ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.
Listen "Why Alignment Matters More Than Security"
Episode Synopsis
What happens when the identity you built your life on disappears?
In this in-person episode of The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid, Bryan Butler sits down with Solomon Dixon, founder of Southside Jiu-Jitsu Club, to talk about faith after ministry, entrepreneurship without guarantees, and why jiu-jitsu became a powerful tool for healing, discipline, and community.
They discuss:
- Leaving pastoral ministry and losing a core identity
- Why discomfort doesn’t mean you’re outside God’s will
- Alignment vs. security in career and calling
- Marriage, fatherhood, and choosing risk together
- Why jiu-jitsu builds trust in a fractured culture
- Sales as service and business as stewardship
This episode is for anyone navigating uncertainty, rebuilding purpose, or learning to trust who they’re becoming.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical, psychological, or professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Solo is the founder of the Southside Jiu Jitsu Club in Woodlawn - the first premium Brazilian Jiujitsu club established on the southeast side of Chicago. He's passionate about seeing more people pursue their potential through the practice of martial arts. Jiu Jitsu has been a transformative and stabilizing force in Solo's life since 2008 as a practitioner, instructor and competitor. The lack of access to services like Jiu Jitsu on the Southside has been present since Jiu Jitsu arrived in Chicago in the late 90s. SJJC has been open since 2023 and has served hundreds of southsiders over the past 2 years. The club currently serve nearly 300 individuals, families and youth. He lives in Woodlawn with his wife Ellie and 3 small children.
Connect with Solo:
https://www.instagram.com/solodollo_bjj
[email protected]
http://www.southsidejiujitsuclubchicago.com
Connect with Bryan:
IG: linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio
LI: instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio
Work With Me: bryanbutlerstudio.com
The Odyssey Continues…
In this in-person episode of The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid, Bryan Butler sits down with Solomon Dixon, founder of Southside Jiu-Jitsu Club, to talk about faith after ministry, entrepreneurship without guarantees, and why jiu-jitsu became a powerful tool for healing, discipline, and community.
They discuss:
- Leaving pastoral ministry and losing a core identity
- Why discomfort doesn’t mean you’re outside God’s will
- Alignment vs. security in career and calling
- Marriage, fatherhood, and choosing risk together
- Why jiu-jitsu builds trust in a fractured culture
- Sales as service and business as stewardship
This episode is for anyone navigating uncertainty, rebuilding purpose, or learning to trust who they’re becoming.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical, psychological, or professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Solo is the founder of the Southside Jiu Jitsu Club in Woodlawn - the first premium Brazilian Jiujitsu club established on the southeast side of Chicago. He's passionate about seeing more people pursue their potential through the practice of martial arts. Jiu Jitsu has been a transformative and stabilizing force in Solo's life since 2008 as a practitioner, instructor and competitor. The lack of access to services like Jiu Jitsu on the Southside has been present since Jiu Jitsu arrived in Chicago in the late 90s. SJJC has been open since 2023 and has served hundreds of southsiders over the past 2 years. The club currently serve nearly 300 individuals, families and youth. He lives in Woodlawn with his wife Ellie and 3 small children.
Connect with Solo:
https://www.instagram.com/solodollo_bjj
[email protected]
http://www.southsidejiujitsuclubchicago.com
Connect with Bryan:
IG: linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio
LI: instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio
Work With Me: bryanbutlerstudio.com
The Odyssey Continues…
More episodes of the podcast The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid
From Honduras to Harvard and...
05/09/2025
Integrating Faith into Business & Health
19/09/2025
How the Odyssey Began
26/09/2025
In God we trust