The idea that “the truth is on the mats” in Jiu-Jitsu speaks to the direct, physical nature of the sport where skills and abilities are tangibly demonstrated through sparring or “rolling.” Respect in Jiu-Jitsu often comes from recognizing someone’s skill, resilience, and technique, which are most evidently displayed in sparring sessions.

It’s not so much about “beating someone up” as it is about showing competence, control, and understanding of the art. This physical demonstration of skill can be a powerful way to earn respect, as it’s a clear, unambiguous measure of ability in a context where words are less meaningful than actions.

However, it’s important to note that respect in Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts, in general, isn’t solely based on physical prowess. Attributes like perseverance, a good attitude, willingness to learn, and the ability to be a good training partner are also highly respected.

The culture of a specific gym or training environment can greatly influence the dynamics of respect and how it’s earned.

2X ADCC world champion Robert Drysdale who is now 42, in a recent episode of the Mayn idea podcast talked about this:

“You know, it’s weird. People absolutely respect you when you mop the floor with them. You put them down, like, ‘What? What?’ And then you put them down. But that slowly disappears when you can’t walk mats with them anymore. And then the question is, do you have the cojones to jump on the mats with them nonetheless, and, you know… and then… because as I get older, pretty soon my purple belts will be beating me. Right? There’s no way around it. Or do I hide behind my coral belt and I go, ‘I’m never training again.’ Well, which one do you do? Because if you train, if you train, you got… get… ‘Wait a second, a coral belt is getting mopped by a purple belt. How can he be our teacher? Maybe the purple belt should be our teacher,’ right? Because that’s how people think.”