The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) community has found itself in the midst of a scandal following explosive allegations from former Gracie University instructor and black belt Evandro Nunes. In a series of lengthy public statements and videos, Nunes painted a troubling picture of Gracie University’s inner workings, including accusations of unethical behavior, cult-like dynamics, and personal betrayal.

Nunes followed up with a three-hour video series titled Gracie University’s Secrets Revealed, shedding light on his version of events.

“As you might know, on January 4th, 2024, I hosted a live ‘Zoom meeting’ to discuss the mountain lion video I was part of, which involves Rener Gracie and Gracie University,” Nunes stated.

He went on to explain how, during the live session, Rener Gracie unexpectedly joined with a fully prepared PowerPoint presentation to present his side of the story.

“When I asked him directly, Rener admitted that he had invited people to join the live with him, referring to these people he invited as ‘my friends,’” Nunes revealed. He then teased further evidence to support his claims, stating, “You will hear the evidence in the next few seconds…”

Nunes, who was once closely associated with Ryron and Rener Gracie, alleged that the leadership at Gracie University used its Instructor Certification Program (ICP) and its student base as recruiting grounds for personal, and at times, inappropriate relationships. The allegations include claims that Ryron Gracie and his wife Victoria were involved in a secretive polyamorous lifestyle, recruiting individuals into their personal relationships under the guise of mentorship and professional association.

Allegations of a Polygamous Dynamic

According to Nunes, Ryron and Victoria invited him into their private relationship after he became a trusted member of the inner circle at Gracie University. Nunes alleges he was encouraged to keep these interactions private to protect the Gracie family’s public image. The situation escalated, with Nunes claiming he was asked to recruit female students whom Ryron found appealing during seminars and certification courses.

Nunes, who initially complied, claims the toxic nature of these dynamics became clear over time. He described feeling coerced and manipulated, eventually attempting to distance himself from the situation. His public departure and subsequent exposé appear to stem from these ethical concerns, alongside frustrations over the leadership’s alleged prioritization of profit over principles.

The “Shame Ritual” and Questionable Practices

Another shocking claim involves what Nunes described as a “shame ritual.” He recounted being pressured into dressing in outlandish costumes, including a mountain lion outfit, for promotional videos. Refusing these requests reportedly led to physical confrontations during demonstrations, including Rener allegedly stepping on Nunes’ throat with excessive force.

Beyond personal grievances, Nunes accused Gracie University of questionable operational practices. He claimed that testing standards for belt promotions and certification programs were manipulated to maintain high pass rates, prioritizing customer satisfaction over genuine skill assessment. Additionally, allegations of tax evasion and misleading financial promises were leveled against the institution, further tarnishing its reputation.

Leadership Under Fire

While the Gracie family has long been synonymous with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, these allegations raise significant concerns about the ethical culture within their organization. Nunes did not shy away from criticizing Rener and Ryron directly, describing their leadership as exploitative and self-serving. Referring to Rener as a “spineless rat” and Ryron as “worse,” he accused them of creating an environment where loyalty and integrity were secondary to profit and control.

The Aftermath

The fallout from these revelations has been significant, with members of the BJJ community debating the veracity of Nunes’ claims. While some view him as a whistleblower exposing corruption, others question the motivations behind his exposé, pointing to the personal nature of many accusations.

For Gracie University, these allegations represent a critical moment. The organization must address the claims head-on if it hopes to maintain its standing in the martial arts community. Transparency and accountability will be essential to repairing trust and ensuring that their legacy is not overshadowed by these controversies.

A Call for Ethical Leadership in BJJ

This scandal serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with leadership in martial arts. Trust, mentorship, and integrity are cornerstones of the BJJ community, and any deviation from these principles risks eroding the sport’s values.

As the story continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the BJJ world must hold its leaders accountable to the high ethical standards it espouses. The hope is that these revelations will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, ensuring that the mat remains a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

This article reflects the seriousness of the allegations while maintaining an impartial tone. The focus is on addressing the broader implications for the BJJ community rather than sensationalizing the claims.