Renzo Gracie, a two-time ADCC world champion, has taken an equity stake in UJITSU and joined as Global Ambassador and Strategic Partner, reports Graciemag. The partnership was formalized on November 8 at a free Abu Dhabi event attended by over 250 practitioners. Gracie will support the platform's international expansion and help develop partnerships across the jiu-jitsu community.
SourceRenzo Gracie, a two-time ADCC world champion, has acquired an equity stake in UJITSU, a UAE-based digital platform for the global BJJ community. The partnership was announced on November 8, 2026, in Abu Dhabi during a free seminar. Gracie will serve as Global Ambassador and Strategic Partner to help expand the platform internationally, reports BJJ Eastern Europe.
SourceJudo veteran Owen Livesey argues that jiu-jitsu should adopt stricter standards from judo and wrestling. He criticizes the sport's work ethic, noting that athletes arrive late to training and warm-ups are not taken seriously. He also suggests a no-leg-lock format would be more entertaining, reports BJJ Eastern Europe.
SourceBrazilian jiu-jitsu champion Tainan Dalpra converted his birthday into a fundraising effort, asking students and training partners to donate instead of giving him gifts. According to BJJ Eastern Europe, the group raised 50,000 Brazilian reals for social programs across Brazil, with Dalpra requesting help identifying which projects to support.
SourceGarry Tonon argues that jiu-jitsu students progress better by understanding the principles behind techniques rather than memorizing isolated moves, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. Tonon recommends John Danaher's four-step system as fundamental for beginners and criticizes traditional classes that teach disconnected techniques.
SourceTye Ruotolo captured the ONE lightweight MMA world title in his third professional bout, submitting Christian Lee via rear naked choke in round one. The 21-year-old told BJJ Eastern Europe he had been ill throughout the week but achieved his goal of finishing in the opening round.
SourceVinicius Bacalhau, a jiu-jitsu instructor, has reached the Top 5 worldwide in the Master 2 category of the IBJJF through consistent dedication despite a demanding work life, reports Graciemag. His philosophy is rooted in honor and perseverance, teachings from his instructor Adilson Lima. In 2025 he won international championships and local tournaments, crediting his success to consistency and discipline.
SourceWorld champion Gui Mendes says blue belt is the toughest period in a practitioner's journey because expectations shift and practitioners begin comparing themselves to peers. Mendes warns that unfair comparisons, such as between someone training for ten years and an adult who started later, cause frustration and dropouts. He advises comparing yourself only with people who share your background, reports BJJ Eastern Europe.
SourceSeven-time world champion Xande Ribeiro argues that social media, organizational pressure and an obsession with winning create an identity crisis in modern jiu-jitsu, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. He criticizes organizations demanding athletes entertain audiences, saying jiu-jitsu should emphasize skill and friendship rather than external validation.
SourceAt the 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Open organized by the IBJJF, Gordo BJJ USA achieved notable results. Professor Lucas Gripp won the Black Belt No-Gi division while student João Mussi claimed first place in the Brown Belt Gi division, reports Graciemag.
SourceAbraham La Montagne, a John Danaher brown belt, argues that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has advanced faster than its ranking standards. According to BJJ Eastern Europe, he believes most black belts should hold lower ranks, as belt grades should reflect teaching ability and mastery of modern techniques including leg locks and wrestling.
SourceThe Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Cup 2026 will run from November 9 to 21 at Mubadala Arena, reports Graciemag. The event will distribute over 800,000 dollars in prize money across amateur, youth, master and professional divisions. Defending champions from 2025 will compete for their titles again.
SourceUndefeated AbdulRakhman Yakhyaev reached 13th in the UFC rankings after a technical knockout in under three minutes on October 24, reports Graciemag. Coach Daniel Mendes credits the results to athlete dedication, opponent scouting and tactical planning developed at Fight Sports Deerfield Beach.
SourceADCC champion and UFC veteran Robert Drysdale criticized the recent UFC event held on the White House lawn, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. Drysdale stated the event is insulting to American values and the country's history, suggesting the founding fathers would have objected to such a spectacle.
SourceThe IBJJF European No-Gi Championship took place in Rome on November 2, 2026, reports BJJ Heroes. The event featured Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitors from across Europe competing in the no-gi division.
SourceWorld champion Gui Mendes outlined a white belt curriculum emphasizing organization and structured progression, reports BJJ Eastern Europe. He would prioritize escapes from dominant positions, then closed guard as the first offensive technique, citing disorganization as the main reason people quit jiu-jitsu.
SourceMultiple-time ADCC and World champion Marcelo Garcia discussed his difficult debut at the 1998 World Championship in Rio de Janeiro on The North South Project podcast. Competing as a blue belt juvenile, he was submitted in 20 seconds, an experience that shaped his approach to setbacks and perseverance.
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