Chewjitsu

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 less effective, how a solid defense will improve your submission rate in competition, why confidence in your escapes works like a safety net, why grapplers panic in bottom side control, the first step in getting better at side control escapes, why Chewy decided to start focusing on his bottom side control escapes as a BJJ brown belt, the biggest and most common mistakes in relation to escapes and defense, and the importance of mastering a handful of techniques. 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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 Craig Jones and the CJI has brought to grappling, why the timing of the CJI is bad for the athletes, the pros and cons of splitting the elite grapplers between the two tournaments, the CJI ruleset, the Gabi Garcia vs Craig Jones superfight, and the results of Chewy's Instagram poll of whether people would attend the CJI, ADCC, or neither. 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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 through transitions, how tournament rules dictate the grappling style, a rule that is commonly broken in Jiu-Jitsu, and the importance of being coachable. 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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 for dealing with the negative voice inside you when you get smashed in training? 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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, how to "clear the calculator," the importance of having Jiu-Jitsu as a release, the two critical questions to ask yourself in BJJ, how training evolves as you get older, the utilization of "Precovery," active recovery, the "Pomodoro Method," how to build good habits, who inspired Mike's coaching, recovering from an injury, how Mike discovered BJJ, and the idea behind "BJJ After 40." To check out the full tournament schedule for The Chewjitsu Open head over to https://chewjitsu.nuwaycombat.com/ 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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 a different perspective on practice, how working with a mindset coach helped athletic performance, the importance of a warm up, Amanda's experience competing against Gabi Garcia, Amanda's tournament prep, dealing with competition anxiety, the importance of posture to show confidence, how to build cardio for grappling, recovery for, how to know when you need to take time off from training, Amanda's favorite takedown and submission, and the most influential person in her martial arts career. 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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, when Dante made the jump to becoming a full-time grappler, moving to Ohio from Canada, the importance of a good gym environment and how to get better with a small group of training partners, typical training camp, favorite rules sets and which rules Dante would change, live training vs. positional training vs drilling, the importance of weight-lifting and the method of lifting Dante prefers, thoughts on lifting specifically for grappling, his proudest achievements and goals for the future, and if there was anything that Dante would have done differently throughout his career. 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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 grappling, what it was like training under Richie "Boogeyman" Martinez, moving to Legion AJJ and training under Keenan Cornelius, tips on becoming a high level competitor, the importance of taking tough matches, not making a big deal of the wins or losses, some of his most valuable learning experiences from competition, why being nervous is useful before competition, dealing with competition anxiety, and how Sloan got his nickname "Caveman. 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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 against bigger grapplers, why Mike chose to go up in weight to compete at the +99 kg division at ADCC West Coast trials, how to avoid getting crushed by the larger grappler, why Mike made the decision to stop drinking alcohol, the importance of making better lifestyle choices when you get into your 30's, dealing with nerves and pressure of competition, and Mike's pre-competition routine. 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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/chewjitsu30** and use the promo code Chewjitsu30 to get 30% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://www.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Manscaped. Check out https://www.manscaped.com/ and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off and free shipping! Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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 focus on the "verb" instead of the "noun," how to make the "no points" part of the ADCC match more exciting, and sticking with your winning strategy. 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. More information on CBN supplementation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37796540/ Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://www.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Manscaped. Check out https://www.manscaped.com/ and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off and free shipping! Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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, how to tell if BJJ is not for you, and expectations vs. standards. 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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, one of the most important attributes of an experienced BJJ practitioner, Chewy's preferred takedowns to teach BJJ white belts, the lowest risk and highest reward Gi takedown, how to train Judo throws, the most dangerous standing techniques, and the benefit of having wrestling-specific or takedown specific grappling classes. 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Manscaped. Check out https://www.manscaped.com/ and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off and free shipping! Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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 "Mat Enforcer." Also check out the after podcast conversation about gaining life experience through Jiu-Jitsu, the importance of movement, and the brain-body connection. 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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 goals, the easiest transition between belts in Jiu-Jitsu, the importance of getting experience outside of your normal gym environment, and what is the most important belt in Jiu-Jitsu. 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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 "Epic Roll" and became a co-owner in the company, the crazy story of when Zo first met Royce Gracie, the process of learning BJJ, training your worst positions in BJJ, adjusting Judo takedowns to work for BJJ, the value of competition, building a partnership with the PGF (Professional Grappling Federation), what makes the PGF competition so unique, exciting, and different, and longevity for BJJ. 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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, the decision to stop training MMA, Jiu-Jitsu inspirations, favorite tournament format, how he trains for longer matches, the value and benefit of teaching, tournament prep for ADCC, and the main lessons learned form losses. 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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 advantages of starting in MMA and transitioning to BJJ, how and why Jeff started to change his BJJ game at Brown Belt, the process of adding new elements to your BJJ, how to make the most progress with limited time on the mats, the value and benefit of competition, dealing with competition nerves, the idea behind starting "The Chewjitsu Open" and the unique ruleset, what to expect at a Chewjitsu Seminar, and dealing with injuries as an older grappler. If you want to learn more about "The Chewjitsu Open," you can register or learn more at https://chewjitsu.nuwaycombat.com/ and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chewjitsuopen/ 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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 10th Planted Black Belt Brandon McCaghren, Johnny's start in martial arts and transition from MMA to Jiu-Jitsu, how his training has evolved as he has gotten older, the benefits of walking for health, Johnny's proudest achievement in martial arts, book recommendations, and his thoughts on drilling. 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

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, and whether the skillset of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners is better today. 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.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast