The Grappling Monthly Podcast Season 1 Finale with Professor Alberto Crane.

The Grappling Monthly Podcast: Season One Finale with Professor Alberto Crane The Grappling Monthly Podcast closes out its inaugural season with a pioneer of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA: Professor Alberto Crane.

Professor Crane is a lifelong martial artist and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in BJJ and mixed martial arts. Born in New Mexico, he discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu early and committed himself fully to the art. His pursuit of excellence led him to train extensively in Brazil during the 1990s and compete internationally, eventually becoming Gracie Barra’s first American black belt. Today, he is the founder and head instructor of Legacy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Burbank, CA—a thriving academy and wellness hub in Southern California.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The early days of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the U.S.

• Training in Brazil as an American in the ‘90s

• Becoming Gracie Barra’s first American black belt

• The philosophy behind Tacfit and its mental/physical benefits

• Building a complete ecosystem of martial arts and recovery

Legacy Los Angeles reflects Professor Crane’s holistic approach to training. The facility offers classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Judo, Wrestling, Tacfit, and more—for all ages, all day. Connected to the academy is Rēvive Performance Recovery, a recovery center equipped with Scandinavian-style saunas, a cold plunge, stretch therapy, and compression gear. Next door, Açaí Jungle Café—run by Professor Crane’s wife, Edit—serves smoothies, shakes, salads, sandwiches, and açaí bowls. It’s become a local favorite in Burbank.

Professor Alberto Crane is a foundational figure in the growth of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, with a lasting influence on generations of athletes and gym owners both in the U.S. and internationally. His philosophy emphasizes discipline, the pursuit of purpose, and personal transformation—principles he credits to a lifetime in martial arts. In Los Angeles, his name is synonymous with Jiu Jitsu; it’s difficult to talk about the art’s evolution in the region without acknowledging his impact.

Don’t miss this episode as we wrap up Season One with insights from one of the most influential figures in American Jiu Jitsu.