Fernando Pinduka is a true legend of the gentle art. Black belt under Carlson Gracie, he was one of the biggest names in Jiu-Jitsu during the 1980s, known for the epic battle with Marco Ruas in 1984.
READ HIS FULL BIOGRAPHY ON BJJ HEROES HERE
Today a coral belt (7th degree), Pinduka does not follow the major championships of the sport, even though he still teaches jiu jitsu in his academy. In an interview with tatame, the master said he does not like to watch the jiu jitsu fights of modern day due to excessive rules and positions that stall the fights.
Pinduka holding a picture of him with his master Carlson Gracie during his fight with Marcos Ruas
He told Tatame magazine how he felt:
“Jiu-Jitsu today is sh-t. Very restricted. The guys put so much effort in one advantage. Back in the days, we fought to finish. I don’t follow the competitions any more. They (the federations) started prohibiting too many situations.
The finish is the essence, but then they create the advantage because finishing is too difficult. Slamming is ilegal and rude, but the purpose of the coach is to teach how to prevent the slam from happening rather than ban the position. Just one example.
I witnessed the birth of Jiu-Jitsu and currently it is full of restrictions and federations. The federations took from jiu jitsu the sporting and commercial value but removed the essence. Before it was more effective and efficient for life. Today, I see black belt Jiu-Jitsu leaving to go train Krav Maga. I see black belt taking a beating in the street. Jiu-Jitsu lost the essence of self-defense.
