Sebastian Attard, a decorated No-Gi competitor and three-time IBJJF medalist, found himself at the center of controversy after his latest competition. During the podium ceremony, Attard made an obscene gesture—flipping off the gold medalist. The IBJJF responded swiftly and decisively, issuing a one-year ban from all competitions under their banner.
The incident has sparked debate in the grappling community, with some supporting the IBJJF’s decision as a necessary enforcement of professionalism and respect, while others view the punishment as overly harsh for what they see as a harmless act of humor.
A Bold Statement on Social Media
Attard, however, seems unfazed by the consequences of his actions. Taking to Instagram, he posted a humorous response featuring a photoshopped image of a bouquet of flowers replacing his middle finger. The caption read:
“RULES UPDATE: being cheeky is NOT ALLOWED… sooo @adcc_official you got a trials coming up?? @pgfworld I can make 175 btw.”
The playful tone of his post suggests that Attard is not dwelling on the ban but rather shifting his focus to other major No-Gi competitions, such as ADCC trials and the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF).
Was the Punishment Justified?
The IBJJF’s Code of Conduct emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship, mutual respect, and professionalism both on and off the mats. By penalizing Attard, the organization sent a clear message that disrespectful behavior, even in jest, has no place in their events. Critics of the ban argue that such a severe penalty could discourage competitors from showing personality or expressing themselves, potentially stifling the sport’s entertainment value.
Supporters of the decision point out that podium ceremonies are a time to honor competitors’ achievements, and actions like Attard’s detract from the prestige of the moment.
What’s Next for Attard?
With his IBJJF ban in place until the end of 2025, Attard will have to look for opportunities in other grappling organizations to stay active. His Instagram post hints at his interest in competing at the prestigious ADCC trials, known for their less stringent approach to competitor conduct, and the PGF, a unique grappling league offering high-level competition.
As one of the sport’s most colorful personalities, it’s unlikely that this setback will slow Attard down. If anything, his defiance could endear him further to fans who value his unapologetic authenticity.
The Bigger Picture
While Sebastian Attard’s antics have brought humor and controversy to the forefront, they also serve as a reminder of the balance between sportsmanship and individuality in competitive grappling. As the sport continues to grow, incidents like this will undoubtedly shape the conversation about what behavior is acceptable in the world of professional Jiu-Jitsu.
The question remains: does enforcing strict professionalism risk losing the vibrant personalities that make grappling exciting, or is it a necessary step to maintain the sport’s legitimacy? Only time—and the grappling community—will tell.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
