Blazing a trail in women’s competitive no-go jiu-jitsu at such a young age is no small task! Here are just some of the takeaways from our conversation with this week’s guest on The Grappling Monthly Podcast: Professor Lila Smadja-Cruz.
Tune in on YouTube or Spotify for the full episode. Link in bio!
#jiujitsu #10thplanet #nogi
How often do we take time to sit and pay attention to detail?
The artistic practice demands we step out of the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. It requires that the student presses pause on distractions, and be present in the moment.
Attention to detail helps the application of skill in practice which, when combined with repetition, increases the individual’s likelihood of executing technique under pressure and when it counts the most.
#jiujitsu #brazilianjiujitsu #grappling
New Episode is out now! Prof. Lila Smadja-Cruz is a 2nd degree black belt under Eddie Bravo, a pioneer on the women’s no-gi jiu-jitsu competitive scene, co-owner of 10th Planet Pasadena.
In this episode we get into:
- Lila’s journey in the martial arts
- Her extensive competition experience
- Growth in women’s jiu-jitsu
- Opening a school
- The Eaton fire and Pasadena community
And so much more!
Tune in on YouTube and Spotify. Link in bio!
Jiu-jitsu gives opportunity. This week’s guest is a pioneer on the women’s no-gi competitive scene, 10th Planet Pasadena’s own: Prof. Lila Smadja-Cruz.
Tune in Wednesday at 7am PDT for the full conversation on YouTube and Spotify. Link in bio!
Last week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mike Dytri, founder of Vanguard Kimono and 3rd degree BJJ black belt at his Vanguard Kimono studio in Redondo Beach, CA.
Mike has been in the game a long time and was kind enough to share a unique perspective he’s gained from years spent involved in arts, culture and design of all kinds. Mike has found a way to align his passions, creative expression, and various practices (martial and other) in a way many of us only dream about.
These are just a few of the takeaways from our conversation. Tune in to YouTube and Spotify for the full episode. Out now. Link in bio!
Third Space.
A physical space that is neither home nor work. One that allows for people to gather and spend time with one another, usually engaged in some activity. The concept is easy to grasp for those whose busy lives have them juggling work, families, and other responsibilities, but it is perhaps more meaningful for youth and others who might not have somewhere they can go, be safe, and learn skills that will serve them on and off the mat.
Coaches Nick and Kiva understand the need for a third space well, particularly when it comes to youth in South LA. They are the leaders of Omni Jiu-Jitsu which is also home to Guardian Los Angeles, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to providing free youth jiu jitsu scholarships to underserved youth around the world.
Stability and consistency breed confidence and discipline through a program that focuses on fostering positive friendships, mentorship opportunities, and a secure environment during challenging times.
Check out the beautiful new Omni Jiu-Jitsu facility at:
6000 S Western Ave
Los Angeles, CA
90047
For more info visit: ()Â Â and
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Do you know what goes into making your favorite jiu-jitsu gi?
Our guest this week certainly does! Mike Dytri is the founder of Vanguard Kimono. He is also a third-degree
black belt under Chris Haueter, a former MMA fighter, judoka, skateboarder, a longtime designer in streetwear and skateboarding, and the design consultant behind Gracie Barra’s GB Wear program.
We sat down at the Vanguard studio to talk about how a kimono actually gets made, and what that process reveals about the people wearing, not to mention so much more!
Recorded at Vanguard Kimonos.
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What makes a Vanguard Kimonos unique? The difference is in the detail!
On this week’s episode of the Grappling Monthly Podcast, Mike Dytri, founder of Vanguard Kimonos shares insights from years in the game! Whether you’re into combat sports, skateboarding, music, design, or fashion, this one is for you!
Episode drops 7am PDT Wednesday. Link in bio!
#jiujitsu #jiujitsulifestyle #bjjpodcast
What does your jiu-jitsu gi say about you?
Mike Dytri founder of Vanguard Kimonos shares unique insights on identity and expression of self in jiu-jitsu through the lens of a creator, designer, skateboarder, fighter. and third-degree BJJ black belt on the latest episode of The Grappling Monthly Podcast.
Tune in for the full conversation this Wednesday, May 6th at 7 a.m. Pacific Time on YouTube and Spotify. Link in bio.
#jiujitsulifestyle #vanguardkimono #bjj
On May 3rd 2026, Coach Nick and Coach Kiva celebrated the brand new Omni Jiu-Jitsu facility in the heart of South Los Angeles with good friends, good food, and good grappling!
Omni Jiu-Jitsu is lead by its owner and head instructor Coach Nick Haider. This new facility is home to the Guardian Los Angeles program and provides a safe haven for youth and adults in an otherwise underserved community to come together, to learn jiu-jitsu and to develop sets of lifelong skills that will be useful on and off the mats.
Massive congratulations to coaches Nick, Kiva, and the whole Omni Jiu-Jitsu team for the amazing work that continues to shape lives and empower youth through jiu-jitsu! Can’t wait to see this team grow!
#jiujitsu #jiujitsulifestyle #martialarts #confidence #selfdefense discipline
