When you take a look at what BJJ used to be back in the day and how it looks like today – which of the two “versions” do you like more?
And no, not just in regards to the techniques used. But more so about the Jiu-Jitsu culture as a whole.
Robert Drysdale doesn’t look too favorably at the present-day BJJ culture.
For one simple reason: its professionalization.
Here is what he had to say about the topic in a conversation with BJJEE:
There were people as well, of course, in terms of cultural shocks.
Primarily, however, there were conflicts of values…
The professionalization of BJJ has made the new culture around it less appealing to me.
He gave an example of what this entails:
For example, there is the Japanese matrix that goes along the lines of: “Thank you, Sensei, for instructing me on my journey and for sharing your knowledge and experience with us…”
Which is gradually being replaced with: “Sensei, what are you going to give me so I continue to represent your team? I won a few tournaments you know…”This new set of values is at odds with BJJ’s core values. For me at least.
What are your thoughts on the topic?
Does Drysdale have a point?
