On this episode we discuss how your BJJ coaches are there to guide you in your training, why you should train deliberately, the importance of trial and error, doing your own research for developing your game, how Chewy developed his own game, which students develop more quickly, how to foster creativity in your game, choosing your training partners to improve your BJJ, how to tell you’re getting better, and the importance of mistakes.

We discuss competing during the pandemic, competing at a lighter weight division, Chewy’s diet, tournament prep and strategy, not being needy to win, Chewy’s most nerve-racking moment in competition as a black belt.

Chewy discusses the difference between ruts, blocks, and grooves and how they pertain to BJJ and life. We talk about why taking a break from something can renew motivation and interest, why its important to not expend all of your energy on a task, how to get out of a rut or block, how to stay in a groove, how to stay consistent and inspired by a task, and other topics like superstitions and how to stick with a diet.

Nick joins the show to discuss his venture into coffee and the vision for starting"Ground Shark Coffee," the connection "Ground Shark Coffee" has to BJJ, how coffee can help with recovery, Nick’s favorite way to drink coffee, how Nick transitioned from Lacrosse to BJJ, Nick's desire to fight in MMA, how getting a concussion impacted Chris’s mindset and how he got back training, how an MMA fight can be a right of passage, and much more.

Paul Hogan is a police officer, BJJ brown belt, and is one of the founders of “Blue Jitsu,” an organization that offers free jiu-jitsu instruction and seminars for police officers in Lexington and the surrounding areas.

Tom Halpin is an Irish born BJJ black belt under Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu.

Tom is the 2019 ADCC Euro Trials champion and Combat Jiu-Jitsu Champion.