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.

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.