Friday, December 6, 2013

Will the Real Jiu-Jitsu Please Stand Up?

The debates rage on: sport Jiu-Jitsu versus self-defense Jiu-Jitsu.

The larger debate of Jiu-Jitsu's prevalence in MMA as shorter rounds, and restarts to standing, and the like lead to a class of athletes rather than purist representatives of Jiu-Jitsu asserting it's dominance over wrestling, striking, et cetera.

The win at all costs mentality of Lloyd Irvin's program now in disarray as part of a frat-house/hypermasculine approach to winning and training with sordid details emerging as of late in the wake of the scandal/attack on a teammate.

As with all sports or martial arts or whatever-it-is, the rise to publicity, notoriety, and visibility will bring growing pains.

Public arguments and disagreements: Royce and Renzo disagreeing about the current generation of Gracies in mixed martial arts.

Kron discounting sport Jiu-Jitsu because of points and advantages (though, was he a world champion, I bet he'd still be competing).

The debate of whether we want Jiu-Jitsu in the Olympics (fortunately, IMHO, we've learned from the reality of Olympic exposure for Judo and Wrestling and been wary for the most part).

The exodus of Jiu-Jitsu greats to MMA: Jacare, Demian Maia, et al.

In other things we've made strides: Budo Videos has truly set the bar for streaming events: their commentary, and quality of live events is truly great to watch and enjoy.
For a niche sport, the presentation of the Mundials, Pans et cetera, are all top notch.

The IBJJ Pro League, Copa Podio (technical difficulties notwithstanding), Pro Trials in the Gi and the ADCC (again, disorganization notwithstanding) all make for a competitive list of events in the "tournament season". I was doubtful at its inception, but the Five Grappling invitational truly was a fan-friendly broadcast, that streamed well, was good resolution/quality, and was a lot of fun to watch. Want vs Need comes to mind as well with a broadcast of up and coming talent in a submission only format that was pure Jiu-Jitsu fighting to the finish with a ton of excitement.

We'll always find things to complain about whileJiu-Jitsu struggles in some regards to find its identity, but it will continue to be different things to different people. It's made me a better person. Protected me in my MMA fights, and introduced me to a crop of the most eclectic people I'd ever expect to meet all united by a singular passion.
I can only hope it's been (and continues to be) as meaningful to everyone else.



 

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