The Chewjitsu Podcast

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...

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...

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 lot, bu...

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 wif...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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, w hat blood markers people don't get checked but ar...

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://bi...

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...

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 fast and tap of...

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...

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 the podcast...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...