ADCC athlete Keith Krikorian told the Jits and Giggles podcast that jiu-jitsu gyms betray martial arts values when higher ranks look down on lower ones. He argued coaches should encourage newer students and that mat safety must outweigh competition, regardless of rank or gender, reports BJJ Eastern Europe.
SourceGianni Grippo argues that athletes with strong gi foundations develop superior guard retention compared to no-gi practitioners, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. After training both styles at top academies, Grippo shifted toward no-gi following the pandemic but maintains that beginners should prioritize gi training to build better technical foundations.
SourceTwenty-time world champion Wellington Dias reflected on training with Rickson and Royler Gracie, describing how he was unable to execute techniques against them. BJJ Eastern Europe reports that Dias won his 20th world title at the IBJJF World Master Championship in Las Vegas in September.
SourceIn an interview with Lex Fridman, Ryan Hall described jiu-jitsu as a philosophy combining physical and mental development, where efficient movement works in harmony with an opponent rather than clashing. Hall compared learning jiu-jitsu to learning a language, where underlying principles connect techniques, reports BJJ Eastern Europe.
SourceBernardo Faria, founder of BJJ Fanatics, argues that world champions do not necessarily make good instructors, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. Elite athletes often rely on instinct and struggle to explain their techniques clearly. The ability to articulate concepts well for teaching matters more than holding a title.
SourceRoyce Gracie told Carlos Machado why he relocated from California to Florida four years ago, citing cultural and policy concerns. He addressed online behavior lacking accountability and clarified that the Gracies respond to disrespect rather than seek violence. According to BJJ Eastern Europe, Gracie noted that modern MMA athletes are more well-rounded than in earlier eras.
SourceEmily Leyva achieved black belt status in jiu-jitsu under André Galvão and Angelica Galvão, reports BJJ Heroes. She also trained extensively with Leticia Ribeiro during her early years.
SourceA judo historian argues that Gordon Ryan's public conduct would not be tolerated within judo's institutional culture, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. Modern judo federations monitor athletes both on and off the mat, including social media, and sanction inappropriate behavior. In judo, respect and humility are essential requirements for belt advancement.
SourceKeith Krikorian argues that jiu-jitsu gyms banning students from dating each other exhibit cult-like behavior, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. He contends coaches should encourage healthy relationships among consenting adults instead, while drawing a clear line against coach-student relationships due to power imbalances. Krikorian distinguishes between genuine interest and predatory behavior.
SourceGraciemag outlines key qualities of a memorable jiu-jitsu instructor. These include genuine interest in students, making learning enjoyable, maintaining an open and collective mindset, and understanding that a teacher's role is to transform others' lives rather than solely perfect their own technique.
SourceLongtime John Danaher student Brian Glick trains daily despite a torn meniscus, arthritis and shoulder issues, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. Danaher taught him to continue training through injuries and view them as an expected part of jiu-jitsu rather than a sign of doing something wrong.
SourcePurple belt João Pedro Freitas from BTT Rio das Ostras won the IBJJF Pan-American No Gi championship, reports Graciemag. While training at BTT Texas under coach Diego Gamonal, a three-time world No Gi champion, Freitas increased his preparation to four daily sessions and added psychological support.
SourceJoão Freires and Kaua de Oliveira will compete in a no-gi match at the Turris Invitational on November 14 in Rio de Janeiro, reports Graciemag. Freires began jiu-jitsu as a child and won three Brazilian championships at blue belt plus a world bronze medal. Kaua, the current Brazilian champion with gi and four-time ADCC champion, overcame a title-less year before returning to top form.
SourceMicrosoft Windows has announced a sponsorship with brothers Kade and Tye Ruotolo, reportedly among the largest deals in jiu-jitsu history. According to BJJ Eastern Europe, the partnership may be worth seven figures, though financial terms remain unconfirmed. The deal marks a milestone for the grappling community, showing that athletes can attract sponsors from outside combat sports.
SourceJudoka and coach Owen Livesey recounted his two-week experience at John Danaher's New Wave room in Texas. Livesey observed that Danaher has a short temper with the partner he uses to demonstrate techniques, reacting harshly to mistakes. Despite his frail appearance, Danaher displays flawless technique when teaching jiu-jitsu and wrestling, reports BJJ Eastern Europe.
SourceJudo gold medalist Owen Livesey, who trained at John Danaher's academy, rejects the anti-drilling trend in jiu-jitsu. He argues that all top Olympic and jiu-jitsu competitors drill daily, and that this practice does not compromise training safety. BJJ Eastern Europe reports Livesey currently skips drilling due to time constraints.
SourceDraculino told The Resilient Show that modern jiu-jitsu athletes possess superior technical skills compared to his generation. He attributes the main difference to philosophy rather than technique: his era trained for self-defense with few competitions yearly, while today's athletes adapt jiu-jitsu to sport rulesets, a shift he views as legitimate progress.
SourceFloGrappling general manager Ben Kovacs argues that professional grappling economics rarely work out, with UFC BJJ as a prime example, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. He cited production costs and athlete payouts exceeding revenue, noting that subscription income from events falls far short of expenses.
SourceMaster Crolin Gracie, approaching 70, reflected on lessons from his father Carlos Gracie in an interview reported by Graciemag. He explained that he chooses work aligned with his moral values, declining profitable ventures that conflict with his beliefs about health and others' wellbeing.
SourceDraculino, a coral belt with over 40 years on the mats, has cautioned against jiu-jitsu instructors positioning themselves as gurus or life coaches, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. He noted that some teachers answer questions outside their expertise while students seek advice on matters instructors lack knowledge in.
SourceVictor Hugo won the +99 kg division at ADCC 2026 with four consecutive submissions, then announced his retirement from ADCC competition before the absolute bracket, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. Hugo explained the decision crystallized during the event and he skipped the absolute to preserve his body, though he remains open to a possible return if ADCC 2028 takes place in Brazil.
SourceHip-hop artist LL Cool J has begun jiu-jitsu training in Brooklyn under instructor Brian Glick, a longtime student of John Danaher and the Renzo Gracie lineage. During a recent interview, LL Cool J described the experience as humbling, noting how quickly the sport reveals the vulnerability of an untrained person, reports BJJ Eastern Europe.
SourceRider Zuchi has been banned for three years and stripped of his 2026 IBJJF World Championship heavyweight title following a positive drug test at the event, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. Nicholas Maglicic, who lost to Zuchi in the final, is now the official champion. Zuchi becomes eligible to compete again on July 1st, 2027.
SourceIn an interview with Graciemag, instructor Rodrigo Fujita reflects on what it means to be a champion in jiu-jitsu. He argues that teachers should redefine success to recognize invisible victories, such as improved family relationships, which matter more than medals.
SourceDaniel Schuardt, an ADCC 2026 bronze medalist, chose to train at Kingsway under John Danaher rather than join Craig Jones' B Team, largely on his wife's recommendation that B Team seemed unfocused. Schuardt acknowledges the decision strained his friendship with Jones, a longtime friend, but says he has no regrets, reports BJJ Eastern Europe.
SourceJose Aldo and Marlon Vera ended their 10-minute submission-only grappling match in a draw at Hype on Sunday in Quito, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. Vera pursued takedowns in the first half while Aldo defended from the corner. In the second half, Aldo pulled guard and Vera attempted a heel hook without success.
SourceAndre Galvao won silver in the super heavyweight division at the 2026 IBJJF Pan-American No-Gi Championship, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. The 44-year-old defeated Jean Maltese and Sergio Vilas before the final, where teammate Nata Tenca took gold. Galvao said he competed to feel pressure again and test his current capabilities.
SourceThe 20th edition of the IBJJF Pan American No-Gi Championship took place in New Jersey, USA, in early October 2026, reports BJJ Heroes.
SourceUkrainian BJJ black belt Vlad Polyanskiy told Grapplezilla Podcast that Gordon Ryan's secret seminar in Ukraine sparked backlash from local coaches, war veterans and Craig Jones. BJJ Eastern Europe reports the controversy stemmed from Ryan's previous public criticism of the Azov Brigade, which many Ukrainians regard as heroes.
SourceRickson Gracie discussed his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease, acknowledging his declining physical condition. The legendary jiu-jitsu master explained how he is redirecting his purpose toward teaching and service through his new initiative Rickson Gracie United, focusing on self-defense and personal empowerment, reports BJJ Eastern Europe.
SourceJoe Rogan discussed whether elite coaching requires competitive success, citing John Danaher as a prime example of a great coach who never competed at a high level. Rogan emphasized Danaher's dedication to teaching, analytical understanding of technique, and ability to systematically develop athletes as what sets him apart, reports BJJ Eastern Europe.
SourceChampion Xande Ribeiro, 45, told BJJ Eastern Europe he wakes up daily with pain in his shoulders and neck despite his successful career. He credits his longevity to solid technique, strong defense, and a balanced approach including yoga, physiotherapy and proper recovery rather than training through injury.
SourceAt 19, Helena Crevar won ADCC gold at 65kg with three straight submissions, becoming the youngest champion ever. Raised in Las Vegas by Serbian parents, she started jiu-jitsu at eight and developed her skills under coach John Danaher, reports BJJ Eastern Europe.
SourceIn a 2005 interview when nearly 92 years old, master Helio Gracie shared philosophical teachings with Graciemag editors. He emphasized accepting hardships as deserved lessons and giving definitive answers—yes or no—rather than remaining uncertain.
SourceBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Giovanna Eburneo, who has over 570,000 Instagram followers, has launched an OnlyFans subscription at $17.99 per month. The athlete competed internationally in BJJ before joining WWE's developmental system in 2022, reports BJJ Eastern Europe.
SourceMartial arts researcher Gustavo Maçaneiro discovered that a Japanese translator deliberately removed references to the Gracie family from a book about judoka Mitsuyo Maeda, published after his death in 1941. Maçaneiro compared an original newspaper article by Captain Soto with the Japanese book version and found the section discussing Maeda's connection to the Gracies had been deleted, reports BJJ Eastern Europe.
SourceADCC silver medalist Marlon Tajik told BJJ Eastern Europe he falsified his age and belt rank as a teenager to compete against tougher opponents in Sweden. He altered his birth year in the Smoothcomp system and wore a blue belt while still a green belt, winning every event until discovered. The Swedish Jiu-Jitsu Federation handed him a one-year competition ban.
SourceRoberto Gordo and Lucas Gripp analyzed how the same half-guard situation can produce different solutions based on control and opponent reaction. Gordo emphasizes controlling the lower hip and involved leg to create a top half-guard position that limits opponent movement. Graciemag reports that understanding the concept behind control allows practitioners to adapt technique across different scenarios.
SourceGabriel Panizza won the Tampa International Open and placed third at the IBJJF American National in his first year as a black belt, reports Graciemag. The Brazilian athlete competes regularly in international tournaments and now trains under Robson Moura to refine his technical and strategic approach.
SourceLuan Kupferberg, a brown belt from Fernando Tererê's team, will face Kauai Seixas, a purple belt from Nova União, on November 14 at Upper Arena in Rio de Janeiro at the Turris Invitational. Kupferberg is known for his offensive style and has achieved high IBJJF rankings, while Seixas is a Brazilian and South American champion, reports Graciemag.
SourceFive-time IBJJF world champion Mikey Musumeci expressed frustration over performance-enhancing drug use in traditional jiu-jitsu, according to BJJ Eastern Europe. He believes many athletes use HGH to evade standard drug testing and is considering a move to MMA, where testing protocols are stricter.
SourceA 17-year-old competitor suffered an arm break at UFC BJJ 11, prompting Claudia Gadelha to question the organization's policy on minors at professional events, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. Gadelha suggested the injury may reflect inexperience in high-pressure situations and indicated UFC BJJ is reconsidering whether to feature young athletes.
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