On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss some important tips for longevity in BJJ and training more intelligently as you get older. We discuss 7 Tips: Train to stimulate and don’t annihilate (learn your limits). Train less, but with more focus. Treat life off the mat as an extension of training. Be disciplined with lifting. Let go o…

On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss why BJJ should not be an Olympic Sport. We discuss both pros and cons of Jiu-Jitsu in the Olympics, how the Olympic Judo rulesets have influenced the sport, why BJJ being in the Olympics will decrease the evolution of BJJ, how the variety in BJJ helps growth, the difference between amateur an…

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by University of Minnesota Head Assistant Coach, Luke Becker. Luke is an accomplished wrestler and the 2002 NCAA National Champion, 2002 and 2003 Big Ten Champion (157 pounds), Four-time NCAA All-American (2000-03), member of the 2001 and 2002 National Championship teams, and a member of the 2001, 2002 …

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by BJJ Black Belt, Owner of Revive BJJ, and military veteran Nick Sanders. Nick Sanders started BJJ in 2006 after leaving active duty with the Army. Nick served in Iraq in 2004-2005 as an infantryman with the First Infantry Division. While in Iraq, he received several awards including the Purple Heart an…

On this episode of the podcast, we are once again joined by Origin CEO and BJJ black belt Pete Roberts. Pete discusses the process of shifting his role when he became the CEO of Origin, why Pete feels that this was the first year that he actually “worked,” why you should change where you get your dopamine, why you shouldn’t put anyone on a pedestal…

Ryan Aitken is a 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, ADCC veteran, EBI Absolute Champion, Combat Jiu-Jitsu Champion, and the PGF Season 7 champion. Ryan joins the podcast to discuss his start in Jiu-Jitsu, deciding to switch gyms to train with Sean Applegate at 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Atlanta, important concepts that are forgotten in Jiu-Jitsu, strengt…

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss a new rule for Jiu-Jitsu. We chat about why you should avoid being a sore loser. We chat about some of our tournament experiences, why you should avoid posting your frustrations about a tournament on social media, a useful way to get your frustrations out, who to stop being "fragile," how to be less emotion…

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss some white belt BJJ tips that came from a Reddit BJJ forum. We break down 8 pieces of advice and discuss whether we agree or disagree with them. Here is the list: Never date a girl/guy from the gym, (it’s easier to get better when you enjoy the place where you train). Stop trying to win. It makes you get hu…

On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss 8 types of training partners to avoid rolling with. Here are the 8 types of people to avoid during rolling: “Let’s Go Light Guy” “The Stinky Gi Guy” “The Staph Spreader” “Mr. Sniffles” “White Belt Wolverine” “The Hot Box Bro” “The Locker Room Talker” “Mr./Mrs. Mundials” You can check out our …

On this episode of the podcast, we chat about another rule for Jiu-Jitsu. In this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the idea of how unremarkable things lead to progress and improvement. We discuss the importance of unremarkable activities to build a solid foundation, how to find joy in the unremarkable things, the importance of perspective, the imp…

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by BJJ Black Belts GW and John from “Grapple Science.” GW and John are the co-founders of “Grapple Science,” a supplement company to help with performance for grapplers. GW and John discuss how they started in BJJ, how their BJJ games have evolved and changed since they have gotten older, the benefits o…

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Team Lloyd Irvin Black Belt, 2024 ADCC veteran, Europeans Champion, and ADCC Trials Champion Elijah Dorsey. Elijah joins the podcast to discuss his start in grappling, his thoughts on training both Gi and No-Gi, an attribute that’s most beneficial for Gi and No-Gi, how Elijah transitioned from predom…

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by BJJ black belt Shawn Hammonds. Shawn shares how he discovered BJJ, the early days of acquiring techniques and learning new techniques, the importance of position and proper posture, Shawn’s start in competition, how Shawn met Lloyd Irvin and the impact he made on Shawn’s career, how Chewy learned to d…

On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene are joined by BJJ black belt, former MMA fighter, and Doctor of Physical Therapy Mike Piekarski. We discuss Mike’s start in martial arts and becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy, his treatment philosophies for warming up and preparing the body for training Jiu-Jitsu, how Mike started working with Ji…

Brandon Mccaghren is a 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, owner of 10th Planet Decatur, and a Jiu-Jitsu commentator. Brandon returns to the podcast to discuss the evolution of the "Professional Grappling League" (PGF) and what has changed from season 1 to season, how he got involved with the "Craig Jones Invitational" (CJI) as a commentator, how the…

On this episode, we talk to the producers of the Craig Jones Invitational, Eddie Marquez and Todd Ferrante. Eddie is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt and event producer and Todd is the senior producer of Karate Combat and has produced other events such as The X-Games. On this episode, Eddie and Todd discuss how they got involved working with Craig Jones and …

Chewy and Eugene discuss dealing with “Seminar Snipers” and also some ideas on how to slow down a roll. Chewy discusses dealing with seminar participants that go really hard during the rolling rounds, how to slow down a roll at a seminar, setting an intention at a seminar, the biggest breakthrough in Chewy's BJJ, declining a roll with a training pa…

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the idea of developing the mindset to lose like a champion. Chewy shares his experience coaching at the ADCC, how elite level athletes develop a unique mindset when dealing with a loss, impressive ADCC and CJI performances, assessing Gordon Ryan’s perfomance, thoughts on competing with injuries, the importa…

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene recap their weekend in Las Vegas and discuss what it was like attending the 2024 ADCC Worlds and the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational. We discuss how using the “pit” at CJI effected the matches, our thoughts on the use of rounds, the 10-point must scoring system, open scoring, and judging criteria for the CJI. We…

David Avellan is a BJJ black belt, ADCC 2009 Bronze Medalist, creator of “The Kimura Trap System,” and owner of the Freestyle Fighting Academy. On this episode, David shares his start in martial arts, transitioning to wrestling, lessons learned from wrestling, starting a gym with minimal training and no business experience, how he raised money for …

TJ graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 1999 with a degree in Behavioral Sciences. Over the next several years he attended NATO’s premier fighter pilot training course, EURO-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) and became an F-16 fighter pilot. He served overseas in Korea and deployed to Iraq as a combat flight lead, and was recognized as t…

On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene are joined by Jason "Blind Fury" Keaton. Jason is a BJJ black belt, musician, and owner of Blind Fury Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Jason discusses his start in martial arts, first starting his training in Wing Chun and then transitioning to BJJ in 1996, what it was like learning martial arts with visual impair…

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss how setting expectations in Jiu-Jitsu can make you fragile as well as lead to frustration in training. We also discuss how to build a healthy ego in Jiu-Jitsu. We talk about getting caught by less experienced training partners, how we are constantly changing, the importance of having a plan, the book “The W…

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the best advice they would give or wish they got through each belt rank in Jiu-Jitsu. We also discuss the most powerful technique to employ in BJJ (learn to experiment, how to avoid stagnation in BJJ, and the benefit of teaching. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to https://bit.…

On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss two rules for Jiu-Jitsu. Rule #1 - Expect to get thrown off a horse into a pile of manure. Chewy shares a story of getting thrown off of a horse and how the expectation of this possibility helped with the discomfort and difficulty of the process of learning to ride. We discuss the realization…

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by Michael Pixley. Michael is a Jiu-Jitsu purple belt training out of Pedigo Submission Fighting, he is the NAIA 2017 National Champion and Wrestler of The Year, 2019 NCAA Division 2 National Champion, 2x World and Pan Am Champion at Blue Belt, and the 2024 ADCC West Coast Trials winner in the…

On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene do a live recording of the podcast and discuss the importance of building a solid system of escapes from side control. We also discuss if escaping from side control is the most difficult position to escape from, the approach you should take when escaping side control and what people lack the most, if…

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the importance of building a strong defensive side control to create a better offensive Jiu-Jitsu game. We discuss how initially we focus on bottom side control defense as newer grapplers, but eventually stop focusing on this part of our game. We also discuss why having poor defense can make your offense le…

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the impact the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) will have on the state of grappling and the upcoming ADCC world championships. We discuss our thoughts on Craig’s motives and strategy when promoting the CJI, the importance of using high quality production to attract spectators, the increased attention that Cra…

On this episode, we answer the question of whether you should always focus on “position before submission” in Jiu-Jitsu. We discuss getting chokes without solidifying a position, using leg locks, advantageous positions that aren’t the “traditional”BJJ positions, the benefits of position before submission for beginners, how submissions are initiated…

On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene answer 5 questions that we received from podcast listeners. We discuss the following topics: What’s the best way to “unlock” the hips? What is Chewy’s favorite historical time period? Should Jiu-Jitsu have an “off season”? Where do we see BJJ evolve in the next 5-15 years? What are some strategies fo…

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene are joined by BJJ black belt and founder of “BJJ After 40,” Mike Bidwell. Mike joins the podcast to discuss his start in traditional martial arts, how stretching his hips improved the health of his knees, Mike’s favorite stretch to improve hip flexibility, Mike’s most important rule to follow before full rolling, h…

Amanda Leve is a Jiu-Jitsu black Belt, multiple-time ADCC Trials winner, and former professional MMA fighter. Amanda joins the podcast to discuss how a medical condition abruptly stopped her MMA career and how this encouraged her to dive back into grappling competition, how Amanda got started BJJ, how Amanda developed a passion for MMA, developing …

On this episode, we are joined by multiple time Jiu-Jitsu World Champion and 2022 ADCC bronze medalist, Dante Leon. Dante joins the podcast to discuss his start in grappling, one of the most important aspects of being an elite grappler, how team sports helped with grappling and being a good training partner, what allowed Dante to excel in grappling…

On this episode, Chewy and Eugene are joined by Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, high level competitor, and head no-gi coach at Legion AJJ, Sloan "Caveman" Clymer. Sloan discusses the importance of honesty as a coach, how to develop high level submissions, learning Jiu-Jitsu from his dad while training in his barn, moving across the country to pursue grapplin…

Mike Perez is an ATOS Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, high level competitor, and the 2024 ADCC West Coast Trials +99 KG winner. On this episode, Mike discusses his start in grappling, choosing to train at ATOS Jiu-Jitsu with Andre Galvao, the strategies Mike used against the bigger grappler at the 2024 ADCC West Coast Trials, the main technique Mike avoids a…

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…

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 2…

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 val…

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…

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…

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 th…

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 yea…

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 Middl…

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 …

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 import…

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 learni…

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 …

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 act…

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…