Roots of Greatness: Gilbert Nakatani - From West Covina to the World Stage

Every champion has a story - and for Gilbert Nakatani, it’s one of resilience, faith, and perseverance.

Born and raised in West Covina, California, Gilbert faced challenges early in life. After losing his mother at age two and growing up without his father, he was raised by his grandmother and extended family. Instead of letting those hardships define him, he found strength in self-reliance.

“Not having my parents there to cheer me on or take me to practice really made me become individually strong,” Nakatani told ONE Championship. “It wasn’t the easiest upbringing, but it made me learn how to believe in myself.”

In high school, Gilbert discovered wrestling—a sport that gave him purpose and direction. Through relentless practice and inner drive, he became one of California’s top competitors, finishing seventh in the state championships his senior year. The lessons of discipline and persistence he learned on those mats would later become the foundation of his fighting spirit.

After graduation, life became uncertain. But just as his story could have taken a darker turn, a friend introduced him to Coach Josh Aragon, then Head Coach at Sityodtong Los Angeles, a respected Muay Thai and MMA academy. Under Coach Josh’s mentorship, Gilbert found more than a gym — he found structure, guidance, and a renewed sense of purpose.

“My friend said, ‘You need to meet my coach - I think you guys would hit it off.’ That’s how I met Josh Aragon. He believed in me, and we grew together,” Nakatani said. “It grew to what it is today. I believed I could do it, but to really see it come to life - it’s unbelievable.”

As Josh later opened Aragon Training Academy in Pasadena, Gilbert followed, continuing to train and now coach there - helping to shape the next generation of fighters with the same lessons that shaped him.

In 2024, ONE Championship  - the world’s largest martial arts organization - came calling. The timing was almost spiritual: the offer arrived on the anniversary of his mother’s passing.

“Dreams come true,” Nakatani shared. “I was visiting my mom at the cemetery when I got the call. I just cried out of happiness. You can never give up. Stay positive and have faith in God - He’ll put you in the right direction.”

After training for a bit with Syndicate MMA, Gilbert competes in the flyweight division with a 9–3 professional record, including five knockout wins, according to Tapology. Ranked among the Top 10 Pro Bantamweights in California, he continues to climb the ladder toward championship contention.

On November 7, 2025, Gilbert stepped into the spotlight, under the coaching of Josh Aragon, at ONE Fight Night 37 - broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video from Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand - and delivered a statement performance that reflected everything he stands for: grit, humility, and heart.

At Aragon Training Academy, we call that the Roots of Greatness - the belief that success grows from adversity, faith, and the courage to rise when life tries to hold you down.

Congratulations, Gilbert. You’ve shown the world that greatness isn’t found - it’s grown.

Follow Gilbert’s journey on Instagram: @gnakatanimma

Follow the team behind the roots: @aragon.training.academy