Thyago Cezar Martins

What can jiu-jitsu actually give you beyond technique and medals? In Episode 34 of the Grappling Monthly Podcast, we sit down with Professor Thyago Martins, owner and head instructor of TM Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Orange, California for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations we've had on the show. Thyago's story starts in Manaus, Brazil, where he began training BJJ after being bullied as a kid. That first class gave him something he hadn't expected: confidence. From there, jiu-jitsu took him from the Amazon to California, from local tournaments to coaching UFC and Bellator fighters, and eventually to opening his own academy with $200 in his pocket and zero English. This episode goes deep on what it actually takes to build a life through jiu-jitsu. In this episode we cover: How training under Ronaldo Jacaré and world champion Gabriel Moraes shaped Thyago's game and mindset Why patience is the most transferable lesson from the mat to real life The white belt mentality, and why it matters at every level, including black belt Gi vs. no-gi: what each develops, and why you should train both Why your body type should dictate which athletes you study Specific training, drilling, and how to actually retain what you learn The "two positions per month" approach Thyago learned from Mikey Musumeci Teammate closeouts, competition ethics, and what's holding the sport back ADCC, CJI, and what makes jiu-jitsu exciting, or frustrating, to watch Why English fluency opened more doors for Thyago than almost anything else What makes a gym culture real vs. performative And the stories from inside his academy that will stick with you: A student who walked in depressed, overweight, and lost and walked out a different person. A former gang member who is now coaching. An 81-year-old student who couldn't open his hands or get off the mat alone when he started and now drives himself to class and trains independently. That's what Thyago keeps coming back to: a gym isn't just a place where people learn moves. It's a place where people figure out who they are. Connect with Professor Thyago Martins: 🔗 tmbjjacademy.com 📍 City of Orange, Orange County, California If you're in Southern California, the academy is open to visitors. I highly recommend you visit. If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to Grappling Monthly for more conversations on the culture, lived experience, and real stories behind the grappling arts. Like, comment, and share, it genuinely helps us tell more stories like this one. Grappling Monthly covers the people, culture, and community of the grappling arts. From practitioners and coaches to creators, competitors, and entrepreneurs. Our goal is simple: tell the real stories of jiu-jitsu. #BJJ #BrazilianJiuJitsu #JiuJitsu #Grappling #GrapplingMonthly #BJJPodcast #JiuJitsuPodcast #OrangeCounty #BJJLifestyle #NoGi #GiJiuJitsu #JiuJitsuCulture #BJJCommunity #MartialArts #BJJCoach #JiuJitsuLife #ADCC #BJJCompetition #TMBJJAcademy