Sirena Allen-De Guzman began her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at 15, seeking physical activity and community.
What started as a supportive environment quickly turned into a nightmare when her BJJ coach, a man in his 40s, began grooming her.
By 17, she was in a relationship with him, a situation she now recognizes as a clear abuse of power.
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“By the time that I was 17, I was dating my 40-something-year-old Jiu-Jitsu coach.”
– Sirena Allen-De Guzman
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A Trusted Mentor Turns Predator
When the inappropriate relationship came to light, the gym’s response was to expel the coach. However, instead of supporting the teen grappler, the gym effectively punished her as well.
The coach told her, “I’m not allowed to train, so you’re not allowed to train,” leading to her departure from the sport she loved. This reaction highlights a troubling tendency within some martial arts communities to prioritize reputation over the well-being of victims.
A Pattern of Control and Isolation
The relationship was marked by increasing control. Allen-De Guzman described being cut off from friends and family, with the coach dictating her interactions and finances.
The breaking point came when he forbade her from attending a work event, leading to a realization of the unhealthy dynamics at play.
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“It made me realize that I was in this relationship where I couldn’t make a decision like going to a work function without having to deal with the fallout,”
– Sirena Allen-De Guzman
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Returning to the Mat
After nearly five years away from BJJ, Allen-De Guzman found the courage to return. With the support of a new coach who told her, “Don’t sell yourself short. We’ll develop your skills until you feel like you have earned that blue belt again,” she began rebuilding her confidence and skills.
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“We don’t talk about gym etiquette in that way in any gym that I’ve ever been in. There’s never been a conversation about ‘hey guys, if somebody says no, that means no.’”
– Sirena Allen-De Guzman
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Not an Isolated Incident: Other Cases in BJJ
Allen-De Guzman’s unwanted BJJ grooming experience, which she shared on the Partizan Grappling podcast, is unfortinately not unique. Several high-profile cases have highlighted a troubling pattern within the BJJ community:
Claudia do Val and Ricardo De La Riva
In 2020, three-time IBJJF World Champion Claudia do Val accused her former coach, Ricardo De La Riva, of sexual misconduct during her early training years. She detailed the experience in an interview, shedding light on the abuse of power by a respected figure in the BJJ world.
The Fight Sports Controversy
In 2020, a BJJ black belt under Abreu and instructor at Fight Sports Naples, Marcel Goncalves, was accused of sexual assault by a 16-year-old student. Abreu faced criticism for his handling of the claims and was later named in a civil suit alleging failure to oversee trainers and protect minors.
In 2023, a second lawsuit implicated Abreu and Fight Sports LLC in another sexual assault case involving a minor.
Lloyd Irvin and Team Lloyd Irvin
In 2013, two students from Team Lloyd Irvin were charged with the violent rape of a female teammate. Subsequent revelations about Irvin’s own past, including involvement in a 1989 gang rape case (for which he was acquitted), led to an exodus of top athletes from his team and the eventual disbanding of his affiliate program.
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“Something that I would really love to see as the sport continues to develop is women who are kind of strong athletic role models for young girls in this sport,”
– Sirena Allen-De Guzman
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A Call for Change
Allen-De Guzman’s story serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within martial arts communities. It emphasizes the urgent need for gyms to implement strict policies, provide education on power dynamics, and create safe spaces for all practitioners. By confronting these issues head-on, the BJJ community can begin to heal and ensure that the mat remains a place of respect and growth for everyone.
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