The recent case of a student's paralysis during a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) class has shaken the grappling community, resulting in a $46 million judgment and heated debates. Francisco "Sinistro" Iturralde, a well-respected black belt instructor, faced intense criticism and accusations of incompetence and carelessness. However, it's vital to examine the facts and understand that this tragic event involving Sinistro appears to be a freak accident rather than a malicious act. The injured student reportedly had previous grappling experience, including competing in the Pan Ams in 2018 or 2019. This information challenges the narrative that the student was a beginner who…

At the most recent BJJ Globetrotters camp, all of the black belt coaches were promoted to the newly adopted rainbow belt. The colorful rank follows black belt 1st degree and is reserved for coaches who have been actively teaching at BJJ Globetrotters camps for at least two years. "Our martial art is built on traditions, but we have always been about breaking them and looking at things with fresh eyes”, says BJJ Globetrotters founder Christian Graugart, who recently chose to identify as a third-degree rainbow belt. "I literally did all the camps. I deserve it", he added with a shrug.…

For those who own a BJJ academy, finding the right affiliation can be a crucial step to growing your business, increasing your credibility, and helping you achieve your goals. When choosing an affiliation, there are many factors to consider, including reputation, training methods, competition rules, and cost. Here are some of the biggest affiliations in the world and the pros and cons of each: Gracie Barra - Gracie Barra is one of the largest and most well-known BJJ affiliations in the world. Pros: Gracie Barra offers a comprehensive training program that includes everything from self-defense to competition techniques. It also…

The world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one that is rich in history, culture, and tradition. However, despite its many positive aspects, there is a darker side to the sport that cannot be ignored. A toxic culture has emerged in some BJJ academies, where instructors engage in bad behavior and some celebrity competitors act as poor role models. This can have a significant impact on the mental and emotional well-being of those who practice the sport. In this article, we will discuss this issue and offer some suggestions on how to identify and handle toxic culture in your BJJ academy. One…

There are many benefits to traveling to BJJ training camps. You will learn new moves and skills, meet interesting people and it will give you the chance to see a new country. Read on for more tips on how to prepare for your trip! How to prepare for a BJJ training Camp To prepare for a BJJ Training Camp, you should make sure that your body is healthy and well-rested. You will be training hard and with fewer breaks during the camp than you're used to, so it's important that your body is up to the challenge. It's also important…

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the fastest growing martial arts in the world and for good reason. In this article, we'll be providing you with 5 tips for your very first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class, so that you know what to expect when you enter and can help make your experience as smooth as possible. What to Wear The most important thing to wear is a comfortable shirt that won't restrict your movement. You should also wear long pants or shorts without any loose strings or anything that could get caught on your opponent. It's best to avoid baggy clothes because…