Shows
The Grappling Monthly PodcastThyago Martins | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosWhat can jiu-jitsu actually give you beyond technique and medals?
In Episode 34 of the Grappling Monthly Podcast, we sit down with Professor Thyago Martins — owner and head instructor of TM Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Orange, California for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations we've had on the show.
Thyago's story starts in Manaus, Brazil, where he began training BJJ after being bullied as a kid. That first class gave him something he hadn't expected: confidence. From there, jiu-jitsu took him from the Amazon to California, from local tournaments to coaching UFC and Bellator fi...
2026-03-111h 38
The Grappling Monthly PodcastLaercio "Trovão" Fernandes | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sebastien ManiatopoulosIn Episode 33 of The Grappling Monthly Podcast, Professor Laercio Fernandes of Alliance Laguna Hills shares his journey from São Paulo, Brazil to building a structured, system-driven academy in Southern California.
Professor Laercio began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1993 in São Paulo. What started as a way to stay out of trouble evolved into a lifelong pursuit that included earning an engineering degree from the University of São Paulo, competing internationally, and eventually relocating to the United States to test himself against the highest level of competition.
In this conversation, we discuss:
• Train...
2026-03-0452 min
The Grappling Monthly PodcastLindsay Kreighbaum & Bryan Gregerson | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sebastien ManiatopoulosA jiu-jitsu gym is supposed to be the safest room you walk into all week. The recent allegations involving some of the biggest names in our sport pushed a harder question into the open: what does real safety look like in a sport built on trust, proximity, hierarchy, and access to people’s bodies?
In this special Grappling Monthly episode, I’m joined by Lindsay Kreighbaum and Professor Bryan Gregerson, owner and head instructor of Legacy BJJ in Pasadena, CA, for a direct conversation about abuse of power in jiu-jitsu. We talk about the conditions that make viol...
2026-02-251h 18
The Grappling Monthly PodcastBlake Kasemeier | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosOn this week's episode of The Grappling Monthly Podcast I had the privilege of sitting down with Professor Blake Kasemeier in sunny Glendale, CA.
@blakeoftoday is a father of two, a prolific storyteller, a writer, a badass jiu jitsu black belt and a genuinely nice guy. On this episode we discuss:
- Blake's first contact with Jiu Jitsu
- Finding the right place to train
- Carving out time in our daily lives for the art
- Achieving a flow state
- The ego
and so much more!
Many tha...
2026-02-181h 16
The Grappling Monthly PodcastRicardo "Franjinha"Miller | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosOn this week's episode of The Grappling Monthly Podcast, I had the honor of sitting with Professor Ricardo "Franjinha" Miller at his academy in Ventura, California: Paragon BJJ.
Professor Ricardo Miller, commonly known in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as “Franjinha”, is regarded as one of the top BJJ coaches in the world, having graduated from his famed Paragon Jiu Jitsu Academy, big names of the grappling world such as Tyrone Glover, Jeff Glover , Bill “The Grill” Cooper among many others.
Ricardo Miller was born on the 30th of June, 1969, in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. He grew up on one of th...
2026-02-1157 min
The Grappling Monthly PodcastChris Haueter | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosThis week's episode of The Grappling Monthly Podcast we had the privilege of sitting down with 6th degree black belt and legend in the game: Professor Chris Haueter in his home in Redondo Beach, California. Prof. Haueter is one of the first 12 non-Brazilians to be awarded the rank of black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the United States in the late 90's.
Chris Haueter was born in 1964 in California. Like many other children who grew up during the 1970s, Haueter started his martial arts training through shotokan karate, influenced by the popular kung fu movies of...
2026-02-041h 09
The Grappling Monthly PodcastPaul Schreiner | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosOn this week's episode of The Grappling Monthly Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting with professor Paul Schreiner in his beautiful academy Frogtown Jiu Jitsu in Los Angeles, CA.
Originally from Santa Cruz, Prof. Schreiner has decades of experience training, teaching, and competing at the highest levels of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In this episode, Prof. Schreiner shares parts of his journey in the grappling arts which have led him to travel the world, to live in Brazil and train extensively with many legends of the sport including as Roberto “Gordo”, Rilion Gracie, João Rangel, and Dave Cam...
2026-01-2837 min
The Grappling Monthly PodcastKeith Krikorian | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosWhat's your preferred set up for grappling competitions? A mat, the pit, the bowl, a cage? This week's guest has experience in all 4! This week the Grappling Monthly Podcast travels to Encinitas, CA to chat with one of jiu jitsu’s elite competitors Prof. Keith Krikorian!
On this episode Keith shares his passion for martial arts, competing in wrestling and Jiu Jitsu, the sacrifices and discipline it takes to reach the highest levels, and his experiences on jiu jitsu’s biggest platforms such as IBJJF, ADCC, and UFC BJJ. Jump into the mind of an elite level athl...
2026-01-211h 28
The Grappling Monthly PodcastDominick Haider | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosThis week, The Grappling Monthly Podcast travels to South Los Angeles to sit and get to know professor Dominick Haider (aka Coach Nick). Prof.Dominick Haider is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the founder of Guardian Project Los Angeles. Martial arts is a deeply personal and rewarding practice that help set him on a path of growth and helping others.
From Kickboxing, to MMA, to BJJ, prof. Haider has decades of experience in martial arts and a passion for giving back to the community by ensuring anyone interested gets the opportunity to learn the...
2026-01-141h 08
The Grappling Monthly PodcastJaime Mendez III | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosGrappling Monthly is starting the year off strong with our latest guest: Professor Jaime Mendez III. Prof. Mendez is the owner and head instructor of Renzo Gracie, Los Angeles. He is a former American collegiate football free safety, who was an All-American at Kansas State University. He is the Wildcats' all-time career leader in interceptions with 15 and a lifetime practitioner of the martial arts with decades of experience in striking and grappling.
In this episode we discuss:
What piqued prof. Mendez’ interest in Jiu Jitsu
Moving back to Los Angeles and training under prof. Shawn Williams
The ben...
2026-01-071h 04
The Grappling Monthly PodcastVictor Yushin | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosThis week The Grappling Monthly Podcast travels to the newest location in the Legacy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community, Legacy Santa Clarita. Join us and get to know Professor Victor Yushin, owner and head instructor of Legacy Santa Clarita.
Victor is a 2nd degree black belt under Prof. Alberto Crane. In this episode, we get to know prof. Yushin and his journey in competitive sport, dance, and martial arts.
Grappling Monthly is a media platform dedicated to the people, culture, and business of the grappling arts.
We produce original documentaries, podcasts, short- and long-form...
2025-12-1652 min
The Grappling Monthly PodcastErik "Compella" Cruz | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosThe Grappling Monthly Podcast travels to Pasadena as we sit with Professor Erik D. Cruz aka "Compella", owner and head instructor of 10th Planet Pasadena.
Professor Compella is a third degree black belt under Eddie Bravo. He is an OG of the 10th planet system who has over two decades of experience on the mat training, competing and teaching jiu jitsu and MMA. A lifelong martial artist, in this episode we get to know professor Compella, how he was first exposed to jiu jitsu, what it is about the 10th planet system that attracted him. We talk ab...
2025-12-021h 21
The Grappling Monthly PodcastBruno Fernandes | pt.2 | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosThe Grappling Monthly Podcast stops by at Gracie Barra Montreal to visit 6th degree BJJ black belt and founder of GB Montreal, Professor Bruno Fernandes! Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, professor Bruno Fernandes is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Junior, a multiple time world champion and was the grappling coach of numerous jiu jitsu and mma fighters, including former UFC champion George Saint Pierre.
Professor Fernandes moved to Canada in 2005 to do a speciality course in ophthalmology and a PhD at the McGill University in Montreal, where he started coaching BJJ part...
2025-10-2839 min
The Grappling Monthly PodcastBruno Fernandes | Part 1 | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosChapters:
00:00 Intro
00:44 Getting to know Professor Bruno Fernandes
21:31 Rio de Janeiro, Jiu Jitsu & Surfing
32:00 How Jiu Jitsu can help tackle mental illness and suffering
51:17 Outro - Reminder to tune in to Part 2 on Oct.28
The Grappling Monthly Podcast stops by at Gracie Barra Montreal to visit 6th degree BJJ black belt and founder of GB Montreal, Professor Bruno Fernandes!
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, professor Bruno Fernandes is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Junior, a multiple time world champion and...
2025-10-2151 min
The Grappling Monthly PodcastCasey Halstead | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosSeason 4 of The Grappling Monthly Podcast rolls on as we explore jiu jitsu in Las Vegas. On this episode we had the privilege of sitting with coach Casey Halstead of 10th Planet Las Vegas.
Wisdom comes with experience. Thank you to @coachcasey10 of @10pvegas for sharing your knowledge and lessons learned with me for SE4 of The Grappling Monthly Podcast!
On this episode we get into:
🔥 Retiring from corporate America to pursue jiu jitsu
🔥 Building a school starting with culture
🔥 Developing elite competitive talent
🔥 How to grow older in jiu jitsu ...
2025-10-141h 06
The Grappling Monthly PodcastRobert Drysdale | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosOn August 26, 2025 I had the privilege of sitting with former ADCC absolute and IBJJF worlds champion professor Robert Drysdale in his home. Prof. Drysdale is an accomplished fighter, teacher, competitor, and historian who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence in jiu jitsu.
For prof. Drysdale, jitsu jitsu was a means to prove himself. An art he threw himself tirelessly into for decades. Now he also sees it as a responsibility to future generations to preserve the history of the art by documenting its inception, its evolution, and its proliferation to almost every corner of...
2025-10-071h 17
The Grappling Monthly PodcastGabriel Goulart | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosSeason 3 of The Grappling Monthly Podcast is all about diving deep into the jiu jitsu scene in the San Fernando Valley. In this episode, I sit with Professor Gabriel Goulart in their beautiful new facility in Arleta: Alliance San Fernando Valley. Born in the city of Uberlandia in Brazil, Professor Gabriel is an accomplished competitor in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu having won numerous IBJJF titles. He has travelled and competed around the world and has settled in Arleta, CA to teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in one of Alliance Jiu Jitsu's newest facilities: Alliance San Fernando Valley.
In this e...
2025-09-3059 min
The Grappling Monthly PodcastLeonidas Tarca | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosThe Grappling Monthly Podcast Season 3 deep dive into jiu jitsu in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley continues with our guest on Episode 3: Professor Leonidas Tarca.
In this episode, professor Tarca shares stories from his nearly 30 years of experience in the martial arts as well as training and teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In this episode we discuss:
- How martial arts can help on and off the mat
- How the path to knowledge isn't always in a straight line
- Prof. Tarca's methodology for teaching BJJ to students
- Tips on how to st...
2025-09-231h 05
The Grappling Monthly PodcastAndrew Murillo | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosCheck out a special episode of The Grappling Monthly Podcast Tuesday Sept 16. We get to know coach Drew, his journey, and talk the future of jiu jitsu including the upcoming King of Subs Ventura Open submission only tournament in Camarillo, CA on Sunday October 12, 2025.
Coach Drew is the owner and head instructor of 10th Planet Murrieta and one of the referees for PGF World. His passion for jiu jitsu and submission only grappling has led him to launching his own tournament (King of Subs), in an effort to give more grapplers the opportunity to compete under a s...
2025-09-161h 11
The Grappling Monthly PodcastMike "Lobes" Frausto | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosThe Grappling Monthly Podcast, Season 3 rolls on with our second episode. This time our guest is Professor Mike Frausto (Coach Lobes), owner and founder of New Ground Jiu Jitsu. Prof. Mike shares insights from his years on the mat, training, competing and teaching. In this episode we dive into several topics including:
- how to structure a jiu jitsu class to maximize learning potential for everyone
- what jiu jitsu instructors can learn from head coaches and leaders in other disciplines
- the journey to becoming a gym owner
- modern day grappling competitions an...
2025-09-091h 14
The Grappling Monthly PodcastFabio Passos | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosSeason 3 of the Grappling Monthly Podcast kicks off with our amazing guest professor Fabio Passos, owner and head instructor of Steps BJJ in Sherman Oaks, CA in the San Fernando Valley. Professor Passos is a true martial artist. He is a decorated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion in gi and no-gi, as well as an accomplished judoka and wrestler.
Originally from São Paolo, SP Brazil, Professor Passos has taught and competed all over the world.
In this episode, Professor Passos shares the story of his journey in the martial arts and how Brazilian Jiu J...
2025-09-021h 00
The Grappling Monthly PodcastDaniel Guillemette | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosJoin us for the Season 2 Finale of The Grappling Monthly Podcast. This week we're joined by one of the pioneers of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA in the National Capital Region of Canada, professor Daniel Guillemette. Professor Guillemette has over 40 years of experience and dedication to the martial arts which includes a 6th degree black belt in traditional jiu jitsu, a brown belt in judo, a fourth degree black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu, as well as a successful record in both amateur boxing and mma.
In this episode we talk about what motivated Dan to pursue...
2025-08-051h 26
The Grappling Monthly PodcastPeninha Melo (in Portuguese) | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosThe latest episode of The Grappling Monthly Podcast is out now! Join me to kick off our very first episode in Portuguese (with English subtitles on YouTube) as I sit with Prof. @peninhamelo of @alliancejiujitsumontreal . Prof Peninha shares a lifetime of dedication to the martial arts and life lessons from his journey in capoeira and in jiu jitsu first in Brazil, and after moving to the US and ultimately establishing his school in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Season 2 is brought to you by Red Shield Supplements. For more info visit: www.redshieldsupplements.com
Visit our YouTube...
2025-07-291h 23
The Grappling Monthly PodcastChris Rossi | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosSeason 2 of The Grappling Monthly Podcast rolls on with Episode 4 and guest Professor Chris Rossi. Prof. Chris has a literal lifetime of experience in the martial arts as well as an approach to learning and teaching which is unique. Now leading Rossi BJJ & Kickboxing in Templeton Québec, Chris is also part founder of Red Shield Supplements, a 100% Canadian-made human performance enhancing natural product line that includes pre-workout, post workout, and intra workout products to increase your potential.
Season 2 is brought to you by Red Shield Supplements. For more info, visit: www.redshieldsupplements.com Season 2 was...
2025-07-221h 15
The Grappling Monthly PodcastÉric Nadon | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosWelcome to Season 2, Episode 3 of The Grappling Monthly Podcast. In this episode, we sit with Professor Éric Nadon of Torus BJJ, a part of Renzo Gracie Team. Éric has dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence in the martial arts and in physical performance. Éric has trained and competed internationally in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He now turns his competitive spirit towards teaching and raising the next generations of champions from his own gym, Torus BJJ, in Carleton Place Ontario, Canada. We spoke with prof. Éric about the sacrifices he made to train and compete with the best, to perf...
2025-07-1540 min
The Grappling Monthly PodcastJean-Simon Maurice | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosSeason 2 of The Grappling Monthly Podcast rolls on! Our guest for episode 2 is Professor Jean-Simon Maurice. Professor Jean-Simon is a black belt in both judo and jiu jitsu. He teaches at Arts Martiaux Derocque in Aylmer Quebec, as well as Evolution Martial Arts HQ in Gatineau, Qc. He is also part owner of Bait Apparel, an up and coming jiu jitsu and martial arts apparel company based in Canada. In this episode we talk about: - The differences between training judo and Brazilian jiu jitsu - How to teach judo to a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu crowd and vice versa...
2025-07-081h 03
The Grappling Monthly PodcastJorge Britto | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosCelebrate Canada day with a brand new season of The Grappling Monthly Podcast! It all starts with Professor @jorgebrittobjj this Tuesday July 1 at 10am PDT.
In this episode, Professor Britto shares years of lived experience and growth through the art of jiu jitsu. From growing up in Rio de Janeiro and watching legends of jiu jitsu and luta livre compete in the 90’s to becoming one of the most successful competitors, promoters and leaders of jiu jitsu in Canada today; Prof. Britto’s life is packed with adventure and lessons learned from a lifetime dedicated to th...
2025-07-011h 33
The Grappling Monthly PodcastAlberto Crane | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosThe Grappling Monthly Podcast: Season One Finale with Professor Alberto Crane The Grappling Monthly Podcast closes out its inaugural season with a pioneer of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA: Professor Alberto Crane.
Professor Crane is a lifelong martial artist and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in BJJ and mixed martial arts. Born in New Mexico, he discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu early and committed himself fully to the art. His pursuit of excellence led him to train extensively in Brazil during the 1990s and compete internationally, eventually becoming Gracie Barra’s first American black belt. Today, he is...
2025-06-121h 09
The Grappling Monthly PodcastMark Bradford | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosJoin me as I sit with the owner and head instructor of Legacy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in West Adams, professor Mark Bradford. In this episode, professor Mark shares insights and experiences from a lifelong dedication to martial arts and training jiu jitsu in New Mexico. We talk about the grappling scene from 2000's to present day and what brought him to take the leap of faith and pursue jiu jitsu full time.
Follow Grappling Monthly on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@grapplingmonthly , Instagram and Tiktok @grapplingmonthly.
2025-05-201h 01
The Grappling Monthly PodcastBryan Gregerson | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosJoin host Sébastien Maniatopoulos for episode 5 of the inaugural season of The Grappling Monthly Podcast. In this episode, Seb joins professor Bryan Gregerson in his beautiful Legacy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school located in Pasadena, CA.
In this episode we talk about: - The difference between the early days of bjj in the US and today - Whether or not competitors from past generations could compete today - The value of friendships and community present in a jiu jitsu class and so much more!
Let us know what you thought about this episode and what y...
2025-05-061h 09
The Grappling Monthly PodcastAriel Cosgrove & Vitor Nadyer | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien Maniatopoulos
Join me on The Grappling Monthly Podcast as I sit down with professors Ariel & Vitor, co-founders and head instructors of Legacy Malibu!
In this episode we talk about:
falling in love with jiu jitsu
training in Brazil and the US
building programs for student success
how jiu jitsu can bring people together
And much more!
2025-04-231h 05
The Grappling Monthly PodcastAnthony Cruz | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosSeason 1 continues with a brand new episode! Join us as we get to know our guest, professor Anthony Cruz, owner and head instructor at Legacy Glendale.
In this episode we talk about:
🔥 Finding jiu jitsu in Hollywood
🔥 Teaching & Competing
🔥 Friendships and life lessons
🔥 The value of strong leadership
... and much more!
Like and Subscribe to Grappling Monthly on YouTube!
#TheGrapplingMonthlyPodcast #jiujitsulifestyle #podcast #jiujitsu #bjjpodcast
2025-04-081h 02
The Grappling Monthly PodcastErika Dawn | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosJoin host Sebastien Maniatopoulos in Episode 2 as he sits down with Professor Erika Dawn to explore the journey of turning passion into purpose. From following her dreams to building a jiu-jitsu academy rooted in empowerment and community, Erika shares how she’s creating a space where strong, healthy humans can thrive—on and off the mats.
Erika Dawn is the owner and head instructor of Legacy West Valley Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Northridge, California.
2025-03-261h 02
The Grappling Monthly PodcastUday Malhotra | The Grappling Monthly Podcast with Sébastien ManiatopoulosWelcome to The Grappling Monthly Podcast, where we celebrate the art, the culture, and the community of grappling around the world. Join me and my guest Professor Uday Malhotra, for a conversation on wrestling, jiu jitsu, training, finding a balance in life to keep training as we older and so much more.
Professor Uday Malhotra is a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under professor Alberto Crane and a former D1 wrestler with approximately 30 years of grappling experience.
2025-03-1100 min
Farewell, Mr. Nice Guy PodcastParenthood: Trials and TriumphsIn this episode of Live with MNG and Jeff No Chaser, we dive into the highs and lows of parenting in "Parenthood: Trials and Triumphs." From sleepless nights and unexpected challenges to those unforgettable, joy-filled moments, we explore what it really means to navigate the journey of raising kids. With real-life stories, raw conversations, and practical insights, this episode sheds light on both the struggles and victories that every parent faces. Tune in for an honest look at the adventure of parenthood!
Live with MNG and Jeff No Chaser:
https://youtube.com/live/sSbvyS8rg9Y...
2024-10-261h 01
Farewell, Mr. Nice Guy PodcastBuilding Strong Family Bonds: Simple Daily HabitsIn this episode of Live with MNG and Jeff No Chaser, we dive into the power of daily habits that can strengthen family bonds and create a positive home environment. MNG and Jeff share practical, no-nonsense strategies for fostering connection, trust, and communication within your family. Whether it's through shared meals, intentional conversations, or small gestures of appreciation, these simple practices can have a lasting impact. Tune in to discover how small, consistent actions can transform the dynamics of your family life for the better.
Live with MNG and Jeff No Chaser:
https://youtube.com/l...
2024-10-121h 06
Farewell, Mr. Nice Guy PodcastCrafting Success: The Frank Mayberry BlueprintJoin MNG and Jeff No Chaser as we discuss the success behind Frank Mayberry business Mayberry Graphics. We will dive into the what makes a great company and balance with family. This is the one episode you don't want to miss.
Instagram: frankallen313
Check out our other episodes:
https://youtube.com/live/MircDpUw-iU?feature=share
https://youtube.com/live/PkKvGxDzKLo?feature=share
https://youtube.com/live/KgBhjowcm7o?feature=share
Other Shows:
https://youtu.be/yE-oQG2H-K4
https://youtu.be/-E8xCfVI0WM
2024-09-1458 min