Perpetual Chess Podcast

EP 367- Adult Improver Julio Calcina: A Chess and MMA Enthusiast on the Life Lessons that Each Can Provide.

Jan 30, 2024

Guest Julio Calcina, a chess and Mixed Martial Arts enthusiast, shares his transformative journey with chess, discussing how it taught him contemplation, patience, and personal growth. He delves into topics such as his time in prison, starting a podcast, the relationship between chess and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the positive impact of chess culture in prison.

01:10:57

Episode guests

Julio Calcina

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Chess requires psychological warfare and mirrors martial arts in its approach.

Physical exercise improves resilience and focus in chess, while also providing mental health benefits.

The chess community in prison fosters personal growth, acceptance, and a sense of community.

Deep dives

Chess as a Martial Art

Chess can be considered a martial art in itself, as it involves psychological warfare and a battle of the minds.

Introduction

2min

Introduction and Guest Interview

2min

Finding Chess Again

19min

Chess, Prison, and Personal Growth

6min

Starting a Podcast, Relationship Reflections, and Addressing Anger Issues

2min

The Connection Between Chess and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

22min

Chess Culture in Prison

16min

The Adult Improver Series is back, and we have a very entertaining guest for you. Julio Calcina is a 32-year-old, Nottingham, England-based chess and Mixed Martial Arts enthusiast. Julio has found chess to be a transformative force for him and views chess as a microcosm of life. As Julio tells it, he used to be impetuous and aggressive in both chess and life, and made choices that sabotaged relationships and even contributed to his enduring a stint in prison. Throughout the years, Julio has stuck with the game, and it has helped teach him to be more contemplative and patient both over the board and away from it. Julio loves to play daily chess on Chess.com, and also reports on the British O.T.B. scene, shares chess improvement recommendations, and discusses his near-term goals and plans in chess and beyond. It was a lot of fun chatting with Julio and I think you will enjoy the conversation.

Thanks to Perpetual Chess Patreon subs! If you would like to join the community you can do so here:

https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess

Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsors, Chessable.com!

Be sure to check out their new courses including IM Christof Sielecki’s new course, and if you use this link to sign up for Chessable Pro, and/or make a Chessable purchase, it will help support Perpetual Chess.

https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro

Spotify “Adult Improver Series” Playlist-

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75Uoqz2BoRt2IiTCeOfuky?si=f12d20ae06fd4a89

0:00- If you would like to be considered for, or suggest someone as an adult improver guest, you can submit your information via this online form:

https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/adult

02:00- Julio Calcina tells his “chess origin story.”

8:00- What has chess taught Julio about his own personality?

14:00- What has helped Julio improve his game?

Mentioned: The Backyard Professor

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBackyardProfessor, Silman’s Complete Endgame Course

17;00- Julio describes his OTB experiences

18:00- What happened that caused Julio to end up in prison?

22:00- That time Julio caught his romantic partner engine cheating against him in a chess game

Mentioned: Man’s Search for Meaning by VIktor Frankl

Meditations: Marcus Aurilieus

30:00- Patreon mailbag question: As a martial arts practitioner, why does Julio think that chess improvement is more difficult than improving at ju-jitsu?

40:00- Patreon mailbag questions: Does Julio consider chess a martial art in itself? Should chess be taught as part of martial arts curriculums?

47:00- Patreon mailbag questions: How does Julio balance cardio, weights, and chess? Can chess help those with ADHD?

50:00- What was the chess culture like in prison?

55:00- The link between drinking and chess in England

1:00- What are Julio’s 2024 plans?

Thanks to Julio for sharing his amazing story! Here is how to keep up with him:

LiChess

Chess.com

JulioPDC Instagram

Facebook Julio Calcina

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