many women start training, how to grow a women's BJJ prog

Strength & Nutrition Coach Eli Coffey Returns (Episode 355)
On this live recording of the podcast, we are joined by Strength & Nutrition Coach Eli Coffey. We discuss Eli's recovery from two shoulder replacements, strength training for grapplers, bulking and cutting weight, how to address common muscle imbalances in grapplers, Sport Specific vs. General Strength training, the "budget" for recovery, fat loss, signs of overtraining, and a Q&A section at the e

How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome In BJJ (Episode 354)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss Imposter Syndrome in BJJ and how to both overcome this and use it to your advantage. We discuss the problem with comparing yourself to others, if a high competitive environment a reason to change gyms, what Chewy looks for when promoting someone to their next belt rank, why Chewy doesn't prefer a strict curriculum for belt promotions, feelin

1 Year Of The Chewjitsu Opens With BJJ Black Belt Jeff Alexander (Episode 353)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene are joined by BJJ Black Belt and Tournament Director of The Chewjitsu Open, Jeff Alexander. Chewy and Jeff discuss the idea behind The Chewjitsu Open, what happened during the first ever Chewjitsu Open, the recipe that's made The Chewjitsu Open successful, why it's more difficult to get brown and black belts to compete, Chewy's most nerve-racking tournament experi
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