The Future of Jiu-Jitsu (Rickson Gracie, Pedro Sauer, Ryron & Rener Gracie)

Jiu-Jitsu has reached a critical point in it's evolution. On one hand, it is one of the fastest growing sports on the planet, on the other hand, it is at risk of losing its identity and suffering the same fate that has negatively affected nearly all other martial arts. What made made jiu-jitsu famous in the 80s and 90s was its unprecedented effectiveness in real fights, yet today, most jiu-jitsu academies do not teach the elements that make the art applicable in a real fight.
In this groundbreaking gathering, Rickson, Pedro, Ryron and Rener sit down to discuss the current state of jiu-jitsu and the critical steps that must be taken to preserve its original identity as a complete system of self-defense. Acknowledging that the formative years are most critical for any jiu-jitsu student, Rickson discusses his vision for the "perfect blue belt" and the critical roll of a structured curriculum in preserving this path.
To fully align themselves with the Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation, and Rickson's vision for the perfect blue belt, Ryron and Rener have made three significant changes to the Gracie Academy belt system:
1) Creation of a "Gracie Combatives” Belt
All students who complete the Gracie Combatives course, which takes approximately 12 months, will earn a "Gracie Combatives” belt as a symbol of their foundational self-defense proficiency. The belt is white with a navy blue stripe running through its center.
2) Sparring Required Before Blue Belt
Upon earning the Gracie Combatives belt, a student will start the Master Cycle, the Gracie Academy’s advanced jiu-jitsu program. In the Master Cycle, the student will learn techniques for defending against a jiu-jitsu trained opponent while continuing to enhance their arsenal of street self-defense techniques. Most importantly, the student will develop resiliency and adaptiveness through live sparring against resistant opponents (with and without strikes). Only after 6-12 months in the Master Cycle, will a student be considered for promotion to blue belt.
3) No More "Online Blue Belts"
The Gracie Combatives belt is the only Gracie Jiu-jitsu belt that can be earned through the Gracie University video evaluation process. The fact that the course is comprised of set number of techniques (approximately 75), which are exclusively designed for an non jiu-jitsu street aggressor, means that an experienced instructor can effectively verify a student’s proficiency visually, in person or via video upload. All other belts, including blue belt, can only be earned via hands-on live sparring evaluation at an authorized Certified Training Center.
For more information on the Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation visit www.JJGF.com
For more information on the Gracie Combatives program or to find a Certified Training Center near you, visit www.GracieUnive...

[@ChessNetwork]

When Rickson speaks, you listen. He doesn't waste a word.

[@yotoober1]

Ye, Rickson is 'The Man' Gracie. Just watch all his fights on YOutube. Awwsome! Too bad about his sun Rockson. What a shame that had to happen. He would be been even better than Rickson if that were possible!

[@brabhamfreaman166]

+yotoober1 Kron has and will do him proud.

[@ugurre]

Jerry whachu doing here :O

[@mitchellwarner1526]

ChessNetwork shut your fucking mouth wrestling is the superior sport fuck this bullshit you liberal piece of shit

[@diariodanovazelandia]

You are so right!

[@johnnywishbone932]

This is what happened to Taekwondo in the 90s. Schools were so focused on the Olympics it became a game. I didn't like the game so it was hard watching my art die. Self defense keeps you grounded. MMA/BJJ is an amazing sport but situational awareness is the key to self defense. I am happy Rickson is saving his father's art.

[@Lexthebarbarian]

You are absolutely right. Have seen old competitions and world championships from the 80s and early 90s. It was war on the mats. There were men fighting for every point. They varied the kicks and the tempo was high. Today there are two men jumping up and down and shouting. Then points arise. no one barely understands what happened.

[@39Hundred]

Wow! Rickson Gracie and Pedro Sauer! Legends. All they need now is Renato Laranja to make it complete. #jiujitsulegends

[@mityboosh]

If it doesnt come from the mouth of the BJJ God and world dominator... Mr R.Laranja aka LoveBoy69 :)

[@MalikSucksAss]

No Joe Hogan n Eddie Bratcho?

[@mityboosh]

Banda No Way Back Renato hides from no won :)....he,ll slap that heefer smokers faish.

[@Jiujitsupapi]

hey hey put some hespect on henatch's name

[@mityboosh]

amin jamal mungin Hamen :)

[@dave-oh3549]

When Rickson talks, he commands the attention of everyone in his presence. He has a very spiritual and philosophical approach to Jiu Jitsu. He deserves HESPECT! I support the JJGF!

[@Djudo-q9x]

Fr I went to a ryron Gracie seminar it was packed. Only cost me 85 bucks learned some great stuff

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Hard to wrap my head around the amount of knowledge, experience, and skill, that are on the mat at that moment.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Also, it's great to see the unification of Rickson and Rorion's boys. I know there had been a rift in the family in the past so it's good to see them rise above for the sake of jiu jitsu.

[@GracieBreakdown]

Using modern technology and curriculum design to share jiu-jitsu with the world, while preserving traditions and values of the past, has been an interesting challenge. We couldn't be more grateful for the guidance provided by our uncle Rickson and Pedro Sauer to help us refine our objectives and create the perfect path for jiu-jitsu students around the world!

[@Rilasis]

Great changes, guys

[@abiwankinobi]

I am looking forward to the future of BJJ!

[@Kompostboss3]

Love the changes guys! The right way to go!

[@johnpettiford6547]

Will the self-defense component delve into the use of weapons, biting, cheap shots, etc?

[@GracieBreakdown]

yes.

[@tomfurstyfield]

Respect to Rener and Ryron for having the guts to change and listening to an absolute legend Rickson

[@WhispersOfRuins]

This is the reason I chose a Valente school over sport Jiu Jitsu school in my area- Self Defense comes first, and Sport second.

[@mikeehrmantraut6061]

Rener could sell ice to eskimos

[@TheKrazyLobster]

TIL Master Pedro Sauer is an elder.

[@MrSupertwo]

+Krazy Lobster TIL Pedro Sauer has a price and will sell.

[@TheRick8866]

Lmao 😂

[@DrReginaldFinleySr]

Ha ha! He is quite loquacious. By looking at the older videos, he's been this way since he was 3. lol.

[@AceofDlamonds]

Brazilian Chael Sonnen

[@MichaelCorradino]

Rickson is just so amazing and embodies a true Samurai!!!!...I truly respect him and he receives my highest of honors!!!

[@mrjuse5470]

Amazing so many people are caught up in what color their belt is more than if they can defend themselves or not!

[@e.l.norton]

That's modern Americans. They care more about the APPEARANCE of ability, about "titles" and ranks as opposed to actual skill. Tae Kwon Do, anyone? Remember the movie "White Men Can't Jump"? The line, "You'd rather look good and lose than look bad and win." So much truth to that. Fancy uniforms. Brightly colored belts. Stripes. Patches. None of it means ANYTHING. You can buy the "costume". You have to EARN the skill. What can YOU do?

[@mjolnir9855]

E.L. Norton exactly!!! That’s why I started JiuJitsu in the first place. After fighting and rolling everyday for 10 years, it’s difficult to fake the effectiveness. I hope black belt NEVER takes any less than 10 years for a novice/beginner. Forget the time, just do your best to learn JiuJitsu every single class.

[@stur6722]

@@e.l.norton facts! ✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@shanem8738]

I like what I heard in this interview. Seeing this has inspired me to sign my school up to become a Certified Training Center and go through this process for myself. I have a purple belt and have been training and teaching for 10 years. I have self identified a "self defense" gap in my training. Yes, I have trained self defense. However, my emphasis has always been on defeating another competitor and student. Thank you all for this important discussion. Please watch for my personal and school application coming to Gracie University from Pullman, WA.

[@lupash]

I love Rener and Ryron, but Rickson's a divinity. Always a pleasure to see him.

[@drrickstudwell]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am a life long martial artist and the only reason I have not devoted myself to Jiu-Jitsu is because of the total lack of self defense in BJJ schools. I am trilled to hear this from you guys and look forward to being a part of the Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation.

[@ramostca0498]

I agree, I just started Jiu-jitsu to learn self defense, but everywhere is more about competition against Jiu-jitsu, I'm coming from almost 20 yrs of Karate Do and I'm 41 old now and I'm learning from 0 but my expectations are focused on self defense not on competition or UFC. This is important 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@tysonburns9535]

I really like the leadership and direction of the Gracie family. I'm going to purchase the bullyproof and combatives videos for me and my kids. Keep up the good work guys.

[@tysonburns9535]

***** There is a Gracie Bara studio near my house, they are the only one around, and they are the type of place the brothers warn about. They take both children and adults and put them in with experienced students and start sparring on day one. They are very nice people but they don't teach the fundamentals to new students.

[@tysonburns9535]

I really do like the place by my house. I observed 7 or 8 sessions and talked to the students, parents, and instructors. There is a great atmosphere there, but like I said, they don't teach a basic or intro course so I'll go there after I have some experience first.

[@tysonburns9535]

I'll check and see if there is a garage class around me too.

[@danielkvillanueva]

I got the combatitives set, they are gold..love em.

[@SuperThejim]

Tyson, your children will LOVE the one-on-one attention and closeness. they will beg for Gracie Games. remember: expect nothing and praise EVERYTHING!

[@dragonballjiujitsu]

Perfect! I've been waiting for about 10 years for this to happen. Finally getting away from all the sport BS and back to the real martial art of Gracie jiu-jitsu. It's about time!

[@davidloera2069]

The GOAT Rickson Gracie!!

[@johnd6258]

I’m just starting out with my journey. Thankfully, my teacher is a Pedro Sauer black belt. He shows quite a bit of street self defense techniques in our classes. We don’t necessarily have anything like the white w/blue stripe belt BUT...as long as we’re learning the self defense aspect...we’re good.

[@mobiledetail4you]

As a beneficiary of this in 2022 that absolutely works. As someone who started at age 53 if this curriculum was not available I would not be doing jujitsu.

[@eugenesong8357]

I started training at Gracie Academy, I love the environment they have created. I thinking it cultivates a very calm mindset that conditions students to stay calm in worst case scenarios.

[@maveric0738]

Very very Happy to see Gracie Jiu Jitsu getting back to its roots!! I wish I lived near by the academy!

[@td344509]

they have hundreds of certified training centers all over the world, look on their website!

[@maveric0738]

+Troy Dodsdon 👍🏼

[@conorl9305]

+Troy Dodsdon Can I have some advice ? Ok so I went to my first BJJ class on Friday and was told not to to anything with other clubs and I rolled with a purple belt and he beat the shit out of me without even showing me anything ? Should I continue or find a new environment that is better . PS I'm not a pussy I did years of Muay Thai but I just don't want to get injured so I can progress quicker . Thanks for help if you reply :)

[@td344509]

+conor L sadly, it seems that the school you went to has no direction or curriculum, I would suggest trying to find a Gracie Certified Training Center bc they teach you how to defend yourself not how to get smashed by a purple belt, they also take pride in making it a safe learning environment.. you can look for a school on the Gracie website and if there isn't one close by, check out the online Gracie university, if you have a friend to train with that isn't a bad route to get your basics and shit and then in like 6 months or so you can go back to that school and not get smashed bc you'll have a basic understanding of jiu jitsu, but forsure, if possible, go to a CTC and learn the right way.

[@conorl9305]

+Troy Dodsdon thanks for response but I live in Ireland so there is no Gracie unfortunately however I think the journey up to SBG Tallaght will be worth it as it looks great. Thanks for your quick feedback

[@NIIGAANMEDIA]

I'm so proud of my Master Sylvio Behring because we always follow self-defense as a priority.....oss!

[@CamerieriZeppoleMix]

I love the fantastic organization of this curriculum of this brand of Gracie, I am very happy with the leadership of the Gracie Dynasty- Joe Camerieri

[@live2win4freedom82]

As an older man that is the only reason why I would wanna learn Brazilian jujitsu for the sole purpose of self defense

[@ThePoorBoy]

Rickson getting involved -- re-involved, really -- with the Academy should be seen as a pretty big deal. He's obviously not happy with much of what he's seeing in the BJJ community. I personally think that too many places are giving people a false sense of security in terms of their ability to defend themselves out in the real world. It's smart for the Gracies to do this, and it's really what separates "Gracie" Jiu-Jitsu from "Brazilian" Jiu-Jitsu.

[@ColoradoBengal]

I think this is less of Rickson getting involved with the Academy and more the Academy getting involved with JJGF. The academy is making a concession to reach a blue belt standard that all the organization that are members of JJGF, will support.

[@mojohojo4077]

true, the hole purpose of bjj or any marital art IS for self defenes. if not for self defense, then wft good IS it??? NONE! no??

[@HowieLongway]

You are 100% correct. You can be the best in comp but if some nobody can beat you up on the street then what is the point?

[@Thirst4livingwater]

fuck it i started working i can afford learning JJ i live in L.A Cali too, and i heard their academies are local

[@1brighthorizon]

I can hear the haters already, but I desperately hope that you guys are successful... for the sake of jiu jitsu.

[@pallyali786]

Really enjoy listening to Rickson. He is a fountain of knowledge. Most academies are now so focused on the sport side and medals. The true meaning of the art is getting lost and like Rickson said diluted. A couple of high level belt guys who train only bjj did an MMA class. Let's just say when punches were a factor 70% of there bjj IQ went out the window. So we must go back to the basics and learn Gracie combatants street bjj.

[@Philo68]

These guys just can't hide the love/passion they have for each other, Jiu Jitsu and their students. This is the real deal right here!

[@Sr.D]

As a Judoka (just blue belt yet, 4 years now in judo) and new white belt jiu jitsu, just 5 classes, i have fall in love with jiu jitsu, now on i will keep practicing both, and they really are different, same but different, but what i really find in both it's that they are very competition oriented some times, and not everyone it's there to compete i find that judo and jiu jitsu needs to begin to teach things that was teached on the past, like more self defense things, not just competition, i like the aproach of the video. Sorry for my English.

[@mohdshanawase143]

Very true. No point making a black belt if you can't defend yourself in a street situation. Self - defence should be a crucial foundation for not only bjj but also other martial arts styles as well.

[@mb62011]

Anakin, Yoda, Obi-Wan, Luke

[@spookyr]

Rickson joins the fray! He is the reason I got interested in GJJ. Ryron and Rener the reason I got around to actually practice it :D

[@TheMMAVOICE]

This is wonderful. From guys who deeply care and obviously have a deep sense of conviction.

[@spidey677]

Master Rickson has been silent for a while from the internet. It's always great to hear Master Rickson :)

[@whydoihavetoaddachan]

Very interesting to note Rickson's statement (if I understood it correctly) that the student's initial introduction was a private, 1-on-1 kind of format to introduce it gently until the basics were understood. It's a simplistically brilliant concept and it seems to me that not many get introduced to it in that manner these days. Really makes me re-think any kind of training.

[@Chris_Brah]

Rener could sell sand to a beduin in the desert.

[@richardleonhard3971]

He probably has, and the Beduin is still writing him letters to thank him for it.

[@OwenPrescott]

Hey man, I heard Rener is selling desert sand. It it true and where can I find some?

[@Chris_Brah]

+Owen Prescott Torrance California.

[@Pyryp2]

I don't know. I find myself spacing out a bit when he speaks here and paying attention when the older, more to the point, men speak.

[@Malouco]

Still waiting for my blue sand in the mail.

[@BobSmith-uu6fl]

3:34 - holy shit, when RIckson gets mad about Jiu-Jitsu becoming more sport minded the camera colors start messing up.... Rickson is the universe

[@ankokukeshi]

I'm particularly happy to hear a return to focus on the more martial/street aspect of this art. The only thing I would add is please don't forget us at home. I have a wife and three kids. We all partake of the combatives, empowered, and bully proof programs. I'm very excited about the master cycle and I completely agree with "no more online blue belts". I'm in an area where there is no available teacher. So, learning from a non traditional format is perfect. I completely agree that belt testing requires a much more personal approach, but please don't forget about us at home. Please continue the availability of this knowledge online as you expand the curriculum.

[@bjjbrawler1]

I think this is a structured return to the non- sporty style of jiu-jitusu. Clinches, and basic close-the-gap takedowns should be emphasized before the more intricate bjj or judo takedowns. Good interview overall, and its great to hear from Rickson and Pedro, in addition to Ryron and Rener.. all pioneers.

[@lmjr0419]

100% behind this. i wouldn't know what to say if there is anyone out there that has a problem with this. much respect....

[@iansinclair6256]

Very good. My coach teaches self defence before BJJ vs BJJ strategies. He said in 2 years we could be ready for blue belt. But ours is affiliated with the Machado's.

[@THEROYALTWIN]

I am more concerned with KNOWLEDGE. Everyone is whining over belts. Who cares??!! Belts are certificates around your waist. Self Defense should always be first. I remember the first school I went to over 30 years ago. The creed was Defend Myself, Defend our Family, Defend our Community. Keep doing what you are doing Gracie Academy!

[@k9aid514]

Rickson Gracie my most favourite was lucky enough to do weekend seminars with him and a small group in Niagara Falls Canada

[@000LONER]

Rickson words "...to give to the weak one the sense of empowerment ...". Gracie Jiu -Jitsu philosophy ! That's awesome.

[@39maddox]

Thank you for that. I agree with what you are saying, too many schools in Oregon just have this attitude of fighting and not self defense. I have studied multiple martial arts for years, and I have fell back in love with JiuJitsu.

[@Spirittkdaus]

Thank you for saying what needed to be said. Not just for Jiu-Jitsu but for all martial arts.

[@krtkosilva9288]

Can you guys please repost it on your Instagram or something? This video was not got enough attention. The world needs to see this.

[@-CrampedStyle-]

Beyond the adjustments to the system and the curriculum, which I think are great, it's nice to see the family members come and work together to improve and sustain the art. Politics in martial arts is nothing new, but it was always a drag to me when I saw or read trash talking among family members. It's good to remember that we're all part of one big family that loves and practices this great martial art, and humility and respect should be a part of that.

[@Lpass2020]

It's fascinating how Rickson can appear so grumpy and so nurturing at the same time.

[@mjolnir9855]

Rickson and Pedro are like gods among men. Real fighters who fought to prove what they say.

[@theunfortunatespectacle7381]

Oss. Much respect to these masters. If you look at the comments, it becomes clear how much respect these masters have earned. I rarely see so little boolsheet arguing and trolling. I'm rolling Gracie Combatives tonight at McKenzie Martial Arts in Eugene, Oregon. You should be too.

[@morpheus1818]

Outstanding! Much respect! Great to see Rickson and Pedro. The JJGF will solidify GJJ as the BEST self-defense martial art!!!

[@levihogan5782]

Respect... this is the essence of Jiu Jitsu. Self defense.

[@horatioredgreenblue2130]

Rener is good to listen to for about 30 seconds then it just becomes background noise. Rickson is the man, always worth paying attention to.

[@veterinarionaamerica1342]

Grande verdade! Treinei no Brasil a mais de 15 anos atrás e quando voltei a treinar aqui em NY, pensando no prazer da arte suave me deparei com um mundo de competição que só quer saber finalizar rápido sem se fazer drive! Fiquei triste, me lesionei e abandonei! Triste!!

[@emersonbolen784]

Very well said. When I was in 1st SFOD-D we paid to bring Rorrian and Royce to come in and teach self-defense. That's what our mission focus was, self-defense, not competition.

[@michalzagol]

Couldn't agree with you guys more. My son started jiu jitsu when he was 2 years ago and is almost 8 years old now. I did it to teach him self defence since he was being bullied. I just recently started my training about a month ago and do not do it for the stripes, I do it for the knowledge and preparation if ever I need it. Our school focuses on the protection aspect of self defence first and foremost and incorporates the competition aspect in with it so. I agree with you guys that that self defence aspect should be somehow ingrained into the curriculum. I am proud to say that my son & I are Gracie Humaitá students and believe in what the Gracie family has created and fully support this decision.

[@coolhari2000]

I really think you guys have pioneered learning & teaching methodology in BJJ - (A team pedro sauer blue belt) - The interim belt was a masterstroke.

[@Byzantios1]

I agree with the opening sentiment from Rickson and Pedro. As a judo guy, I have seen many BJJ guys who cross trained with us at our club. The general sentiment from the judo side was that the BJJ guys were too quick to go on their back. Like Pedro said, can be a huge detriment against a bigger, stronger opponent, or someone who knows how to grapple. That goes for judoka as well. We were chewed out by our sensei if we quickly went on our backs and fought from that position, giving up the power position as opposed to fighting for it. Great talk guys!

[@0713mas]

Amazing! Can't believe I just found this.

[@CamerieriZeppoleMix]

I love this video, very compelling and informative and a great issue that was covered on the belts and keeping the focus on self-defense, I love the new change, - Joe Camerieri

[@Guyinhisvan]

Hey guys, I started training at a Royce Gracie Academy and we train stand-up (defense against: sucker punch, push, single hand choke, wall choke, etc) almost probably 90% and 10% guard pass rotation basics, a few sweeps but almost all self defense. I am really enjoying it.

[@diariodanovazelandia]

I've trained Self defense for 8 months every single day in the begin until my gym's teacher buy some mats for the gym hahahaha, That was an awesome experience in Brazil and that made me very confident to go out there and defend myself anywhere. Congratulation once more for the Gracie Family for this attitude of Global Federation and self-defense. I'm a big fan of all of you guys. Thanks

[@citydrums7525]

Awesome! Jiu-Jitsu should be a self-defense gift for the common man. The traditional, old school Gracie system is the key. I might even get into it and I'm getting pretty old. Most people don't want to compete against other jiu-jitsu players, they just want some common sense, street self-defense to protect themselves and their family. My nephew is only 4 1/2 and he just started taking jiu-jitsu classes...

[@adrianojoaquim3572]

To preserve the core principles of efficiency should be a 'no-brainer' in any activity. This shows us how much we have deviated from our instincts. Thanks Godness we have people such these guys to fight for this preservation. Thank you guys!!!

[@zoltancaputo9562]

oss! i m a black belt from Fred Team BH. (Draculino´s Gim). I have proude to belong this family.11 years studind and having a self defense lessons.

[@Weakeyedominant]

Great to see this issue being raised I started learning traditional JuJitsu in 2001 before I got interested in BJJ to improve my technical skills around 2 years later. Over the last 10 years I started to view BJJ purely as a submission sport rather than martial art. Students simply did not understand basic forms of self defense against an opponet who had no intention of using BJJ techniques.

[@roystonito]

Fantastic improvements to the formal culture of Jiu Jitsu. I'm also seriously impressed with Rickon's improved English. His diction was superb.

[@dstoglin1]

Awesome to hear these Masters talk!

[@lemueldiaz3244]

Ryron and Rener, greetings from San Juan Puerto Rico, I've been watching your videos for a longtime and I love your videos so much. You are so talented and natural teachers. Also the breakdowns are amazing!. Thanks for teaching us. The small changes you have made to Gracie Combatives shows unity in the family tradition. Looking forward to more of your videos!

[@1969rio]

I agree so completely and absolutely with Rickson Gracie. Without the ability to defend yourself on the street, what is the worth of your martial art. The basics are the corner stone as Rickson explains with the rest of the group here.

[@jdub7771]

This is awesome! Take it back to the origins and proper usage of the Gracie family jiu-jitsu! Respect!

[@gabrieltorres4523]

The level of rickon and his knowledge. Is so awesome this guy a real sensei

[@hostnik777]

I can't even explain how odd it is to find this video tonight, when I have spent the last 4 days, literally, coming to this EXACT same realization myself, having seen part of Choke on Tuesday night - the very night this was posted. Priot to that, honestly I didn't even know much about Rickson other than he was one of the best Gracies and did very well in early MMA. But having coming to this realization over the exact period since they realeased this video, in fact, I have emailed Henry Akin's school and a few here in Austin asking for recommendations for exactly this thing here in the north side of Austin. We have a lot of good schools here, but it's not always clear which ones prioritize self-defense beyond some nominal things or lip service. Some students I've run into even turn their eyes up at it, and groan when it's brought up, because apparently they just want to get back to their sport training. That is their right, but as for me, if Rickson says do it, you can bet there is a good reason for it, and he says it in plain words: service to the community. A school that chooses to ignore self-defense is admitting that it has less interest in serving the community and more interest in serving its teachers and the few who choose grappling as a sport. Once again, Rickson proves that his reputation is far beyond just being one of the best grapplers in history; he is a great human being as well. I can't wait to find a school near me that I can train in that makes these things a priority - I'm not a fan of online learning because I like connecting with people in person.

[@tdoucette]

Thank you. *Bows* So much thought, honesty and heart put into the defense of the weak, the bullied the insecure. I am awed at the shear compassion of these men and what they stand for. You are literally changing the world one person at a time by changing the way they look at themselves and others. The weak become capable and the strong become calmed and controlled. Thank you again much.

[@espada9]

Rickson and Pedro? Daaannnnnggggg! Two of my heroes.

[@KyoVictoroficial]

So much respect for the No More "Online Blue Belts" !!! - So much respect for Rickson, dream of life have the honor to train with him. I started in 1997, stoped for reasons of life, get back on track, get my Purple Belt, but was always missing the Self Defense from the 90,s. I ll be glad to take the Combatitives course for the self defense belt. Just amazing this video and the JJGF concepts and the union between the Gracies.

[@AlexanderPews]

Rickson and SAUER in ONE video?! omg is this heaven

[@cesarallforce]

is terrific that they are advocating to re-establish self defense as the backbone of Jiu Jitsu, you gotta love an art that evolves and changes and re-adjust, Rickson Gracie is a world respected authority, perhaps the most respected due to his accomplishments, the gracie combatives on the other side has always been strong in self defense, I just hope that instructors around the world listen to the call and make the adjustments.

[@Kujien]

I agree my academy taught me spider guard before any guard passes

[@nr9]

"competitors use what nature gives them.. such as .. bulging ears in order to compete" - Rickson Gracie

[@MahamedAly]

I like that !!! Congrats !!!

[@pedroreboucas7752]

Um dia espero ter a oportunidade de treinar com o mestre Rickson!

[@enterTheSource]

My favorite instructors!

[@SwordFighterPKN]

What you are talking about is the older way of looking at and learning Martial Arts, which most people today just don't want.

[@ericcoates640]

Rickson's points on the deteriorating self defense aspects of bjj (also applicable to judo) is really spot on, we've seen this before with karate. Sport "point" karate and even full contact knockdown karate have seriously diluted the self defense aspects of original okinawan karate. Particularly since the basis of competition is two willing competitors with oversight and guidelines the actual self defense of both arts gets lost. Rickson is right.

[@TheHypernaught]

You guys are true martial artists. I love the philosophy of this conversation. I am going to look for a Gracie Certified Jiu Jitsu DoJo

[@dxprofit]

Totally amazing example of "Great" egos under control. Great example in any area. Thank you.

[@Ceevro]

People are talking about how good it is to see those roots re-established, and I agree. I'm just a beginner in jujitsu, but I've noticed exactly what you're all saying: we're dealing mostly with grappling other people our own size and rank, with competition goals. We have a self-defense program, but I would like to see a little more intensity in it. We have to learn to deal with punches and kicks, because those are what people do on the streets, and what BJJ has shown so many times it's ideal at overcoming. You're all very, very correct when you say that so many 'sportified' martial arts have forgotten what a complete fight looks like, in favour of specialization. There's grappling in TKD, but good luck finding an instructor who knows any of it, let alone is willing to teach it. I'd like to point out that the most effective kicker in the first UFC was actually Royce.

[@CoachJoe551]

Utmost respect for Rickson, Rener, Ryron, and Pedro Sauer vision of Jiu Jitsu that has application in real life situations. I personally like Jiu Jitsu techniques that can be utilized Gi, No Gi and MMA. That being said fighters are going upside down in MMA (Ryan Hall & Nate Diaz that I've seen). It seemed pre UFC that Gracies wanted to test their skills no rules and adapt as the sport evolved. I see the new testing ground to be MMA fights. If we see jiu jitsu application there wouldn't it have a place in Gracie jiu jitsu? I'm interested in hearing opinions.

[@abc80s74]

awesome when I was a lot younger I used to think it wasn't necessary the self defense aspect. I now understand it is more knowledge a solid foundation and you can offer more to your students and family. Oss

[@otissmallwood4578]

It is so encouraging to see multiple generations of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu coming together to present the foundations of this amazing art! Is their a systemic way in which one might join the JJGF as a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner - it is not very clear on the website? And in joining the JJGF, can one study with any of the Official Teams or Legitimate Representatives of Gracie Jiu-Jitu? Are their plans to have a counsel of Professors, Contra-Mestres, and Mestres that will continuously guide, improve, and protect the culture and tradition(s) of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - introducing the term Mestre is important in the US? Are their any plans to introduce the conversational or fluent, Brazilian Portuguese into the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu curriculum? Are their volunteer opportunity to help in the propagation of the JJGF mission and vision? Abracos

[@anthonyallen3328]

This is my two cents why for the life of me I hear bjj instructors trash the Gracie boys about the sport vs self-defense ? If they mean sport bjj is complete then why they are not ready to do MMA? You have purple belts whom can not stop another bjj fighter whom does MMA with strikes thats ridiculous. They need extra training in bjj because they dont know the old basic Gracie bjj Valtudo. The Gracie combatives teaches you distance mangment for punch protection thats the basice for MMA . Its rediculus that I heard a student come in to a Bjj school and said I wanted to learn the bjj that was used in the Ultimate Fighting. The instructor to the person we have no need to learn the old out dated bjj anymore. We mow learn new and modified techniques of sport bjj. The guys said could you teach me the Royce Gracie BJJ and the teacher told him to go down the Street and learn Karv Maga and to me that was a slap in the bjj community face. So if my wife is heavy set and a little over weight and all your bjj is teaching is just an athletic version of the 50 50 guard or the rubber guard and my wife can not physically do it right away you mean to tell me she would be told to go to ballys gym or go to Zumba first? I mean if you get my point its just a diservice to tell people that if you dont compete in tornaments then you dont get promoted another belt for bjj . That's nuts and if bjj dont watch out they will fall in to a bias style of martial arts only wanting the badest athletic person. You see why the Gracie Academy is one of the largest attended bjj schools in the world just like the Valentine brother bjj Gracie Miami. Bjj schools are going to be exposed and they will start to loose a lot of business just like Kung Fu and Takwoon Do. Remember one thing there are more casual average Joes then there are already competitive athlete comming in the door. With Rickson joing his nephews to bring bjj back the original way thats sending a message of change. Thats how Jkd became screwed up and now people do not even respect the name of Bruce Lee art of JKD anymore. I hope this wake up the bjj community learn the roots before having the leaves of the tree first.

[@egjundis]

Well stated. Any real and caring self-defense instructor with their salt IMHO should be able to teach concepts students can use day one for their current reality. Sad but true about JKD, or to misquote Bruce "they got stuck on the finger and missed all the Heavenly glory".

[@anthonyallen3328]

Elrik Jundis Also let me add if you watch very closely jkd and bjj is in the same scenario. Check out this break down. In jkd the separations are jkd concepts vs Jkd original then later on you have functional jkd. Guys from each group are not on the same page and because of this you have a separation of instructors, practioneers and legends such Insanto and Vunak vs Chris Kent , rest in peace Ted Wong. This beef has destroyed jkd name and credibility. Look Bjj you have sport bjj gi vs Eddie Bravo no gi sport bjj vs Gracie combatives ( valTudo / mma) Those groups are devided you hardley see a Marcello Garcia, Eddie Bravo put out anything regarding self-defense bjj or mma. But the Gracie boys talks and share Gracie bjj self-defense and sport bjj just check there videos. Have you notice what im saying is compatable? Check out jkd for a second truthfully JunFan is the basics of Bruce Lee aproach of being well rounded but the icing on the cake is to use the philosophy of jkd to add other functional styles to create your own method of jkd. What happened everybody stop training in JunFun so people are lost in Jkd concepts. In bjj the basics are Gracie selfdefense then you add sport second. A lot of them now desregard bjj self-defense to do sport first and now the bjj community is lost. Bjj is now no longer JunFun its jkd concepts which promotes bjj to be more about being athletic, strong , young and fast. When you see high level bjj guys create dvd instructionals of the Rubber Guard, Spider Guard, 50 50 thats a sign that Bjj is sliding off from the original roots. See what happened is when you are a Danny Insanto, Paual Vunak JKD ) Eddie Bravo ,Marcelo Garcia bjj sport) you have big names and now people take what you do and what you say as the gospel truth. So If Insanto say Jun Fun is out dated people will stop training in it. If Eddie Bravo say the Gracie bjj is outdated everyone will follow suit and say the same thing why? Because of there name hold strong influence over people whom do not think for themselves. Now check this out closely Insanto did admit before you learn jkd concepts he suggests that people should learn Jun Fan first. Eddie Bravo said that for a raw beginners he suggests that you learn the basic bjj first hummm sounds familiar. So my point is if you need Jun Fan and basic gracie bjj first for the basics then why on earth they dont promote that first? This is why $$$$. I find it funny that bjj community blast the Gracie boys for being scams but dont you think by others then the Gracie boys promoting bjj sport first are still getting money too? No one does it for free. They meaning bjj sport but not all of them are a bunch of hypocrites . At least the Gracies are promoting the basics first in stead of robbing the public by promoting a level of bjj that should be done after the basics. Its like saying that you are a Linebacker on the field but you do not have the ability to tackle thats the basics of defense. But you then say that this Linebacker will play in some high level defensive schemes which makes no sense. No matter what scheme of defense that Linebacker plays he needs to be able to learn how to tackle. How can an average Joe learn pullling guard before learning to close the distance and excute the take down and finish with bjj? Thats my point of view what do you think?

[@anthonyallen3328]

azzy mazzy Yes and I totally agree he is the man . On the other hand every looks at thongs differently. So he can not always be the gospel truth. Everyone is not in love with bjj sport. I like it but I prefer bjj selfdefense first. My point should be taking in consideration just like Eddie Bravo point is to sell the rubber guard. The growing trend is jkd concepts but I may prefer Jun Fan first. Everyone is not doing this for free. All the bjj practitioner dedicated there selves to there craft and now they all want to cash in for there hard work and dedication. Thats America and your free to do that. So again why the Gracie bashing when they have a certain point of view the way look at bjj. I always say go by the numbers of there students. The numbers never lie the people ahow you what they prefer first.

[@77jiujitsu]

Well said and that's what sup, thanks for sharing. I went to premier karate school one day and my friend is an instructor there, I ask one of his students do you teach self defense in Jiu-jitsu he said no and recommend me to take Krav maga and I was like "obviously he doesn't know the true meaning of Jiu-jitsu cuz of today, they focus too much on sport jiu-jitsu and it's funny cuz martial arts is to defend yourself, not sport cuz jiu-jitsu is in that cagetory for self defense in martial arts and it's sad

[@anthonyallen3328]

DeVon Carter Dont get me wrong I do understand about evolution and moving forward. But you suppose to learn the basics of any sport. Basics of Boxing, Wrestling, MMA or Bjj. What it would look like going in to a boxing gym wanting to spar Andre Ward or Mayweather with out even knowing the basics of boxing?Basic boxing covers conditioning, foot work, throwing single punches. I mean sometimes bjj get rediculus to teach some one off the street some spider guard or 50 / 50 guard in bjj, instead of teaching them basic bjj that covers standing up to close the distance in a safe clinch excute the take down then bring bjj to the ground to finish with a choke or submission that makes more since.

[@fearlessway]

Much respect to all the great masters/professors of BJJ on this video. Though Jiu-Jitsu is also a standing art and Gracie BJJ is mainly a ground art. It is Jiu-Jitsu, but mainly focused on ground work. Rickson is a true Master, he is one of the few real masters out there.

[@grimzler]

I love how flexible BJJ is,most martial arts stick to their past beliefs and never change,but jui jitsu is showing that its a sport that is capable of adapting to times. this is why this sport will triumph over any other martial arts in the coming years.

[@alexeykosorukov112]

Great work! Really appreciate what you're doing. Thank you. I wish we had the academy in Brooklyn NY

[@jnng7463]

holy moly that was epic stuff. Thanks for everything

[@paulangulo6821]

Master Rickson great visionary.