Inside the Wave

Author: Perry Wirth

Welcome to Inside the Wave with your host, Perry Wirth, presented by Utopia. Dive into the dynamic world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, health, fitness, and personal development. Each episode, Perry brings you engaging conversations with inspiring individuals from the BJJ community and beyond. From stories to fitness tips and life hacks, this podcast is your go-to source for staying on top of your game, or even getting into the game! Whether youre a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, Inside the Wave offers fresh perspectives and insights to fuel your journey. Tune in and join us on this adventure of growth, both on and off the mats. Lets ride the wave together!
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Language: en

Genres: Education, Fitness, Health & Fitness, Self-Improvement

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Jimmy Kanno's Jiu-Jitsu Story with Jimmy Kano
Episode 19
Wednesday, 8 April, 2026

What if the thing you almost didn’t try became the thing that saved your life? In Episode 20 of Inside the Wave, Perry sits down with longtime Utopia black belt Jimmy Kanno to unpack a 14-year journey that started with MMA fandom and a random neon sign—and turned into sobriety, leadership, business ownership, and a black belt earned the hard way. Jimmy began training at 28. At the time, he was working tough manual labor jobs, living cash-only, and stuck in habits he knew wouldn’t lead anywhere good. Jiu-jitsu wasn’t part of some master plan. It was just something to try. But it became the one consistent thread in his life. In this conversation, Jimmy shares: How training helped him close the door on addiction for good Why plateaus are inevitable and why showing up anyway is everything The identity shift that happens from white belt to black belt What changes in your 40s when you have to work harder just to stay sharp The reality of gym ownership versus simply loving to teach Why community, not technique, is what keeps people on the mats Jimmy’s belt progression mirrors his personal growth... from getting his first checking account to building businesses, getting married, and mentoring the next generation. If you’re a white belt wondering if you’ll stick with it, a blue belt feeling plateaued, or someone who knows jiu-jitsu is becoming more than just a workout—this episode will hit home. Listen now and ride the wave. Follow Jimmy here: Instagram: kanno_est1983 Stay tuned for more conversations that go beyond the mats.