The Chewjitsu Podcast

Richard Bresler is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Rorion Gracie's first Jiu-Jitsu student in America, and the author of the book "Worth Defending: How Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Saved My Life."  Richard shares his story of how he met Rorion Gracie, how he started training , how jiu-jitsu offers a new beginning, what it was like training with Rorion Gracie, meeting and training with Rickson Gracie, his exper...

On this episode, we discuss the concept of being an "Anti-Martial Artist." We also chat about the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu and the importance of learning new techniques influenced by other martial arts, being a "technique mercenary," maintaining a "beginner's mind," the importance of training strikes with Jiu-Jitsu, using instructionals, and watching matches to improve your skillset. Thanks to the p...

Joel Blanton is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt who has been training for over 20 years. Joel and Chewy share their first encounter at a tournament, how training in Professional Wrestling led to Joel's start in MMA, what the MMA scene was like in the early days, his start in Jiu-Jitsu, the ability to avoid confrontation, how to come back from a loss, tips for recovery for older grapplers, how to keep train...

Kade Ruotolo is a Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt who trains out of Atos HQ. We start off the podcast discussing Kade's recent victory at Who's Number One by "Buggy Choke." We discuss how Kade developed this new technique and how he implemented the submission into high level competition. Kade shares what it was like starting Jiu-Jitsu at 3 years old, the relationship and support he received from his parents,...

On this episode of the podcast Chewy and Eugene discuss the recent viral video between ADCC Champion Orlando Sanchez and Professional MMA fighter Sean Strickland. We break down the technique Orlando used in the video, whether it was a "dick move," and give our thoughts on the situation altogether. We also discuss what makes something a "dick move" in Jiu-Jitsu, talking trash in the gym, moves that...

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the "rules for Jiu-Jitsu."   The rules discussed were: Jiu-Jitsu is a marathon, doing something new to shake things up, having a clear vision to what you're chasing, pacing yourself, and accepting failure as the currency for progress. Thanks to the podcast sponsors:  Charlotte's Web CBD.   Head over to  https://bit.ly/31HEWoT and use the promo code Chewjit...

On this episode, Chewy discusses something that he learned from the books With The Old Breed by Eugene Sledge and The Things Our Fathers Saw by Matthew Rozell.  The part that was interesting was the key difference between veterans and new soldiers and how the acceptance of the idea of death from the veteran soldiers allowed them to be more aggressive. And as it relates to BJJ, experienced grappler...

Eliot Marshall is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt and former Mixed Martial Artist. Eliot is also a business owner, podcaster, and author.  He was the first American to win the BJJ Pan American Championship at blue, purple, and brown belt. After transitioning to MMA, Eliot fought on The Ultimate Fighter, earned a UFC contract, and fought for 4 more years. Upon retirement he became the co-owner of Easton Tra...

Chewy discusses the concept of disrupting your opponent's game by trying to figure out what their objectives and strategies are. Chewy and Eugene also chat about the value of looking at the common objectives for each position or technique in BJJ, how to study or learn about an opponent, studying opponent tendencies objectively, why training with people at a lower skill level is important, and key...

We answer a listener question on preparing for a Jiu-Jitsu tournament on two weeks notice. Chewy gives his tips on staying in shape, should you compete if you're out of shape, adjusting your training to your "A-Game," how much you should roll, what would stop Chewy from doing a competition, is there an indicator on whether you should or shouldn't compete, is there any advantage of competing on sho...

Chewy answers a question on cutting weight for BJJ competition. Chewy discusses how important weight cutting is to BJJ and his thoughts on the low carb and Keto diet approach to cutting weight. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to  https://bit.ly/31HEWoT  and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out  https://www.epicr...

On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss their thoughts Gordon Ryan's comment on Gi Jiu-Jitsu being phased out over the next 10 years. We discuss our opinions on this topic, what rule sets/changes could make Gi Jiu-Jitsu more exciting, and we also do a live Q&A session. Q&A: 34:50 The rule change that could make Gi BJJ more exciting. 48:36 Have you ever farted on someone while trai...

Todd is a former Marine, Jiu-Jitsu black belt, an author, and specializes in Executive Protection. Todd discusses how he started training BJJ 25 years ago, how Jiu-Jitsu was unique to other martial arts, the early days of Jiu-Jitsu, fighting NHB (No Holds Barred/MMA), starting his Executive Protection company, traveling to over 140 countries, his book "Protection For and From Humanity," how to che...

Chewy and Eugene discuss funny childhood stories and what life was like when they grew up, being bored as a kid, sharing thoughts on social media, the benefit of not doing, how Chewy slows down and rests, why to delegate tasks, and why contemplation is vital for efficiency. Thanks to the podcast Sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to  https://bit.ly/31HEWoT  and use the promo code Chewjitsu t...

Shawn Williams is a 4th degree BJJ black belt under Renzo Gracie, a BJJ analyst and commentator, and the creator of "The Williams Guard." Shawn shares his story of going to New York to meet Renzo Gracie, moving to New York to train, the high level training partners he had, living and working in New York, the worst job he ever had, using Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense, Shawn's main training partners, t...

Sean is a former Green Beret, former Police Officer, and now runs the YouTube channel, "FNG Academy." Sean recently released his new book, "Rising Above." On this episode, Sean discusses his difficult childhood, getting in trouble as a kid, seeking out mentors, joining the military to get away, becoming a Green Beret (special forces training), why you shouldn't play the victim card, the importance...

James Clingerman is a 3rd degree BJJ black belt that started training over 24 years ago and is the owner of Indiana Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. James discusses the crazy place that he first started training jiu-jitsu, learning BJJ from books and VHS instructionals, what the competition scene looked like when James started training, the craziest place James did a tournament, James' first fights in...

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene did a Youtube Live Q&A. Some of the questions answered: 9:30 At what age can kids start adult classes? 15:33 Stories about Indiana BJJ guys like James Clingerman. 22:33 "Old-School Jiu-Jitsu" vs. "New-School Jiu-Jitsu." 35:20 More details about Chewjitsu and Origin Gi collaboration. 36:34 How to deal with the feeling of a "decline in BJJ." 37:30 Martial arts gyms...

On this episode of the podcast we discuss how to get the most benefit out of BJJ seminars.     We discuss the benefit of focusing on less, why chewy disliked seminars at first, how to go about recording a seminar, who benefits most from a seminar, how to pick a seminar, why in-person seminars are better than instructionals, whether you should choose a seminar based on how accomplished the instruct...

Pete Roberts is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the founder and CEO of Origin USA , an American manufacturing company. Pete discusses his desire to create an American-Made Jiu-Jitsu gi, his love for Jiu-Jitsu, being humbled on the mats, starting a business that failed and using that as a motivator, the valuable lessons learned from having his ideas stolen, learning the idea of "Lean Manufacturing," whe...

Sean is a BJJ black belt, actor, and stars in the new martial arts movie, "Born A Champion." On this episode, we discuss the importance of BJJ training and health during the pandemic, why Jiu-Jitsu is part of Sean's "religion," Sean's start in Jiu-Jitsu (and his powerful awakening because of BJJ), t he two types of people (those that love winning and those that hate losing), how Sean's hate for lo...

This episode starts with Chewy sharing a story about having a panic attack, and how starting to focus on breathing helped with reducing stress. Chewy also discusses why he meditates every morning. The main focus of this episode is on the importance of creating space for yourself and creating solitude and how much time to give to your solitude. We also discuss being aggressive versus being frantic,...

Chewy discusses how to deal with nerves around training. Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to  https://bit.ly/31HEWoT  and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out  https://www.epicrollbjj.com  and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Check out exclusive podcast interviews and conversati...

Adam joins the podcast to chat about training, we discuss the new way Chewy ran belt promotions at the gym, Adam discusses receiving the first degree on his black belt, Eugene talks about earning his BJJ black belt, the difference between being nervous and excited, walking the Gauntlet, explaining what Jiu-Jitsu is to people that don't train, and a Q&A. Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Charlotte's...

Chewy shares how he got his nickname. Thanks to our podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to  https://bit.ly/31HEWoT  and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out  https://www.epicrollbjj.com  and use the promo code Chewjitsu to get 15% off of your total purchase. Check out exclusive podcast interviews and conversations, videos, and to...