The Chewjitsu Podcast

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 fill out a quick survey to help us out: https://survey.libsyn.com/chewjitsu

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 how he worked around his injury and returned to training. He also talks about his love for all types of weight-lifting and strength training and the impact it has had on his jiu-jitsu. Daniel is also the host of "The Raspberry Ape Podcast." Find out more about Daniel at https://raspberryape.com/

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 and strength training, how he started working at Derby City MMA and eventually became a co-owner of the gym, training BJJ, and the importance of strength training in performance and injury-prevention. Q&A starts at (56:00) and topics covered include mat fees, best lifts for BJJ, how cycling can help cardio for BJJ, what Chewy looks in a BJJ instructor, 1 Rep Max vs. 3 Rep Max, Heart Rate Variability (HRV), the importance of strengthening training for men vs. women, is "old man strength" real, and much more.

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 joins the show.

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 "middle state" for training? How important is aggressiveness in BJJ? How to deal with shoulder injuries in BJJ. How to train if you have one-sided weakness in your body due to a stroke. How to deal with not having enough energy to train if you are an older grappler and work a lot. How to get over a groin strain. How to handle stress and anxiety before BJJ training. Tips for a brand new BJJ white belt.

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, life after retirement from MMA and transitioning to becoming a coach, and working as a Fire Fighter.

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.