As Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu continues to evolve, a major change in the way the professional athletes are treated seems to be underway – or at least the initiative for doing so.
Mendes brothers are among those calling for a shift away from outdated norms and toward a more professional, sustainable future for athletes…
Away from the culture of “being broken”:
Jiu Jitsu has always had a culture of exchanging favors, of the talented student who trains for free, of the rich guy from the gym who pays for everything for the competitors, of the other rich guy who pays for the tickets, of the friend who gives the password to watch the paid event.
While this system has helped many athletes get by, the brothers argue that it reinforces a “suffering culture”.
A belief that struggling financially is a badge of honor rather than a problem to be solved:
For years, the sense of worthiness in jiu jitsu was tied to being “broken” – the more you suffer, the more you deserve to win – making new generations have this model as a reference.
Not everyone sees the situation the same way. Gabi Garcia, one of the most decorated competitors in women’s jiu-jitsu, has publicly defended the role of organizations like the IBJJF in growing the sport.
The Mendes brothers believe that respecting the past and improving the future are not mutually exclusive.
With the rise of new media, superfight promotions, and brand sponsorships, today’s athletes have more tools – and more visibility – than ever before:
This generation has the power to end this cycle.
Young athletes are receiving more money and exposing their success so that it can serve as inspiration and motivation for those who follow them.
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