Send Him 2, 3 Years to Montreal and Forget - Prof. Fabio Holanda of BTT Canada

Professor Fabio Holanda has spent decades teaching jiu-jitsu and MMA through a clear lens: top position matters, fundamentals matter, and technique should still work when the pace rises and the consequences change. In this episode of The Grappling Monthly Podcast, Fabio reflects on his start in Natal, Brazil, his connection to Carlson Gracie and Brazilian Top Team, his move to Montreal, and the training philosophy that shaped generations of fighters. Prof. Fabio also breaks down why he still values closed guard and half guard, what people misunderstand about coaching, why finishing matters in both jiu-jitsu and MMA, and how fighters should actually think about style, development, and preparation. Professor Fabio Holanda is a 6th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is the founder of Brazilian Top Team Canada and one of the foundational figures in the growth of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA in Canada. He trained through the Carlson Gracie and BTT lineage, fought professionally in MMA, and has coached athletes across jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and the UFC level for more than two decades. Chapters: 00:00 Fabio's first contact with jiu-jitsu 03:35 Carlson Gracie's MMA-first approach and BTT 06:56 Developing the Kimura in Carlson Gracie's Gym 12:05 Cultural Adaptation and Early Days in Montreal 19:59 Prioritizing Coaching and Jiu-Jitsu's Evolution 25:53 Closed Guard and Half-Guard's Power in MMA 33:45 Crafting an MMA Fighter: Base, Skills, Strategy 42:53 Why Finishing Fights Matters for Entertainment 52:18 Deep Coaching Insights: MMA Integration and Trust 01:08:53 BTT Canada: Family, Fun, and Future Philosophy Follow Grappling Monthly here: Instagram: www.instagram.com/@grapplingmonthly Website: https://www.grapplingmonthly.com Substack:  https://substack.com/@grapplingmonthly Threads: https://www.threads.com/@grapplingmonthly For sponsorships and collaborations: grapplingmonthly@gmail.com About Grappling Monthly: Grappling Monthly is an independent editorial media brand covering the culture, people, and business of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the grappling arts. Based in Los Angeles, the brand produces in-depth conversations with the coaches, gym owners, competitors, and practitioners shaping the sport. The Grappling Monthly Podcast is the flagship property. A weekly long-form interview series hosted by Sébastien Maniatopoulos, a BJJ black belt establishing roots in the Southern California grappling community. The brand's editorial focus is on the human stories behind the art: how academies are built, how practitioners evolve, how the culture of jiu-jitsu intersects with identity, business, and community. Grappling Monthly publishes across YouTube, Instagram, Substack, and major podcast platforms. Subscribe and turn on notifications. #grapplingmonthly #bjj #jiujitsu #mma #brazilianjiujitsu #nogi #ufc #btt #carlsongracie #grappling