What starts as curiosity can become something that changes your life forever.

In this episode of the Small Man Podcast, Lisa Trong shares how a women's self-defense class introduced her to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and how training helped her build confidence, discover community, and develop a healthier mindset both on and off the mats.

From training in Concept Academy's original living-room studio to competing, surfing, and working as a nurse, Lisa reflects on the lessons that have shaped her journey. This conversation explores perseverance, friendship, technique over strength, lifelong health, and why it's never too late to start something new.

If you've ever wondered whether stepping onto the mats is worth it, Lisa's story might be exactly the encouragement you need.

What happens when a young Coast Guard member discovers that the biggest challenge in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn't learning techniques—it's learning humility?

In this episode of the Small Man Podcast, AJ Santos shares his journey from Guam to Hawaii, finding a second family at Concept Academy, and discovering that true progress comes from patience, consistency, and a willingness to learn. Along the way, he opens up about his first tournament, earning his blue belt, serving in the Coast Guard's search-and-rescue command center, and why mentorship has shaped both his jiu-jitsu and his life.

If you've ever struggled with consistency, confidence, or balancing work with training, this conversation will remind you that lasting growth isn't about going harder—it's about showing up with the right mindset.

At 58 years old, Oi says he's in the best shape of his life—but his journey wasn't always that way.

From breathing problems and constant injuries to becoming a brown belt, lifelong surfer, Marine veteran, lifeguard instructor, and mentor, Oi shares how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu completely transformed his life. Under the guidance of Brian Wong, Mel Wong, and Steve Litschauer, he learned that true success isn't about winning tournaments—it's about longevity, health, and becoming a better person.

In this episode, we explore the power of mentorship, breathing, resilience, surfing, lifesaving, and why Jiu-Jitsu continues to shape every part of his life. Whether you're a grappler, coach, parent, veteran, or simply someone looking to become healthier, this conversation offers lessons that extend far beyond the mats.

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.

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.

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.

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 Hawaii
• The benefits of cross-training between academies
• Building confidence, discipline, and leadership through BJJ
• The importance of humility in both victory and defeat
• Leo's coaching philosophy and competition mindset
• Why community will always matter more than politics

This 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.

What 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.

• Why community is the true reason people stay in jiu-jitsu
• Parenting through martial arts
• Coaching with humility and purpose
• The partnership between Roots Jiu-Jitsu and Victory Church
• Training as a smaller, older grappler
• The importance of Team Hawaii and cross-training
• Faith, leadership, and serving others
• Why the greatest victories happen off the mats

Whether 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.

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.

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.