Robert Drysdale Responds to Fabio Gurgel About the Review of His Book Opening Closed Guard (English)

[@NOYBidness]

I know there are a few other BJJ historians out there but none of them have the pedigree of Robert Drysdale. When a Mundial and ADCC champion speaks, people should listen. Drysdale is now my go-to authority on the history of our great sport. Congratulations, Rob!

[@hasanc1526]

Roberto Pedreira is the OG. Drysdale just popularise what he said

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

Thank you, I appreciate it

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

@@hasanc1526 agreed

[@interestedparty7523]

Forget the pedigree. It matters little that Robert Drysdale is a Mundial and ADCC champion, what matters is that he applies the scientific method and or critical thinking to his writing. He's simply applying the fundamentals of academia to the research he has provided. I ordered the book and look forward to it very much. It's obvious, even without reading the book, that when a person goes out of their way to do research and provides legit, multiple sources, he or she is leaps and bounds more credible than anyone that fails to apply thoroughness and logic. LOL, but yeah, it's cool he's also a badass, legit grappler.

[@Rollsgracie4]

Drysdales much more than a jujitsu champion he’s an open mind intelligent hard-working person the believes in seeking truth and staying open

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

Thx brother

[@brophymusprime593]

As someone who started at a Royce Gracie school and moved to other styles or systems of jiu jitsu- I absolutely love this concept. I am such a history nerd and this hits so many categories for me. I'll be ordering a copy asap. Thanks Rob! I've been watching you for years and your work with Jocko lately is amazing!!

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

Thanks for support man!!

[@myveryownchannel]

About halfway through the book right now, biggest take so far was that Carlos and Hélio were fundamental in keeping jiu-jitsu from being "over taken" by the populariy of judo at the time in Brasil, what just by itself is the reason BJJ is so big today. Great work professor Robert, thank you

[@joatanpereira4272]

what the Gracies fought up until the 70s was just Judo

[@chcknpie04]

@@joatanpereira4272 think maybe what OP means is that they resisted, through effective marketing, the encroachment of Japanese Judokas and their cultural practices. Also could be a nationalistic or racism thing (doubtful, imo) or it could be that they just wanted all the money 😂

[@moonsdonut5188]

I like how honest this guy is and respect and research and hard work you put I'm glad that people like him exist to tell the truth

[@sakissakis7992]

I have read the book. It was very interesting and very informative! Thank you.

[@TopLevelJiuJitsu]

I hope you know how much your research is appreciated. As a life long martial artist, this type of book is so very rare. Thank you for doing the work here.

[@robertdeglejj7125]

Great video with a lot of insightful points

[@hasanicoward4425]

Just got it love the story how you went to everyone to get their information ,I didn't see it as an attack but research for people who've been practicing Judo and Jiu-jitsu

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnv6996]

Well said. I think the debate needs to happen, but probably never will.

[@gmel1084]

Spot on, thank you

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

Thanks for watching!

[@jessebriggs3915]

This was the best book written about jiu-jitsu! Inspired me and my training more! Thank you

[@danmcgilldm]

Facts. Hope you are doing well Rob !

[@OGG619]

Robert..when is the movie coming out?

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

No date yet

[@barkhadmohamedburale1194]

What is the movie ?

[@joshprice7436]

I've got your book coming, Robert. I can't wait to read! You got the clout to write a book like this. Pleasing everyone is impossible, especially regarding these topics. Well done, having a discussion about this.🙂

[@chcknpie04]

Truly, a professor of Jiujitsu! Thank you!

[@ColoradoVictoryMMA]

Very informative!!!

[@IoanSaid]

Hello Robert! Any chance of an Audible version of the book? :)

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

Soon!

[@jeffdj1975]

Thank you for being skeptical, asking a lot of questions is very important. For me, it doesn’t really matter who started it, or what it’s called, What matters to me ultimately is, why are you learning Jiu Jitsu? Are you a bully that wants more tools in your arsenal? Are you someone that needs the art to protect yourself and loved ones? The art is very important to me because it tests you, your character, and your humbleness. Thank you RD for taking the time to ask questions, be open minded, and sharing your findings. I respect that. I am Gracie Jiu Jitsu for life, but am also open minded to everything. 🥋 P.s. when can I see the documentary?

[@hartalliance]

Great video Rob

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

Thanks!

[@RudyRexxCanales]

Great video, Professor. I think what the Brazilians brought and innovated in jiu jitsu was turning berimbolos, butterfly, half guard into specialized games. It’s fair to say that somewhere along the lines of history these moves were done in Kosen. But the Brazilians were good with creating a style and game out of that one transition/move.

[@jassejunkkari1984]

Great stuff Robert! I'll buy the book and hope to get your signeture on it the next time we meet :)

[@johnbwill]

Robert - it should be clear, to anyone who has read your book (books) - that the Jiu Jitsu landscape owes you a debt of gratitude for your most-excellent historical account of the art we all love. Personally, I find you to be completely impartial - a rarity in today's world. Thank you again - for your work - both past and ongoing.

[@plastikdreams6409]

I can’t wait for this book I just ordered it today from Amazon :)

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

Thanks for the support!

[@plastikdreams6409]

@@AGONCombatJiuJitsu the book arrived yesterday started last night and couldn’t put it down.

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

Hope u enjoy!

[@Joao-jo8cf]

Great video! Ossss

[@davidburge]

I read the book and I didn't get the sense at any point that it was anti-Gracie in any way. I enjoyed the book and feel like you went out of your way to be fair and honest.

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

Thanks man, that was my goal. I still got tons of flack for it but I know that deep down I had no ill intent

[@Templojiujitsuclub]

This book is the most important book in jiujitsu history. It’s hard to argue against it when he is literally interviewing the people who were there and basically elaborated the same format of questions to each one. Totally impartial.

[@johnwill8467]

Even a cursory glance at that particular spot where mastery of Jiu Jitsu and eloquent discourse meet - and we see the unique and exceptional character that is Robert Drysdale. All of Roberts points here, are concise and easy to agree with. Some might some ... obviously true. I have never had the pleasure of meeting him ... but, I am keen.

[@zadigreidababilonia]

Oi Drysdale, recentemente o Fábio entrevistou o Elton Silva que é pesquisador nesta área, e o Elton disse as mesmas coisas que você e o Fábio teve que ouvir do Elton que o BJJ é uma especialização do "ne waza" do judô. Gurgel disse que o Elton era o maior "historiador". Acho que assim ele quer desmerecer quem realmente é historiador. Mas tudo bem. M. Ueshiba dizia: " nada é superior a verdade" e ela aparece de forma esmagadora. Domo Arigato Gozaimasu.

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

Exato. Mas esta posicao nossa (minha e do Elton) é universal entre pesquisadores. Nao é controversa. Claro que o convite ao elton e nao a mim foi intencional

[@AnonymousPerson488]

Thanks for your work Robert. I'm a bjj blackbelt whos trained with an eclectic group of instructors. The Gracie/Rorion narrative that Helio "invented" jj never made sense. They created a seperation between Helio and his influences and call him an inventor. A full spectrum history like this fits with how sports evolve and with human nature.

[@cbaxtermusic]

this book has been amazing for me , as my gym lineage is with Carlson Gracie and Ricardo Liborio, i was super interested to learn of the origins and allot of stuff makes sense. funny enough my gym is MMA focused, with a root in jitsu, I would go to other gyms and smash some of them with my pressure based game, to learn how true my gym is still in Carlsons vision is amazing to me. thank you for enlightening me

[@jiujitsuaikido6915]

Your searching for truth, your wisdom and all information you acumulated is treasure. Keep doing it for us, great work ! The books are great, but what happend with documentary movie ?

[@PrevailOne]

Great point re: Kano and promotions, and self-promotion of Judo. You touch on it but classical jujutsu gave licenses, not belts. There was no outside "badge" showing what license someone had, and a license only showed that knowledge had been transmitted (say up to a certain point in the curriculum) not skill. Kano invented the kyu-dan system with black belts, and that was exactly because he saw what he was doing as something different, while a continuation of the old jujutsu traditions. People may not be. aware that Kano gave black belt (dan ranks) to people from other jujutsu systems (ryuha) to get them to join under the Kodokan umbrella - so someone that was teaching Tenjin Shinyo-ryu. or Fusen-ryu (though we probably don't want to open that box up...) one day could be a Kodokan shodan or nidan the next teaching the exact same thing! Gunji Koizumi and Yukio Tani are great examples of that.

[@thomashardy1851]

When is the movie coming out?

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

Running late. But it will happen

[@interestedparty7523]

@@AGONCombatJiuJitsu F_CK. I just dropped money on the book, I'd prefer the documentary, LOL. I guess I'll have to buy the documentary too...

[@franciscoflores-g5g]

fantastic video, Prof. Drysdale. I am under Carlson's team (full disclosure) and have long believed that Carlson Sr. was a very underappreciated historical figure. Your views are refreshing, superbly researched, and informed; they are a true value to the BJJ community and have set a new standard. I think that Carlson's fight with Ivan Gomes and his short-lived partnership with him was an important turning point in this tale, and I would like to hear your thoughts on this obscure, but important, figure that shaped vale tudo.

[@yevgeniyzharinov7473]

What does Porrada mean?

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

Fight or strike

[@kenaikyoshi416]

The only thing I find it strange is that you have to teach the basics of critical thinking while you're responding to non-fact-based accusation. Don't you think that Gracie particular and BJJ gained a kind of dogmatic or cultish feature? Maybe you should address this issue one day. Your book is great! I understand it was a very difficult to be objective, particularly as you are a part of BJJ community. Hope to meet you one day, let the public know of you ever come to Japan again se we can host you.

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

I will pick you up on that offer my friend. And thank you for the support. And I definitely agree with you on the dogmatic part. People should not be upset over facts

[@AGONCombatJiuJitsu]

Thanks brother, I was planning on traveling there this year anyway. Hit me up on Instagram and let’s plan

[@sliderx1897]

Thanks for telling the truth

[@Rollsgracie4]

Yeah... humility and class there also super powers

[@Rollsgracie4]

Most people are herd animals they just follow like cows . there’s few wild animals to jump the fence. Therefore nothing will really change until enough of us have awareness to follow in the right direction without leader ship sounds nuts it kind of is but it’s the truth I know nothing but some thoughts

[@Fedor-lq4vz]

Thanks Robert. Takes a lot of courage to question the narrative especially if you are part of the bjj community. There are actual videos where Gracie family members claim that Helio Gracie invented the guard and implemented leverage that was not used in Japanese ground fighting. Yet when you look at kosen judo and Newaza, it is very clear that those techniques were already being used in judo ground work. Regarding leverage, all you have to do is look at videos of Kyushu Mifune. He was skinnier and smaller than Helio Gracie. One can understand the financial reasons for the Gracie’s statements regarding this and that. One can also understand that within the Gracie family, there was competition for business and that brothers and cousins tried to downplay someone else’s contribution. The one thing that we all can agree on is that Rorion Gracie had the vision and marketing mindset to bring Gracie jujitsu to N. America and the world. Without this, none of us would have ever been shown the effectiveness of Gracie jiujitsu. The other thing is that Helio had more emphasis on real world self defense. Less so on the sporting aspect. His methodology always put self defense as the primary focus. Carlson Gracie had a tremendous impact to GJJ by bringing in poor kids from a variety of backgrounds, athletic ability, aggressiveness and used competition in the school to simplify, test, and develop training methods that used only what worked under ultimate stress. Ultimately, the Gracie’s contribution is training methods, fine tuning techniques, in some areas developing new techniques and constantly putting it to the test. This should never be underestimated or under appreciated. Politics and money will always be part of human nature. This is to be expected. Humility, open mindedness, honesty and courage are hard to find. Thank you Mr. Drysdale for your courage, humility and the desire to find the truth wherever it may lead. 👍

[@PeterJames143]

well said

[@Nabil1976]

Beautiful explanation he made me like the Gracie’s more

[@DCJiuJitsuGeelong]

Real talk !

[@OGG619]

To quote Ben Shapiro..,”Facts don’t care about your feelings”

[@AceofDlamonds]

Lol Ben Shapiro ok

[@Rollsgracie4]

Dream killers how 2:11 do I graces Carlson? Not Rolls not Renzo But yes, dream killers these other ones your dream makers, beautiful people I had my dream skills. I had a lot of talent in jujitsu and gave my life to it and loved it but I was looked at as a traitor. It was all bullshit. No one was here who’s I love you Jiujitsu, and wanted to , try to get there I got caught fine with trader, bullshit, black, and white Devil and angel Some people told me they saw how good I was even more reason to hold me back Rickson Gracie the goats of dream killing

[@AnonymousPerson488]

I want to see a debate with you and Rener or Ryron Gracie. They still propagate the official narrative.

[@ΓραικοςΕλληνας]

The black belt dan system is made up by kano...

[@interestedparty7523]

The key is, the Gracie's couldn't hang with the throwing and changed everything about the rules to try and win. Being thrown on the ground in real life can certainly end a fight, but not so in a sport context with soft mats etc....

[@joehiggs4349]

Rob, good stuff but you miss the Gracies biggest contribution by far. Jiu jitsu landed lots of places, like the USA, and turned to crap and/or disappeared. The Gracies promoted it, made it into something important, respected, and rigorous until UFC 1 when that project blossomed into the bjj explosion that keeps evolving and growing. The preservation and promotion is why we gave what we have. It only happened in Brazil, and the non-Gracie lines didn’t do this.

[@t-bone7988]

He just is still mad at you cuz u submitted his student at the adcc 2007 absolute finals haha

[@scarred10]

In all fairness,what in God's name would Fabio gurgel know about bjj history.He researched nothing, only parrots the nonsense he was told by his teachers.

[@samuraisteve2775]

I am siding with Robert, but how would you know that? Do you know Professor Gurgel? Nope.

[@scarred10]

​@@samuraisteve2775he never cited his sources,that's what a good historian does,he just repeated the Gracie rubbish which sources show is rubbish. For example it's well proven there was no Gracie academy in 1925.

[@OVERLORDG0D]

Very eloquently put across points , thank you for your presentation and cool defense of criticisms, well done. Time 5:27 AM 628th Holy Apocalyptic day (Hebrew Calendar 21 Elul 5721 Gregorian calendar 29th of August 2021) We give thanks to our heavenly father Holy God and thanks to our heavenly mother Holy Spirit for the path , gifts, guidance and unifying our light so we can follow with our many parts as 1 in their path of peace. Holy 1 Lord Christ God the son Lion Lamb A38man of God Charles Andrew Oyedele Ososami. Amen. Peace.

[@confessedrock7358]

I don't understand why this book didn't blow up more. Maybe people think it is a book of opinions which you went to pretty far lengths to show evidence of things. Or maybe people dont care, it seems more and more that tradition is fading.

[@joehiggs4349]

Also, your real project is about taking bjj history from family history to academic historiography, which is not as cut and dry as you may think. The historical method method is simply how our overlords dominate history as part of social engineering. For example, 99.99% of Robert Drysdales’s life history is unpublished. Anything that gets published goes through a publishing company. If any parts of it endanger the powers that be they are edited out or not published. The idea that if it isn’t published it didn’t happen is preserved by our overlords for anytime they want to exclude unpublished history. Also, Carlos made a lot of noise in his hometown about being Maeda’s direct student. If that weren’t true weren’t most of the people in a position to contradict this claim in the same town? Do you have historical evidence that anyone ever contradicted this VERY public claim? Just wondering. Keep up the hard work!

[@scarred10]

You owned fabio gurghel and his naive nonsense here,the man cannot even argue rationally.

[@s1r155]

Is BJJ Judo, or is Judo Jiu Jitsu?

[@Rollsgracie4]

You have experienced that I think I had more talent At jiu jitsu than anything. But I started like 1990 for the UFC and they tried to control you teach you nothing until you were a traitor if you went and found out how to learn on your own. I wasn’t lucky enough to run into Renzo or anybody that would’ve taught me from his heart I was here in Southern California superficial stuff I ran into political stuff helio gracie stuff

[@Borderline_BaS]

Don't get me wrong, but you should stop excusing yourself for every point trying to get across. Once is fine, it should be basic maners, but if the critics keep putting down what you're stating, they can always respond with their citations and research materials. We'll wait. :D

[@joehiggs4349]

Historiography doesn’t determine reality, just the public record. The public record is not reality.

[@TheCognitiveDissident1]

Beware this gaslighting. Don't doubt yourself on this. It was an attempt at gaslighting. That's obvious. *Please do that video on how many black belts are in the world, the rates of change in belt distribution over time, and perhaps the distribution of black belts from schools and concentrations around the world. Don't sweat it if someone is biased or a poor reader. Worse than that is intentionally obfuscating your writing, like we seem to have here. Also, Solzhenitsyn spoke of the weakness of oral translation and that is why he took it so seriously to memorize the Gulag Archepelago while imprisoned. Because he knew the story would die if he did not get it into print. For those who don't know, The Gulag Archipelago was credited with catalyzing the end of the Cold War. Ironically, Solzhenitsyn talks about the amazing effort to remember his thoughts ONLY to write them down as soon as possible. Ultimately, you're not incorrect and it's obvious. Don't underestimate your viewership in parsing this.

[@slick222]

Robert, the offensive thing you're doing is trying to transfer the story of BJJ from communal knowledge to historiographical account. The former is more appropriate when something is fairly recent and when the sources are trustworthy. The latter is the way of Academia, but Academia has its own interests and isn't pure as the driven snow either. A critic of the historiographical method could say that it is a tool designed by the people who run our world to be able to invalidate almost anything they want excluded from the official historical narrative. Very few things have the kind of evidence it demands, including most things that have happened in your and my lives. That doesn't mean they didn't happen. You should be both conscious of and honest about this shift that you are attempting.

[@Per12189]

Gordon ryan judoka

[@Rollsgracie4]

Rickson wanted to keep Jiujitsu away from the Brazilian Black people get to get it to quit

[@LoveYou-xi1mh]

You’re challenging the idolatry of Helio and the Gracie’s. That’s all.