Brendan Jackson's path into jiu-jitsu didn't start with the UFC or a dream of becoming a competitor. It started in a grocery store parking lot in Texas after he noticed a group of kids wearing white gis running out of a building with one word on the front: Jiu-Jitsu.

That simple moment changed the direction of his life.

In this episode, Brendan talks openly about the depression he was dealing with before finding jiu-jitsu, how training became an outlet during one of the hardest periods of his life, and the mentors who helped him see himself differently.

We also talk about moving from Texas to Hawaii, training through COVID, earning his black belt under Mike Fowler, coaching kids, balancing family life with graduate school, and why his goal isn't to create athletes who rely on speed or athleticism—but to teach jiu-jitsu that anyone can use, whether they're five years old or seventy-five.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Brendan's reminder that we sometimes spend so much time chasing belts, medals, or improvement that we forget the reason most of us started in the first place.

Have fun.

If you enjoy jiu-jitsu, you'll keep showing up. And sometimes that's where the biggest changes happen.

Mahalo to Brendan for taking the time to share his story.

When Megan first stepped onto the mats, she didn't even like jiu-jitsu.

She had just moved back to Hawaii, wasn't sure what direction life was heading, and only gave it a shot because her uncle had already bought her a gi. What started as "I'll give this a try" slowly became something much bigger.

In this conversation, Megan talks about the injuries that forced her to completely rethink her game, learning to compete with confidence while still battling nerves before every match, and why chasing improvement matters more to her now than trying to prove something to everyone else.

We also talk about training in Hawaii, balancing a full-time job while preparing for major tournaments, the people who have shaped her journey, and why family has always been at the center of everything she does.

What stood out to me most wasn't just Megan's success on the competition mats. It was hearing how jiu-jitsu helped her become someone she never thought she could be.

If you've ever dealt with injuries, self-doubt, or wondered if you're capable of more than you give yourself credit for, I think you'll find something in Megan's story that sticks with you.

Mahalo for listening, and as always, thank you for supporting the Hawaii jiu-jitsu community.

Justin Nagashima's jiu-jitsu journey has never been a straight line.

He began training in Kailua in 2007 before military service, deployments to Afghanistan, injuries, and surgeries interrupted his time on the mats. Through it all, the desire to train never disappeared. Today, as a black belt at CJJF Central, Justin continues to travel for work with a gi in his luggage, always looking for another place to learn, train, and connect with the jiu-jitsu community.

In this conversation, Justin shares stories from the military, returning after long layoffs, training around the world, finding value in teaching others, and why he believes patience and humility are lessons that extend far beyond jiu-jitsu.

This episode is a reminder that progress isn't always measured by medals or promotions. Sometimes it's simply about continuing to show up.

Mahalo for listening and for helping us preserve the stories that continue to shape Hawaii's jiu-jitsu community.

Born without a right foot, Tristan Miles refused to let adversity define his future. Instead, he found confidence, purpose, and community through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In this inspiring conversation, Tristan shares how Jiu-Jitsu helped him overcome bullying, the lessons he's learned chasing world championship dreams, and why humility, discipline, and perseverance continue to guide his life. From training on Kauai to competing at ADCC events, Tristan offers valuable insights for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone pursuing excellence.

Topics include:

• Growing up with a disability
• Building confidence through Jiu-Jitsu
• Competition mindset
• ADCC preparation
• Coaching kids
• Sponsorships
• Family support
• Handling defeat
• Pursuing world championships
• Representing Hawaii on the world stage

Raymond shares the story of overcoming fear to begin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and how one decision transformed his confidence, health, mindset, and community. From nervous beginner to blue belt, this episode explores why showing up is often the hardest—and most rewarding—part of the journey.

Brown belt Derek shares the lessons learned from more than a decade in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From overcoming the blue belt blues to traveling across the country to train, this conversation explores consistency, mentorship, competition, recovery, and why the journey matters more than the destination.

Born and raised in Guam, Miah discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 18 and eventually became a black belt, Coast Guard veteran, competitor, entrepreneur, coach, and community leader.

In this episode, Miah shares how he went from being afraid of public speaking to leading an academy, why he began teaching inside his living room, and how he balanced military service with building a new business.

He also opens up about the personal hardship he experienced behind the scenes and how that difficult period pushed him to improve his communication, confidence, emotional intelligence, and ability to lead.

Miah explains why medals are not the greatest reward of coaching, how competitors can process losses more effectively, and why a positive academy culture must begin with the person at the front of the room.

This is an honest conversation about jiu-jitsu, leadership, military service, entrepreneurship, emotional growth, competition, and creating a community where people feel at home.

Can Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu transform an entire family?

Brown belt and father of four Johnny Fidelson believes it can.

In this heartfelt conversation, Johnny shares how Jiu-Jitsu became the foundation for raising resilient children, strengthening family relationships, building lifelong friendships, and documenting an inspiring journey that has connected with thousands of people online.

We discuss parenting, youth competition, mentorship, community, social media, and why the greatest lessons learned on the mats have nothing to do with winning medals.

Whether you're a parent, coach, competitor, or simply someone who believes in personal growth, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and genuine inspiration.

Life doesn't always go according to plan—and Triston's story is proof that your toughest seasons can become your greatest teachers.

From growing up in Hawaiʻi and falling in love with wrestling to experiencing homelessness, working as a wildland firefighter, becoming a firefighter and paramedic, and eventually finding purpose through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Triston shares an honest conversation about resilience, discipline, faith, mentorship, and refusing to quit.

This episode explores how grappling shapes character, why great coaches change lives, and how the lessons learned on the mats can carry us through life's darkest moments.

Whether you're a jiu-jitsu practitioner, coach, parent, athlete, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation will remind you that perseverance is a skill anyone can build.

Most people think earning a black belt is the finish line.

Richie Haltieri learned it's actually the beginning.

In this episode of the Small Man Podcast, third-degree Renzo Gracie black belt Richie shares his journey from rough basement MMA training to helping lead one of the largest Renzo Gracie academies in upstate New York.

We talk about humility, coaching, leadership, longevity, academy culture, balancing family and work, and why becoming a black belt only increases your responsibility to others.

Whether you're a brand-new white belt or a seasoned coach, this conversation is packed with lessons that reach far beyond Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.