Chewy and Eugene go live for Episode 219 of The Chewjitsu Podcast. On this episode, Chewy and Eugene chat about video games, and how your Jiu-Jitsu style can be similar to how you play video games. Chewy and Eugene also discuss how to keep new BJJ students, learning styles, how to change conditions for victory, the secrets to getting better at Jiu-Jitsu, "tapping and talking," how your belt rank can impact your skill level, how achieving a goal creates loss, and how to make adjustments to your J...
Aug 08, 2022•2 hr 4 min
Keith Krikorian is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the 2022 ADCC 66 kg West Coast Trials winner. On this episode, Keith discusses dealing with a concussion and his recovery, ADCC preparation, some of his struggles with injuries, strategy changes and adjustments between ADCC Trials and Worlds, the differences in preparation and training leading into the ADCC West Coast Trials, how competing less frequently was helpful prior to winning the ADCC trials, the difficulties of being a full-time professional...
Aug 01, 2022•1 hr 23 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene chat with former MMA fighter, UFC veteran, and BJJ black belt Javier Vazquez. Javier discusses his start in wrestling, how he discovered the UFC, his objectives for training and fighting in MMA, what it was like training BJJ in the late 1990’s, the most effective Jiu-Jitsu for MMA, how rule changes in MMA can change how Jiu-Jitsu is used, Javier’s first MMA fight experience, the “Central Path” strategy, mental preparation, how Javier used his mindset and "The Ge...
Jul 25, 2022•1 hr 36 min
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss why the idea of “just showing up” is wrong. We chat about why showing up is important, but just showing up doesn’t necessarily translate to improvement and certainly not being good at BJJ. We also discuss one of the things that will waste the most time and get you mediocre results, what to do to be the best possible grappler you can be, a very important concept for technique development, why more training is not always better, the value of...
Jul 18, 2022•46 min
Nick is a 12 year Special Operations Marine Corps veteran with Marine Reconnaissance and Marine Special Operations Command, CEO of Alexander Industries, an author, he runs a popular YouTube channel and podcast, and is a Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt. On this episode, we discuss how closely the Jiu-Jitsu community is connected, why Nick started Jiu-Jitsu, why growth happens on the fringe, why Nick finds it essential to complete difficult tasks, Nick’s path to joining the military, his mentality and drive t...
Jul 11, 2022•1 hr 25 min
On this best of episode of The Chewjitsu Podcast, we go through some of the best moments of the podcast so far. Here are the clips from this episode: How An Illness Changed The Course Of Ramsey's Life (Ep. 143) Chewy's Expectations For Each BJJ Belt (Ep. 95) The Mindset To Complete Any Task W/ Former Navy Seal Andy Stumpf (Ep. 141) How To Stay Consistent In BJJ (Ep. 85) The Most Effective Self-Defense Techniques W/ Todd Fox (Ep. 154) The Uncertainty of Skill Acquisition In Jiu-Jitsu (Ep. 169) Le...
Jul 04, 2022•54 min
On this episode, we go through some Q&A questions Chewy received on Instagram. Here are the topics covered: 1. What to do to prep for a tournament that is three days away. 2. How to pass a long and lengthy knee shield position. 3. Chewy’s greatest hero. 4. How to become more efficient with cardio and breathing for training. 5. Favorite video games. 6. How to mentally retain information on moves you first learn. 7. How to develop “your own” Jiu-Jitsu game. 8. The best way to write in a Jiu-Ji...
Jun 27, 2022•1 hr 1 min
On this episode of the podcast Chewy gives some tips, techniques, and ideas that he has used for competitions and just to lose some weight. We discuss when to start your weight cut, when to weigh yourself, locking in your diet and then how to adjust the diet, how to prepare for travel and what accommodations to look for on the road, how to weigh yourself at the check scale of the tournament, the allure of cutting weight for competition, advantages of having a coach for weight cutting, what to re...
Jun 20, 2022•52 min
On the episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene go over 5 important tips for recovery. We discuss tangible and effective tips that can be implemented immediately into your routine including the importance of sleep and some key ideas on how to get the best sleep possible consistently, eating the right types of foods for your goals, taking days off when needed and what those days consist of, the importance of staying hydrated and the recommended water intake, and supplements that Chewy uses and re...
Jun 13, 2022•57 min
Paul Ardila is a multiple-time ADCC trials winner, Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, and a full-time Attorney. On this episode, Paul discusses how he adjusts his schedule with being a full-time Attorney and also Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, what its like being a personal injury lawyer, moving from Columbia to America at 9 years old, Paul’s first experience with wrestling and his first wrestling practice, starting Jiu-Jitsu after getting injured, the finality of Jiu-Jitsu, living in Brazil and training BJJ, the m...
Jun 06, 2022•1 hr 47 min
On this episode we discuss whether Jiu-Jitsu black belts who are older and struggle with and even lose to lower belts, are still considered a legit black belt. We discuss the aging grappler, and how age impacts mindset and performance on the mats. We also chat about adjusting your mindset, changing your training, and also why and how to humble yourself. We answer the question of what are the qualities of a legit black belt, why hiring coaches to improve aspects of your game/diet are vital, and d...
May 30, 2022•55 min
On this episode, we chat with Amy Campo. Amy is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the 2022 West Coast Trials Women's 66 kg+ winner. Amy discusses her start in BJJ, how she developed her wrestling, why its important to make training as real as possible, the differences with rolling and training with men and women, attributes that Amy felt were helpful for improving her BJJ and how Jiu-Jitsu helped to develop those attributes. Amy also discusses why you should train harder than you compete, what her trai...
May 23, 2022•1 hr 10 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the worst advice you can give to a strong athlete. We discuss training with people who are very strong and how it can lead to frustration, what your response should be to someone who uses excessive strength in training, advice you should give to strong athletes, how too much focus on strength can hinder your progress, how Chewy advises a white belt to use strength in a controlled way, and what to do if you are one of the weaker athletes in the gym. Thank...
May 16, 2022•1 hr 4 min
On this episode we discuss qualities 9-20 of a smart Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. This episode comes from an e-mail that Chewy had on his e-mail list. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list and are the next 10 qualities that Chewy came up with. Here is #11-20: 11. Can roll at various speeds depending on the situation. 12. Is able to undulate between their "A game" and new techniques that will push them to improve. 13. Isn’t side tracked by a loss of short-term motivation but instead focuses on th...
May 09, 2022•1 hr 10 min
We are joined on the podcast by Former UFC light-heavyweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer “Suga” Rashad Evans. We are also joined by Del Jolly, who worked as part of Decriminalize Denver and Charlotte’s Web CBD before co-founding Unlimited Sciences, a psychedelic research nonprofit. Rashad and Del have partnered together to create a functional mushroom company called "Umbo." On this episode, Rashad and Del discuss how they met and started their partnership, Rashad’s loss for the desire to trai...
May 02, 2022•1 hr 27 min
On this episode we discuss 10 qualities of a smart Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. This episode comes from an e-mail that Chewy had on his e-mail list. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but the first 10 qualities that Chewy came up with. Here is 1-10: Is motivated by their long-term goals, not short-term gratification or feelings. Can focus on a particular technique for a longtime. Is willing to put themselves into uncomfortable positions because they know growth doesn’t come from the comforta...
Apr 25, 2022•1 hr 12 min
Echo Charles is a BJJ black and the co-host of The Jocko Podcast. Echo discusses getting his black belt, how focusing on the belt took the joy out of training, what Echo focused on when he wasn’t able to train due to Covid, Echo’s Jiu-Jitsu inspiration, flashy BJJ techniques, longevity in BJJ, shifting from a competitor to a hobbyist, the process of learning a new skill, the inspiration behind his video production company, interesting movie promos and key elements of a clever movie preview, Echo...
Apr 18, 2022•1 hr 26 min
On this episode of the podcast we are joined by BJJ black belt Haisam “The Giraffe” Rida. Haisam shares his story of moving from Ghana, to Japan, and eventually coming to the United States. We chat about his start in Jiu-Jitsu while in Japan, why Haisam almost quit, how living with his BJJ coach changed his course in life and martial arts, making the tough decision to go to a larger gym to get more exposure, how Haisam met David Garmo and how this led to moving to Detroit, what aspect of his gam...
Apr 11, 2022•1 hr 25 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss their thoughts on trash talking in BJJ and how top level grapplers approach trash talking. We discuss how trash talking is used for entertainment, we compare the trash talking of different athletes such as Muhammed Ali, Deon Sanders, Chael Sonnen, and Gordon Ryan. We also chat about creating a persona as an athlete, whether certain topics are off limits for trash talk, how trash talking and being angry impacts performance, how to deal with trash talking ...
Apr 04, 2022•48 min
On this episode of the podcast, we chat about the “Myth of Sisyphus” written by Albert Camus, where we dive into the idea of the consistent pursuit of new heights. We also celebrate the 200th episode f the podcast by doing a live Q&A session and giveaway. Some of the topics discussed were: Suggestions on neck health and dealing with neck cranks in Jiu-Jitsu, how to deal with anxiety from rolling, difference between submission only vs. standard rule-sets in jiu-jitsu, activities outside of BJ...
Mar 28, 2022•1 hr 56 min
On this episode of the podcast we go through some questions we received on Instagram. Some of the questions we answered: Why do I feel guilty when I don’t train? Advice to someone who is helping coach for the first time. Has Chewy read the Koran? Do you stretch before or after training? Do professors hold students back to make their gym look better? Thoughts on "Car-Jitsu." Do you lift before rolling or roll before lifting? Books that Chewy is currently reading. Should you rest or train hard bef...
Mar 21, 2022•1 hr 40 min
Daniele Bolelli is a BJJ black belt, history professor, writer, and runs a popular history podcast called “History On Fire.” Daniele shares his interest in studying history, how he learned to study more efficiently, the importance of ritual, not focusing too much on the results, the pros and cons of being a specialist, getting the most out of training BJJ 2-3 days per week, learning martial arts for sport and self-defense, how martial artists in history would stack up to martial artists today, B...
Mar 14, 2022•1 hr 33 min
On this episode Chewy shares a "dirty little black belt secret." Chewy discusses how motivation wasn’t something he needed for training, how to get to the gym even when you don't feel like it, how Chewy develops motivation for doing things he doesn’t enjoy, discipline vs. priority, how the end result can build motivation, why you should visualize a goal you’re chasing and an idea/experience you’re running from, why knowing what you don’t want is powerful, finding your reason for training Jiu-Jit...
Mar 07, 2022•1 hr 2 min
On this episode Chewy and Eugene discuss learning styles such as Intuitive and Mechanistic learning, the differences between these learning styles, and the benefits and drawbacks of each style of learning. We also discuss the process of breaking down and explaining Jiu-Jitsu techniques and positions when teaching, learning to improvise in Jiu-Jitsu, and why failure is the currency for improvement. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to https://bit.ly/38FnyUv and use th...
Feb 28, 2022•1 hr 25 min
On this episode of the podcast we chat with James Smith. James is a Personal Trainer, author, and BJJ purple belt from the UK. On this episode, we chat about “Liver King,” steroids, why James’ job is to make people’s lives “better but not the best," the pros and cons of using Testosterone, coming to the realization to quit Rugby, how Jiu-Jitsu helps bring back the team comradery, Jiu-Jitsu being your “third place,” what prompted James to start Jiu-Jitsu, switching BJJ gyms, training with B-Team ...
Feb 21, 2022•1 hr 45 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the importance of attempting to control your emotions, and how this can impact your Jiu-Jitsu as well as your life. We also chat about the value of stopping and seeking more knowledge to get the full picture, what to do when you get angry during training, how to learn from instances when you lose your temper, and if being angry has any benefits in training. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to https://bit.ly/38FnyUv and use t...
Feb 14, 2022•59 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss some key concepts on how to train as you get older. They discuss the importance of adjusting your training, the value of listening your body, focusing on recovery especially after an injury, how to adjust your training, and how to increase longevity and improve your performance on the mats. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to https://bit.ly/38FnyUv and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Epi...
Feb 07, 2022•1 hr 9 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss how to develop an unstoppable Jiu-Jitsu technique. We dive into the various stages of motor learning, the initial inconsistencies in technique, the developmental process of a Jiu-Jitsu technique, the importance of properly performing the technique, varying setups, grip focus, the problems you run into and what to do to solve them, how to add deception to your game, why you shouldn’t give yourself a choice when a technique doesn’t work, the value of facin...
Jan 31, 2022•58 min
On this episode of The Chewjitsu Podcast, we are joined by BJJ Black Belt Henry Akins. Henry is a BJJ Black Belt under Rickson Gracie and the founder of "Hidden Jiu-Jitsu." On this episode, we discuss teaching and learning Jiu-Jitsu, and how the way Jiu-Jitsu has been taught has not evolved with the sport. We also discuss the most beneficial type of training with least risk of injury, how to make techniques automatic, the importance of starting slow, how to supplement your Jiu-Jitsu outside of c...
Jan 24, 2022•1 hr 45 min
The idea of the episode is to not focus on what happens, but more importantly how you respond to the things that happen. We discuss dealing with difficult situations in Jiu-Jitsu, Chewy shares a story of an unsuccessful marketing idea for his gym, and how he responded and adjusted tactics. We also share a story about one of Chewy’s black belts, who was a an aggressive grappler and sustained an injury, and was forced to change change and adjust his approach to training. We also chat about complac...
Jan 17, 2022•56 min
