In a recent and revealing discussion on the Lytes Out Podcast, Roland Sarria, a pioneer in Arizona’s combat sports scene and founder of the legendary Rage in the Cage MMA event, shed light on why he left Rickson Gracie’s gym. His story offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics of early Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu culture and his personal journey of growth and independence.
“It Felt Like a Cult”
Roland didn’t mince words when describing his early experiences at Rickson Gracie’s gym. “I knew early on that I wasn’t part of the Brazilian cult,” he remarked. In the 1990s, the insular and secretive nature of many BJJ academies posed challenges for outsiders looking to immerse themselves fully in the art. For Roland, this exclusivity felt stifling.
“Back in those days, it felt like a cult, and I knew that I was going to be limited on my growth—getting promoted and learning,” he explained. He perceived a subtle resistance from his instructors, who seemed reluctant to fully embrace him as part of their circle.
A Struggle for Fair Opportunities
One of the most startling moments of the interview came when Roland recalled how his instructors favored his training partners—often Brazilian nationals—over him. “I don’t like getting on the mat with some Brazilian, and my own instructors are coaching the other guy instead of me,” he said. This experience reinforced his decision to leave and seek an environment where his dedication and skills would be fully recognized.
The Role of Private Lessons
To keep up, Roland invested heavily in private lessons. “I did a lot of privates so I could learn at a faster pace,” he shared. Despite his efforts, the environment’s cliquey nature proved too much. “It was very secretive back then,” he noted, hinting at the guarded way techniques were shared within the gym.
A Personal Choice to Forge a New Path
For Roland, the culture clash extended beyond the mat. “All they wanted to do—a lot of them—was smoke weed and just whatever. And I wasn’t really into that,” he revealed. This disconnect between his values and the prevailing culture further solidified his resolve to leave and create something of his own.
From Student to Leader
Leaving Rickson Gracie’s gym turned out to be a pivotal moment in Roland’s career. He channeled the lessons he learned—both on and off the mat—into founding Rage in the Cage, one of the most enduring and respected MMA promotions in Arizona. Over the years, he has trained hundreds of fighters, including 21 UFC veterans, and organized over 1,000 combat sports events.Roland Sarria’s story is a testament to the importance of staying true to one’s values and seeking environments that nurture growth. His departure from Rickson Gracie’s gym was not just a personal decision but also a stepping stone to becoming a trailblazer in the world of MMA and combat sports. As he continues to build his legacy, Roland’s experiences serve as inspiration for those navigating the challenges of the competitive martial arts world.
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Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
