In a recent reflection on the evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Rickson Gracie, a legendary figure in the art, shared his concerns about the current direction of BJJ. He observes that the sport is moving away from its foundational purpose of self-defense, becoming more athletically focused and competitive in nature. According to Gracie, this shift may dilute the art’s core values, as Jiu-Jitsu was originally designed to empower weaker or less athletic individuals, providing them with the techniques to defend themselves effectively. Gracie believes that, while competition can be a beneficial pursuit, it should not overshadow the importance of practical self-defense skills – skills he deems essential for everyone, whether or not they aspire to compete.
For Gracie, the essence of BJJ extends beyond the mats, emphasizing principles that cultivate a sense of security, resilience, and preparedness for unpredictable situations. He finds fulfillment in teaching these principles to a wide range of people – from everyday individuals wanting to protect themselves and their loved ones, to professionals like police officers, and to women facing physical threats. Gracie’s vision is deeply rooted in empowering people through knowledge, equipping them to feel safe and capable in real-world scenarios. It’s this blend of physical preparedness and mental fortitude that Gracie sees as the heart of Jiu-Jitsu, a legacy he feels should be preserved for future generations.
Rickson Gracie recently shared his thoughts on the state of modern BJJ…
And how it has changed in comparison to what it used to be “back in his day”.
Specifically, Rickson feels that Jiu-Jitsu is growing away from what its original purpose was supposed to be – self defense:
The dilution is already beginning because it’s becoming a very athletic sport.
You know, it doesn’t favor the weak the way it’s supposed to favor them.The core of jiu-jitsu, in my vision, is self-defense, not competition.
Competition is great for people who like to compete, but for everyone, you’d love to learn how to survive…
Gow to defend yourself from an attacker, how to protect someone you love.
To Rickson, it is about what BJJ teaches you off the mats as well:
The idea of being prepared for the unpredictable is what has always given me the passion.
It’s about increasing your knowledge to stay safe, comfortable, and prepared.I love teaching this to an average person who’s just walking around, to a police officer who needs to arrest someone, or to women who might feel threatened by a larger man…
I want to empower people with the knowledge they need to feel safe and secure.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
