About Us
WE ARE GRAPPLECULTURE
From the Ancient Greeks to the Japanese Samurais different grappling arts have moved from the first Olympics and battlefields to dojos and academies around the world. Wrestling, Jiu-jitsu, Judo, Sambo, Grappling and MMA are now worldwide known and practiced sports. All of us practicing and enjoying them are part of a community, a culture, that we enrich with our dedication in one way or the other.
After more than six years working on the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu media market, Maggie Left (maggieleft.com) and Richard Presley (attacktheback.com) have come together and joined forces to create a new online platform, GrappleCulture.com
We want it to be the European media platform of reference for the grappling community. An online spot to learn, discover, discuss, get to know better and expand our knowledge and vision of the art.
This website is our way of listening and adding to the community while featuring different aspects of it. A place for sporting integrity, equality, inclusion and diversity built in Europe.
We want to create an online space not just to deliver the latest news, videos and pictures from competitions. But also instructional videos, articles, podcasts, documentary short films, training sessions, expert talks on nutrition, strength and conditioning or mental health.
A new website to better get to know the most representative figures and shine a light on the often under-showcased ones of the sport.
GrappleCulture is a platform created for the community that thinks of the supporters and the professionals alike.
WHY US? Why This? Why Now?
What Makes Us Different?
We want to create an online space not just to deliver the latest news, videos and pictures from competitions, but also instructional videos, articles, podcasts, documentary short films, training sessions, expert talks on nutrition, strength and conditioning or mental health.
A new website to better get to know the most representative figures and shine a light on the often under-showcased ones of the sport.
Why This? Why Now?
After many years of covering hundreds of tournaments, gyms and seminars around Europe and the US it’s time to put all we’ve learnt to better use.
The pandemic has shown all of us a lot of the work that could be done to help the grappling community to grow stronger and, right now, we believe that more and better media outlets can help to improve the reach of our art and its benefits.
Who Are We?
Maggie Left
Maggie Left is one of the sport’s most beloved photographers.
Currently working as one of the main photographers at the IBJJF, Maggie has captured some of the most iconic moments in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu over the last 6 years.
Now she wants to use GrappleCulture to help telling athlete’s stories and give back to the community through her trademark emotive storytelling and high-quality content.
Richard Presley
Richard has been covering the Jiu-Jitsu scene since the inception of his first web blog in 2013.
Since then he has picked up a camera and has become one of the most well-known photographers in Europe, having worked for the IBJJF, AJP and other organisations.
Richard has a keen eye for video content and blogging and is hoping this project will give back to the community he loves so much.
Humane Technologies
You’re in Control
One of the biggest issues of our time is the idea of surveillance marketing. We all know what it is, the social media adverts that follow you from platform to platform.
We give you the option of what data we can collect from you. We want to give you full transparency.
Subscription Service
Soon we will be offering a monthly subscription service in order to reduce the number of technologies that are on the site.
By supporting us you’re part of this project, where your voice matters.
Can’t Afford it? No Problem
If you’re unable to afford to subscribe to us. No problem! We will be offering a large amount of content for free on our YT Channel!
However, these pieces of content will be subject to advertising from Google ad services… The choice is yours!
Be part of the Movement
Be part of the biggest culture shift in grappling and be part of the community!
Latest Posts
More than a competition, the Italian Open + the Jiujitsu expo vol. 2
The 11th edition of the Italian Open and the 2nd one of the Jiu-jitsu Expo is back in Florence. One of the biggest jiu-jitsu competitions and unique conventions in Europe will take place in Florence next week. GrappleCulture will be...
IBJJF NoGi European Championship 2022 Preview
Rome (Italy), is once again home to the European championships for the IBJJF. This time we're back to our regularly scheduled event the European NoGi.This year's event is the first European NoGi since the pandemic and the rules have changed quite a bit. IBJJF now...
Tarik Hopstock Unorthodox Guard Passing
Tarik Hopstock is one of Europe's finest black belts. We had a chance to ask him about his unorthodox guard passing and he showed us some sick moves. Hope you'll learn and enjoy it! https://vimeo.com/769819385