The Future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Olympics

While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a popular martial art, it has yet to become an Olympic sport. This article explores the reasons why BJJ is not on track to be an Olympic event and the potential changes that could lead to its inclusion.

Reasons Against BJJ's Current Inclusion

BJJ is poised to become an Olympic sport, but the road is far from smooth. One of the primary obstacles is the high viewership risk associated with its inclusion. Judo is already an established Olympic sport, and the two share many similarities. Due to this similarity, the risk of splitting the viewer base is too great for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to take. Additionally, there are not enough dedicated BJJ fans to separate their interest from those of Judo viewers.

The current format of BJJ contests lacks spectator appeal. Most of the time, matches are not compelling for audiences who do not understand the intricacies of the game. While the sport is highly technical, making it more accessible to a wider audience would be necessary for its inclusion in the Olympics.

One potential change could be the implementation of anti-doping measures. However, the history of martial arts in the Olympics shows that the focus often shifts to competition rather than the ancient martial arts roots. The Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC), already a highly respected grappling event, has no interest in addressing steroid use. Therefore, the possibility of adopting anti-doping measures is limited.

Exploring Merger with Judo

One possible solution to BJJ's inclusion is to merge it with Judo under a new name such as BJJ-Judo. This would require strict standardization of rules and regulations among all federations. However, this would be a challenging task, given the current diversity in rulesets across different competitions. Standardizing these rules would help create a consistent and understood format that would appeal to a broader audience.

Another barrier to BJJ's inclusion is the political and economic implications. Olympic sports involve significant government intervention, which can alter the sport's nature. This could result in the elimination of independent gyms and the introduction of state-sponsored training centers. Athletes and instructors might find themselves unable to generate income from training sessions if these centers offer free or cheap services.

Roger Gracie, a legendary BJJ opponent, highlights this concern. He believes that Olympic sports alter the sport's essence. He argues that government intervention would eliminate the need for private gyms, where athletes can make a living from their skills. Instead, athletes would rely on state-sponsored programs, which could limit their earning potential.

Impact on Alternative Martial Arts

The history of other martial arts like Judo and Tae Kwon Do in the Olympics can be instructive. These sports have adapted to become more focused on competition rather than traditional martial arts training. For example, Tae Kwon Do has shifted from utilizing powerful kicks to more point-scoring techniques, sacrificing traditional martial arts techniques.

Judo, on the other hand, has been forced to limit its athletes in techniques prohibited by the Olympic Committee. This has removed many traditional grappling techniques, such as leg grabs, from the sport. The fear among BJJ practitioners is that a similar change in rules and training focus would result in the sport losing its unique essence and cultural significance.

Conclusion

While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has the potential to become an Olympic sport, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Standardizing rules, managing the political and economic implications, and preserving the sport's unique essence are all significant hurdles. The future of BJJ in the Olympics remains uncertain, but the community continues to hope for a day when it might join the prestigious Olympic roster.