Fighting's True Purpose

In this episode of The Grappling Monthly Podcast, I sit down with Jeff and Yego from Powertrip Worldwide at Legacy Glendale for a conversation about jiu-jitsu, punk, skateboarding, DIY culture, design, zines, wrestling, and the creative side of martial arts. Powertrip Worldwide is "a creative publisher that celebrates global grappling cultures, built on the idea that fighting's true purpose isn't to destroy others but to bring us closer together" - www.powertrip.com/about Through zines, art books, gear, events, music, and community projects, they are exploring the culture around grappling and asking a different kind of question: what happens when we take the “art” in martial arts seriously? We talk about the punk and skate scenes that shaped them, the influence of DIY publishing, why zines still matter, and how creative communities are built through participation rather than permission. The conversation moves into the visual history of jiu-jitsu, the difference between respect and obedience, the role of gyms as community spaces, and why grappling culture should leave room for experimentation, disagreement, and self-expression. We also discuss Powertrip’s upcoming recovery issue, their interest in wrestling, judo, jiu-jitsu, and the larger question of how people keep themselves connected to a practice over time. Topics include: Power Trip Worldwide Jiu-jitsu as art and culture Punk, skateboarding, and DIY publishing Zines and fan clubs Respect vs obedience Creative adaptation in grappling The visual culture of martial arts Recovery, injury, and longevity Community, third spaces, and training partners Why fighting can bring people together Follow Power Trip Worldwide: Website: powertripworldwide.com Instagram: @powertrip.ww 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. IG and TikTok: @grapplingmonthly For sponsorships and collaborations: grapplingmonthly@gmail.com #jiu-jitsu #punk #skateboarding #grappling #arts #grapplingmonthly #martialarts