On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene answer some listener questions. What is one thing that all great competitors do? How to deal with a coach who acts like a “needy ex”? Should you compete in the Adult or Masters division as a 35 year old hobbyist? What is the proper etiquette for rolling with a disabled grappler? How to improve in BJJ with an unpredictable and sometimes limited training schedule? Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to https://bit.ly/chewj...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 9 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss some key takeaways from the 2024 ADCC West Coast Trials. We discuss how several former trials losers became trials winners in 2024, how to best prepare for ADCC trials, why there is no “meta,” the importance of sticking to your style and game plan, the main differences between the ADCC trials from 2018 to 2024, most competitors are competing with injuries, if belt rank matters at high level competitions, the importance of being in shape, why you should f...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 20 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the idea of why struggling with Jiu-Jitsu early on can be a benefit. We also discuss why every defect has a positive effect, finding the love for training, why time is your ally in BJJ, when BJJ athletes who were slower starters begin to improve, one of the biggest hinderances in improving your BJJ, the value of studying longer form content, how to better learn a technique, the evolution of skill through the belt ranks, why every curse becomes a benefit,...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 21 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss how to overcome the fear of takedowns in Jiu-Jitsu. We discuss one of the main things Jiu-Jitsu does wrong when training takedowns, the importance of training takedowns with someone that is similar to your weight to decrease injuries and to improve success, how to build confidence in your takedowns, when it is ok to “cherry pick” your training partners, why takedowns have the highest risk of injury, the first thing to focus on when working on takedowns, ...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 20 min
On this episode, we are joined by Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Owner of Guardian MMA, Chad “The Beast” Hardy. Chad discusses recovering from a severe injury, the crazy story of Chad competing against a 300 lb. wrestler when he was 14 years old, how to modify training to get through a major injury, how Chad improved his BJJ while injured, “The Hardy Hit Squad,” becoming a leader in the gym, changing gyms as a black belt, gym owership, the importance of choosing your training partners, and being a "Ma...
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr 38 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the toughest belt to get in Jiu-Jitsu and also the toughest transition between belts in Jiu-Jitsu. We also discuss the secret to learning a new skill, why the white belt is not the toughest belt to get, how Jiu-Jitsu can impact your life in a positive way, enjoying the process of training, why you should think about Jiu-Jitsu like a “relationship,” the most difficult transition between belts in Jiu-Jitsu, finding a formula that works for achieving your g...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 14 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene are joined by Judo Black Belt, BJJ Black Belt, and the guitarist from the band “Five Finger Death Punch,” Zoltan Bathory. We are also joined by BJJ Black Belt and owner of "Epic Roll," Matt Wahlstrom. On this episode, Zo discusses his dream of moving to the United States to become a musician, starting Judo at 9 years old, the discipline instilled through martial arts, achieving the impossible through martial arts, the martial arts mindset, how Zo met Matt from “...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 35 min
Andy Varela is a 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and high level competitor. Andy joins the podcast to discuss his start in training MMA and then eventually focusing on Jiu-Jitsu at 21 years old, what it was like having a father who was an MMA coach, moving to Las Vegas to pursue a career MMA, competing in a grappling match against former UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland, how he developed Jiu-Jitsu style focused around attacking the back, the inspiration to elevate his Jiu-Jitsu game, t...
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 13 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene are joined by BJJ black belt and former MMA fighter Jeff Alexander. Jeff also helps run "The Chewjitsu Open" and shares some details about the upcoming tournaments. Jeff joins the podcast to discuss his start in MMA and taking his first fight without any formal training, the challenges of balancing family life and training, the start of 6 am BJJ classes and their importance in training, the most disciplined people in BJJ, making the most of your time, the advant...
Feb 19, 2024•1 hr 22 min
On this episode, we are joined by 10th Planet Black Belt, former MMA fighter, and “Rogue Combat Club” owner Johnny Buck. Johnny discusses what sets his gym and business apart from other gyms in Asheville area, the importance of gym culture on and off the mats 15, how to build a balance at the gym for hobbyists and high level competitors, the importance of having stressors in your life, the importance of making an impact on others, the importance of building community, learning how to teach from ...
Feb 12, 2024•1 hr 36 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the idea of whether BJJ is watered down. We chat about how Jiu-Jitsu has evolved over the years from a traditional self-defense martial art and more toward a sport, how BJJ becoming more of a business changed the martial art, the evolution of training, how social media has impacted BJJ techniques and learning, the evolution and proliferation of techniques, if it is easier to get promoted in BJJ today, the importance of having older grapplers on the mats,...
Feb 05, 2024•58 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene talk to Judo U.S. National Champion, U.S. Open Champion, World Cup Medalist, and Medical Doctor Austin Cook. Austin also specializes in teaching No-Gi Judo on his Instagram page @badboymedicine https://www.instagram.com/badboymedicine/ Austin joins the podcast to discuss his start in Judo, his process for learning Jiu-Jitsu, whether Judo or Jiu-Jitsu is more sustainable for longevity, how he got into BJJ, the cross-over between wrestling, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu, wh...
Jan 29, 2024•2 hr 6 min
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss 5 basic principles that are useful in BJJ and in Life. Everything requires repetition and practice. Be open to learning new techniques and doing things that make you uncomfortable. It’s better to be effective with less than be ineffective with more. Your perception shapes everything. Find activities that require less discipline. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to https://bit.ly/chewjitsu30 and use the promo c...
Jan 22, 2024•58 min
Chewy discusses what makes an effective BJJ Coach, whether you have to be an extrovert to be a good coach, and how to increase confidence. Know the content you are teaching (be prepared) Prepare more content then you think you will need Get your “reps.” Learn your student’s names. The mission is to make your students better. Book recommendations to assist with coaching: “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by “Peak” “Range” “Practice Perfect” Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web ...
Jan 18, 2024•13 min
On this live recording of the Chewjitsu Podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss 5 life lessons that they have learned from martial arts followed by a live Q&A. We discuss the following ideas: Learning to grind. Being in control of your emotions. Understanding what failure is. Discovering the "After Feeling Focus." Learning to find intrinsic motivation. Q&A Includes the following: How to avoid getting injured after a long layoff. How important is it to have playful rolls? Recommendations on tec...
Jan 15, 2024•1 hr 54 min
On this episode, Chewy answers a question from Rolo, who says that he is an out of shape 50 year old BJJ hobbyist that doesn’t feel deserving of his belt promotion. Chewy provides some advice and perspective on how to deal with not feeling worthy of the belt promotion and some ideas to work on. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to https://bit.ly/chewjitsu30 and use the promo code Chewjitsu30 to get 30% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://www....
Jan 09, 2024•9 min
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss how to get the most out of an instructional and successfully implement these techniques into training and competition. We discuss how to decide which instructional to purchase, why Chewy gives less instruction when initially teaching a new position or technique in class, how to break down an instructional, why you should limit watching short-form content, a trick Chewy and Eugene use when watching an instructional, Chewy’s secret weapon to...
Jan 08, 2024•51 min
Chewy answers a question from a listener who travels to different gyms, but never approaches black belts to roll. If they are offered a roll with an upper belt such as a black belt or a coach, they can occasionally submit them. The listener asks whether they should train honestly and beat the upper belt when visiting another gym, or not submit the coach in front of their gym. Chewy discusses whether submitting a coach is exposing the legitimacy of their gym, how Chewy rolls when visiting a gym, ...
Jan 03, 2024•13 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss how to execute on your goals in 2024. We discuss the importance of having the ability to say “no,” managing your inputs, being strategic and tactical with your goals, making your goals visible, how to utilize the “2 minute drill," why the spark of motivation is your action, how to make your goals into a daily rhythm, dealing with overwhelm of achieving a goal, limiting your focus on outcome and putting more focus on the process, and the importance of mak...
Jan 01, 2024•1 hr 2 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss 5 fundamental ideas to implement into your training as an older grappler: Be ok with getting older. Use nasal breathing to moderate your pace. Positional choice (cooking your opponent). Tactical retreat (conserving energy). Diet/Lifestyle off the mats. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to https://bit.ly/chewjitsu30 and use the promo code Chewjitsu30 to get 30% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://www.e...
Dec 26, 2023•59 min
On this episode, we are once again joined by 3 x NAIA National Wrestling Champion, Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt, and high level competitor, Brandon Reed. We discuss using social media to grow your brand, how to deal with negative comments and internet trolls, why Brandon went back to college but left after 6 months to pursue grappling full time, how releasing an instructional impacted his life, building trust at new gyms, training with MMA fighters and wrestlers, the most difficult part of transitionin...
Dec 18, 2023•1 hr 49 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss how the mindset you take into training is going to dictate what you learn and how you improve. We also discuss why you should get used to losing, having a curious mindset, learning from your losses, how to counteract a negative feeling with something positive, what prompted Chewy to change his mindset on training, the importance of a coach and gym to cultivate growth, how to help your students decease frustration, utilizing goal setting, and how big chan...
Dec 11, 2023•55 min
On this episode, we are joined by Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and the owner of "Standard Jiu-Jitsu," Greg Sounders. Greg joins the podcast to discuss his start in Jiu-Jitsu, training with Lloyd Irvin, his methodology of training, why Greg doesn’t teach Jiu-Jitsu techniques, how and why Greg uses the “Ecological Approach” to teaching Jiu-Jitsu, how Greg structures class, what has the least variability in Jiu-Jitsu, how to correct and coach students using the “Constraints Approach.” using “task-based gam...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 23 min
On this episode, we chat with 10th Planet Black Belt and head coach at 10th Planet Atlanta, Sean Applegate. Sean discusses how he discovered Jiu-Jitsu, how he learned Jiu-Jitsu without high level coaches nearby, becoming a head coach with less than 2 years of training, the process of balancing training and coaching, the value and importance of competing, the three Layers of Jiu-Jitsu (the physical, spiritual, and the mental aspects), the importance of accountability, why the Jiu-Jitsu mats bring...
Nov 27, 2023•1 hr 40 min
Want the worst BJJ game at your gym? Well then join us on this episode to get the 10 sure-fire ways to have an awful BJJ game. It’s no secret that consistency is important for skill development, so if you want to be terrible at BJJ, then train as inconsistently as possible. Strength training is an important part of decreasing injury risk and improving your performance on the mats, so make sure to avoid lifting weights. Your body is a machine that runs as well as you fuel it, so eat a terrible di...
Nov 20, 2023•1 hr
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss how avoiding the initial discomfort of dealing with a problem can lead to a bigger problem that will require more effort to resolve later. We discuss the habit of avoidance, how avoiding discomfort in BJJ can stagnate your game, why we avoid growth in Jiu-Jitsu, how failure and difficulty creates better learning, the importance of being patient with your progress, and learning to enjoy the difficult times. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web ...
Nov 13, 2023•1 hr
On this episode of the podcast, BJJ black belt and ADCC Champion Robert Drysdale returns to discuss the history of Jiu-Jitsu and his new book, “The Rise and Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.” Robert discusses his motivation behind writing his new book on the history of Jiu-Jitsu, the reception he has gotten from the book, how early Jiu-Jitsu rulesets were a reflection of the style of Jiu-Jitsu during that time, the Helio and Carlson Gracie rivalry, the difference between Helio and Carlson Gracie...
Nov 06, 2023•1 hr 38 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the idea of discipline and the benefits of using restraint in daily life. We discuss why people look at discipline as a punishment initially, but how it actually leads to greater rewards in the long term, why enjoying the pleasures of life on your own terms make them much better, ideas on how to more easily practice restraint, the benefits of avoiding too much of a good thing, when to back off of training, creating an environment to support your goals, t...
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr 4 min
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss what makes the difference between white belt and black belt level techniques and how black belts make “basic” techniques so effective. We discuss one of the biggest factors to developing black belt level techniques, the intuition and feel that develops with experience, learning physical cues of BJJ techniques, the process of learning and developing black belt level techniques, why training hard isn’t the fastest way to get better, the value of focused dr...
Oct 16, 2023•1 hr 4 min
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss an uncomfortable truth about achieving your goals. We chat about the idea of desire vs. discomfort, the reasons why people quit Jiu-Jitsu, why barrier of entry is important to attrition, the three types of BJJ students, two useful ideas for chasing goals, how to increase desire and decrease discomfort in BJJ, why a Jiu-Jitsu gym is a “walled garden," and how to overcome tough patches as a white belt. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Charlot...
Oct 09, 2023•1 hr 3 min
