A shocking incident in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym in Brazil has sparked widespread debate within the community after a video surfaced showing an instructor publicly humiliating a student for visiting another academy without prior notice. The situation highlights ongoing tensions over traditional norms and evolving attitudes in the martial art.
The Incident
The scene unfolded during a routine training session, where the instructor interrupted the class to announce a special gauntlet session—a practice often reserved for belt promotions or disciplinary actions. However, this was no ordinary gauntlet. As the class lined up, the instructor addressed the student in question, speaking loudly enough for everyone to hear:
“Silence, pay attention! There’s a reason for the gauntlet today. He visited another gym without telling the sensei!”
Adding to the drama, the instructor referred to himself in the third person, emphasizing his perceived authority. He continued:
“And not only that—he even took his friend with him, who got punished already.”
Public Shaming in the Modern BJJ Era
The gauntlet, while a long-standing tradition in some BJJ academies, has increasingly come under scrutiny in recent years, with critics labeling it as unnecessary hazing. Typically, it involves students forming two lines while the person in question walks or crawls through, enduring slaps with belts. While some view it as a rite of passage, others see it as an outdated practice.
In this case, the gauntlet wasn’t about celebration but punishment—a public spectacle designed to shame the student for breaking a perceived rule. The instructor’s actions raise questions about whether such public humiliation has a place in modern BJJ.
Gym Loyalty vs. Open Mat Culture
At the heart of the controversy is the concept of “gym loyalty.” Traditionalists in BJJ often hold that students must inform their instructor before visiting other academies, a rule rooted in martial arts’ hierarchical culture. Proponents argue it fosters respect and protects a gym’s secrets, such as proprietary techniques or strategies.
However, the modern BJJ landscape, especially in No-Gi grappling, is more fluid. Open mats, cross-training, and collaboration between gyms have become commonplace, with many athletes seeing cross-training as essential for growth. Critics of the instructor’s actions argue that punishing a student for seeking additional training elsewhere is counterproductive and stifles development.
Community Reactions
The video has gone viral on social media, with reactions ranging from outrage to staunch support for the instructor.
Critics: Many in the BJJ community have condemned the instructor’s behavior, calling it “toxic,” “egotistical,” and “an abuse of power.” One commenter wrote, “BJJ is about personal growth, not about serving someone’s ego. This kind of behavior has no place in the sport.”
Supporters: Others defended the instructor, arguing that respecting gym rules is crucial to maintaining discipline. A supporter commented, “When you join a gym, you agree to their rules. If you don’t like it, find a gym that fits your values.”
A Call for Balance
While gym loyalty and respect for instructors remain important in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the sport’s rapid growth and increasing accessibility have challenged traditional practices. Incidents like this force the community to reflect on what values should define modern BJJ: respect and loyalty, yes, but also openness, personal growth, and the elimination of toxic power dynamics.
In a martial art known for its ability to build confidence and foster camaraderie, moments like these remind us that the responsibility to uphold those values lies with both students and instructors. Perhaps it’s time for the community to strike a balance between honoring traditions and embracing progress.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
