Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Robert Drysdale has become an outspoken critic of the changing dynamics within martial arts, especially as modern trends, particularly social media, reshape the way BJJ is practiced and taught. In a recent interview, the multiple-time world champion and ADCC gold medalist shared his concerns about the ongoing transformation of the art he has dedicated his life to, highlighting the tension between traditional values and the demands of the modern era.
Drysdale’s biggest concern is the “democratization” of Brazilian jiu-jitsu facilitated by social media. “Social media is by nature designed to be radically Democratic,” he explains, observing how these platforms have leveled the playing field, allowing novice practitioners—often just beginning their journey—to command the same attention and respect as seasoned veterans. “White belts have the same power as Carlos Gracie Jr, or any old school guy who’s been training for 50 years,” Drysdale points out, emphasizing how these platforms have disrupted traditional hierarchies within the martial arts community.
This “flattening” of authority is more than just a shift in how information is disseminated; it is a challenge to the very foundation of respect and hierarchy that has governed martial arts for centuries. According to Drysdale, the ease with which new practitioners gain visibility on social media creates a false sense of equivalency, where inexperienced practitioners believe their opinions carry as much weight as those of the sport’s most respected veterans. “A white belt walks in with that mentality, he wants to be elevated… my opinion counts just as much as Rob. No it doesn’t,” Drysdale remarks, underscoring the importance of earning respect and knowledge over time.
Beyond social media, Drysdale also sees a troubling shift in the approach to training. At his Zenith BJJ academy in Las Vegas, he emphasizes the importance of mastering fundamentals through a wrestling-based approach. This focus on basic, consistent practice, he argues, produces more well-rounded grapplers in the long run, yet it is at odds with the flashy techniques and instant gratification that are increasingly popular in modern BJJ. While these flashy techniques can make for entertaining instruction, Drysdale believes that true mastery comes from hard, often less glamorous, work.
This emphasis on the basics, however, is difficult to sustain in today’s commercialized BJJ environment. Drysdale points out the growing trend where gyms refer to their students as “clients” rather than as practitioners, marking a significant shift in how martial arts are viewed and marketed. This commercialization, according to Drysdale, has contributed to the rise of individualism in the sport, at the expense of community and collective growth.
“You can’t get to the top alone. Individualism will only work – me, me, me – you can only go so far,” Drysdale asserts, reflecting on his own career. He draws a stark contrast between his experiences in BJJ, where he was supported by a tight-knit team, and his time in MMA, where the focus on individual achievement created a less supportive atmosphere. “In my BJJ career, I had people that supported me and wanted me to win around me. In MMA, I had people around me that wanted me to win in different ways,” he recalls, illustrating the benefits of a team-oriented approach in fostering success.
Drysdale’s reflections on the importance of community extend beyond personal experience; he looks to successful teams from the Caucasus region as models for excellence in combat sports. These teams are known for their strong sense of loyalty and mutual support, which Drysdale believes are key to developing both technical and mental toughness. Without a solid support system, grapplers risk reaching a plateau, unable to fully reach their potential.
Another area where Drysdale sees a decline in modern BJJ is the resistance to being pushed out of one’s comfort zone. “People only want to work on the things they’re good at – that’s lack of discipline,” he argues, a trend he attributes to broader cultural shifts that prioritize entertainment and personal satisfaction over discipline, sacrifice, and respect for the process. This resistance to growth, Drysdale believes, not only stunts technical improvement but also weakens the mental fortitude required to excel in the sport.
For Drysdale, the evolution of Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a double-edged sword: while the sport’s increased accessibility and visibility through social media have broadened its reach, they have also contributed to a loss of the traditional values that made the art so profound in the first place. For the future of BJJ, Drysdale advocates for a return to the principles that built the sport—a focus on fundamentals, respect for hierarchy, and an understanding that true mastery is earned over time, not handed out easily or quickly.
As the landscape of Brazilian jiu-jitsu continues to evolve, Drysdale’s insights serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between modernization and tradition—one that will shape the future of the sport for generations to come.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
