Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
What happens when biblical discipleship meets jiu-jitsu on the front lines?
In this episode we welcome someone whose work I've wanted to highlight for a long time: Kelly Kelly, Founder of @thegracefulwarriorproject1898 finally steps into the Dojo!
In this conversation, I sit down with Kelly to explore how trauma-informed Christian discipleship, self-defense training, and holistic mission are changing lives in places like Eastern Congo and rural Tanzania. We talk verbal and proactive self-defense, dignity, and why education, safe houses, and community development are crucial to justice. If you care about Bible-shaped ethics, theology lived out, and creative Christian education that equips the vulnerable, this one’s for you.
Kelly shares her journey from prayer to calling—using Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a tool for ministry, building safe houses, launching a school and medical center, and mentoring both young women and men to use strength for good. We discuss how a robust biblical interpretation of “love your neighbor” speaks to gender-based violence, how Old Testament themes of justice and shalom guide modern mission, and why discipleship means developing body, mind, and spirit.
About Disciple Dojo: We help followers of Jesus grow through sound biblical teaching, thoughtful theology, and accessible resources—from in-depth Bible study series to conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and the mats. Explore the links below for studies, interviews, and tools designed to strengthen your walk with Jesus.
Enjoyed this episode?
👉 Like the video, subscribe, and tap the notification bell.
👉 Comment: What part of Kelly’s story challenged or inspired you most?
👉 Check the description for links to Graceful Warrior Project, our website/podcast, and ways to support both ministries.
#KeepTraining 🥋📖
Read more about (support!) her work at thegracefulwarriorproject.com
And instagram.com/thegracefulwarriorproject
For more on Jesus and Jiujitsu see these other Dojo videos:
* What can churches learn from Jiujitsu? - youtu.be/wJnjdSaIARY
* DiscipleDojo in Japan (playlist) - youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4bbdsVUgfc48BgPFjW121Pc5aW2Qzas4
* Spending a week on a boat with 4 Jiujitsu World Champions! - youtu.be/S2MTEs4ssk8
* Grappling with Hosea (w/ Dr. Andrew King - Part 1) - youtu.be/EM27OdSQ2Sk
* Grappling with Hosea (w/ Dr. Andrew King - Part 2) - youtu.be/xe-PcRQ5Jto
* The Blind Warrior (w/ Prof. Carlos Alvarez) - youtu.be/vbXvQi3YcUg
***Disciple Dojo shirts and other gifts are available over in our online store! - zazzle.com/discipledojo
***Become a monthly Dojo Donor and help keep us going! - discipledojo.org/donate
***Dojo Donor Patches: If you are a monthly donor and would like an iron-on DiscipleDojo patch, supplies are limited so message JM directly via the contact page at discipledojo.org/contact
***If you are an unmarried Christian looking for community, check out our Facebook group “The Grownup’s Table” over at facebook.com/groups/grownupstable
------ Go deeper at discipledojo.org
Subscribe to the Disciple Dojo podcast for more in-depth teaching and discussions:
SoundCloud - soundcloud.com/discipledojo
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/26BDZz70HmnT5eoD9BEKQ7
iTunes - itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/disciple-dojo/id1002934837
Amazon - tinyurl.com/uz8dbfet
What happens when biblical discipleship meets jiu-jitsu on the front lines?
In this episode we welcome someone whose work I've wanted to highlight for a long time: Kelly Kelly, Founder of @thegracefulwarriorproject1898 finally steps into the Dojo!
In this conversation, I sit down with Kelly to explore how trauma-informed Christian discipleship, self-defense training, and holistic mission are changing lives in places like Eastern Congo and rural Tanzania. We talk verbal and proactive self-defense, dignity, and why education, safe houses, and community development are crucial to justice. If you care about Bible-shaped ethics, theology lived out, and creative Christian education that equips the vulnerable, this one’s for you.
Kelly shares her journey from prayer to calling—using Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a tool for ministry, building safe houses, launching a school and medical center, and mentoring both young women and men to use strength for good. We discuss how a robust biblical interpretation of “love your neighbor” speaks to gender-based violence, how Old Testament themes of justice and shalom guide modern mission, and why discipleship means developing body, mind, and spirit.
About Disciple Dojo: We help followers of Jesus grow through sound biblical teaching, thoughtful theology, and accessible resources—from in-depth Bible study series to conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and the mats. Explore the links below for studies, interviews, and tools designed to strengthen your walk with Jesus.
Enjoyed this episode?
👉 Like the video, subscribe, and tap the notification bell.
👉 Comment: What part of Kelly’s story challenged or inspired you most?
👉 Check the description for links to Graceful Warrior Project, our website/podcast, and ways to support both ministries.
#KeepTraining 🥋📖
Read more about (support!) her work at thegracefulwarriorproject.com
And instagram.com/thegracefulwarriorproject
For more on Jesus and Jiujitsu see these other Dojo videos:
* What can churches learn from Jiujitsu? - youtu.be/wJnjdSaIARY
* DiscipleDojo in Japan (playlist) - youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4bbdsVUgfc48BgPFjW121Pc5aW2Qzas4
* Spending a week on a boat with 4 Jiujitsu World Champions! - youtu.be/S2MTEs4ssk8
* Grappling with Hosea (w/ Dr. Andrew King - Part 1) - youtu.be/EM27OdSQ2Sk
* Grappling with Hosea (w/ Dr. Andrew King - Part 2) - youtu.be/xe-PcRQ5Jto
* The Blind Warrior (w/ Prof. Carlos Alvarez) - youtu.be/vbXvQi3YcUg
***Disciple Dojo shirts and other gifts are available over in our online store! - zazzle.com/discipledojo
***Become a monthly Dojo Donor and help keep us going! - discipledojo.org/donate
***Dojo Donor Patches: If you are a monthly donor and would like an iron-on DiscipleDojo patch, supplies are limited so message JM directly via the contact page at discipledojo.org/contact
***If you are an unmarried Christian looking for community, check out our Facebook group “The Grownup’s Table” over at facebook.com/groups/grownupstable
------ Go deeper at discipledojo.org
Subscribe to the Disciple Dojo podcast for more in-depth teaching and discussions:
SoundCloud - soundcloud.com/discipledojo
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/26BDZz70HmnT5eoD9BEKQ7
iTunes - itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/disciple-dojo/id1002934837
Amazon - tinyurl.com/uz8dbfet
