Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Fabio Passos. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Fabio, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

**“For me, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is much more than a sport — it’s a life philosophy. Our mission is to show how BJJ impacts people not only physically, but mentally and emotionally too. On the mats, everyone is equal — it doesn’t matter your race, gender, religion, or background. You face pressure, solve problems, and build resilience — all in real time. And that mindset carries into everyday life and business.

I saw this transformation firsthand when I worked with a social project in Brazil called Meninos do Morumbi. Many of the kids came from extremely difficult backgrounds, but through BJJ, they found structure, purpose, and confidence. It wasn’t just about learning submissions — it was about learning discipline, respect, and how to navigate life.

Whether you’re running a company, facing personal challenges, or simply trying to grow, the principles of BJJ — patience, hard work, humility — are the same. It’s one of the few disciplines that truly benefits all ages. That’s why I believe BJJ isn’t just about fighting — it’s about becoming stronger in every aspect of life.”**

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Fabbio “Monstrinho” Passos — 5th Degree Black Belt, Coach, and Founder of Steps BJJ

I’m Fabbio Passos, known in the BJJ world as “Monstrinho” — the Little Monster. I’m a 5th degree black belt under Fábio Gurgel, and coaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been my passion and life mission for many years.

I started my martial arts journey early, beginning judo at 8 years old and later competing in freestyle wrestling. These experiences gave me a strong foundation before I found my true passion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Growing up, I was always a small kid, and jiu-jitsu gave me a way to grow stronger — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It became much more than a sport to me; it became a philosophy and a way of life.

Early in my career, I had the privilege of working with a social project called Meninos do Morumbi, teaching BJJ to kids from underprivileged backgrounds. Seeing how jiu-jitsu transformed their confidence, discipline, and outlook on life showed me how powerful this art really is.

In 2011, I moved to Los Angeles to coach at Cobrinha BJJ & Fitness, and since then I’ve worked with students of all levels — from beginners to world champions. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with Franjinha at Paragon BJJ, expanding my experience and coaching network.

I founded Steps BJJ, located in Sherman Oaks, California, to keep my mission alive: to create a space where people from all walks of life — no matter their age, race, gender, or religion — can come together and grow through jiu-jitsu.

In addition to coaching, I’ve also done motivational speaking for companies, sharing lessons from the mats about discipline, resilience, and leadership that can be applied to business and life.

I strongly believe that discipline, hard work, and dedication are the foundation for success — both on and off the mats. On the mats, we’re all equal. We learn resilience, patience, and problem-solving skills that carry over to every part of life — including business, relationships, and personal growth. That’s what drives me every day.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Starting Steps BJJ was a huge step for me, especially because I’m still pretty new as a small business owner. Before this, I always worked at larger gyms and established teams, where many of the business details were handled by others. Now, I’m facing firsthand the challenges, efforts, and struggles that come with opening and running a small business.

It’s been a learning process — from managing budgets to building everything from the ground up — and it’s definitely not easy. But what keeps me going is my strong belief in the power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to change lives. That mission to help people grow mentally and physically through BJJ moves me every day and drives me through the hard work.

So even though the business side is new territory, the values I’ve learned on the mats — discipline, patience, and persistence — help me push through and keep building something meaningful.”

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building genuine relationships and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is about more than just learning techniques — it’s about community, personal growth, and support.

I believe in excellent work ethics and am always studying and improving my skills to offer the best coaching possible. This commitment shows in how I teach and connect with my students. People notice when a coach is dedicated, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares — and that builds trust.

Community is at the heart of what I do. When people feel like they belong and are part of something bigger, they stick around, support each other, and invite others to join. Word of mouth from happy students has been incredibly powerful — their positive experiences bring new people in.

I also host open mats, free trial classes, and community events to welcome newcomers in a low-pressure way. Ultimately, combining strong work ethics, continuous learning, and fostering a supportive community has been key to growing a loyal and thriving academy.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stepsbjj.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steps.bjj?igsh=MWltYzN0aGdqMDc4YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

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