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. 11h ago

    Little Wisdoms: Situational Awareness and Looking Out for Each Other

    After a recent attempted kidnapping on Oʻahu, I sat down with Gilberto from Aloha Roll Academy to talk about situational awareness in everyday life. Gilberto shares how his experiences shaped the way he thinks about safety and what he teaches his students. We talk about noticing what’s happening around us, staying attentive in places like parking garages, and how people nearby can help when someone may be in danger. This conversation isn’t about judging the woman’s response or saying there’s one perfect way to handle a dangerous situation. It’s about learning to pay attention, asking for help when we need it, and looking out for one another. Little Wisdoms with the Small Man — Episode 7.

  2. 1d ago

    Vicky Kim | Never Too Small, Never Too Late for Jiu-Jitsu

    At 51 years old, standing just 4'9" and weighing under 100 pounds, Vicky Kim is showing that jiu-jitsu isn't just for the young, strong, or physically gifted. In this episode of the Small Man Jiu Jitsu Podcast, I sit down with Vicky, a purple belt from Culture Academy in Southern California, to talk about her journey from Brazil to the United States, her unconventional beginnings in jiu-jitsu, and her passion for encouraging more women to step onto the mats. Vicky first discovered jiu-jitsu in 1996 while attending college in São Paulo, Brazil. She was fascinated by the students practicing techniques and having fun, but the cost of training was beyond what she could afford. After moving to the United States in 2001 and learning English from scratch, she finally began training in 2013. Her first academy wasn't what most people would expect. It was a small UFC gym where students trained inside a boxing ring. When her instructor eventually left, she followed him to a friend's garage, where she continued training and earned her blue belt in 2017. Eventually, Vicky wanted more opportunities to train with women and people closer to her size. That led her to larger academies and a community that has become an important part of her life. We talk about the challenges of training as a smaller practitioner, the importance of technique over strength, and how jiu-jitsu has helped Vicky become more confident and assertive outside the academy. Vicky also shares her experience competing at the Masters Worlds, where she moved up a weight division and earned third place. For her, the friendships and connections she made were just as meaningful as the competition itself. Today, she's using Instagram, including Spanish-language videos, to encourage women of all ages to try jiu-jitsu. She wants them to understand that they don't have to be strong, athletic, or experienced to begin. What I enjoyed most about our conversation was how much Vicky values the people. Her story reminds us that jiu-jitsu is about more than techniques, belts, or medals. It's about confidence, friendships, personal growth, and finding a community that supports you. Her advice to anyone thinking about starting is simple: Don't overthink it. Just start. Connect with Vicky Kim Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pequenina_jitz/ Academy: Culture Academy, Southern California About the Small Man Jiu Jitsu Podcast Sharing the stories, experiences, and life lessons of people connected through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Everyone has a story worth hearing. #SmallManJiuJitsuPodcast #VickyKim #BrazilianJiuJitsu #WomenInBJJ #JiuJitsuOver50 #CultureAcademy #BJJCommunity

  3. 1d ago

    From Big Island Living Rooms to Checkmat Black Belt

    From training in Big Island living rooms to earning his Checkmat black belt, Kuhio Tabancura’s jiu-jitsu journey was built through persistence, competition, and a commitment to keep growing. Kuhio joins the Small Man Jiu Jitsu Podcast to share how he found jiu-jitsu, the people who shaped his path, and what earning a black belt means to him. We also discuss the lessons he has gained through competition and why bringing that experience and knowledge back home matters. This is a conversation about staying the course, representing where you come from, and using jiu-jitsu to strengthen the community around you. Follow Kuhio on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dkt808/ Follow the Small Man Jiu Jitsu Podcast for more stories from the jiu-jitsu community.

  4. 2d ago

    More Than Medals: Raising a Good Human Through Jiu-Jitsu

    Jiu-jitsu can teach a child how to compete, but the most important lessons often have nothing to do with medals. Robin sits down with longtime friends Nova and her son, Ziah. Ziah began training after being bullied as a young child. What started as a way to learn self-defense grew into years of competition, friendship, confidence, and personal growth. Nova explains why she has never measured Ziah’s success by where he stands on the podium. She wants him to learn how to face challenges, remain humble, treat his opponents with respect, and become a good example for his younger siblings. She also shares why she gives something to Ziah’s opponents after competitions, recognizing the courage and effort it takes for every child to step onto the mat. The conversation also explores Nova’s life as a mother of four and a full-time student, the sacrifices she makes for her family, and the faith that keeps her moving forward. More than medals, this is a story about raising a good person through jiu-jitsu.

  5. 2d ago

    A Slow-Burning Fire: Alexis Ridela’s Jiu-Jitsu Journey

    Alexis Ridela’s jiu-jitsu journey began gradually. After returning home from physical therapy school, she tried training and slowly found her way through competition, supportive women at the gym, and the community that made her want to keep coming back. Alexis talks about her background in college track and field, her work as a physical therapist, what she’s learned about jiu-jitsu injuries and prevention, and how training gives her a place to recharge. She also shares why consistency and finding your people can make all the difference. Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisgoesvroom/

  6. 2d ago

    Mark Heinzer: How His Son Started a Family Jiu-Jitsu Legacy

    One question from Mark Heinzer’s four-year-old son changed the direction of his life. Mark was an experienced kickboxer who initially dismissed jiu-jitsu as putting on pajamas and rolling around on the ground. After realizing he had given his son an excuse he would never want his son to use, Mark stepped onto the mat. A much smaller female purple belt quickly humbled him, and he became determined to understand how jiu-jitsu worked. Today, Mark is a third-degree black belt and the owner and head professor of Conde Koma NorCal Grappling Academy in San Jose, California. Jiu-jitsu has become part of his entire family’s life. His wife is a black belt, his son is a purple belt, and his daughter has competed in both jiu-jitsu and wrestling. Mark shares how his children kept him from quitting, why the white belt may be the most important promotion in jiu-jitsu, and how he is building an academy centered on inclusion, accountability and community. We also discuss balancing work, family and academy ownership, along with the responsibility that comes with wearing a black belt.

  7. 3d ago

    I'm Just the Vessel

    Little Wisdoms with the Small Man | Episode 6: I'm Just the Vessel What started as a way to share jiu-jitsu stories has become something much more meaningful to me. In this episode, I reflect on how my faith has influenced the direction of the Small Man Jiu Jitsu Podcast and why I believe God has given me this opportunity for a reason. I talk about sponsorships, helping people through difficult times, supporting small businesses, and why views and money aren't what motivate me to continue. I don't know exactly where this podcast is going, but I trust God has a plan. My responsibility is to keep showing up, listening, and helping wherever I can. I'm just the vessel. Be a good roll model.

  8. 4d ago

    From Cleaning Mats to Building Kaizen | Mikey Tengan

    Mikey Tengan began training at 15, paying for classes with money he saved from mowing his grandmother’s lawn. When he could no longer afford tuition, coach Ron Shiraki helped him stay on the mats. Mikey cleaned, helped teach kids, and later washed gis for pay. That mentorship shaped how Mikey teaches and supports his own students. He talks about the tough training culture he grew up in, nearly walking away, spending 11 years as a brown belt, and finally earning his black belt with longtime mentors beside him. He also shares how training with his son Sage led him to build KAIZEN Jiu-Jitsu Academy. A conversation about perseverance, mentorship, and passing what you’ve learned on to the next generation.

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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
    123
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Robin Fujimura
  • Show Website
    Small Man Jiu Jitsu

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