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 able to ask Black Belts to roll? Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlet...
Jun 09, 2025•51 min
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, holding yourself accountable, why you have to identify and eliminate your distractions, why lack of mot...
Jun 02, 2025•59 min
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 Taekwondo (5th Degree), Yoshikai Karate (3rd Degree), and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Cameron joins the podcast t...
May 26, 2025•1 hr 39 min
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 share content and what content Chewy focused on. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athleth...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 8 min
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://chewjitsutraining.com/old Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 13 min
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, how to implement this style of grappling into your game, how to close the distance for chest to ches...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 10 min
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 that he needs to be on the mats as much as possible to learn. We give some advice to “Bob” on how to ...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 16 min
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 his members, ideas on gym marketing, how to balance being a gym owner and training, the benefits of c...
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 27 min
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 importance of camaraderie, how his training has changed as he has gotten older, training for longevity, m...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 26 min
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 make your BJJ as broad as possible, the optimal training environment, one thing that could be the d...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 40 min
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 escape from the stressors of life, the different ways to build confidence, using BJJ to overcome anxiety,...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 5 min
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 program, and getting more women to compete in tournaments. To learn more about AJ and her gym, check out...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 13 min
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 end. You can follow Eli on instagram @elicoffey_ and reach out for additional information at ...
Mar 17, 2025•2 hr 32 min
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, feeling like you have a target on your back after getting promoted, the “Garry Tonon Approach” to training...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 2 min
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 experience, the biggest lesson learned form running the Chewjitsu Opens, biggest changes and challenges of...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 9 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss BJJ competitions and how to get the most out of your competition experience. We discuss how competition makes your BJJ better, how competitions can help with training intensity, the realization regarding competition nerves, how to improve on failures in competition, how competition losses can be incredibly motivating, how to improve after good competition performances, the importance of set ups when studying film, when to get back to training after compe...
Feb 24, 2025•59 min
Joe Miller is the founder and CEO of “1st Optimal”, a telehealth functional medicine company dedicated to helping high performing men and women optimize their hormones, longevity, and overall health through personalized treatment plans that integrate lifestyle, exercise, supplementation, nutrition, and medications. With a deep passion for evidence-based medicine, functional health, and precision diagnostics, Joe has built a platform that bridges the gap between traditional healthcare and modern,...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 36 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss why BJJ is so addicting. We discuss the “trifecta” that addicts BJJ athletes and three additional reasons that keep you “Mat Addicts” coming back for more. We also discuss some ideas on why people quit BJJ. The "BJJ Trifecta": Learning/Feedback loop. Stress Management. Community and social aspect. Three byproducts of the "BJJ Trifecta": Achieving “mindlessness” and “flow State.” Improved Fitness and lifestyle. Feeling of accomplishment skill acquisition....
Feb 10, 2025•52 min
On this episode, we are joined by former Division 1 Wrestler and BJJ purple belt Ian Daube. Ian discusses his start in wrestling and Judo, how a pec injury changed Ian’s wrestling career, why he decided to quite his corporate job and become a full time grappler and how he transitioned out of the corporate world, the importance of aggression in a BJJ match, what helps him for competition prep, his thoughts on drilling, lifting for BJJ, his diet and conditioning for BJJ, thoughts on Overtraining, ...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 32 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene answer a question from Collin who asks, “How do you recognize and fix gym culture without enforcers, and also what do you do if one of the enforcers becomes a gym bully”? We discuss how and when a “gym enforcer” should be used, one of the most corrosive things that can happen in the gym, “Absolute Cancerous Behaviors” and “Relative Cancerous Behaviors,” some of the cancerous situations that Chewy had to address at the gym, something that would lead to immediate ...
Jan 27, 2025•53 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss a recent article that claims that you can get “ridiculously" strong for BJJ by just doing bodyweight exercises. We chat about the article in depth and where we agree and disagree with the writer’s arguments. We also discuss why some grapplers a resistant to lifting weights, how to properly use isometric exercises to strengthen your body, our thoughts on “Functional Exercises,” if incorporating more wrestling into your training will increase strength, if ...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 6 min
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene answer a question from Andy who says he isn’t enjoying training in the Gi anymore and wants to eventually focus on MMA. So he wants to know, “Is the gi necessary?” We discuss the importance of goals to dictate your training, Chewy talks about how his opinion on the Gi has changed over the years, the law of specificity, if the Gi is more technical, Chewy’s definition of being “technical,” why you should do both Gi and No-Gi as a beginner, the pros ...
Jan 13, 2025•49 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss some ideas on how to eliminate distractions in 2025 and achieve your goals in the new year. We discuss the idea of "Executers vs. Collectors," why you should “live like a dog,” the idea of “Alibi-itis,” minimizing distractions, why what you say “no” to is just as important as what you say “yes” to, adding and removing barriers, using your attention to promote growth, and what you can do daily to achieve your goals. To join the Chewjitsu Executers Challen...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 26 min
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene reflect on the 2024 No-Gi Worlds. We discuss the lamest way to win a BJJ match, why you should complain to the IBJJF to enforce rule changes, why the way you win matters, the willingness to risk everything for a win, the reasons why we compete, if you lose…it’s not all a loss, why warm ups are key for a good performance, why you shouldn't sweat the small stuff, and don't play "not to lose." Check out "Grapple Science" at https://grapplescience.com...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 3 min
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss some important tips for longevity in BJJ and training more intelligently as you get older. We discuss 7 Tips: Train to stimulate and don’t annihilate (learn your limits). Train less, but with more focus. Treat life off the mat as an extension of training. Be disciplined with lifting. Let go of who you used to be. Choose techniques and positions carefully. Take a day off. Check out "Grapple Science" at https://grapplescience.com/ and use th...
Dec 23, 2024•52 min
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss why BJJ should not be an Olympic Sport. We discuss both pros and cons of Jiu-Jitsu in the Olympics, how the Olympic Judo rulesets have influenced the sport, why BJJ being in the Olympics will decrease the evolution of BJJ, how the variety in BJJ helps growth, the difference between amateur and professional athletes, what will help to continue to grow Jiu-Jitsu, the importance of the lifestyle element to Jiu-Jitsu 31, and why decreased regu...
Dec 16, 2024•46 min
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by University of Minnesota Head Assistant Coach, Luke Becker. Luke is an accomplished wrestler and the 2002 NCAA National Champion, 2002 and 2003 Big Ten Champion (157 pounds), Four-time NCAA All-American (2000-03), member of the 2001 and 2002 National Championship teams, and a member of the 2001, 2002 and 2003 Big Ten Championship teams. Luke is also an accomplished coach and has helped Gopher wrestlers earn 64 All-America certificates, a group that...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 25 min
On this episode of the podcast we are joined by BJJ Black Belt, Owner of Revive BJJ, and military veteran Nick Sanders. Nick Sanders started BJJ in 2006 after leaving active duty with the Army. Nick served in Iraq in 2004-2005 as an infantryman with the First Infantry Division. While in Iraq, he received several awards including the Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Nick is still currently serving in a scout/sniper platoon with the Missouri National Guard. Nick joins the podcast to di...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 29 min
On this episode of the podcast, we are once again joined by Origin CEO and BJJ black belt Pete Roberts. Pete discusses the process of shifting his role when he became the CEO of Origin, why Pete feels that this was the first year that he actually “worked,” why you should change where you get your dopamine, why you shouldn’t put anyone on a pedestal, why Jiu-Jitsu is a metaphor for life, someone who has guided Pete becoming a better CEO, the challenges of bringing manufacturing back to America, t...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 42 min
Ryan Aitken is a 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, ADCC veteran, EBI Absolute Champion, Combat Jiu-Jitsu Champion, and the PGF Season 7 champion. Ryan joins the podcast to discuss his start in Jiu-Jitsu, deciding to switch gyms to train with Sean Applegate at 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Atlanta, important concepts that are forgotten in Jiu-Jitsu, strengthening and training the body for longevity, Ryan's unique way to improve hand-eye coordination, his experience competing in season 7 of the Profession...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 14 min
