You can use jiu-jitsu for self-defence, to socialise, to stay in shape, or to challenge yourself. But you can also use the art to bring change to the world
In today’s episode of The Strenuous Life Podcast we talk to Shiggi, a Kenyan-born, UK-raised jiu-jitsuka who decided to travel the length and breadth of Europe to train at different clubs. The goal was to absorb different styles of jiu-jitsu, different methods of teaching, and different ways these schools build community.
Shiggi is planning on using the lessons she learned visiting these 25 different schools to open a community dojo in Kenya to empower girls aged 12 to 18 and change communities in Africa.
Click below to check out episode 446 of The Strenuous Life Podcast on the audio platform of your choice…
Shiggi is a BJJ practitioner with a background in Shotokan karate, Taekwondo, Capoeira, and working the door as a bouncer in UK night clubs. Her ambitious goal is to establish a community dojo in Kenya that not only teaches Jiu-Jitsu but also provides a safe space for girls to learn self-defense and life skills to counteract some of the societal issues affecting young girls in Africa, such as child marriages, domestic violence, and lack of educational opportunities.
The community dojo will be situated in Kenya and serve as a retreat space where tourists can engage in Jiu-Jitsu camps and go on safaris to see lions, elephants and giraffes. Camp attendees will generate funds to support the dojo and its programs. This model not only benefits the local economy but also provides an enriching experience for visitors.
The best place to get updates about the African community dojo is by signing up for Shiggi’s Patreon here:
Follow her martial and personal journey on Instagram at and
Finally, follow Shiggi on YouTube as well:
Thanks!
P.S. Here’s another example of how BJJ gtr”Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic”, the story of the trip in the podcast episode above and a damn good read. Here’s a video trailer for the book…
The book itself is available in physical, Kindle, and audiobook formats at…
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indigo, and from many independent bookstores all around the world (they can always order it in if they don’t have it).
Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic, by Stephan Kesting, Click here to see this book on Amazon
P.P.S. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the beginning of this journey in episode 419 of The Strenuous Life Podcast. For everything that happened between that episode and this one, you’ll have to check out the book, though.
Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic is available as episode 419 of The Strenuous Life Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and every other audio podcast platform.
