The Grappling Monthly Podcast

The 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 the founder and head instructor of Legacy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Burbank, CA—a thriving academy and wellness hub in Southern California.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The early days of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the U.S.

• Training in Brazil as an American in the ‘90s

• Becoming Gracie Barra’s first American black belt

• The philosophy behind Tacfit and its mental/physical benefits

• Building a complete ecosystem of martial arts and recovery

Legacy Los Angeles reflects Professor Crane’s holistic approach to training. The facility offers classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Judo, Wrestling, Tacfit, and more—for all ages, all day. Connected to the academy is Rēvive Performance Recovery, a recovery center equipped with Scandinavian-style saunas, a cold plunge, stretch therapy, and compression gear. Next door, Açaí Jungle Café—run by Professor Crane’s wife, Edit—serves smoothies, shakes, salads, sandwiches, and açaí bowls. It’s become a local favorite in Burbank.

Professor Alberto Crane is a foundational figure in the growth of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, with a lasting influence on generations of athletes and gym owners both in the U.S. and internationally. His philosophy emphasizes discipline, the pursuit of purpose, and personal transformation—principles he credits to a lifetime in martial arts. In Los Angeles, his name is synonymous with Jiu Jitsu; it’s difficult to talk about the art’s evolution in the region without acknowledging his impact.

Don’t miss this episode as we wrap up Season One with insights from one of the most influential figures in American Jiu Jitsu.

Join 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.  

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Join 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 you would like to see in future seasons of The Grappling Monthly Podcast!

Season 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!

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Join 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. 

Welcome 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.