The Chewjitsu Podcast

A.J. is a gym owner, she runs the Extreme Grappling Open Tournament, runs the Roll Model Women's Grappling Camp, and is a Jiu-Jitsu purple belt. A.J. shares the difficulties she had with starting and running a Jiu-Jitsu gym and how they turned the gym into a successful business, the unique challenges that women face on the mats, injuries she has dealt with, and her plans for the future. Indiana Br...

On this episode we discuss Chewy getting fish hooked by his high school wrestling coach, the dangers of high school sports such as football, the toughness that high school wrestling builds, if Jiu-Jitsu would ever become a high school sport, having your "White Rabbit" to improve your jiu-jitsu, the importance of self-reliance, and other random thoughts.

On this episode of the podcast, 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Jon "Thor" Blank returns to discuss what he's been up to since being on the podcast a year ago.  Jon shares how things have changed since he won The EBI Combat Jiu-Jitsu Middleweight Tournament in 2018, what its like competing in big tournaments such as the ADCC and Kasai Grappling, and the opening of his new gym "10th Planet Allento...

Chewy answers a question about how to improve your ability to get a submission and how to become more submission-oriented. We discuss the mental and physical aspects of this type of training focus, how to study/research new techniques, the importance of ritual, and implementation of this type of mindset and style of grappling.

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by BJJ Black Belt, Dr. Chris Moriarty. We discuss Chris' start in jiu-jitsu, what drew him to jiu-jitsu and what led him to becoming a Medical Doctor, dealing with injuries, injury-prevention tips, his research study on the prevalence of injuries in jiu-jitsu, and much more. Research Article: Injury rate and pattern among Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practition...

On this episode of the podcast, we preview the upcoming 2019 ADCC grappling tournament. We discuss the rule set, why this tournament has so much hype, our thoughts on FloGrappling covering the event, our thoughts on whether the competitors get nervous, why some people perform better under pressure, and we make predictions on the winners for each division.

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined once again by 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Brandon Mccaghren. We discuss diet, Brandon's biggest fear, Combat Jiu-Jitsu, how Brandon started commentating events, how he studies jiu-jitsu, his training schedule, coaching MMA fighters, how he developed his flexibility and what he does to keep his body healthy, and his Youtube show. Follow Brandon on...

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by BJJ black belt Adam Wilson.  Adam discusses starting jiu-jitsu, what it was like changing gyms, getting recognized when traveling to other gyms, filming videos with Chewy, earning his black belt, and much more. The Q&A starts at 56:00 This podcast was recorded live on The Chewjitsu Youtube Channel. Check out the video version of the podcast here: htt...

Chewy discusses his tips for efficiency and improved productivity. We discuss the importance of taking adequate breaks to improve efficiency. Chewy also talks about why he only works for 33 minutes at a time, how to start delegating tasks to improve efficiency, and the importance of simplifying your life by getting rid of non-essential things.

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by BJJ black belt, The Ultimate Fighter ("TUF") Season 1 Middleweight finalist, and UFC veteran Kenny "Kenflo" Florian. Kenny shares his interest in martial arts and start in jiu-jitsu, how that transitioned to fighting in MMA, his career in the UFC, the evolution of his training, his injuries, retirement from MMA and moving on to work as an analyst, a...

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to BJJ brown belt Dru Phoenix. Dru shares his passion for working with under-privileged kids and how jiu-jitsu has been a positive in empowering those kids. Dru also discusses his military experience, overcoming depression, helping others with PTSD through performing and writing poetry, dealing with a severe knee injury, and how jiu-jitsu has impacted his li...

On this episode of the podcast, Chewy breaks down his recent wins at The IBJJF Chicago Open, the mindset that he has when going into competition, if Chewy gets nervous at competitions, and much more. Additional Show Notes: We discuss whether you should watch the matches at a tournament before you compete. If Chewy feels more pressure now that he gets recognized more at competitions. How being in t...

Ben Eaton is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Xande and Saulo Ribeiro. Ben discusses how he found jiu-jitsu and the impact it had on him physically and mentally. Ben shares what the landscape of jiu-jitsu was like 22 years ago when he started, his thoughts on staying consistent with BJJ, training and teaching, and competing. We are always wanting to improve the podcast and would appreciate if you can...

Chewy discusses how he deals with and overcomes fear and negative self talk, why having some anxiety before a tournament is a good thing, how to adjust training intensity the week before a competition,  using exercise and stretching for mental health, how movement with meditation can help you focus, ways to stop worrying so that you can perform and function at your best, and much more!!!  

On this episode we talk about how going on an "Information Diet" can lead to an improved ability to focus, we discuss how routines help with self-care and productivity, some of the struggles of gym ownership as well as being a small business owner, how money can be the wrong motivator, and much more.

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by BJJ black belt Ness aka "Zealjitsu." Ness discusses her start in jiu-jitsu, how jiu-jitsu has impacted her life, earning her black belt in 5 years, competing in and winning major tournaments, and how she balances work and life. Follow Ness on Instagram @zealjiujitsu

On this episode we are joined by Daniel Strauss aka "The Raspberry Ape." Daniel is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under 10x world champion, Roger Gracie. Daniel is an active and successful jiu-jitsu competitor who has participated in some of the world's biggest grappling tournaments. On the podcast, Daniel discusses his start in jiu-jitsu, how a severe back injury changed his style of BJJ, and h...

On this episode, we are joined by Strength & Conditioning coach Joe Clark. Joe is the co-owner of Derby City MMA and Chewy's business partner. He is also a former body builder, holds five state records in Olympic Lifting, and is the co-creator of the "Grappling Power Program" (a strength training program developed for Jiu-Jitsu athletes). On this episode we discuss how Joe got his start in lifting...

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Echo Charles from The Jocko Podcast. Echo is a Jiu-Jitsu brown belt under Dean Lister, he is the co-host of The Jocko Podcast, and is also a videographer. Echo shares his start in jiu-jitsu, how injuries led him to starting videography, and how The Jocko Podcast started. Make sure to listen to the entire podcast to hear from a "special guest" that j...

On this episode of the podcast, Chewy starts with a ramble on what he would have told his younger self. Chewy and Eugene share some of the mistakes they have made in jiu-jitsu and in life, the importance of making mistakes, and how to learn from and move past the mistakes. Q&A (at 41 minutes) includes: Chewy's thoughts on private lessons. How to return to BJJ after a long lay off. What is the "mid...

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by BJJ black belt, Judo black belt, Byakuren Kaikan Black Belt, and former professional MMA fighter Brent Weedman. Brent discusses his start in martial arts, the early days of martial arts training and the first time he met Chewy, some of his most memorable fights in MMA, some of the mistakes he made when training for MMA, overcoming serious injuries, l...

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the impact and importance of mentorship in life and also in BJJ. The Q&A starts at 46:00.

BJJ Black Belt Kristian Woodmansee joins the podcast to discuss what its like to be a full-time jiu-jitsu competitor while also running a gym, what its like be the smaller guy at the gym, how he overcame training slumps, and his thoughts on the split between Keenan Cornelius and ATOS.

Chewy answers a question about how fasting before BJJ training can effect your performance. Chewy also shares a few simple diet modifications that can help improve your energy and performance during jiu-jitsu training. We also discuss various jiu-jitsu injuries and how to come back to training after injury, how to train around injuries, and how to train with an injured training partner. We end the...

On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene go through a list of things you should know and do to prepare for your first jiu-jitsu tournament. 1.a. Commit to the tournament as early as possible. 1.b. Get familiar with the rules and format of the tournament. 2. Have a game plan or opening to the match. 3. Know the weight classes. 4. Bring proper equipment. 5.a. Be ready for unexpected events 5...