How Martial Arts Changed My Life - Adrian Alsina's Powerful Journey

Joel Gandara

In this powerful and inspiring episode, we sit down with Adrian Alsina — BJJ black belt, academy owner, and former #6 ranked brown belt in the world — to talk about his incredible journey from Cuba to the U.S. and how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu changed his life.

Discover how Adrian went from a taekwondo-loving teen in Mexico to owning one of the most successful Jiu-Jitsu academies in South Florida with over 330 students. We dive deep into his immigration story, his struggles with identity, how he built unshakable discipline, and why BJJ is one of the best tools for building confidence in both kids and adults.

Whether you’re a martial artist, a business owner, a parent, or just someone who loves an underdog success story — you’ll want to hear this one.

What You’ll Learn:

• How martial arts builds mental and physical strength
• Why kids should train Jiu-Jitsu for confidence and anti-bullying
• The realities of running a successful Jiu-Jitsu academy
• Immigrant grit, cultural identity, and chasing the American Dream
• Training tips, mindset shifts, and what keeps top athletes going

Drop a comment if you’ve ever been humbled on the mats — or inspired by a coach who changed your life. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the bell icon for more real conversations with leaders, athletes, and changemakers.
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