Peniamina Percival, OLY
Peniamina Percival is an Olympian judoka from Samoa who competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Growing up in Samoa, he was surrounded by sport and culture – from rugby and surfing to music, carving, video editing and traditional crafts.
Through his passion for martial arts, Peniamina founded Kalikā Dojo, where judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu are taught as strategies to tackle lifestyle diseases, bullying and violence. His project focuses particularly on empowering women and girls by teaching them self-defence and life skills. By fostering discipline, health and resilience, Peniamina’s work contributes to creating safer and stronger communities across Samoa.
Kalikā Dojo uses martial arts to promote physical and emotional well-being in both rural and urban settings. Judo, kiu-jitsu, MMA, yoga and traditional Samoan dance sessions are combined with community gatherings to encourage inclusion and cohesion.
The project addresses gender-based violence and bullying by offering constructive outlets for youngsters to channel negative emotions into positive expression. It also promotes healthy living through nutrition and lifestyle education, creating a holistic approach where sport strengthens both individuals and communities.
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