The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world has been rocked by a public dispute between Rener Gracie, one of the sport’s most prominent figures, and Evandro Nunes, a former Gracie University instructor. In a three-hour livestream, Rener addressed accusations and personal attacks from Nunes, who has renounced his association with the Gracie family and the broader BJJ community. This explosive confrontation revealed tensions that have been simmering behind the scenes for years.
Evandro Nunes’ Bold Accusations
Nunes, a seasoned black belt with nearly two decades of experience, did not mince words when publicly criticizing the Gracie brothers. Referring to Rener as a “spineless rat” and Ryron as “worse,” Nunes claimed their leadership prioritizes profit over people.
“This wasn’t the martial arts environment I signed up for,” Nunes declared, sharing his disillusionment with the Gracie University culture. His criticisms weren’t limited to leadership styles; he painted a picture of a toxic environment where loyalty and integrity took a backseat to business interests.
The “Mountain Lion Incident”
One of the most bizarre revelations during the livestream was the so-called “mountain lion incident.” Nunes recounted being pressured into wearing a mountain lion costume, complete with cat ears, for a Gracie Breakdown video. His refusal led to escalating tension, with Rener allegedly using aggressive takedowns and submission holds during the demonstration, even stepping on Nunes’ throat with excessive force.
The situation took an even stranger turn when Rener reportedly handed Nunes a WWE wrestling mask and instructed him to hide shirtless in bushes for another scene. Nunes described these experiences as part of a broader “shame ritual” culture within Gracie University.
Disputes Over Business Deals
Beyond personal grievances, Nunes raised concerns about his professional dealings with the Gracies. In 2020, he helped expand the Gracie Survival Tactics (GST) program and created training materials, expecting a 10% ownership stake. Instead, he was offered just 1.5%.
“I turned a blind eye because I needed the money,” Nunes admitted, reflecting on his silence at the time. Rener countered, arguing the compensation was fair and pointing to messages where Nunes praised the deal. The disagreement highlights larger issues of value and recognition within the organization.
Burning His Belt: A Symbolic Rebellion
Nunes took his protest to another level by burning his black belt, an act he described as reclaiming his values and severing ties with what he views as a flawed system. “It’s not about the belt,” he explained. “It’s about standing up to a culture I can no longer endorse.”
For Nunes, this act wasn’t just about leaving Gracie University—it was about making a statement against what he sees as the commercialization of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His bold stance has resonated with others who feel disillusioned by the sport’s growing focus on profit over integrity.
The Gracie Family’s Controversial Legacy
This isn’t the first time the Gracie family has faced criticism. Rener’s online blue belt certification program, while modified after backlash, remains a point of contention in the BJJ community. More recently, his role as an expert witness in a high-profile trial, for which he charged over $100,000, drew criticism even from his own family.
These incidents, combined with the fallout with Nunes, add to the growing skepticism about Rener’s business practices and the Gracie family’s approach to preserving their martial arts legacy.
Life Beyond Jiu-Jitsu
Nunes has left Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu behind, though he acknowledges the difficulty of walking away from a lifelong passion. “Leaving something you love is painful, but sometimes necessary to preserve your sense of self,” he said.
Despite his departure, Nunes hopes his actions will inspire others to speak up against practices they find unethical. His message is clear: martial arts should be rooted in authenticity, respect, and integrity.
This controversy serves as a stark reminder that the true value of martial arts extends beyond techniques and belts—it lies in the character and values of those who lead and practice. Whether this dispute leads to meaningful change in the BJJ community remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly sparked a critical conversation.
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