Episode 4 - Prof. Rodrigo Medeiros - Founder of BJJ Revolution

08/21/19 • 102 min

Rodrigo Medeiros is a 5th degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and was part of the famous Carlson Gracie Academy team in the 1980s and 1990s. With $800 in his pocket, that was enough for him to start a revolution when he came to the US from Brazil. That was BJJ Revolution, the franchise that today counts 57 locations around the world. In 2012, Rodrigo Medeiros moved to Hong Kong to found the jiu-jitsu program at EPIC MMA, a ground-breaking martial arts and fitness facility. In this podcast, Professor Medeiros talks about growing up in Brazil, his firsthand experience of Carlson Gracie, that unique moment of time as BJJ took an early foothold in the US, and why jiu-jitsu is the only martial art that works in any situation and can be practiced for as long as one lives. Professor Medeiros also shares his thoughts on building a world class Jiu-Jitsu franchise and team, and the future potential of the sport and practice in Asia.

Previous Episode

Episode 3 - Que Vinh Dang - The Chef

Transitioning from sous-chef to head chef is not dissimilar to one's jiu-jitsu journey. Our guest, Vietnamese Chef Que shares his recipe: first, master the fundamentals, but then create your own style. In your restaurant kitchen and in your game. Born in Vietnam, but having moved to New York City as a child, Chef Que grew up in an immigrant family in the Bronx. He then attended the Institute of Culinary Education and apprenticed at the some of the best New York restaurants. Upon moving to Hong Kong, Chef Que launched several successful and much beloved dining concepts including TBLS, Quest by Que, as well as his latest venture, NHAU, an exploration of contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. We talk about the nature of creativity, the difference between chefs and cooks, thinking in first principles and how the journey along the path of mastery is the same, whether it’s in cooking or jiu-jitsu.

Next Episode

Episode 5 - Viking Wong - The Inglorious Grappler

Viking Wong puts Hong Kong on the map in International jiu-jitsu competitions. His dream is to make the sport as accessible as possible.
Viking is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt and an active competitor on the international competition circuit with notable matches against world champions with his aggressive submission style. Before becoming the first Chinese male black belt to qualify and compete at the IBJJF World Championships in 2017, Viking’s first passion lay in the world of fashion. Graduating in fashion design from the renowned London College of Fashion, Viking worked at different design houses including Vivienne Westwood, Burberry and Victoria Beckham, before deciding to launch his own brand. Ever the entrepreneur, upon returning to his native Hong Kong, Viking launched several businesses including Sans Frontières Enterprises, The Openmat and Shoyoroll HK.
We talk about his roots in Hong Kong, what motivates him to such wildly diverse creative pursuits, his views on the competition circuit and his perspectives on the future of the grappling phenomenon in Hong Kong, China and beyond.