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 ..read more

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 Ro ..read more

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 mo ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ex ..read more

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 outsid ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more