Above the bridge
Above the bridge
Episode 136 JASIAH KAMAKELE Hawaii MMA Fighter
Ever wondered what it takes to climb the ranks in the world of mixed martial arts? Meet Jasiah Kamakele, a promising fighter hailing from Hawaii, who shares his captivating journey from boxing in his uncle’s garage to the bright lights of the MMA scene. Siah opens up about his transition from traditional sports like baseball and soccer to finding his true calling in Jiu-Jitsu. We explore the intricacies of Hawaii's Jiu-Jitsu competitions and how they've shaped his career, highlighting the mental and physical challenges of taking on larger opponents and the relentless dedication needed to succeed.
Jasiah recounts his early career, including his unforgettable first MMA fight and kickboxing triumphs, offering insights into the preparation and strategy that underpin his successes. His story sheds light on the evolution of fighter intelligence and the relentless work ethic that fuels his journey. We also delve into the nuances of competing at different levels, from local arenas in Hawaii to the challenging circuits of King of the Cage in the mainland , where strategic thinking and composure become paramount. Through Jasiah's experiences, the episode unfolds the importance of maintaining balance—both in fighting and in life.
Beyond the cage, Jasiah shares his long-term vision as a martial artist, emphasizing the core values of humility and family. His future aspirations extend beyond becoming a UFC champion, focusing on holistic growth and the impact of his family values. As he navigates the spotlight, Jasiah grounded approach and dedication to expanding his brand while staying true to his roots offer a refreshing perspective. This episode provides an inspiring glimpse into the life of a rising star, underlining the importance of balancing ambition with authenticity and the dream of leaving a lasting legacy in the world of martial arts.
okay, welcome to another edition of the above the bridge podcast. I'm your host, thaddeus park. Happy new year. It's our first episode back from our break. We went to new york and had a cool vacation, but just wanted to wish everybody a happy new year. Hope your guys holidays was good. Um, first thing I want to do is shout out our sponsors first.
Speaker 2:We have defend hawaii and they've been with us since the start. If you go to their website, defend hawaii dot com, check out what they have. They also have a store in windward mall called no one. But go to defend hawaiicom. Use promo code atb pod. Upon checkout, you'll get 15 off your entire purchase order. Check what they got. They're just dropping some new stuff for after the holidays, so go check them out. Next we have irep detail supply and they're your one-stop shop superstore for everything you need to detail your car, truck, van or whatever vehicle you have. They have a store in Temple Valley Shopping Center. They also have one in Vegas, but you can go to their website, irepdetailsupplycom, promo code ATBPOD upon checkout and you'll get 15% off your entire purchase order.
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Speaker 2:While we're on break, we shall be dropping episodes pretty much every week, unless something comes up. I have a. My daughter has a big volleyball tournament in a week, so we might skip that week, but other than that we'll be dropping episodes every week. Go tell your friends like, subscribe and leave a comment on our YouTube or on our Instagram and it will be greatly appreciated. All right, aloha. Okay, this week I'm welcoming for the first time on a podcast, aloha coming out of Hawaii in the mixed martial arts scene and, uh, this kid impressed me from the moment I met him and I've been a fan of him since meeting him. Josiah Kamakele, what's up, man? Hi bro, I've watched you fight, I watched you train, like just at the beach and stuff, and you are next level. I am super impressed with your work ethic and, for one, your fighter iq and the passion you have for mma is. It's uh refreshing to see. It's a trip, man. How long have you been um into this martial arts thing?
Speaker 1:Like I think, like 10 years, like 10.
Speaker 2:Yeah, you've been doing it for a while, huh.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Well, when you're growing up, what kind of sports did you play before?
Speaker 1:I played like I did like baseball and like flag football and stuff and I did like soccer, but like I didn't really like any of them, like I would kind of just be like playing around yeah, like messing like during the games and stuff and what was the first martial arts you started?
Speaker 2:I would assume Jiu-Jitsu or boxing.
Speaker 1:The first thing I started training was boxing, but it was like in my uncle's garage and we would like hit mitts and stuff. And then after that he told me I should start doing Jiu-Jitsu at a place called Gracie Jiuitsu Kailua. And then I went and then once I went, like after the first day I was like addicted, like I liked it a lot oh nice, so that that's how you found your passion yeah and you?
Speaker 2:how old were you? Around 10 years old yeah, like 10 oh, I remember.
Speaker 1:I was on. I was trying to think like if I should do wrestling or um or jujitsu. So I was watching like highlights on youtube and I was having a hard time because I was watching like a bunch of cool highlights and then I ended up picking jujitsu.
Speaker 2:Oh, and you stuck with it ever since.
Speaker 1:Yeah, but there was a lot of times where I would leave, like to get ready for like boxing competitions or kickboxing or wrestling, and then I would come back and my coaches would be like, oh, where were you? You were gone for like a couple of months. And I was like, oh, where were you? You were gone for like a couple of months and I was like, oh, I had a kickboxing fight or something.
Speaker 2:So you're kind of more well-rounded than people know. Your base is jiu-jitsu, but you kickbox and you do boxing matches also.
Speaker 1:Yeah, you do boxing matches also, yeah, yeah, I think, um, from my fights, people probably just think I'm like a ground person. But I don't know, I feel like I just chose to go to the ground because, like, if I have a choice between the grapple and the strike, I kind of always pick grappling because it's like safer yeah, well, I've been watching, um, your two amateur fights that were in hawaii and right, it was fun to watch.
Speaker 2:It's the demeanor you had just walking to the cage. That stuff you can't be taught. Like you just had that focus, calm, like you didn't look excited, you wasn't trying to amp yourself up, you just like, okay, I'm walking to here, I'm gonna do my job, and it's kind of cool to see someone at your age have that, um, demeanor or mental strength that a lot of veteran fighters have. Like you're always like that. When you got to compete Like you were in phase, it didn't seem like you were phased.
Speaker 1:When I first started competing I would be like tripping out, like when I first started, like I was like cold, like I was breathing and my hands were sweating, and then like, and then over like a lot, lot of competitions. Then it got better and better and then, but like I got to a point where I was kind of mad because I was like I've been competing so long and I'm still getting nervous, and it made me like irritated. So I just decided like I'm just not gonna be nervous and then when I compete, I would just, I just wouldn't think like nothing is even thinking in my brain, like I'm just like I don't know, I'm just like present oh, that's a good way to describe it.
Speaker 2:I know I would get nervous and um, it's that feel the moment before the moment, and like when you're getting your hands taped and stuff. Like that like yeah, yeah, those feelings I I miss. But, um, you competed in jujitsu at young, at a young age, like jujitsu tournaments, like when you're like 10 and stuff, yeah, so you've been around there for a long time. How has the evolution of Hawaii been in the jiu-jitsu circuit? Because I remember before like jiu-jitsu wasn't that popular and then all of a sudden they have, like Naga, the triple crown and all these big tournaments and what a gyms are packed and there's like a line down the street just to weigh in. Like, have you, since you've been there at such an early age, have you seen the jujitsu um community grow in hawaii?
Speaker 1:um, I think, like I don't think I was training like long enough for like to like notice anything, like it still kind of seems the same like um, even when I go to jujitsu, like when I show up early, sometimes there's like kids classes that I used to be in and when I watch like oh what the heck, like like that felt like it was like not even that long ago, like they're all like little kids. Then I remember I used to be in the classes oh, that's super cool.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's. It's a good base to start as a, as a young competitor, the um competition wise. Has it grown like you fight like choke kids back in the day, or would be just like couple kids and then you're in the middle rounds already?
Speaker 1:um, I think I think there might be more people now, because maybe it's just because I'm in the adult divisions now, but like before I would have like two or three matches in like each division. But now I feel like there's like maybe a little bit more, but I don't know if it's just because I'm an adult now.
Speaker 1:Well, I've seen some videos of your recent jujitsu tournaments and, brah, you've been, uh, kind of thinking outside the box with with these tournaments you fighting, like guys feeling like like that scary feeling of like, oh, like you're supposed to lose, like because the guy's ginormous, like I kind of like it because everyone thinks you're gonna lose, and like if you come out on top then it's really cool. But I had like two matches like that. The guys were big but, I felt like I did good yeah yeah, your dad was explaining to me.
Speaker 2:He sent me the videos and explained to me. He's like oh yeah, he like fight these guys that are super big, because it tests you more than just fighting guys like your own weight class and stuff, which is cool, but it's kind of dangerous too, right?
Speaker 1:these guys could just, yeah, fling you around yeah, like it makes me really um, like cautious of the way I move and the way I land because, like, if I laugh a certain way, I could probably like break something or like they're just, they're really big. But it's good because it makes um, when I go against people my size, it makes it a lot easier oh yeah, that's, that's definitely for sure.
Speaker 2:Um so these tournaments you fight in multiple weight classes or like there's like what gi, no gi, and all that kind of stuff yeah there's, I enter in like gi no gi and then the absolute for the absolute, like the open weight.
Speaker 1:Um, I had a tournament I entered in, gi no gi and then no, gi, absolute and gi absolute. But like I don't know, maybe I'll do that again. But like, oh, I was really tired, like after two divisions, like I was like laying on the mat and like my eyes were like burning, like you know, when you're really tired and your eyes are like watery and burning, like, yeah, I was like that and I was like laying down and I was going to go to sleep and then, like they were calling my name and then I had to go on the mat straight from like lying down. Then I was like, oh, I don't know, maybe maybe I entered too much division that's nuts.
Speaker 2:That's a long day, but what weight do you normally compete at, at least for jujitsu?
Speaker 1:um, I think the weight class is 137 to 147. I do that one.
Speaker 2:And what you got a cut for that or just that's kind of your natural.
Speaker 1:No, I just show up and weigh in.
Speaker 2:Oh nice when you fight MMA. What would be your ideal weight class to fight in?
Speaker 1:Like 35 or 25, but like my first fight was at 35 and then my fight after that was a week later, so that one was at 45 and I did that one at 45 too, because the first fight I had, the guy that I fought the week after fought too, and he was supposed to fight at 35 and he weighed in right before me and he stepped on the scale and he weighed in that one 45.
Speaker 1:And I was like I swear he's supposed to be fighting 35. And the doctor would say, oh, um, we have a sauna. Do you want to try cut the weight? And he was like, oh, no, no, it's okay. And then the other guys accepted the fight. So then after I won, um, these guys were talking to me and they were like, oh, you want to fight him next week? And I was like yeah, and they said 35 and I was like, oh, no, just make it 45, because if I cut to 35 the guy's just gonna do the same thing yeah, yep, exactly that's smart.
Speaker 2:That way you didn't have to cut. But it's like in Hawaii. It's like some of these guys, they don't take it serious. It's like, what are you going to do? You don't Say you're matched up against somebody, they don't make weight because they're not taking it serious. And then you either got to accept the fight or not accept the fight. If you don't accept it, like there's not enough fights in Hawaii to be able to like, oh, I'll just fight one in a couple of weeks it's like oh, you got to wait a couple of months, so it's, it's hard to not accept it.
Speaker 2:And if it's amateur, like nobody's gonna look at, oh the guy never weighed in correctly, or what it's gonna be, just win, loss, you know, I mean, so it's kind of hard. But you you want to compete, you know I mean. So that was smart that you just said at 45, because I know he gonna make it, I don't gotta cut, yeah yeah, did he make, did that guy?
Speaker 1:make 45 um, yeah, yeah, he made 45, but um, so, like a lot of people they especially an amateur they were like I think they sign up for a weight class and they know they're gonna miss weight and they just show up and miss weight because they know like the guy's not gonna go. Oh okay, no fight, so they just fight anyways. Yeah.
Speaker 2:So like I think that's kind of like messed up because the other guy's cutting weight and you know like they're not gonna cancel it, because like yeah, you train so long to get ready, yeah, especially, uh like, like I said there's, you don't know when your next one's gonna be because you had like two back-to-back and you don't know when your next one's going to be because you had like two back to back and you haven't fought in Hawaii since, huh, since the X1.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so after that, my next one was in Idaho.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, that's right. I remember we were trying to figure out how we could get there, but it was on a Thursday. Oh yeah, the first fight you had was Destiny was at Blaisdell.
Speaker 1:Right, yeah, that was your first mma fight, like full mma yeah, so I wanted to me when I turned 18, but I don't think there was any um events like coming up, so I had to wait, yeah so if you're amateur fighting mma, what would be the difference between that and then fighting pro other than the pay?
Speaker 2:are there certain rules you can or cannot do?
Speaker 1:um, I think in pro you can elbow and you can knee. Oh no, in amateur you can need to. There's different um rules, like in in. When I went to idaho for king of the cage they told me I could elbow, but when I fought here I think they said you can.
Speaker 2:I think just different promotions has like different rules so fighting in hawaii for the first mma, that's kind of big time. You had to fight in blaisdell and it was pretty. You had a lot of people and bro. You seem like super calm and relaxed. That was your first mma fight. How was that experience for you in your opinion? Because in your, in my head, it looked like you've done it a million times before it was.
Speaker 1:I was like I was thinking like holy smokes, like like um, from when I first started training, I would always like think like I would like. I was always thinking like I can't wait till I turn 18, because I always wanted to play mma but I couldn't. And I tried to get pancreas and fight sue, which is like mma, but we never could find any. So, like when I turned 18, I was like, oh, like it seems like it took long, but like the time also flew by and, yeah, I was just like excited. I felt really ready. Like I felt like this, there's no ways. Like maybe there is, but even if there is, I don't care, there's no ways. This guy was training from like as long as I was and cared as much as I did to fight mma and like, even if he did, I still wouldn't. I still feel like my, the way I care and train is like probably way more than him I think it's a lot way more than most people that are in the sport.
Speaker 2:And that fight was pretty evident. You were the better guy. Like you double-legged, took him down and choked him out. It was like a textbook clinic watching that fight and for your first time it was pretty cool to see. But what did you see? Going into that fight Like you just knew like I'm going to take this guy down and that was it. It seemed pretty easy um, I didn't really.
Speaker 1:I couldn't find any tape of the guy because we're both oh and oh, but I just I was just thinking well, like, oh, my grappling is probably better than his, so I don't know, I just, I kind of I was just really present, like my plan was to just like not have a plan and to just be really moment, and I don't know I just shot and then the match was over, like it was all really fast, and then when it was done I was like, oh, I was like all happy because I was like, oh, like I didn't get like hurt or anything yeah, you didn't even get touched.
Speaker 2:I don't think the? Um, what was the feeling after, like, were you like, oh shoot, I really did, I really fought, mma and won, or was it like super gratifying, or was it ah, it's not not that big a deal it was like it felt like.
Speaker 1:It felt like like I walked backstage and I was like, oh, what the heck? Like, like I was like for weeks or like like pretty much like for years, like I was just thinking about it so much, and then the match was like a minute long, like all of those years, and then a minute and I was like, oh, and then I walked backstage and me and everybody was like shaking hands and I was like, oh, that was cool yeah, that was super cool.
Speaker 2:Um, yeah, you came out in your shorts and sat on the floor and watch your friends fight. It was. It was like you didn't even like do anything. I'm like, bro, you realize you just went and fought and won and it was like, ah, it's just another day in the office seemed like the um second fight you had. What is that go?
Speaker 1:ahead. Even though that was my first MMA fight, I feel like I was training MMA for really long, yeah. So I kind of felt like, oh, whoever I go against, even though it's O and O, it's not really like O and O, because I've been training MMA for long.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and you got to compete kickboxing. So if that competition, when you make that walk, regardless of if what it is, it does do something for your experience and you fought kickboxing in the mainland too right.
Speaker 1:Yeah, one time in Tennessee. Yeah, how was that it was good. Um, I had one fight. It's it's like a national championship and, like everyone's brackets that I went with was like full and my bracket had like I. So I was like, oh, perfect, if I win once, then they'll be like oh, national champ.
Speaker 1:So, I just had one fight and it went good. I won by knockout and that was my first time ever dropping somebody like with a headshot, like ever. Like I didn't even feel it I threw an uppercut or I was throwing left hooks to the body and I knew it was hurting him because he was making noises. So I faked it and I uppercercut and I didn't even know it landed, like I thought it missed, like I didn't even feel it, but I think it just nipped his chin and then he fell and I was like, and then I was like, holy smokes, I just dropped him.
Speaker 2:oh, so you're national champion?
Speaker 1:then yeah, I guess, but like it was only one fight.
Speaker 2:Hey, still on the record books it says national champion, so you gotta own it. It's good for your resume. You know what I mean.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I put it on my resume for when I apply to jobs.
Speaker 2:Yup Bruh, watching your second mma fight and that was at the bro. That was at a school field, did you know it? I was like the first time I've ever been on base, just like over there. It was kind of weird. And it was on base, it was at 604, inside of a. It looked like a ballroom and it was pretty cool. The X1 had put on a good production. But that fight too, it was better, in my opinion, for you because you got ring time or cage time. How was that for you being in a longer fight? Because that one was second round, you won. Huh yeah, that one was second round, you won.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that one. That one was good. I never experienced, or in practice I did a lot Like experience striking In MMA gloves, but I never Really, only like in practice.
Speaker 1:There's times where you go hard and if you get caught you can get knocked out. Like that was the first time I ever fought someone in mma gloves where they're giving like full intention, yeah, and like the punches like they don't even, they just look like blurs because like it's so fast and the gloves are so small. And when I was blocking even though like I felt like I blocked everything, but even though when I was blocking it, I was like, oh, this is like, this is dangerous, like if one lands, I feel like you can get knocked out oh yeah that's why, like, my heart was like, because it's just like inches oh yeah, you putting yourself in the uh, the fire zone man, but it didn't seem like you were.
Speaker 2:You were rattled, I mean, and you got hit. I seen you get hit a couple times and you, that's the, that's the test. When you get hit, when you're pounding out somebody or like everything's going your way, that's all gravy. But when you gotta fight through adversity, that's when you kind of really test your skills. And you got hit a couple times. You didn't get shook, like you stayed focused, it didn't bother you, you didn't like wince or you just kind of went with it, return your own shots back and did your thing, took him down and, bro, like, like you said, once you take him down, it's kind of game over from from, at least from what I've seen, you know? I mean, is that how it played out when in your head when you were fighting this dude?
Speaker 1:yeah, I was watching tape on him and, um, when I was watching tape, like the one thing I noticed was like, okay, like this guy, like he literally like he just doesn't care. Like I watch all his fights and he just comes out swinging and like, even when he gets like I don't know, I guess he just doesn't care if he gets knocked out, because, like he was swinging and the guys catch him, drop him and he'd get up and he'd just be swinging again. So I was thinking like there's not part of my plan, wouldn't be to try like, um, like you know, some people they throw crazy, but if you catch them with a good one, then they'll kind of like respect it and they stop. I know with this guy, catch him when like a head kick, and he would just, he just I don't know he's like crazy or something.
Speaker 2:He just keeps going yeah, but to be in that moment, and for one that's, that's a trip, that you even know that and you can break down a fighter just from watching tape, because usually that takes years to kind of understand, and and being a veteran to understand you're, you're a real student of the game in all aspects. What do you think brought your mindset to that? Like, how have you I mean, granted, it's your passion, but what? How did you develop that kind of fighter IQ?
Speaker 1:I think it's just because. I think part of it is because I started with jiu-jitsu and I feel like jiu-jitsu is more of like a lifestyle than a lot of other sports. Like a lot of other sports are, but jiu-jitsu you can do it all your life, so they treat it more as like a lot of other sports are, but jiu-jitsu you can do it all your life, so they treat it more as like a lifestyle. I feel like with a lot of like really physical sports, they treat it as like you're only doing it for a certain amount of time, because when you get older like wrestling or judo, like you don't really see like really old people doing it, because you can get hurt.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so it's just like a lifestyle and and like I feel like I just approach it like slow and steady, like I don't really I don't even really think about um, like like when I'm gonna fight, like I just train and like the time just flies by and next thing, you know, I'm fighting because I just learn every day, and like I just like, I just like fall into it, like I don't know, I just really, I like all the details and stuff it.
Speaker 2:It seems like it. I mean, we're at your birthday barbecue and you're training on the side and your dad explains to me like hold this kid, he don't, that's, all he wants to do is train. What do you think Develop your work ethic like that? Cause most kids like bra, especially at your age. They ain't trying to trying to train all day, Like the work is like what they say. Everybody wants to be a champion until it's time to do champion shit. And you've been training like a champion for years with that mindset and work ethic that is at a such a professional elite level. But you're young and starting out like how did you develop that mindset and work ethic?
Speaker 1:I think it just built momentum over time, like when I first started training the kids classes at the jujitsu place. I trained, I think it was like three days a week, so I'd only be training like three days a week and like some days I would have to like miss for like family stuff and then like over time it would be like four days, five days, and then it just grew and grew and then now it's kind of like ridiculous, like now I just like I train and then like I sleep and like like I'm just like I'm training, like like a lot, like now it's like I'm training more than doing anything else.
Speaker 2:Yeah, but it's. I guess that's like is what you love to do. And, um, yeah, it's, it's hard to find your passion at a young age. And then it's like, okay, okay, this is what I'm gonna do. Um, you got to fight in the mainland, like you said, for king of the cage. How was that experience? Because now you're going into, like I mean, your first couple fights. You had fans, right, you had your whole family, all your uncles, and everybody was there. I, I was there. Then you had to go to the mainland where you didn't know nobody. Your dad was in your corner. Yeah, how was that? Brian, how did you even get picked to fight King of the Cage?
Speaker 1:My dad was talking with Kai Kamaka because they're friends and they hang hang out and stuff. So, yeah, hi, and then my dad told me and I think that was right after my like, right after my x1 fight, like not too long after my dad called me and then he told me about it and I was was like, oh yeah, I want to do it. And then he told me the guy's name and I started watching tape immediately. And then, oh, idol is really nice, I like it, and the people are super nice too. Like they kind of seem like Hawaii people, but it's like different, like it's like Hawaii people, but like with like like a different culture, like I don't know, yeah, but people are really nice.
Speaker 2:Well, that's, that's cool, man. And how was competing over there when not being around like your fans or family? Or how was like walking into the cage in a foreign environment fighting one dude who's probably from there or whatever, and it's like, okay, this is the me against the world, kind of thing um, I felt, I felt good, like I kind of like the feeling of like when you like go in and like he's like the hometown guy and like I don't know, I like that.
Speaker 1:I, I like that feeling in like different things, like even in jujitsu, when I go against bigger people, like I always like that feeling where it's like you're supposed to lose yeah like I don't know it's good, like it feels better than if you're supposed to win and then you win.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so how did you beat this guy in the King of the Cage In the first round? We were moving around striking a little bit and then I took him down and then, oh, the first time I took him down. I took him down and once he hit the ground he grabbed the cage and he pulled himself up, and then the rest of the thing and I was like, oh, and then I took him down again and I was just controlling him punching. I didn't really posture up because I didn't want him to like explode and stand up, and I did that the first round and then the second round and then the third round, so you pretty much khabib them yeah, but with less, with less damage.
Speaker 1:I wish I still have to work on a lot of stuff and I want to like be able to like punch people and pound people a lot without them getting up. Yeah, it's like with this guy. I could feel it Like if I was to let go and try punch, you would explode and get up.
Speaker 2:Oh, so you're just posturing to make sure he wouldn't get up and just land your shots.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Um, one thing I did notice about your fight is you're smart enough to know what you got to do to win. Like it's like you don't have that. Oh, I was going to stand and bang, and you know what I mean. The local mentality is like oh, this is how I'm going to win, this is what I got to do, I'm going to do it right now and boom, done. And that's the best way. You don't let pride or emotion get into it, Because that second fight, when he caught you, you could have just decided like you said oh, I'm just going to trade in, bang with this guy and go all out. It's like, nope, I'll take him down and do what I do, and that takes a lot of discipline.
Speaker 1:Yeah, something I learned was like right now I'm 19, and I want to be fighting for a long time and I was thinking like if I was to fight and always like trade or like even just trade a little bit like, say, if I only got, say if I only got punched like five times in one fight, which is like really little, but I fight 20 times in my career, even though I'm probably gonna fight more than that if I don't get like injured or something, then that's like 100 punches at least or like like 50 or whatever. Like that's just that's a lot of damage, like it's little bit. Every time I just I rather win and like I'm all like healthy and I can like hang out with my family and stuff.
Speaker 2:Yeah that's the best way, that's the. That was the best way. I would always feel the same, like I ain't trying to bang and like a couple of my teammates, that was their mentality I'm gonna bang and trade and oh I, I get hit and I'm gonna go all out. I was like, fuck that I'm gonna. I'm gonna get not hit and hit the guys many times I can without getting hit and look pretty in the after party yeah, plus I feel, like I'm fighting yeah, are you trying to piss blood?
Speaker 2:and can I shampoo your hair because your head is all lumped? Yeah, that's not the business, bro.
Speaker 1:Yeah I feel like fighting like that it's like it's kind of it's like a waste, because you train so much to like develop skill and stuff and then if you, when you go to fight you just do that, it's like a waste of all that training because, like someone who never trained before can just throw yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2:Um, you got to train and I seen pictures and videos of you being able to train in uh vegas with some of the some big time pro athletes that are at uh, what was it?
Speaker 1:couture's gym yeah, I actually. I actually went to Couture.
Speaker 2:Yeah, how was that, how was that experience? And then how did you kind of feel you did against top-level competitors?
Speaker 1:It was good. Kaika Maka. I want to thank him because, like he was just like taking me along the whole time and bringing me to like pro classes and then when I'd go to the classes, I would be like looking around and I was like holy smokes, like I see all these people on TV and I'm like in the same class as them, and like it was super cool. And when I sparred, we, um, we had to partner up for drills and I looked around and I everybody had partners. I think I don't. I think nobody wanted to partner with me because, like they're all like pros and like high level and I probably like just looked like a kid and I was an amateur.
Speaker 1:And then there was this other guy there named uh kobe he's, he's really good. And he partnered with me and oh, it was good, he's a really good wrestler. And after I went with him he told me he was like, oh, you're gonna be great, like just keep it up, you're gonna be amazing.
Speaker 2:And I was like, oh, like that felt good yeah, I mean like you're going going up against guys that do it all the time, but it's like they're doing it, like you said, with each other, like you're in a classroom with pros. That's only going to help you. So for you to be in that class and to kind of feel it out, you felt like you belonged.
Speaker 1:It was like, okay, like I'm on, I'm on a path on this level yeah, I felt like after training I was like, oh, I think I'm like, I think I'm good because, like, because like I was like thinking, oh, I think I'm good, because I was thinking, oh, these guys are UFC fighters and stuff. And then after training I was like oh, I think I'm pretty good, because I felt like I did pretty good.
Speaker 1:I asked Sean this far and he was like oh no, get know, get away, you're too small. I knock you out and I said okay at least you asked bro yeah there's a lot of Hawaii fighters that come out of that gym.
Speaker 2:I actually had a couple on. I had Puna, I had Puni on and Puna on my show and they fight out of that gym and it's it seems like that's a good local base for Hawaii fighters to go to because it's so close I mean, vegas is what the ninth Island. So you ever thought about moving up there and being like, oh, I'm going to like train for real with these guys full time. Yeah I. My plan was like, oh, I'm going to train for real with these guys full time.
Speaker 1:Yeah, my plan was like when I turn I don't know I wasn't planning on telling people, but I don't know, maybe it doesn't matter, but I was planning when I turn once I turn 21, on my birthday I'll turn pro. And from now until then I wanted to like work and just like save money and like right now I'm doing personal training. So I was thinking, maybe before I move there I can like collect clients in Vegas, so when I move I can train there and I can do personal training. And I just set things up because, like I, I want to go there and train and get to the next level.
Speaker 1:I feel like when I show up to the practices, like like when I train here, like a lot of people are focused, but some people is just like they just finish work and like they just want to train, like they don't want to be like fighters. But when I went to Vegas, like uh, when I trained with Kai, he already had like things in his head that he had that he wanted to work on and I think he had notes on his phone and I was like, oh, what the heck, that's what I do. And like there's literally like no one, no one that always like matches, like like my, like, like I'm like focused and I want to do this and that and he did that. And like everyone comes to training with like something in their mind that they want to do, and like intention and purpose, like they're not just like going to the motions, yeah, and I was like, oh, I want to move here because everyone here is like like me.
Speaker 2:Yeah, a room full of lions. And, like you said, like Hawaii, a lot of people train like just to stay in shape or just to move around and just to spar or whatever, but they're not full-time fighters, they're not. Yeah, like you're. Where do you train at hybrid?
Speaker 1:um, I trained at hybrid for a couple years and then we I always train that br Jiu Jitsu Kailua For like Like a long time, like since I was like 10. And then I trained with Harris. I trained with him at Hybrid, but he moved over to Gracie's now To teach the MMA.
Speaker 1:Now I just do both at one place, but I also cross trained too, like at um, hawaii for sparring and stuff oh nice with Charles there yeah, I still even um my high school at um Kailua when it's wrestling season then I go to train with them because, like I feel like a lot of people probably think like, oh, like high schoolers like adults is like better, but a lot of high schoolers are way better than adults at wrestling oh, that's smart.
Speaker 2:Plus, you can teach the um up and comer some stuff too.
Speaker 1:You know, I mean yeah, I go to um, to wrestling a nice bar and stuff and then from there I'll go to jujitsu and then after that I'll do mma. Oh, before I used to go to wrestling and do like the whole practice and then go to jujitsu and do the whole practice and then mma. But after a while like I learned like, oh, like I would be like so burnt out like by the time I'm at mma I'm just getting like beat up. So I changed it to where, like I go wrestling and I only go towards the end, that's sparring and then I go to jitsu and I go really light but then I spar, like that's something I learned was like managing my training load, because I used to always think like you just train more, train hard, like it was like a movie or something, but that that, that's not the way it works yeah, it isn't, bro, you gotta, you gotta respect your body.
Speaker 2:Plus, too, that's when you get injured, you know? I mean, that's how you can get injured, do you? Do you take time off at all like? Do you rest?
Speaker 1:yeah, like today, I barely like ever, like rarely ever, rest during the week, but today I'm resting, or after this I'm gonna do bag work and jog, but like that's pretty much resting, because I usually do like a lot more, but um, because I usually do like a lot more, but um, something I'm learning is to like listen to my body.
Speaker 1:It's like I'm trying to like change my mind. For a long time I was like thinking like, um, like you just train, train more and more, and like the more is better, and then, through like time and experience, I learned that's not how it works. So now I'm like trying to change the way my mind thinks. But it's still hard, because sometimes, yeah, I'm resting and I'm like like it's like side of me is like no, like you got to train more, like well, you got to be the best or whatever, and then the other side is like like you can't be emotional, you just have to actually be like logical yep, and resting your body is when your body heals and that's when you'll be able to push it more.
Speaker 2:But as, as you get older, you'll learn that right now you're at 8, 19 and invincible bro. That's this the way I feel now. It's like, oh, I gotta freaking stretch out before I go use the bathroom in the middle of the night. But you gotta um right, you gotta like you, like you said, like you want to be able to take less damage. So so, body, body, what is it called when you um recovery, you gotta do recovery. So what kind of stuff do you do for recovery?
Speaker 1:I um, something I learned was like the pyramid, which is like the bottom is the most important, and then it's like a triangle and it gets smaller and smaller and the top is like the least important stuff yeah I think number one is like training load and sleep, so like your training schedule and sleeping the right amount, and then like nutrition and hydration, like drinking water and electrolytes and eating good, and then after that it's all like the fancy stuff, like ice, ice baths and stuff. But um, before I had it like all messed up like I would I would like do, like all the fancy stuff but not the important stuff. But now I just focus on the basics.
Speaker 2:That's smart. It's good to be doing that at your age too. Man, Sleep, honestly, is the best thing for your body, no matter what Sleep. Like you said, water, Yep, that's the best thing for your body. I don't understand Lakeo. You fight around 135, 125. In my head, I don't understand how you can make weight with the way your mother cooks, Because your mother is probably one of the best cooks I have ever met. I ate brah. I've tasted things I didn't even know existed Poi stew, Like your mom, she owns Ono, Eats by Casey Right, that's what it is, Ono.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2:Brah, her garlic shrimp. The one I like is the spicy lilikoi garlic shrimp and for me that's the best on on earth. They I I put that up against giovanni's or any of those north shore ones to me that her shrimp is better than anything any other garlic shrimp in on the planet. That being said, I also had her poi stew, her beef stew, her chili. I had her patele stew. What else? Oh, porgy bean soup, everything she makes. Oh, the squid luau Hawaiian food too. So anybody needs catering. Go hit up Ono Eats by Casey, because by far her squid luau. We had it at our daughter's volleyball Christmas party and even my dad thought that was fire. But how do you not get overweight having accessibility to your mom's cooking every day?
Speaker 1:Um, when I was younger I would eat a lot Like I would just eat whatever my mom makes. But then, um, over time I guess they got more into like um. I guess, as I learned more I would see the way they eat and then I would say, oh, I don't eat like that. So I had to change little by little. But my mom would get frustrated because, like, she would make dinner and she would like spend a long time making dinner, and then everyone, she would be making everyone's food and then I would be like cooking like I don't know, like eggs or something.
Speaker 1:And she's like she would be like all pissed, but over time, like now, she's just like used to it, like I just, but I still eat my mom's food. It just depends what it is Like.
Speaker 2:Koisu is, butisu is, but like other stuff maybe not yeah, well, honestly, that takes discipline because, bro, if I lived at your house, I'd probably weigh half grand because I'd be mopping all that every day. Yeah, she's good, bro, super good. Um, what I wanted to ask you is, like you said that you are doing personal training and you're working at ufc gym, but now you're being able to train people like one-on-one kind and and like you, become their personal trainer and you can start getting your own clients.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:That's super good.
Speaker 1:What do you train them? It depends what they want to work on. Right now I have one client and there's four people. I still have to schedule time and stuff. But I started like two weeks ago and like it's good, like I already have a bunch of people that want to set up stuff. But right now I just have this lady and we're working on like boxing and it's really it's just like basics, like it's really easy to teach, because it's not like I'm teaching like really advanced stuff, like it's just like stands, it's like slowly growing and growing that's cool and I think you'll be good at that, because you're going to be teaching something that you're passionate about.
Speaker 2:Also, I feel like not many personal trainers are living that lifestyle. Like you're walking it, like you talk it, you can train people how to do these things because you're actually doing it and you're fighting. You're a fighter. It's hard to um be able to train or teach somebody something that they never done. You know, I mean, you're actually. You're actually doing it now, so I think that makes your brand a little more valuable to clients that want to learn that stuff, if that makes sense yeah, that's, that's how I feel too with like um, because a lot of personal training you can just do like an online thing and you get like a certificate and then you train people.
Speaker 1:But like, like, like, if I like all the things I need to learn to train people, like I do those things every day just because, like I like fighting and stuff, so I feel like it works out perfect and like I enjoy doing it. Like, um, when I train people, like I'm training them, and then they're like, oh, it's the hour, and I was like, oh, that was fast, and then it's done yeah, well, time flies when you're doing something you're you're passionate about.
Speaker 2:Um well, it's been, it's a new year and I'm sure you got new goals, uh, long term and short term. For short term, like for this year, what would some of your goals be?
Speaker 1:I wrote it on my notes, I think on my phone. But I want to like, obviously I want to keep competing a lot Like in MMA, jiu-jitsu, everything, and there's a lot of like small goals, like things that are just like technical with fighting, and I want to build my brand. I might go to like somewhere in the world for the world championships, because when I fought in Idaho Joe Stevenson ended up cornering me because I didn't really have a corner corner and then me and him were like talking story and he told me oh, I'll put you on the on the imap world championships team. So he told me we're gonna have tryouts for that like sometime this year and if I win in the tournament then I get put on the team and I'll fly to like where this is oh, that's a good goal for the year um long term big dreams.
Speaker 2:What is the big time goals and dreams that you have in this sport?
Speaker 1:oh, um, I wanna, I wanna be known as like a martial artist, like, not like a fighter, like or still like a fighter, but like a lot like a martial artist, like like just the things that martial artists do. Like I want to be like respectful and like like nice to people and not like talk, smack and like make dramas and stuff and uh, like when people watch me fight. Like I wanted to look like like art, like it's just like. Like it's just like like um fluid, like movements from different martial arts all in sequence, like jujitsu, boxing, kickboxing, like I want it all to blend and like I want it to look like nice well, like fighting doesn't always look nice, but like nice and like beautiful, not just like brawling and stuff, because that's not really like yeah a lot of people that, and then, um, a goal that I have is I want to build my brand so I can make money, so I can get a farm, and I want fruits, animals and cows and stuff.
Speaker 1:So when I wake up in the morning it would just be like the sun rising and there's just like fruit trees and like cows and like I could just hang out with my girlfriend.
Speaker 2:that would be cool that's um awesome, brah, and that's a very mature answer. Most people ask is like oh, I like be ufc champion, I like be the best in the world. Is like, bruh, that is such a adult, humble, pretty mature answer. You just want to be known as an artist? Uh, martial, a complete martial artist. That was humble, and want to live your dreams with your girlfriend on a farm? Like that's? To me that's a lot more ambitious and, um, yeah, that's very mature, bro. That's, that's a cool. That's a cool long-term goal and that's obtainable and everybody can say it. I'm sure you feel it like you want to be a ufc champion or a huge organization champion, but that's not your end goal. Your end goal is to to be a full, complete martial artist. And, bruh, that's exactly what a real martial artist would say.
Speaker 1:That's props to you, man I feel like, um, like being the like I, I want to be like like the best, but like I don't know if that's even like a thing, because you always see people like they rise. I think everyone just has their time. Yeah, like they rise and everyone's like, oh, this guy's the best. And like. Even on instagram, like in the comments, they're like, oh, this guy's amazing.
Speaker 1:And then he gets knocked out and then all of a sudden, everybody's saying man, they're like, oh, this guy sucks, and they make memes and like yeah, exactly yeah, and after watching that it made me like, hey, like I don't really care what people like think and what they say, because, like, if you do good, people will be like, oh, you're amazing.
Speaker 1:And then if you get knocked out, then a lot of people just disappear yeah, and like recency bias yeah, so like I would just want to stay close with the people that like I was always with like my coaches, my family and my friends and stuff and I did notice that about you um, you're very humble, you don't think you're the shit, you just do your thing and have fun with it.
Speaker 2:But when you finished your fight and this is a testament to your parents and their good parenting but you went and shook every single person's hand and told them thank you for coming to watch you fight and, bro, that to me was super cool. Like for you to go up to every single one and you had a little team over there of people check watching you fight. But you personally personally thanked every single one of them, took pictures and, um, that old aloha hawaiian um, family values is is instilled in you and I I think that's always a cool thing and it was cool to see especially one kid doing it and, yep, that's definitely a testament to good parenting. But you have that in you, man. It's something that um, not not a lot of kids nowadays have, you know, I mean yeah yeah, I, I kind of like.
Speaker 1:I I kind of like cringe, like I just like stop listening or whatever. I just walk away. When, like, I see people win and then they're like, they're like swearing and they're like, well, what the heck like like. When I see them do that, I'm like, oh, when they watch the video later here they're probably gonna be like, bro, what was I doing?
Speaker 2:yeah, exactly, um, growing up in in around this sport, who were some of the fighters and kind and idols you had, or people that inspired you to want to do this? What were the fighters that you were like? Oh, yep, these are the guys that got you into it and you were fans of.
Speaker 1:And now, um, when I was younger, my uncle them. When they would come over to like drink with my dad and stuff they would always talk about like their fights and stuff and then like, um, I would just, I would just be interested in one of my uncles, um, uncle Keone. I remember when I was little I'd always watch all these fights on YouTube and I would just be like, oh, like just watching, and I always went through like phases of different fighters and I remember my brother. I would always like go through phases of like, oh, I want to be this fighter, and then next week it would be this guy and this guy. And then after a while my brother noticed and then I would be like, oh, this move, khabib does this move. And my brother would be like, oh, that's the fighter of the week, he already.
Speaker 2:Next week it would be a different guy week you're ready, like next week it would be a different guy. Oh so you're not necessarily fans of a particular fighter, you're fans of certain uh techniques.
Speaker 1:They do then yeah, and like um, the way they think and just like the energy they give. Like a lot of fighters they have different like mindsets and like they come from different places and like I just go through different phases of fighters and like every time I leave a phase, like I collect things from it.
Speaker 1:And then I move on to another. I just keep collecting but, like, even though I always cycle through like two different fighters, there's like one fighter that I always like. I always go through different phases, but somehow I always end up going back to his phase like, which is Khabib.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah.
Speaker 1:Like such different fighters and then, like I always just end up going back to like watching his stuff like a lot, I don't know yeah, I'm a fan of that guy.
Speaker 2:I was so happy when he pounded out um Conor, when he choked him out. I, I really didn't like Conor, I really like Khabib. So I was happy. But I liked his mindset, his passion and his devotion to his dad as as well as his team, and his philosophy is like that. It is so strict and that guy's yeah, he. I wish he kept fighting because I was such a fan, but that guy was remarkable. In my head he's probably at least top 3 GOATs to ever do it. I always said the worst place on earth would be under Khabib.
Speaker 1:I like Khabib a lot too, even when I watch his training. A lot of fighters, if you watch their training, you see them doing like like very like specific things with like a like a strength and conditioning coach or something, and they're like somewhere using like machines, doing like very specific stuff. But when you watch Khabib, like all the things he does is like things that like fighters have always been doing, like hitting bag, like strong and pound push-ups, like just basic stuff. But he's like the best, so that like how basic he is yeah, he's like you, he's super humble.
Speaker 2:Yeah, he's like you, he's super humble, he's super um. Yeah, like he doesn't need all the glitz and glamour and all that trash talking and all that stuff. That's all. That's what I was to ask you. When you're fighting with anybody, ever try to talk shit and like, try to like get under your skin that way, or because I know you probably don't do it, but has anybody done it to you?
Speaker 1:no, not really. When I fought in kickboxing like the, I think like the most thing similar to that was like like people just like got face offs, like they just get in your face and stuff, yeah, but like anybody ever talk to me that's kind of cool and I think, um, a lot, a lot of times you don't have to do that.
Speaker 2:Like you're, like you said, your art can speak for yourself. You don't gotta, and I always used to tell, like our students, like you don't gotta tell people you're the baddest person or you're the best or whatever. If you are, if you're the man, they're gonna already know. You don't need tell them they're gonna already know and like with you.
Speaker 2:Your people are starting to take notice and a lot of people are starting to talk about you, and I'm glad you came on my show to help bring more eyes to your brand, because I feel you take this, because the passion you have is next level and the work ethic you put behind the passion is what's going to get you there. So, bro, I'm excited to see what you do with this man and I'm excited to see your next fights, because there's going to be a time that you're not going to fight in Hawaii anymore, because you're going to be pro or in some organization that doesn't come here. So we got to eat it up as much as we can while you're still amateur.
Speaker 1:I was surprised too. I didn't know there was as much people like watching me fight, as like I don't know, I didn't think there was like as much people as there is, because, like a lot of times, like just when I go places, like people are like, oh, I watched your fight and they're like, oh, good job. And then, oh, I was tripping out because I went to um to jiu-jitsu and it was a saturday, so it was like open mat and open mat finished and then me and my coaches were like on the mat just going over technique, and then this lady came in and she was like, oh, I seen your fight. You're so like nice and humble. And she was like, oh, um, can you sign my shoes? And my coaches were like, yeah, my coaches were laughing like I saw lady shoes. And then she left and my coaches and my teammates were all laughing. They're like, oh wow, you're all famous now. And I was just like that's super cool, man.
Speaker 2:I don't think any kind of fame is going to change you, though. You're level-minded and down-to-earth. I think that's going to be your greatest attribute in this sport, because it's going to be crazy. It's going to get crazy. The more popular you are, the bigger organizations you fight in. I think your roots is going to pull you through all that nonsense, because there's martial arts and there's fighting, and then there's the show. I think your roots is going to pull you through all that nonsense, because there's martial arts and there's fighting, and then there's the show, and between all three you got to navigate it correctly and I mean, and it can go any kind of direction, but I think it's going to be. It's going to be fun to watch you man. And, yeah, I'm excited. You should be excited. I know your dad's excited. Yeah, shoot, we've been going for an hour already. Where can people find you on social media and also, where can people kind of hit you up so that they can get personal training from you?
Speaker 1:I have an Instagram. It's just Josiah underscore, kama Kelly, and then if people want to do personal training, they can just message me too on Instagram. I started a YouTube channel because I was thinking like, oh, I got to build my brand. I didn't post anything, but I'm going to start posting stuff.
Speaker 2:Oh, that's perfect. And also for your mom who's selling shrimp. Um, she has a shrimp truck where can people find her at? Because people gotta know that giovanni's ain't shit. They gotta go check her out.
Speaker 1:On Sundays we sell shrimp at Bellows. It's like a purple food truck, but we have an Instagram too. It's ono eats by case and you can message that Because, like Most of the times we're there but sometimes we have like Like family stuff or something.
Speaker 2:Yeah and yeah, go check that out. I promise you the lily, spicy, lily koi shrimp. For me that's fire. If you check them out, you'll never go drive to giovanni's again and trust me, I'm too. I'm putting my word on it because I believe in it. And rah, rah, catering too. If you guys need catering for any kind of events, go hit up. Um Ono Eats by Casey Cause yeah, it's next level. Um and for us, as always, you can find us on Instagram Above the Bridge Podcast Above the Bridge Podcast on YouTube, our website's atbpodcom and my personal Instagram is thaddydaddyhi.
Speaker 2:Personally, I've got to know your parents through our daughters playing volleyball and I've learned a lot from your parents just on parenting because of how you guys are as a family and I see how you guys support, like when you guys all work the food truck or when your whole family comes to watch you fight or watch Zaysha play volleyball.
Speaker 2:It's something that I try to implement in my family and I learned a lot by watching them. They're great parents and and they have good core family values and they know how to have fun. Your parents know how to have fun, so I learned a lot by watching them and being friends with them and, um, yeah, shout out to them because, as a son, I think they should be very proud of you and and how you are, and as a person. So I think, um, yeah, they've been doing good, so I gotta hang out with them more and, uh, be be a good parent like them. So shout outs to your parents, jay and um, casey and your brother's gonna be a cop too huh, like he's just finishing the academy oh also didn't you just get promoted for jujitsu?
Speaker 1:Oh yeah, yeah, I got my purple belt.
Speaker 2:Yeah, congrats on that. It's huge. And jujitsu is a hard martial arts to get promoted, especially to get to a black belt level. It's decades of work. So anytime you get promoted that's a huge thing. So congratulations to you, man thank you well, we've been going for an hour.
Speaker 2:I appreciate you taking time out of your training to come chat with me. I can honestly say when you're UFC champion, you came on my show first. So when you're champion, you gotta come back on my show first, before Ariel Hoani and ESPN and all that crap Right on. We'll shock us for the cameras. We're out. Shout out to the Artist Groove Network Aloha.
Speaker 1:Thank you.
