Ep. 19 | Rigan Machado on Legacy, Hollywood & Bringing Jiu-Jitsu to America

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Coffee Time with Carlos Machado, Carlos sits down with his brother, the legendary Rigan Machado, to uncover the untold stories behind the Machado legacy—and the relationships that helped shape Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in America.From the early days of arriving in the United States to building one of the most influential academies in Beverly Hills, Rigan shares how timing, humility, and authenticity opened doors to a world few could imagine. This conversation goes far beyond martial arts—it’s about trust, loyalty, and the human connections that define a lifetime.One of the most emotional highlights of the episode is Rigan’s reflection on Chuck Norris—not just as a global icon, but as a true friend and one of the greatest supporters of the Machado family. Through heartfelt stories, we learn how Chuck played a pivotal role in giving the Machado brothers a platform in the U.S., creating opportunities that would ripple through generations.Rigan also dives into his unique experience training and befriending Hollywood’s elite. From actors and directors to producers and fighters, he explains how genuine relationships—not fame—became the foundation of his success. His philosophy is simple: when you look beyond the celebrity, you find the person. Rigan talks his transition into filmmaking, where he shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating his movie Blow for Blow. With no roadmap and limited resources, he embraced the challenge head-on—writing, producing, and bringing together a trusted team to turn vision into reality. His mindset reflects the same discipline found in Jiu-Jitsu: start small, stay consistent, and grow through experience.This episode is a masterclass in legacy, courage, and staying true to who you are—no matter where life takes you.Rigan Machado is the world's latest 9th-degree red belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and one of the most influential figures in the global expansion of the art. A member of the legendary Machado family, he played a critical role in introducing BJJ to the United States.He is widely known for training over 400 celebrities in Hollywood, being a key figure in the growth of BJJ in California, producing and starring in the film Blow for Blow and mentoring world-class athletes and actors alike.Timestamps🔗 Guest LinksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/riganmachado Website: https://www.theacademybeverlyhills.com/☕ Coffee Time with Carlos Machado🔗 Watch more episodes & updates: https://coffeetimewithcarlos.com/ 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeTimeWithCarlosMachado 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeetimewithcarlos/ 📸 More from Carlos: https://www.instagram.com/carlosmachadojiujitsu/ 📘 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeetimewithcarlos 📘 Carlos Machado Jiu-Jitsu: https://www.facebook.com/CarlosMachadoBJJ