You’ll Never Catch Me On IBJJF Ever Again

Former Team USA wrestler Pat Downey has voiced his frustration over what he perceives as unfair treatment by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) – following an incident at a recent competition.

Speaking on The Grapplers Perspective Podcast, Downey described a situation in which his opponent’s team members were in a restricted area designated only for black belts and coaches.

He claims that while he was penalized, the same rules were not enforced on others:

The IBJJF made sure to enforce that rule on me but, you know, not the Russians I guess.

He explained that after exchanging words with his opponent’s team, the situation escalated when his opponent “started swinging” at him.As a result of the altercation, the IBJJF withheld Downey’s medal and competition points:

It was a bummer because I didn’t get to score the points for my team either and then I didn’t get my medal.

Downey believes the punishment was excessive, particularly since he was defending himself:

They said it was for the gestures and stuff.

So I guess if he wouldn’t have swung on me and gotten himself DQ’d, he would have won and gotten the gold medal, so it’s pretty crazy.

He also suggested there may be bias within the organization, stating:

They just don’t like when Brazilians aren’t winning…You’ll never catch me on the IBJJF again.