There Are No Bad Positions in Jiu-Jitsu

This conversation is about how a martial artist with that many teachers decides what to keep. Prof. Steve Baca holds rank in two jiu-jitsu systems often treated as rivals and does not see the conflict. He explains what it means for a teacher to imprint on your game. He makes the case that some techniques arrive on their own schedule, and that measuring your progress against other people's is where students go wrong. He describes how he thinks about jiu-jitsu in patterns, why he will not reset to neutral, and why he does not believe in bad positions. He also argues that sport jiu-jitsu, which he teaches and values, is not self-defense, and talks about loving martial arts for the art as much as the fight. Recorded at Legacy Glendale on Thursday October 15, 2026. Professor Steve Baca runs NoHo MMA in North Hollywood, California. Professor Steve Baca NoHo MMA Website: nohomma.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. IG and TikTok: @grapplingmonthly For sponsorships and collaborations: grapplingmonthly@gmail.com #bjj #martialarts #jiujitsu