Not All Good Fighters Make Good Coaches

Professor King Osimco started jiu-jitsu in Iloilo, in the Panay region of the Philippines, at a point when there was no affiliated gym in his hometown and instruction came from downloaded videos. He trained in the United Arab Emirates on a four-day emergency response rotation, riding two hours each way to reach a mat. He is now a black belt, one of the head coaches at Centre Evolution HQ in Gatineau, and the director of its Muay Thai and MMA programs. This conversation covers the whole route, we discuss:  Learning jiu-jitsu in the Philippines with no local affiliation Training in the UAE around a four-day work rotation Why gi competition once looked unwatchable to him Where competing and coaching stopped fitting together The distinction he draws between an instructor and a coach Terminology, teaching method, and the argument over both 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: www.instagram.com/@grapplingmonthly  For sponsorships and collaborations: grapplingmonthly@gmail.com