How Kieran Kichuk Finds Strength in His Values – Mastering Family Traditions and Jiu-Jitsu
Behind every successful athlete is a human with a unique upbringing and history. For Kieran Kichuk—a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master—the competitions, medals, and big wins only tell part of his story. What truly defines him is his journey of dedication, deeply held principles, and personal growth that have guided him throughout his time in the sport.
After being born in Hamilton, Ontario, Kichuk and his family moved to San Diego when he was still an infant. They spent five years there before returning to Canada and settling in Markham, Ontario, and this is where Kieran Kichuk grew up.
In 2009, at just 13 years old, his athletic path took a turn after watching Georges St-Pierre, a French-Canadian athlete, dominate the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Something about St-Pierre’s skills caught the attention of Kichuk.
It wasn’t just the sheer power of mixed martial arts (MMA) that interested him or the fact that he felt a sense of pride watching someone like St-Pierre do so well in front of the whole world. Rather, it was the technique behind the fight, and, more specifically, the way grappling could seemingly control the outcome.
His fascination grew over time, and eventually, he found himself chasing Jiu-Jitsu at full speed, pouring all of his time and effort into learning more about it and becoming skilled at it.
It was more than just another sport, but something that would become his lifelong passion. Kichuk felt confident that he could achieve greatness in the sport—and for Canada—so long as he had the right work ethic, and this belief is what has taken him far in his career thus far.
Family Support Has Helped Kichuk Succeed
Kichuk’s family has shaped who he is, both as a person and an athlete. He and his three siblings were never pushed into sports, but staying active was still a big part of life for them. Family traditions, like running together, taught Kichuk values like perseverance and discipline from a young age.
Growing up, Kichuk looked up to his father, a former NCAA Division 1 track athlete. His father’s dedication to track and field inspired Kichuk to follow in his footsteps, eventually leading him to join the track and field club at school. There, he competed in regional and provincial meets, specializing in the 1500-meter run and cross country.
Even though Kichuk loved the sport, it was pushed to the side as soon as he discovered Jiu-Jitsu. He quit the track and field club, joining the school wrestling team instead. While his father’s track background inspired Kichuk’s early sports choices, it was his mother, Susan Kichuk, who taught him the importance of balance and perseverance.
He’s carried these principles into his life, being guided by them both in and outside of his athletic career. He understands that success in life and sports means little if you don’t stay loyal to your core values and the people who have helped you along the way.
For Kichuk, success isn’t just measured by money, medals, or titles. He believes in treating others the way they treat him and his closest people, valuing relationships above all. His mother showed him that success at work is important, but it’s nothing without success at home.
Kichuk has found that when you prioritize family, everything else tends to fall into place. His strong commitment to family has helped him stay true to his values even as his career grows.
Perseverance is at the Forefront of Kichuk’s Career
Of the defining moments in Kichuk’s career, few come close to rivaling the day he earned his black belt. For Kichuk, getting his black belt wasn’t just an achievement, but the result of twelve grueling years of consistent hard work. During these years, he showed up day after day, pushing through challenges and steadily improving. His black belt means a lot to him because it’s a reflection of his perseverance, especially during the hardest times.
While most people today look for instant gratification, Kichuk knows that life doesn’t always work this way. He sees the value in patience and knows from firsthand experience that real progress happens on a steady path. He has learned that improvement doesn’t come from quick bursts of passion or talent but from consistent effort over longer periods of time.
As an old-school athlete, Kichuk holds a deep respect for the grind. He’s seen naturally gifted athletes fail to reach their potential because they didn’t put in the work. However, he’s also seen people who are less athletically inclined push through defeat after defeat and come out on top.
These stories inspire him, reminding him that talent can only take you so far. For Kichuk, what truly matters is a person’s willingness to put in the time and effort it takes to succeed, especially when it gets hard. The challenges he’s faced both on and off the mat have taught him to take a balanced approach to life and career, making him more resilient in the face of difficulties.
Learning to Enjoy the Growth Process
Kichuk’s love for Jiu-Jitsu goes beyond the training and competitions. Rather than trying to learn more about mixed martial arts (MMA), he was drawn to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu because it offers endless potential for growth.
The technical nuances of submission grappling, especially his favorite technique, the Triangle Choke, keep him hooked on the sport. For Kichuk, the triangle choke isn’t just a technique—it’s a way to challenge himself to master the little details.
He’s shown that it can be applied from different positions, and it fuels his drive to keep perfecting the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Where Kichuk finds the most satisfaction is in the daily grind of learning and improving, and of being efficient and effective.
While winning competitions matters, it isn’t what keeps Kichuk going. The daily process of becoming the best version of himself is. Instead of chasing the next medal, he enjoys the practice and the small victories that come with mastering the sport.
Balancing Daily Life With Jiu-Jitsu
Even though Kichuk is fully committed to Jiu-Jitsu, balance is still key. For him, success in his sport isn’t just about being physically prepared, but also about mental and emotional well-being.
Taking time to be with family gives Kichuk the motivation to inch forward and overcome whatever challenges come his way. It’s his way of making sure he’s in the right mindset for both life and competition.
Kichuk also knows that finding joy in the process of improvement, both personally and professionally, is what ultimately encourages his growth.
Beyond fueling his mind with sleep and his body with healthy food, Kichuk finds ways to give back to his community. He donates equipment to Project X-Guard, a Toronto-based program that provides martial arts training to underprivileged and behaviorally challenged children.
It’s a way for him to live out the values he learned from his family, by helping others who might not have the same opportunities he did.
Kieran Kichuk Stays True to His Roots On and Off the Mat
For Kichuk, success is about the relationships he builds and the personal growth he experiences along the way. His family has always been a big part of his journey, but he’s also been shaped by mentors like Fernando Zulick and Steve Lin, who he trained under. Their guidance and his family’s support have seen him through some major milestones—like winning the Canadian National Championship and placing in the Pan-Am Championships all three times.
Kieran Kichuk’s journey in Jiu-Jitsu has always been about more than just winning matches or earning titles. Staying true to the values he grew up with—loyalty, perseverance, and reciprocity—is also important. Inspired by his father’s dedication to athletics and his mother’s ability to find a healthy work-life balance, Kichuk carries those lessons with him every day, both on and off the mat.
As he looks to the future, Kichuk is committed to growing not just as an athlete but also as a person, no matter what challenges or opportunities are next. There’s still a lot ahead for him, and he’s ready for whatever is ahead, always staying connected to the values that have shaped his life.
About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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