As BJJ practitioners, we need to do everything to support people who are helping to spread the word about this beautiful art. I am doing my part by adding a new segment on my blog that will allow people to see first hand who these people are and learn a little about what they represent. Up first is Pete Ulatan owner of a cool little lifestyle brand named NAKAMA.
Journey
Jiu-Jitsu: Hey Pete, welcome to Journey Jiu-Jitsu. Can you start by
telling the readers a little bit about yourself, where you train, what
you do, and your brand?
Pete Ulatan: My name is Pete Ulatan. I’m a graphic designer, photographer and videographer based out of San Diego California. I train under Rafael Dallinha/ Rodrigo Medieros BJJ Revolution Team and NAKAMA is a lifestyle brand that celebrates many aspects of life.
JJJ: NAKAMA means friend in Japanese. Are there any other meanings? How does that tie in with the mission of the company?
PU: In Japan, NAKAMA is a very meaningful term and is stronger than what the word “friend” defines. It’s actually hard to explain. It’s more of a feeling and a sense of camaraderie shared by the things we do. Whether it is art, music, or competition – we want to celebrate the bonds created and shared by the things we love to do. That is what NAKAMA is.
JJJ: What inspired you to start NAKAMA?
PU: There are other brands out there that focused on the individual. However I wanted to focus on something that celebrated unity. Something that everyone can relate to.
That said, I have been holding NAKAMA close to my heart since I was first called it in 2004. I did some consulting work for a Japanese company and they always called me NAKAMA. We are still friends to this day; even though we’ve only seen each other (maybe) 5 times since then. It is a term that means a lot to me and I saw how inherit it is in everything we do.
For example in Jiu-Jitsu, we kill ourselves in our academies and in tournaments. We share hard work, sweat and blood. And even though there are rivalries, we all have an underlying respect for one another through the sport we love. In essence, we are all NAKAMA.
The same notion translates into all other things we do as well. It’s a lifestyle, if you have developed friends over a course of time pursuing a common goal or interest; you know what I’m talking about.
JJJ: A lot of people are talking negatively about how jiu-jitsu brands are sponsoring more and more junior belts (blues, purples). I personally think it’s a great idea, as they are the future. You have a few under your Jitsplayer line. What are your thoughts on this? How did you go about getting guys like Rolando Samson, Miguel Ayuyu, and Mike Carbullido on your squad?
PU: I don’t think its right to judge someone by his/her belt color nor complain if someone is getting more spotlight regardless of their rank. It’s a sport and we must celebrate all who shares a passion for it. In that sense, it would be a big mistake to overlook the future. This is especially true if those athletes are killing it on the mat and making a name for themselves on the scene. Kids like Rolando, Migs, Mike C, Edwin, Nestor and Mike P are the future stars.
They are bringing a fresh look to the sport and we are there to support them to help the sport evolve. I didn’t go about getting anyone. We are all NAKAMA, we help and support each other.
I’m not big into the whole sponsorship thing either. I saw how that system works when I was working in the MMA industry. It just doesn’t seem genuine to me. I truly believe honor and friendship is something we must hold closer to our companies. The whole “sponsorship” thing just makes it seem too formal, too “business-like”.
I like to say, we support those who share the same passions as us. It doesn’t have to be a huge investment either. We enjoy the reactions we get when we take someone’s photo and they make it their facebook picture. That is something that’s priceless because we are doing it for the love of the sport and our comrades in arms who share that love too.
JJJ: Many of those guys left their teams to move to the jiu-jitsu powerhouse team, Atos. This seems to be a growing trend in jiu-jitsu as athletes are always looking for greener pastures. What is your take on this? Do you think it will give you a better opportunity to grow the brand? (ie sponsored athletes will get better)
PU: It’s a sport. I understand people will move around. I don’t think anyone is malicious in that intent either. Sometimes, you do have to look out for yourself and pursue training elsewhere if you feel that will elevate your game. It’s like with any other sport. For example in F-1, drivers switch teams all the time because they think the other team has a better car, culture or they can get more money. There should be no hard feelings because for those kinds of moves, it’s simply business.
Adding on, no matter what happens and where people choose to go for training, that level of respect is always there for everyone and will always stay there even though no one says it.
Jiujitsu is a community small enough were we can share ideals. I personally don’t have a problem with it and I would not exploit these “moves” for gain. No matter what, they are my friends and I will support and honor them. We are NAKAMA and no matter where we are, we will always be and that’s it.
JJJ: Speaking of growing the brand, are we going to see a NAKAMA gi anytime soon? Your followers are waiting!
PU: Never say never.
JJJ: I met a few people from the NAKAMA fam at an event in San Fran. What other industries do you have your hands in? What other projects are you working on?
PU: We have a pretty strong support base in Hawaii. We are supporting a few up and coming musicians out there who are our fam. Guys like DJ Packo, Prie, Creed Chameleon, Big Mox, K-Luv, Bless Chil, Analog Dive and so much more.
We are also big into street art as well. Our fam Aaron Woes Martin (Angry Woebots/Army Of Snipers), Lovelin Descalso and Brad Wismar (just to name a few) are hugely talented artists and we’d like to share their talents with the people who follow NAKAMA.
They all have talent and they are very hungry. We want the world to hear their music and see their art. We will help them out as much as we can, that’s part of what NAKAMA is and what we do. That is how ideals are spread, talent is shared and the world evolves.
JJJ: That about wraps it up. Thanks for talking with me Pete. Any last words or shout-outs?
PU: I want to shout out everyone who has helped NAKAMA grow these past few years. We are just beginning and are having fun doing what we love with you. I had a pretty difficult few years before NAKAMA. Now I know it’s worth it because of who I’ve met along the way and who I’ll continue to meet on this journey. You are all family. God Bless!
Pete Ulatan: My name is Pete Ulatan. I’m a graphic designer, photographer and videographer based out of San Diego California. I train under Rafael Dallinha/ Rodrigo Medieros BJJ Revolution Team and NAKAMA is a lifestyle brand that celebrates many aspects of life.
JJJ: NAKAMA means friend in Japanese. Are there any other meanings? How does that tie in with the mission of the company?
PU: In Japan, NAKAMA is a very meaningful term and is stronger than what the word “friend” defines. It’s actually hard to explain. It’s more of a feeling and a sense of camaraderie shared by the things we do. Whether it is art, music, or competition – we want to celebrate the bonds created and shared by the things we love to do. That is what NAKAMA is.
JJJ: What inspired you to start NAKAMA?
PU: There are other brands out there that focused on the individual. However I wanted to focus on something that celebrated unity. Something that everyone can relate to.
That said, I have been holding NAKAMA close to my heart since I was first called it in 2004. I did some consulting work for a Japanese company and they always called me NAKAMA. We are still friends to this day; even though we’ve only seen each other (maybe) 5 times since then. It is a term that means a lot to me and I saw how inherit it is in everything we do.
For example in Jiu-Jitsu, we kill ourselves in our academies and in tournaments. We share hard work, sweat and blood. And even though there are rivalries, we all have an underlying respect for one another through the sport we love. In essence, we are all NAKAMA.
The same notion translates into all other things we do as well. It’s a lifestyle, if you have developed friends over a course of time pursuing a common goal or interest; you know what I’m talking about.
JJJ: A lot of people are talking negatively about how jiu-jitsu brands are sponsoring more and more junior belts (blues, purples). I personally think it’s a great idea, as they are the future. You have a few under your Jitsplayer line. What are your thoughts on this? How did you go about getting guys like Rolando Samson, Miguel Ayuyu, and Mike Carbullido on your squad?
PU: I don’t think its right to judge someone by his/her belt color nor complain if someone is getting more spotlight regardless of their rank. It’s a sport and we must celebrate all who shares a passion for it. In that sense, it would be a big mistake to overlook the future. This is especially true if those athletes are killing it on the mat and making a name for themselves on the scene. Kids like Rolando, Migs, Mike C, Edwin, Nestor and Mike P are the future stars.
They are bringing a fresh look to the sport and we are there to support them to help the sport evolve. I didn’t go about getting anyone. We are all NAKAMA, we help and support each other.
I’m not big into the whole sponsorship thing either. I saw how that system works when I was working in the MMA industry. It just doesn’t seem genuine to me. I truly believe honor and friendship is something we must hold closer to our companies. The whole “sponsorship” thing just makes it seem too formal, too “business-like”.
I like to say, we support those who share the same passions as us. It doesn’t have to be a huge investment either. We enjoy the reactions we get when we take someone’s photo and they make it their facebook picture. That is something that’s priceless because we are doing it for the love of the sport and our comrades in arms who share that love too.
JJJ: Many of those guys left their teams to move to the jiu-jitsu powerhouse team, Atos. This seems to be a growing trend in jiu-jitsu as athletes are always looking for greener pastures. What is your take on this? Do you think it will give you a better opportunity to grow the brand? (ie sponsored athletes will get better)
PU: It’s a sport. I understand people will move around. I don’t think anyone is malicious in that intent either. Sometimes, you do have to look out for yourself and pursue training elsewhere if you feel that will elevate your game. It’s like with any other sport. For example in F-1, drivers switch teams all the time because they think the other team has a better car, culture or they can get more money. There should be no hard feelings because for those kinds of moves, it’s simply business.
Adding on, no matter what happens and where people choose to go for training, that level of respect is always there for everyone and will always stay there even though no one says it.
Jiujitsu is a community small enough were we can share ideals. I personally don’t have a problem with it and I would not exploit these “moves” for gain. No matter what, they are my friends and I will support and honor them. We are NAKAMA and no matter where we are, we will always be and that’s it.
JJJ: Speaking of growing the brand, are we going to see a NAKAMA gi anytime soon? Your followers are waiting!
PU: Never say never.
JJJ: I met a few people from the NAKAMA fam at an event in San Fran. What other industries do you have your hands in? What other projects are you working on?
PU: We have a pretty strong support base in Hawaii. We are supporting a few up and coming musicians out there who are our fam. Guys like DJ Packo, Prie, Creed Chameleon, Big Mox, K-Luv, Bless Chil, Analog Dive and so much more.
We are also big into street art as well. Our fam Aaron Woes Martin (Angry Woebots/Army Of Snipers), Lovelin Descalso and Brad Wismar (just to name a few) are hugely talented artists and we’d like to share their talents with the people who follow NAKAMA.
They all have talent and they are very hungry. We want the world to hear their music and see their art. We will help them out as much as we can, that’s part of what NAKAMA is and what we do. That is how ideals are spread, talent is shared and the world evolves.
JJJ: That about wraps it up. Thanks for talking with me Pete. Any last words or shout-outs?
PU: I want to shout out everyone who has helped NAKAMA grow these past few years. We are just beginning and are having fun doing what we love with you. I had a pretty difficult few years before NAKAMA. Now I know it’s worth it because of who I’ve met along the way and who I’ll continue to meet on this journey. You are all family. God Bless!
Visit NAKAMA here
GUNIT GRENADAS: THE JITSPLAYERS from NAKAMA on Vimeo.
