Stance: Marco Bancone’s Jiu Jitsu Journey

Key Takeaways:

• Marco’s shift from competitor to coach shows that true leadership begins when you prioritize your students’ growth over your own ambitions.

• Stance Academy’s rapid rise was built on years of experience and consistent standards.

• Whether in coaching or business, working with people who truly know your industry makes growth smoother and more aligned with your vision.

Introduction

Marco Bancone is a 3rd degree Black Belt and the Head Coach of Stance Academy in Milan, Italy. His story is one of passion, resilience, and dedication, from discovering Jiu Jitsu through early UFC tapes to building one of Italy’s most respected teams.

From Competitor to Founder

Marco's journey into Jiu Jitsu began by chance, watching grainy VHS tapes of early UFC fights circulating around Europe in the mid-2000s. At the time, Marco was a dedicated Muay Thai practitioner, but the exposure to ground fighting sparked a curiosity he couldn't ignore.

"I wasn't one of those who saw Royce Gracie in a gi and thought it was magic. But once they hit the ground, I was intrigued"

Marco recalls.

He began training BJJ in Milan in 2005, a time when black belts were practically mythical in Italy. His early years were shaped by limited resources and a need to travel and experiment in order to learn.

The Coaching Shift

By 2009, just four years into his journey, Marco was already teaching Jiu Jitsu. Initially reluctant to take on the role, he found himself falling in love with coaching after just a few months.

"I wanted to be a competitor, not a teacher, but sharing what I learned quickly became a passion."

he says.

Over the years, coaching took precedence over competition, and Marco's philosophy matured:

"If you're still focused only on yourself, you're missing the point of being a coach."

Building Stance Academy

After many years of teaching in various locations across the city, Marco founded Stance in 2022.

What started as a new chapter quickly became a major force in the Italian Jiu Jitsu community. In just three and a half years, Stance grew to over 200 members and expanded its network across Italy.

Stance's rapid rise was punctuated by a standout year in 2025, when the team was recognized as the best Adult Italian Team at both the IBJJF No-Gi European Championships and the Italian nationals.

For Marco, these milestones were deeply rewarding:

"To achieve that with such a young team says everything about their dedication."

Today, Stance offers multiple daily classes led by black belts, even for beginners, making high-quality instruction accessible to all.

"Today, our students have six to seven classes per day, taught by black belts. Back then, it was unthinkable."

The academy prides itself on being open to every level, from first-time practitioners to seasoned competitors.

Due to the unexpected scale of their growth, the team is now actively searching for a larger space to accommodate their expanding community.

"Now we’re looking for a new space that matches the vision we’ve built."

Lessons from the Old School

His coaching style is rooted in those early struggles: stay humble, work hard, and always prioritize the student.
He emphasizes the importance of experience in competition for coaches:

"You can't guide someone through what you've never lived."

Beyond the podiums, Marco credits Jiu-Jitsu with shaping his character. It taught him patience, resilience, and humility.

"Jiu-Jitsu calmed me down. It made me more thoughtful and less reactive."

Partnering with MAAT

From the very beginning of Stance, Marco knew he needed a gym management software that truly understood the rhythm and reality of Jiu Jitsu life.

MAAT wasn’t just another tech provider, it was created by people who live and breathe the same sport.

"They were part of our community"

Marco explains.

As Stance scaled rapidly, MAAT became a vital part of the academy’s infrastructure: class scheduling, attendance, and automated payments helped streamline daily operations, freeing up time for coaching and development.

And most importantly, MAAT grew with them. As Stance expanded, so did their needs. The MAAT team was there at every step, adapting features and offering support that felt more like collaboration than customer service.

Conclusion

Marco's philosophy as a coach is simple yet profound: success belongs to the students, while responsibility rests on the coach’s shoulders. It's a mindset that has earned him quiet respect within the community and shaped the identity of Stance.

To those beginning their own martial arts journey, whether as students or future gym owners, Marco shares a final piece of advice:

"Focus on humility, give generously but wisely, and choose partners who truly understand your world."