Small Man Jiu Jitsu

Robin Fujimura
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Small Man PodcastThe Small Man Podcast is where Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu meets real life. Hosted in Hawaii, each episode features honest conversations with the people who make the Jiu-Jitsu community special—from world champions and seasoned black belts to dedicated parents, first-time white belts, coaches, business owners, and everyday practitioners. These aren't just stories about winning tournaments—they're stories about overcoming adversity, building confidence, strengthening families, and discovering purpose on and off the mats. You'll hear inspiring journeys of resilience, sacrifice, perseverance, and personal growth, along with practical insights on training, longevity, mindset, leadership, and the life lessons that Jiu-Jitsu teaches. Whether you're a lifelong grappler, just thinking about stepping onto the mats, or simply enjoy hearing powerful stories from extraordinary people, the Small Man Podcast delivers conversations that motivate, educate, and inspire. New episodes feature: Inspiring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journeysTraining, mindset, and longevity tipsFamily, faith, and community storiesInterviews with athletes, coaches, and local leadersLessons that apply far beyond the matsNo matter your size, background, or experience, everyone has a story worth telling. Train hard. Stay humble. Keep showing up. Welcome to the Small Man Podcast.

  1. 14h ago

    She Said "No" To Jiu-Jitsu… Now She's a Black Belt

    Consistency isn't flashy—but it's powerful. In this episode of the Small Man Podcast, black belt, Masters World Champion, college professor, and mother Erin Millard shares how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu transformed her life after initially walking away from the sport. She discusses balancing family, teaching math, coaching women, competing at the highest levels, and why viewing jiu-jitsu through the principles of physics changed the way she trains forever. This conversation explores perseverance, longevity, leadership, motherhood, faith, competition, and the quiet discipline required to become great over time. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to start—or how to stay motivated for years—this episode is for you.

  2. 14h ago

    Marcelo Garcia Changed Everything

    What does it take to completely reinvent your jiu-jitsu after more than a decade on the mats? In this inspiring episode of Small Man Podcast, Darren "Kavika" Martin shares his journey from discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Kailua to becoming the first black belt promoted by Marcelo Garcia in Hawaii. Along the way, he reveals how humility, relentless effort, mentorship, and community transformed not only his game but his entire outlook on life. We discuss competition, coaching, fatherhood, balancing work and family, preparing for IBJJF tournaments, and why the greatest reward in Jiu-Jitsu isn't the belt around your waist—it's the people beside you. If you believe martial arts are about more than winning, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

  3. 1d ago

    She Walked Out of Jiu-Jitsu—Then Became a Purple Belt

    Jesse Mangham once walked out of a jiu-jitsu class because she felt embarrassed, uncomfortable, and convinced that she could not do it. But she returned. More than five years later, Jesse is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, competitor, and one of the people helping nervous beginners feel welcome at UFC Kailua. In this episode of the Small Man Podcast, Jesse opens up about overcoming body-image concerns, dealing with imposter syndrome, competing against women more than 60 pounds heavier, learning through losses, supporting women in martial arts, and finding confidence through consistent training. She also explains why being a good training partner matters more than winning every round, how jiu-jitsu helps her manage stress, and why your most important competition should always be the person you were yesterday. This is an honest conversation for anyone who has ever felt too nervous, inexperienced, uncomfortable, or out of place to begin.

  4. 1d ago

    The Future of Hawaii Jiu-Jitsu Starts With the Kids

    The Future of Hawaii Jiu-Jitsu Starts With the Kids What if the key to developing better competitors wasn't training harder—but training together? In this inspiring episode of the Small Man Podcast, we sit down with Leo Vlachakis, IBJJF champion, Brown Belt at Trickster Jiu-Jitsu, and the driving force behind Team HQ—a unique training environment where young athletes from multiple academies across Hawaii come together to sharpen their skills, build friendships, and grow into better people. Leo shares how a small group of dedicated kids evolved into a thriving community built on respect, accountability, humility, and one simple philosophy: create world champion human beings. From cross-training and competition to parenting, coaching, and leadership, this conversation explores how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can shape character long before it produces champions. Whether you're a coach, parent, competitor, or someone who believes sports should build people first, you'll find valuable lessons that extend far beyond the mats. Why Team HQ is redefining youth Jiu-Jitsu in HawaiiThe benefits of cross-training between academiesBuilding confidence, discipline, and leadership through BJJThe importance of humility in both victory and defeatLeo's coaching philosophy and competition mindsetWhy community will always matter more than politicsThis episode is a powerful reminder that the greatest victories aren't measured by medals—they're measured by the people we become. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the Small Man Podcast, leave a rating, and share it with a friend who loves Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, coaching, or inspiring stories.

  5. 1d ago

    The Real Reason People Stay in Jiu-Jitsu | Dane's Story of Community, Family & Faith

    The Real Reason People Stay in Jiu-Jitsu | Dane's Story of Community, Family & FaithWhat keeps someone training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for more than a decade if it's not medals, championships, or competition? For Dane, a brown belt at Roots Jiu-Jitsu, pastor of Victory Church, coach, and father, the answer is simple: it's the people. In this heartfelt episode of the Small Man Podcast, Dane shares how introducing his children to jiu-jitsu unexpectedly transformed his own life. From coaching and raising a daughter who competes, to helping build the welcoming culture at Roots Jiu-Jitsu and serving his church, Dane explains why relationships, humility, and community matter far more than trophies. Together, we explore balancing family, ministry, work, and training, the growth of Hawaii's jiu-jitsu community, the "Team Hawaii" mindset, and the life lessons that happen long after class is over. In this episode:Why community is the true reason people stay in jiu-jitsuParenting through martial artsCoaching with humility and purposeThe partnership between Roots Jiu-Jitsu and Victory ChurchTraining as a smaller, older grapplerThe importance of Team Hawaii and cross-trainingFaith, leadership, and serving othersWhy the greatest victories happen off the matsWhether you're a lifelong grappler, a new white belt, a coach, or simply looking for an inspiring story about purpose and belonging, this conversation is a reminder that the greatest gift of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn't the techniques you learn—it's the people you meet along the way. Subscribe to the Small Man Podcast for authentic conversations that celebrate the people, stories, and community that make Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu so much more than a sport.

  6. 1d ago

    Why I Didn't Want My Black Belt

    Edmund Li shares his remarkable journey from aspiring MMA fighter to respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and owner of Sapateiro Jiu-Jitsu. In this episode, we discuss mentorship, humility, coaching, competition, longevity, strength training, and the responsibility that comes with earning a black belt. A thoughtful conversation about what truly matters in jiu-jitsu—and in life.

  7. 3d ago

    He Walked Into a Jiu Jitsu Gym and Everything Changed

    In this episode of Small Man’s Podcast, we sit down with Kris Agsalud to talk about the challenges, victories, and life lessons that come from stepping outside your comfort zone and starting something difficult from scratch. Coming from a background in volleyball, Kris shares how the transition into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tested him physically, mentally, and emotionally. From surviving those intimidating first classes to competing on the mats, he discovered that growth isn’t about talent—it’s about showing up when things get hard. This conversation goes far beyond Jiu Jitsu.

  8. 3d ago

    She Started Jiu Jitsu at 48… and It Changed Everything

    🔥 She started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 48 years old. Most people would say she’s too old to begin. They’d be wrong. In this inspiring episode of Small Man’s Podcast, we sit down with Cindy Cortez, whose life has been transformed by Jiu Jitsu in ways she never imagined. Despite having titanium rods in her back, recovering from shoulder surgery, and facing the challenges that come with aging, Cindy chose to step onto the mats—and never looked back. What started as a new challenge in February 2024 quickly became a life-changing journey filled with growth, confidence, resilience, and community. Training 3–5 times a week while balancing work in IT, volunteering, hiking, and everyday life, Cindy proves that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, pursue a new passion, and become stronger than you thought possible. In this episode, we discuss: 🥋 Starting Jiu Jitsu at 48 and overcoming self-doubt 💪 Training with titanium rods and recovering from injuries 🏆 The emotional roller coaster of competing for the first time 🧠 How Jiu Jitsu builds confidence, discipline, and mental toughness 👩 Why more women over 40 and 50 should consider training ❤️ The powerful community that makes people keep coming back 🔥 Lessons from the mats that carry into everyday life and career success Cindy shares the victories, setbacks, fears, and breakthroughs that have shaped her journey so far. Her story is a reminder that growth doesn’t stop with age—and that some of life’s greatest adventures begin when you’re willing to start. Whether you’re a grappler, athlete, parent, professional, or someone wondering if it’s too late to chase a new goal, this conversation will challenge what you think is possible. If you’ve ever said: “I’m too old.” “I’m not athletic enough.” “It’s too late for me.” This episode is for you.

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About

Small Man PodcastThe Small Man Podcast is where Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu meets real life. Hosted in Hawaii, each episode features honest conversations with the people who make the Jiu-Jitsu community special—from world champions and seasoned black belts to dedicated parents, first-time white belts, coaches, business owners, and everyday practitioners. These aren't just stories about winning tournaments—they're stories about overcoming adversity, building confidence, strengthening families, and discovering purpose on and off the mats. You'll hear inspiring journeys of resilience, sacrifice, perseverance, and personal growth, along with practical insights on training, longevity, mindset, leadership, and the life lessons that Jiu-Jitsu teaches. Whether you're a lifelong grappler, just thinking about stepping onto the mats, or simply enjoy hearing powerful stories from extraordinary people, the Small Man Podcast delivers conversations that motivate, educate, and inspire. New episodes feature: Inspiring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journeysTraining, mindset, and longevity tipsFamily, faith, and community storiesInterviews with athletes, coaches, and local leadersLessons that apply far beyond the matsNo matter your size, background, or experience, everyone has a story worth telling. Train hard. Stay humble. Keep showing up. Welcome to the Small Man Podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Robin Fujimura
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Robin Fujimura
  • Show Website
    Small Man Jiu Jitsu