Current UFC strawweight Sam “Sampage” Hughes joins the Kings of Kimuras Podcast to tell the story of her journey from life before fighting to competing on the biggest stage in MMA.

Sam takes us back to the beginning—her background as a Division I cross-country and track athlete, discovering combat sports, stepping into the cage for the first time, and the rapid climb that eventually earned her a shot in the UFC.

We talk about what it was like making her UFC debut against Tecia Torres on just five days’ notice, the challenges of beginning her UFC career with three straight losses, and the decision to move to Dallas and begin training at Fortis MMA. Sam discusses how that move helped reshape her career, the lessons she learned training under high-level coaches, and the mental side of fighting when your career is on the line.

We also dive into the next chapter of Sam’s career—her continued evolution as a fighter and her move to Corvo Martial Arts, where she now trains alongside Coach Charles Byrd and the growing MMA team.

Sam talks openly about the highs and lows of professional fighting, learning from losses, staying coachable, developing confidence, and what it takes to continue improving after years of competing inside the UFC.

From her first fight to the UFC Octagon—and now to Corvo—this is the story of Sam Hughes continuing to evolve.

Connect with Kings of Kimuras and Corvo Martial Arts:

Follow Corvo Martial Arts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corvma

Follow Tony:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncletonybjj

Listen on all platforms:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout

Train with us at Corvo Martial Arts:
Website: https://www.corvomartialarts.com

In this episode of Kings of Kimuras, we sit down with Chris Martinez, founder of Phalanx, one of the pioneers of modern no-gi Jiu-Jitsu apparel. Chris shares the incredible story of building Phalanx from the ground up—starting with nothing more than a sewing machine, YouTube tutorials, and a relentless drive to create better gear for the Jiu-Jitsu community.

We also discuss the Corvo Team Challenge happening this Sunday at our Plano location, what competitors and spectators can expect, and why events like this help strengthen the Jiu-Jitsu community.

Along the way, we dive into:

• The early days of Phalanx and how Chris taught himself to sew and hand-built his first products.
• The evolution of no-gi Jiu-Jitsu.
• The realities of entrepreneurship and growing a successful business.
• Personal growth, leadership, and lessons learned through years on and off the mats.
• Why community, consistency, and purpose matter in both business and Jiu-Jitsu.

Whether you're a grappler, business owner, or someone looking for inspiration to build something meaningful, this episode is packed with valuable insights and great stories.

🎙️ Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the podcast—and if you're in the Dallas area, come check out the Corvo Team Challenge this Sunday!

Connect with Kings of Kimuras and Corvo Martial Arts:

Follow Corvo Martial Arts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corvma

Follow Tony:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncletonybjj

Listen on all platforms:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout

Train with us at Corvo Martial Arts:
Website: https://www.corvomartialarts.com

Former UFC fighter and longtime Fortis MMA head striking coach Charles Byrd joins the Kings of Kimuras Podcast to discuss his transition from professional fighter to coach and mentor. Charles shares the lessons he learned competing at the highest levels of the sport, the challenges of stepping away from active competition, and what it takes to develop young, hungry fighters into successful competitors.

We also dive into the importance of building a complete MMA athlete, creating the right culture inside a gym, and helping fighters navigate the mental and physical demands of the sport. Charles discusses his new role as Head Striking and MMA Coach at Corvo Martial Arts and his vision for developing the next generation of amateur and professional fighters.

Tony Trammell talks about leading the grappling program for Corvo's MMA team and how the partnership between striking and grappling coaches will create a well-rounded system for fighters looking to compete at the highest level.

Whether you're a fighter, coach, or martial arts enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on coaching, competition, leadership, and building successful athletes.

#KingsOfKimuras #CharlesByrd #UFC #MMA #CorvoMartialArts #FortisMMA #JiuJitsu #Striking #MMACoaching #CombatSports

Connect with Kings of Kimuras and Corvo Martial Arts:

Follow Corvo Martial Arts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corvma

Follow Tony:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncletonybjj

Listen on all platforms:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout

Train with us at Corvo Martial Arts:
Website: https://www.corvomartialarts.com

What if everything you’ve been told about UFOs, extraterrestrials, and the origins of humanity is only scratching the surface?
In this episode of Kings of Kimuras, we sit down with Mike and go deep into some of the most controversial and fascinating topics out there. From the claims of Bob Lazar and Area 51, to the ancient mysteries found in the Book of Enoch, this conversation challenges what we think we know about our reality.
We break down:
The truth behind Bob Lazar’s story and alleged reverse-engineering of alien technology
Hidden knowledge in ancient texts and what the Book of Enoch reveals about “watchers” and non-human intelligence
The possibility of extraterrestrial influence on early human civilization
Secret space programs and what governments may not be telling us
Personal perspectives on UFO sightings, UAPs, and the growing disclosure movement
Midway through the episode, things take a turn… and yeah, we lost the video. But honestly, it only adds to the vibe. From that point on, enjoy a curated sequence of UFO imagery while the conversation continues to unfold.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever questioned the official narrative and wondered what’s really out there.

#BobLazar #UFO #Aliens #BookOfEnoch #UAP #Area51 #AncientAliens #Podcast #KingsOfKimuras #disclosure

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Bob Lazar, Area 51, UFO podcast, extraterrestrials, aliens, Book of Enoch explained, watchers, nephilim, ancient aliens, UAP, secret space program, government secrets, alien technology, UFO sightings, disclosure, conspiracy podcast, Kings of Kimuras

Connect with Kings of Kimuras and Corvo Martial Arts:

Follow Corvo Martial Arts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corvma

Follow Tony:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncletonybjj

Listen on all platforms:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout

Train with us at Corvo Martial Arts:
Website: https://www.corvomartialarts.com

In this episode of Kings of Kimuras, Tony sits down with Dr. Marc Demyun to dive deep into the intersection of health, performance, and longevity—both on and off the mats.

We break down what it really takes to optimize your body for grappling, competition, and everyday life. Dr. Demyun shares insights on recovery, injury prevention, and how small habits can make a massive difference in performance over time. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just someone trying to stay healthy, this episode delivers practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

We also explore the mindset behind high-level performance—how discipline, consistency, and awareness play a role not just in Jiu Jitsu, but in life as a whole.

If you’ve ever dealt with injuries, plateaus, or just want to get more out of your training, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Connect with Kings of Kimuras and Corvo Martial Arts:

Follow Corvo Martial Arts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corvma

Follow Tony:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncletonybjj

Listen on all platforms:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout

Train with us at Corvo Martial Arts:
Website: https://www.corvomartialarts.com

In this episode of Kings of Kimuras, Tony sits down with Stephen, one of the kids coaches at Corvo Martial Arts, for a conversation about coaching, competition, and choosing a difficult path in life.

Tony and Stephen discuss the realities of teaching kids Jiu-Jitsu and the important role parents play in their children’s development. They dive into why it’s critical for kids to face challenging environments early, and how martial arts can help build resilience, discipline, and confidence that prepares them for the real world.

Stephen also shares about his recent experience competing in a cash bracket in Portland, what it’s like stepping into high-pressure matches, and how he’s preparing for the upcoming ADCC Open in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The conversation also shifts to Stephen’s decision to pursue a career as a firefighter, and how the mindset developed through training and competition helps prepare him for a profession built around service, risk, and responsibility.

This episode is a look at coaching the next generation, embracing difficult challenges, and building a life around discipline and purpose.

Connect with Kings of Kimuras and Corvo Martial Arts:

Follow Corvo Martial Arts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corvma

Follow Tony:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncletonybjj

Listen on all platforms:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout

Train with us at Corvo Martial Arts:
Website: https://www.corvomartialarts.com

Episode Description:
In this episode of Kings of Kimuras, we discuss a serious and important topic currently affecting the Jiu-Jitsu community — the recent allegations of sexual misconduct involving prominent figures and teams in the sport. We talk about the responsibility instructors carry, the importance of protecting students, and the culture that academies must build to ensure a safe training environment for everyone.

We also shift gears and talk about the early days of training, when it wasn’t uncommon for people to walk into academies and challenge instructors on the spot. We share stories from those times, how gym culture has evolved, and how respect, professionalism, and structure have changed Jiu-Jitsu for the better.

This episode is both a reflection on where the community stands today and a look back at where it came from.

In this episode, we cover:
• The recent misconduct allegations and their impact on the Jiu-Jitsu community
• The responsibility of academy owners and instructors
• Creating a safe and professional training environment
• Stories from the early days of open challenges in academies
• How gym culture has evolved over the years
• Why leadership and accountability matter more than ever

About Kings of Kimuras:
Kings of Kimuras is a podcast hosted by black belt instructors from Corvo Martial Arts, where we discuss Jiu-Jitsu, competition, gym culture, and the realities of life on and off the mat.

Connect with Kings of Kimuras and Corvo Martial Arts:

Follow Corvo Martial Arts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corvma

Follow Tony:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncletonybjj

Listen on all platforms:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout

Train with us at Corvo Martial Arts:
Website: https://www.corvomartialarts.com

Season 4 kicks off with a powerful conversation as we welcome our newest Corvo Martial Arts affiliate: Donny Bowden of Soda City Combat Club in Columbia, South Carolina.

In this episode, Donny talks about what it was like spending an entire week training inside Corvo — living the grind, absorbing details, and experiencing the culture firsthand. He shares what surprised him, what challenged him, and what he’s taking back to elevate his own team at Soda City.

We dive into:

• What a week inside Corvo is really like
• How Donny plans to implement technique, structure, and culture back home
• The mindset behind building a strong affiliate team
• Why he’s already planning his next trip to Texas

This is an inside look at what it means to grow, evolve, and align with a team that shares your goals. A true blueprint for the future of the Corvo affiliate network.

Welcome to Season 4. Let’s get after it.

Connect with Kings of Kimuras and Corvo Martial Arts:

Follow Corvo Martial Arts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corvma

Follow Tony:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncletonybjj

Listen on all platforms:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout

Train with us at Corvo Martial Arts:
Website: https://www.corvomartialarts.com