On every mat around the world, people fight to become better versions of themselves. That’s where Why I Roll begins.

We’re taking “Why I Roll” — a documentary exploring the soul of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — back to where it all began: Japan.

My name is Michael Todoran — filmmaker, photographer, and Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Why I Roll is an independent film exploring how Jiu-Jitsu transforms lives through discipline, humility, and connection. It’s told through the voices of practitioners whose personal journeys reveal the deeper meaning behind stepping onto the mat.

This winter, we’re traveling to Japan to film at traditional schools and trace Jiu-Jitsu’s roots. But Japan is only one chapter in a much larger journey — a film shot across gyms and dojos, capturing how this art unites people from every background and every struggle.

The documentary is made for our community to self-reflect, and to show the world the deeper meanings behind Jiu-Jitsu. We follow practitioners ranging from world champions and sixth-degree black belts to those newly dedicated to the sport — each revealing a different layer of what it means to roll.

Our filmmaking approach starts with deep human connection — we build trust before ever pressing record. Through conversation and presence, we uncover motivations and truths our subjects often didn’t know about themselves.

Beyond personal stories, Why I Roll also looks toward the future of Jiu-Jitsu — examining the rise of No-Gi, the sport’s global growth, and the tension between authenticity and commercialization.

Our goal is to make this film accessible to everyone — from lifelong martial artists to those who’ve never set foot on a mat — because the lessons of Jiu-Jitsu belong to all of us.

Your support helps fund the entire documentary — from travel and equipment to editing, music, and festival submissions. Every contribution helps bring these stories of resilience, healing, and human connection to life.

Why I Roll isn’t just about Jiu-Jitsu. It’s about the fight within — and the grace it takes to keep showing up.

Join us in bringing this story — and the spirit of Jiu-Jitsu — to the world.

Thank you for believing in independent storytelling — and in the power of movement to heal.

What It Takes to Make a Documentary

Independent filmmaking looks simple from the outside — but bringing a story like Why I Roll to life involves far more than cameras and travel. Every moment on screen is supported by hundreds of invisible steps behind it...

Pre-Production

Researching subjects, building trust, securing locations and releases, scheduling shoots, coordinating travel, developing shot lists, and preparing the equipment that will survive gym floors and long flights.

Production

Filming interviews and action on the mats, managing lighting and sound in unpredictable spaces, capturing aerial and slow-motion footage, maintaining gear, backing up terabytes of media, and creating safe, respectful environments for the people sharing their stories.

Post-Production

Editing hundreds of hours into a cohesive narrative, color-grading footage, syncing sound, composing or licensing music, recording narration, creating graphics and titles, and exporting master files ready for streaming platforms and festivals.

Distribution & Outreach

Submitting to film festivals, creating subtitles, producing trailers, securing music and image rights, marketing the film, and building the community that helps it reach audiences around the world.

Each of these phases requires time, skill, travel, technology, and emotional energy — all done independently, without a studio behind us.

Your support helps bridge those hidden costs and ensures this story of discipline, healing, and connection is told with the care it deserves.