The Grappling Monthly Podcast

The 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: 

And so much more. 

This episode was filmed at Phenom BJJ in Mission Hills, CA. Professor Tarca received his black belt from Professor Alberto Crane. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode, and if you like the content we are putting out, please hit that subscribe button so you never miss an update!

Check 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 submission only ruleset in the gi and no gi. 

The King of Subs tournament includes brackets for ages, weights, and belt levels. It also includes a couple super fights and an absolute division with cash prizes.

The 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

and much more! 

New Ground Jiu Jitsu is a premier NO-Gi Jiu Jitsu school in Sherman Oaks, CA led by Professor Frausto, better known as Coach Lobes.

Season 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 Jitsu has shaped him in to the person he is today.

We discuss:

- Growing, training, and competing in Brazil

- Cultural differences between training in Brazil and training in the US

- The psychology of teaching vs. that of competitive sports

- Opening an academy and tackling new challenges and so much more!

Subscribe to the Grappling Monthly channel so you never miss an update!

Professor Fabio Passos teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu out of his academy: Steps BJJ 13635 Burbank Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA 91401

Season 3 of The Grappling Monthly Podcast is the first part of our deep dive into grappling in the San Fernando Valley.

Join 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 the martial arts, and end up dedicating his life to the pursuit of excellence in these art forms. We also discuss the transition from competitor to teacher and the decision to open a school which has since become one of the most largest martial arts schools in Canada boasting successful boxing, muay thai, gi, and judo programs.

Professor Dan has graduated numerous black belts in Brazilian jiu jitsu and has formed a thriving network of schools. Tune in and get to know one of the OGs of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Canada, and genuinely one of the nicest people I've ever met.

Please comment, share you thoughts and hit that subscribe button to support our channel and never miss an update! Soyez des nôtres pour la finale de la deuxième saison du Grappling Monthly Podcast.

Cette semaine, on reçoit un des pionniers du jiu-jitsu brésilien et du MMA dans la région de la capitale nationale du Canada : le Professeur Daniel Guillemette. Le Professeur Guillemette a plus de 40 ans d’expérience et de dévouement aux arts martiaux. Il détient une ceinture noire 6ᵉ dan en jiu-jitsu traditionnel, une ceinture brune en judo, une ceinture noire 4ᵉ dan en jiu-jitsu brésilien, en plus d’un parcours couronné de succès en boxe amateure et en MMA.

Dans cet épisode, on parle de ce qui a motivé Dan à se lancer dans les arts martiaux et comment cette passion l’a amené à y consacrer sa vie entière. On discute aussi de sa transition de compétiteur à enseignant, et de la décision d’ouvrir son école — qui est aujourd’hui parmi les plus grandes écoles d’arts martiaux au Canada, avec des programmes reconnus en boxe, muay thaï, judo et jiu-jitsu (avec kimono).

Le Professeur Dan a formé nombreuses ceintures noires en jiu-jitsu brésilien et a bâti un réseau d’écoles florissant à travers le pays ainsi qu'à l'étranger. Ne manquez pas cette occasion de découvrir un des OGs du jiu-jitsu brésilien au Canada — et, honnêtement, l’une des personnes les plus gentilles que j’aie jamais connu.

N’hésitez pas à laisser un commentaire, partager vos impressions, et cliquez sur s’abonner pour soutenir notre chaîne et ne rien manquer des prochains épisodes!

The 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 channel for the video version with subtitles: www.youtube.com/@grapplingmonthly 

O novo episódio do The Grappling Monthly Podcast já está no ar! Vem com a gente conferir o nosso primeiro episódio em português (com legendas em inglês), onde converso com o Professor @peninhamelo da @alliancejiujitsumontreal.

O Professor Peninha compartilha uma vida inteira dedicada às artes marciais, trazendo lições valiosas de sua trajetória na capoeira e no jiu-jitsu — começando no Brasil, passando pelos Estados Unidos, até chegar à fundação de sua escola em Montreal, Quebec, Canadá.

A segunda temporada é apresentada por Red Shield Supplements. Para mais informações, acesse: www.redshieldsupplements.com 

Visite o canal YouTube pra ver a versão vídeo: www.youtube.com/@grapplingmonthly 

Le tout dernier épisode du Grappling Monthly Podcast est maintenant en ligne ! Joignez-vous à moi pour lancer notre tout premier épisode en portugais (avec sous-titres en anglais sur YouTube), en compagnie du Professeur @peninhamelo de @alliancejiujitsumontreal.

Le Professeur Peninha partage une vie de dévouement aux arts martiaux et des leçons de vie tirées de son parcours en capoeira et en jiu-jitsu — d’abord au Brésil, ensuite aux États-Unis, avant de fonder son école à Montréal, Québec, Canada.

La saison 2 est présentée par Red Shield Supplements. Pour en savoir plus, visitez : www.redshieldsupplements.com

Visitez www.youtube.com/@grapplingmonthly pour la version vidéo.

Season 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 filmed 100% in Canada.

Episode 1 features Professor Jorge Britto of Etobicoke BJJ and the Jiu Jitsu for Life Association. Prof. 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 the art.

Episode 2, we share a discussion Professor Jean-Simon Maurice. Professor Jean-Simon is a black belt in both Judo and BJJ as well as a partner at @BaitApparel. This conversation ranges from the differences in judo and jiu jitsu competition, how it feels to take the leap of faith and start a business centered on the arts they love, and so much more.

In episode 3 , 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 perfect his craft, and to open his own school as well as much more!

In Episode 5 we move to Montreal to meet with Prof. Peninha. Originally from Brasilia in Brazil, Prof. Peninha is a master of capoeira and a fourth degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with a wealth of lived experience in Brazil, the US, and Canada which he shares with passion and dedication every day on the mats and in the capoeira Roda.

Lastly, the Season 2 finale, Episode 6, is with Professor Daniel Guillemette. A pioneer in the grappling arts in the National Capital Region, Professor Dan brings approximately 40 years of martial arts experience and has helped train and coach countless successful bjj and mma athletes in and around Ottawa and Gatineau. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@grapplingmonthly so you never miss an update!

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#bjj #jiujitsu #jiujitsulifestyle #canada #torusbjj #oama #fitness #martialarts #wellness #brazilianjiujitsulifestyle #brazilianjiujitsulifestyle #aprendrelejiujitsu #podcast #combatsport #combatsporttraining #entrepreneur #martialartsschool #martialartstraining #martialartsbusiness

Welcome 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 perfect his craft, and to open his own school as well as much more!

Many thanks to professor Éric for taking time to share their knowledge and experience. We hope you enjoy this episode. Subscribe to our channel so you never miss an update!

Season 2 is brought to you by Red Shield Supplements. For more info, visit: www.redshieldsupplements.com Season 2 was filmed 100% in Canada.

Episode 1 features Professor Jorge Britto of Etobicoke BJJ and the Jiu Jitsu for Life Association. Prof. 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 the art.

Episode 2, we share a discussion Professor Jean-Simon Maurice. Professor Jean-Simon is a black belt in both Judo and BJJ as well as a partner at @BaitApparel. This conversation ranges from the differences in judo and jiu jitsu competition, how it feels to take the leap of faith and start a business centered on the arts they love, and so much more.

Episode 4 is a conversation with 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.

In Episode 5 we move to Montreal to meet with Prof. Peninha. Originally from Brasilia in Brazil, Prof. Peninha is a master of capoeira and a fourth degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with a wealth of lived experience in Brazil, the US, and Canada which he shares with passion and dedication every day on the mats and in the capoeira Roda.

Lastly, the Season 2 finale, Episode 6, is with Professor Daniel Guillemette. A pioneer in the grappling arts in the National Capital Region, Professor Dan brings approximately 40 years of martial arts experience and has helped train and coach countless successful bjj and mma athletes in and around Ottawa and Gatineau.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel:    / @grapplingmonthly   so you never miss an update!

Season 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 - Transitioning from student , to teacher, to business owner - How jiu jitsu schools provide a 3rd space that is fosters healthy human connection - Sponsoring athletes and giving back to the grappling community And more!

Tune in Tuesdays at 10am PDT a new episode each week! Season 2 is brought to you by our friends at Red Shield Supplements. For more info visit: www.redshieldsupplements.com 

About Season 2 of The Grappling Monthly Podcast:

Episode 1 features Professor Jorge Britto. 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 the art.

Episode 3, we sit with Professor Éric Nadon of Torus BJJ. Éric has dedicated his life to the pursuit of martial arts and physical performance. Now in Carleton Place Ontario, we talk with prof. Éric about the sacrifices he made to train and compete with the best, to perfect his craft, and to open his own school.

Episode 4 is a conversation with 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.

In Episode 5 we move to Montreal to meet with Prof. Peninha. Originally from Brasilia in Brazil, Prof. Peninha is a master of capoeira and a fourth degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with a wealth of lived experience in Brazil, the US, and Canada which he shares with passion and dedication every day on the mats and in the capoeira Roda.

Lastly, the Season 2 finale, Episode 6, is with Professor Daniel Guillemette. A pioneer in the grappling arts in the National Capital Region, Professor Dan brings approximately 40 years of martial arts experience and has helped train and coach countless successful bjj and mma athletes in and around Ottawa and Gatineau. A special shoutout to Red Shield Supplements, our official sponsor of The Grappling Monthly Podcast Season 2.

Like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@grapplingmonthly so you never miss an update! Subscribe to The Grappling Monthly Podcast so you never miss a new episode!

Celebrate 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 the art.

Tune in on Tuesday 10am PDT throughout July and August for a new episode each week!

Season 2 is brought to you by Red Shield Supplements. For more info visit: www.redshieldsupplements.com

#jiujitsulifestyle #bjjpodcast #jiujitsu #bjj #podcast #toronto #torontobjj #etobicoke #etobicokebjj #jiujitsu4life #canada

Episode 2, we share a discussion Professor Jean-Simon Maurice. Professor Jean-Simon is a black belt in both Judo and BJJ as well as a partner at @BaitApparel. This conversation ranges from the differences in judo and jiu jitsu competition, how it feels to take the leap of faith and start a business centered on the arts they love, and so much more.

Episode 3, we sit with Professor Éric Nadon of Torus BJJ. Éric has dedicated his life to the pursuit of martial arts and physical performance. Now in Carleton Place Ontario, we talk with prof. Éric about the sacrifices he made to train and compete with the best, to perfect his craft, and to open his own school. 

Episode 4 is a conversation with 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.

In Episode 5 we move to Montreal to meet with Prof. Peninha. Originally from Brasilia in Brazil, Prof. Peninha is a master of capoeira and a fourth degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with a wealth of lived experience in Brazil, the US, and Canada which he shares with passion and dedication every day on the mats and in the capoeira Roda.

Lastly, the Season 2 finale, Episode 6, is with Professor Daniel Guillemette. A pioneer in the grappling arts in the National Capital Region, Professor Dan brings approximately 40 years of martial arts experience and has helped train and coach countless successful bjj and mma athletes in and around Ottawa and Gatineau.

A special shoutout to Red Shield Supplements, our official sponsor of The Grappling Monthly Podcast Season 2.

Like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@grapplingmonthly so you never miss an update!