

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.
The show covers topics such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, training, diet, health and injury-prevention, Q&A sessions, and interviews.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 8, 2025 • 57min
Surviving "The Pyjama Game" (Episode 380)
Explore the fascinating insights from a book that connects Judo and Jiu-Jitsu through the unique mindset of Japanese Judokas. Discover how relaxation during throws can enhance aggressive techniques in grappling. The conversation also delves into the importance of embracing discomfort, training in challenging positions, and maintaining a mental strategy when starting a new martial arts journey. Listeners will learn about effective training routines and the benefits of mindful practice, encouraging growth through vulnerability and technique.

8 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 1h 8min
CJI 2 Reaction: The Good, The Band, And The Ugly (Episode 379)
The hosts dive deep into their reactions to the recent grappling event, the Craig Jones Invitational. They discuss the impact of the ruleset on competitiveness, with critiques of passivity and suggestions for a wrestling duals format. Controversial moments, such as whether Giancarlo Bodoni tapped out and scoring disputes, spark lively debate. Highlights from day one include standout performances and unexpected victories, while the discussion emphasizes the need for clearer scoring guidelines to enhance audience engagement in future competitions.

Aug 25, 2025 • 52min
CJI 2 Preview (Episode 378)
Get ready for a grappling showdown as hosts share their excitement for the upcoming Craig Jones Invitational. They explore the unique Quintet team format and how competing in a pit changes strategies, especially for wrestlers. The conversation shifts to personal training tips and the evolving dynamics of jiu-jitsu competitions, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of matchups. The hosts also reflect on how their nightlife preferences have matured over the years, seeking deeper conversations over wild parties. It's a blend of strategy, personal insights, and community engagement!

Aug 18, 2025 • 58min
Choosing The Right Gym For You (Self-Defense vs. Sport) (Episode 377)
On this episode we answer a question from an anonymous podcast listener. “Bob” wrestled in high school and is currently a member at a self-defense gym, but has been cross-training at a Sport/Competition gym and really liking it. “Bob” is wondering if he should switch gyms if he wants to become a successful competitor. We discuss why wrestlers prefer Sport Jiu-Jitsu, why martial arts and fighting is like a language, how creating limitations and rules can lead to creativity, if the best athletes in Jiu-Jitsu are competitors, how Chewy picked his first gym and why he left his first gym, the challenges of splitting time between two BJJ gyms, and what decision "Bob" should make about where to train. 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

Aug 11, 2025 • 1h
Why Do “Alpha Male Bros” Become BJJ Gym Memes? (Episode 376)
Chewy and Eugene discuss “Alpha Male Bros” and some stories of these guys coming into the gym. We discuss some of these “Alpha Bro” characters that show up on-line and the ridiculousness of their perspectives, stories of the “I See Red” guys showing up to the gym, why we tend to want nice cars and big houses as young men, cultural norms of success, the fulfillment of skill acquisition, ego death/“losing your armor,” and "true wealth." 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

Aug 4, 2025 • 46min
Beware Of Other People's BJJ Commandments (Episode 375)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene get asked about BJJ Black Belt Henry Akins' recent comments that "Half Guard" is not a very good position in BJJ. Chewy and Eugene discuss why you shouldn't always accept other people’s “dogma,” the idea that “half guard is half passed," the original thoughts on leg locks in BJJ, why half guard is a great passing and sweeping position, why Jiu-Jitsu lives in the gray area, a common mistake many BJJ practitioners make, the distinction between "Old School" and "Modern BJJ," and why you should be a "tactical mercenary” in BJJ. 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

Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 12min
Powerful Mindset Tips For BJJ And Life (Episode 374)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss multiple mindset tips that can help with BJJ and in life. We discuss the idea of “detachment,” separating yourself from your accomplishments, dealing with negative self-talk, how to develop awareness and change things that you don’t like about yourself, how a loss helped Chewy get refocused and re-energized, being the “watcher,” how to stop ruminating, if Jiu-Jitsu has gotten "softer," and dealing with anxiety of competition. 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

10 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 35min
BJJ Black Belt Chris Wojcik (Episode 373)
In this episode, Chris Wojcik, a BJJ black belt from 'B Team' and ADCC veteran, dives deep into the evolving landscape of jiu-jitsu. He discusses the rise of celebrity black belts and contrasts today’s standards with those from two decades ago. Clearing the air on ego in training, he shares insights on emotional resilience, managing the stress of competition, and the challenges athletes face. Plus, discover how he developed 'The Woj Lock' and the benefits of a writing practice for personal growth.

Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 5min
What Is A BJJ Black Belt? (Episode 372)
On this episode of the podcast, Chewy and Eugene discuss what is a legitimate black belt. We chat about the recent story of “Derek Moneyberg,” who received a BJJ black belt in 3.5 years by doing only private lessons. Chewy shares a couple stories of teaching students who only wanted to do private lessons and wanted to get promoted, the limitations of only doing private lessons, “celebrity belts,” why knowledge doesn’t always equal skill, the characteristics of a legit black belt, and what Chewy looks for in a black belt. 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

Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 9min
4 BJJ Rules That Changed My Life (Episode 371)
On this episode, Chewy and Eugene discuss 4 things that they learned through Jiu-Jitsu that impacted their lives. Facing your fears - fear as part of the process and how to overcome the resistance to achieving your goals. The cost of skill and progress - pick things that align with what you want. Taking care of your body - get contrast through BJJ and create habits or better performance on the mats. The power of repetition - developing technique in BJJ as well as the value of repetition in 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