The Chewjitsu Podcast

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by BJJ black belt, The Ultimate Fighter ("TUF") Season 1 Middleweight finalist, and UFC veteran Kenny “Kenflo” Florian. Kenny shares his interest in martial arts and start in jiu-jitsu, how that transitioned to fighting in MMA, his career in the UFC, the evolution of his training, his injuries, retirement from MMA and moving on to work as an analyst, and we also end with a unique fight breakdown and prediction.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to BJJ brown belt Dru Phoenix. Dru shares his passion for working with under-privileged kids and how jiu-jitsu has been a positive in empowering those kids. Dru also discusses his military experience, overcoming depression, helping others with PTSD through performing and writing poetry, dealing with a severe knee injury, and how jiu-jitsu has impacted his life.

On this episode of the podcast, Chewy breaks down his recent wins at The IBJJF Chicago Open, the mindset that he has when going into competition, if Chewy gets nervous at competitions, and much more. Additional Show Notes: We discuss whether you should watch the matches at a tournament before you compete. If Chewy feels more pressure now that he gets recognized more at competitions. How being in the present moment can provide clarity. Why getting pre-match jitters is a good thing. Why Chewy almost did not do the open-division of the Chicago Open. How far out Chewy starts a tournament training camp and how he adjusts training intensity. How to build a cardio base for a tournament. What drill Chewy likes to improve cardio for BJJ. How much of your performance is mental vs physical. How do you build mental toughness and resiliency. Should you go easier on a training partner who is prepping for a big tournament. Chewy's thoughts on being called "the best grappler in Kentucky." Chewy’s thoughts on an opponent “gaming the system” or causing a DQ on purpose in a BJJ tournament. *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

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.