The Chewjitsu Podcast

Chewjitsu

The Chewjitsu Podcast features your host BJJ Black Belt Nick "Chewy" Albin of chewjitsu.net and his co-host BJJ Black Belt and Physical Therapist Dr. Eugene Tsozik.
The show covers topics such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, training, diet, health and injury-prevention, Q&A sessions, and interviews.

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434 episodes
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Episodes434

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March 16 · 1 hr 12 min
The Reason People Don't Improve In Jiu-Jitsu (Episode 406)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the main reason people don't improve in BJJ. We discuss an idea from the Jiu-Jitsu "GOAT" Roger Gracie, who shares the idea of why people don't improve in BJJ. His thoughts are that most people don't spend enough time developing their techniques and move on to learning different techniques too quickly. We chat about the process of developing your techniques, advice for BJJ hobbyists, using a "common place journal," how to learn information, how to use instructionals, reverse engineering your techniques, why you should build off your current techniques, how to avoid doing a technique too much, why you should fix areas where you struggle, how has social media has impacted Jiu-Jitsu, and what are metrics for good social media content. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
March 9 · 1 hr 26 min
BJJ Black Belt and Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Megan Jimenez
Doctor Megan Jimenez is a BJJ black belt, Kenpo Karate Black Belt, and an Orthopedic Surgeon. She joins the podcast to discuss going through Medical School to become an Orthopedic Surgeon, the challenges of working with grapplers, how she recovered from an ACL injury, positions and techniques to avoid in BJJ, learning BJJ while injured, red flags to watch out for when traveling, why rolling is like a conversation, her thoughts on peptides, and when to see a medical provider if you get injured. Learn more about Megan here: https://meganjimenez.com/ Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
March 2 · 59 min
The Good Old Days of BJJ (Episode 404)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss "the good old days of BJJ" and appreciating the time that you get on the mats. We also discuss the importance of having boundaries on time, the "Hercules Complex," advice for newer grapplers, why you should be more reflective, and Chewy's most memorable "eras" of training. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
February 23 · 1 hr 1 min
Why Modern BJJ Sucks For Modern MMA (Episode 403)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss why modern BJJ has been less effective in modern mixed martial arts. We discuss the BJJ ruleset shift created in 1975 that incentivized groundwork and removed penalties for guard pulling which ultimately shaped the direction of Jiu-Jitsu. We also talk about the technique that Jiu-Jitsu does best, the first "Three Waves of MMA," what Chewy's preferred guard was for MMA when in bottom position, the best base for MMA and also for self defense, the importance of sparring and going live for stress inoculation, "Alpha Male Bros," and the idea of "Inflated grandiosity." Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
February 16 · 1 hr 27 min
Hero Worship vs. Admiration In BJJ (Episode 402)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss the recent allegations against Andre Galvao. We discuss importance of boundaries in Jiu-Jitsu due to the closeness of grappling, the important of safety at the gym, reaching your breaking point, if power corrupts leaders, "Hero Admiration" vs. "Hero Worship," and what the Jiu-Jitsu community do differently moving forward, and red flags to be aware of. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
February 9 · 1 hr 37 min
10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Nathan Orchard (Episode 401)
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu black belt Nathan Orchard. Nathan discusses his extensive MMA career prior to learning Jiu-Jitsu, how he only stayed at Blue Belt for 2 weeks, learning to fight in his front yard, the development of the "Dead Orchard" submission, developing of your game - how much is intentional vs. accidental, the importance of a clean environment, advice to younger grapplers, martial arts movies and influences, how to stay safe in training, and his goals on starting a new gym. Follow Nathan on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nateorch10p/ Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
February 2 · 1 hr 31 min
TRT, Peptides, and Gut Health With Allison From 1st Optimal (Episode 400)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene are joined by Allison from 1st Optimal. Allison is a Certified Health Coach that works with Chewy directly. Allison discusses the use of GLP-1 medications and suggestions to increase muscle mass while on this medication, the benefits of TRT and also misconceptions around the use of TRT, signs of low testosterone, what blood markers people don't get checked but are very important, how thyroid function impacts energy levels, lifestyle choices to promote higher testosterone levels, and the benefits of peptides for recovery, healing, and gut health. If you would like to work with 1st Optimal, check out https://1stoptimal.com/ and let them know Chewy sent you to get a discount. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
January 26 · 22 min
Is BJJ Just Bad Judo? (Episode 399)
Chewy discusses the idea of "American Jiu-Jitsu." Chewy also discusses a bit of the history of Jiu-Jitsu, the "mythology of Jiu-Jitsu," the influence of Americans on Jiu-Jitsu. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
January 19 · 1 hr 13 min
The Best of the Podcast #4: Rules For Jiu-Jitsu #7-9 (Episode 398)
On this episode of the podcast, we share some of the best moments from the podcast. In this edition, we dive into a recap of the "Rules For Jiu-Jitsu" series. We discuss the following rules: Episode 194 - Rules For Jiu-Jitsu #7: Attempt To Control Your Emotions - Chewy and Eugene discuss the importance of attempting to control your emotions, and how this can impact your Jiu-Jitsu as well as your life. Episode 209 - Rules For Jiu-Jitsu #8: Age Isn't Just A Number - We discuss whether Jiu-Jitsu black belts who are older and struggle with and even lose to lower belts, are still considered a legit black belt. Episode 222 - Rules For Jiu-Jitsu #9: Wisdom Doesn't Come Cheap - We discuss the idea of why wisdom doesn't come cheap. We chat about the challenges of Jiu-Jitsu, including the willingness required to go through the struggles physically and emotionally. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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/thechewjitsupo
January 12 · 1 hr 9 min
7 BJJ Commandments To Train Safe & Improve Your Submissions (Episode 397)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss the 7 BJJ Commandments to training safe and how these ideas can improve your submissions. Though shalt remember, none of this matters. Though shalt catch fast and finish slow. Though shalt avoid those who eat submissions. Though shalt have a "kill switch." Though shalt communicate with your training partners. Though shalt tap fast and tap often. Though shalt honor the "Golden Rule" of submissions. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
January 5 · 1 hr 11 min
How To Actually Accomplish New Year's Goals (Episode 396)
On this episode of the podcast Chewy and Eugene discuss how to accomplish your New Year's goals. We discuss why people don't accomplish the goals that they set, how to design your goals around the life you would like to have, the value of "debriefing" previous goals, the habits you should incorporate, the value of a mentor and coach, tangbile vs. the intangible goals, and what makes people quit the most. 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://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/thechewjitsupo
Dec 29, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
The Best of the Podcast #3: Rules For Jiu-Jitsu #4-6 (Episode 395)
On this episode of the podcast, we share some of the best moments from the podcast. In this edition, we dive into a recap of the "Rules For Jiu-Jitsu" series. We discuss the following rules: Episode 174 - Rules For Jiu-Jitsu 4: Roll To Win Episode 178 - Rules For Jiu-Jitsu 5: The Paradox of Improvng For BJJ Episode 185 - Rules For Jiu-Jitsu 5: Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
Dec 22, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
How To Improve From BJJ Injuries and Losing Matches (Episode 394)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss dealing with injuries and also losing matches. Eugene discusses dealing with a knee injury and what he is working on for recovery as well as how he is dealing with taking time off of training. Chewy also discusses not making the podium of a tournament for the first time in almost 10 years, the mistakes he made in his match, and what he will do differently in the future. We also discuss injury rehab ideas and mistakes, how injuries can radially change your game, Chewy breaks down his 2 matches at No-Gi Worlds and the mistake he made that potentially cost him the match, how to take strategic, tactical, and technical takeaways from a loss, the value of feeling disappointment, the idea of "no days off." Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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/thechewjitsupo
Dec 15, 2025 · 51 min
The Jiu-Jitsu "Waiting Game" (Episode 393)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss competition prep ideas and what to do the week of competition, day of competition, and during the competition to have the best performance. We discuss why it's important to decrease training intensity the week of your competition, what to do the day of competition, what to bring (gear and food/hydration), why Chewy uses a heart rate monitor when warming up, the value of "reading the room," what to eat the day of and during the competition, why you should limit caffeine, and Chewy's mindset just before competing. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
Dec 8, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
12 Things The Chewster Is Thankful For (Episode 392)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy shares 12 things that he is thankful for. 1. Thankful for lack of talent. 2. Thankful for being "1st World Poor." 3. Thankful for my mom. 4. Thankful for my absent father. 5. Thankful for my wife. 6. Thankful for the gym and the people in it. 7. Thankful that when faced with trauma as a youngster I made the decisions I made. 8. Thankful I grew up in the 80's and 90's. 9. I am thankful for how lucky I am to be alive right now. 10. Thankful for being born in my country. 11. Thankful for older men and mentors who helped over the years. 12. Thankful for the "Chew Crew" and BJJ community. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
Nov 24, 2025 · 2 hr 30 min
2025 ADCC East Coast Trials Champion Brandon Reed (Episode 391)
Brandon Reed is a Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt, ADCC Veteran, 3x NAIA National Wrestling Champion, and the 2025 ADCC 99+ KG East Coast Trials Champion. Brandon joins the podcast fresh off of his ADCC East Coast Trials win. He discusses the process of overcoming a loss, how to block out the noise and distractions, dealing with the nerves of competition, what he learned from his loss to Felipe Pena at ADCC Worlds 2024, the benefits of being heavier for competition, how to make your wrestling effective for BJJ, his thoughts on drilling techniques, the misconceptions of the "Ecological Approach," the importance of feeling in BJJ, scaling your training with less skilled training partners, training at Pedigo Submission Fighting, building confidence, the desire to go after the toughest matches, his takeaways from CJI 2, and what he likes to do to unwind between competitions. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
Nov 17, 2025 · 1 hr 23 min
The Mindset For Success With World Champion Roosevelt Sousa (Episode 390)
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Jiu-Jitsu World Champion and BJJ Black Belt Roosevelt Sousa. Roosevelt discusses his start in Jiu-Jitsu, what helped with developing a strong work ethic, how learning the mindset of high level Volleyball players hlped with success in BJJ, how to get the most out of training as a black belt, how working with a sports psychologist helped with performance in BJJ, his competition mindset, how Roosevelt prepared for Jiu-Jitsu Worlds in 2 weeks and training with white belts, the importance of being a good role model for your students, the impact of being a coach, what immigrating to America has meant to Roosevelt, the importance of customer service, and how BJJ can help improve your life. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
Nov 10, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
Avoid The BJJ Cult Of Overtraining (Episode 389)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss overtraining, how to be aware of the warning signs of overtraining, and how to avoid overtraining. We also discuss common reasons people avoid taking time off, the idea of "making up for lost time," the importance of focusing on things you can control, finding your own routine and rhythm, and why you should change what you consider training. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
Nov 3, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
Jiu-Jitsu Red Flags (Episode 388)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss some Jiu-Jitsu gym red flags. Here are some of the "Jiu-Jitu Red Flags" If the coach is demonstrating unacceptable behavior or if the coach is not engaged. Negative gym culture. Coach showing up intoxicated. Coach not allowing you to cross-train or visit other gyms. No open mats. Not allowing newer students to roll at all. No upper belts at the gym. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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
Oct 27, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
10 Reasons To Master BJJ Defense and Escapes (Episode 387)
Chewy and Eugene share 10 ideas on why you should master defense and escapes in BJJ. Here are the ideas we discussed: 1. To escape effectively, you will have less fear and worries on the mat. 2. When you become skilled defensively, you can become more aggressive with your offense. 3. Increased efficiency on the mats. 4. When you avoid training escapes then you turn into a grappler with a "glass jaw." 5. When you develop a strong defensive game, your submissions improve dramatically. 6. You get injured less when you have a good understanding of defense. 7. You can tire out your opponent more easily. 8. You will be able to weather the storm against younger and more athletic grapplers. 9. Grappling becomes more fun. 10. If you're a competitor, it gets more difficult to get scored on. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints. 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://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