Jiu-Jitsu athlete and father, Erodelosreyes, took an unconventional approach to avenging his son’s loss in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu  tournament by defeating the boy’s opponent’s father. He posted the clip on social media and UFC champion Jon Jones expressed his approval of the story, sparking discussions on whether this approach aligns with sportsmanship values.

Erodelosreyes, a dedicated grappler, has immersed his son in Jiu-Jitsu from a young age. The father-son duo shares a deep passion for the sport, making it a significant part of their lives. However, after his son suffered a tough loss in a local tournament, Erodelosreyes felt a profound sense of disappointment and empathy for his son’s struggle.

Determined to lift his son’s spirits, Erodelosreyes made a heartfelt promise to seek revenge—not through confrontation or resentment but by challenging the boy’s opponent’s father on the mats. In a video shared on social media, Erodelosreyes is seen sitting in a car with his son, vowing to defeat the father of the boy who bested his son. The video then transitions to footage showing Erodelosreyes keeping his promise, securing a victory against the man in a subsequent tournament.

The story quickly gained attention, with Jon Jones publicly expressing his admiration for Erodelosreyes’ commitment. However, the incident raises an important question: Is this a good and sportsmanlike approach?

On one hand, Erodelosreyes’ actions can be seen as a demonstration of resilience and support for his son. By turning a negative experience into a positive challenge, he showcased the values of determination and perseverance. His victory could serve as a powerful lesson to his son about overcoming setbacks and striving for success.

On the other hand, some may argue that avenging a child’s loss in this manner might not align with the principles of sportsmanship. True sportsmanship emphasizes respect, humility, and graciousness in both victory and defeat. While Erodelosreyes’ intentions were undoubtedly to support his son, the act of seeking revenge might inadvertently send a message that retaliation is an appropriate response to loss.

Moreover, the competitive nature of Jiu-Jitsu should ideally foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among athletes and their families. The focus should be on personal growth, skill development, and the spirit of friendly competition. By framing the match as a means of revenge, the underlying message of sportsmanship might be overshadowed.

Erodelosreyes’ story is a compelling example of a father’s dedication to his son and the lengths he is willing to go to uplift his spirits. However, it also opens a dialogue about the true essence of sportsmanship in martial arts. As the BJJ community reflects on this incident, it serves as a reminder to balance the pursuit of victory with the values of respect, integrity, and positive sportsmanship.

You can watch the clip HERE.