2 days ago, the IBJJF announced made a big step forward for the professionalization of Jiu-Jitsu: They announced that by the end of the 2015/16 season (the day before the 2016 Worlds), BJJ players ranked number 1 on the male and female adult black belt rankings will each receive a $10,000 prize.
IBJJF Adult Black Belt League – Ranking Awards
The 1st place athlete in the Black Belt Adult Male and Female division at the end of ranking season 2015/16 will receive an award of $10,000 (USD)*
Many professional BJJ players welcomed the news but one in particular was very critical.
Caio Terra’s brother Kim had this to say on his Facebook:
Translation:
It is absurd for the leader of the female ranking to make as much as the leader of the male ranking. No offense to women, but the level of men’s bjj is infinitely better, and much more disputed. To this fact there is no debate. Nice little initiative by the ibjjf, but they should slice this “cake” better. Using a legal term, “equity”; treat the equals equally, and those not equal unequally.”
Kim Terra was banned for 2 years by IBJJF in 2009 for having kicked the sponsor stands at the Worlds, and having called a few names to head referee Muzio de Angelis, face to face and online.
He made a strong comeback last weekend to the world’s taking 3rd place in the light feather weight, losing to gold medalist Paulo Miyao.
