[-Montanha-]

I am asking a serious question, and thought to post here since I have seen this forum to have the most posters that will actually give a though out reply.......thanks in advance for your replys.

I went to a King of the Cage event last weekend in San Francisco. I eithor know of, or have trained with or competed against alot of guys in the Bay Area. So as I walk through the crowd I chat with alot of guys, and have been noticing a few things.

The normal politics, team and instructor pride, and the gossip. Everybody seem to want to inform me of the latest gossip.

Im noticing two things;

1] The team pride is breeding some extreme behavior like bad sportsmanship, and feeding the newbee fan blood lust. Understandable in an entertainment context, but some of the fighters are not playing a role.

2] The other thing is there is a huge dis-content among the ranks of the academy attendees. Their complaints I am hearing is these Academy Heads despense the Ji-jitsu and dictate the rules, ie when your gonna fight, get me my cut of it, I am the boss etc, etc.

Even tho one Academy Head was beat by Gomi, yet his cousins student whooped Gomi but lives at home and dosnt have his own car. And a lot of people are asking me as if I have some answers.

Note;
My perspective is I came from a background in organized sports, Track and field[HS and College] and 20+ years in City League Basketball. Also competed in Judo which is also established and run in a similar manner, so I see where they have valid complaints


Question for the Europen guys; Like Sambo clubs I have heard you dont even have to pay much, it is kinda like signing up for a basketball league?

Question2] Is it just too soon in the growth of the sport to just be about the players?

Question3] Anyone think about this? How do we take it out of the Demigog's hands and make it an accessible sport about the competitors? any thoughts on this?

Through books, dvds and Youtube there are no hidden moves out there any more, yet things are not running like most sports in America.

Question4] Is Brazilian Jiu-jitsu a Cult?

[ks1911shooter]

It's not fair to say Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a cult across the board. However, there certainly are clubs/schools that choose to operate in such a manner.

[Aesopian]

Gooble Gobble Gooble Gobble One Of Us One Of Us

[Magooglie]

Academics is more of a cult than jiu jitsu. I never knew the guy who kicked Gomi's butt doesn't have a car. How does he get around?

[Bilial]

JOIN US! We will make all of your dreams come true! JOIN US WE WANT YOUR SOUL!

[knoxpk]

Question for the Europen guys; Like Sambo clubs I have heard you dont even have to pay much, it is kinda like signing up for a basketball league?

Cant answer that one but just from participating in club wrestling events the cost associated with bjj matches seems high. I am not talking about events with prize money, just random events. Add to that I have seen posters with HORROR stories about how poorly they are run as well.

Question2] Is it just too soon in the growth of the sport to just be about the players

A sport should NEVER be JUST about the players, but also the game. IMO games like football and baseball are currently getting it and while they market the stars the emphasis is very much on the game. On the contrary basketball seems to be pushing its players more and therefore has experienced IMO a degradation of the enjoyment of the game. I dont know of a team that can hit a mid range jumper consistently yet they all can hit 3's and do slam dunks. Whatever happened to good solid fundamental hoops?
Now its all flash and little substance. Add to that the kids in College and HS can see this and they also play the same way. Its pretty obvious why the US gets its ass kicked in international comps. Lots of flash and poor overall game.

Question3] Anyone think about this? How do we take it out of the Demigog's hands and make it an accessible sport about the competitors? any thoughts on this?

Tough one. It generally is about the $$$$. If the $$$'s keep flowing there will be no reason to change. The consumer can EASILY change the way things run as long as they all agree to hurt them where they will react accordingly.
One year of no BJJ class and/or not entering a tourney would certainly raise some eyebrows.

Through books, dvds and Youtube there are no hidden moves out there any more, yet things are not running like most sports in America.

Question4] Is Brazilian Jiu-jitsu a Cult?

I am not sure if is a cult or culthish. IMO if it were a cult we wouldnt have as many guys cross training because the students would be brainwashed into thinking there was no need to crosstrain since BJJ is the greatest etc..


Just my 2 cents/

[Libero cane]

Braaaaaains.

pft AHAHAHAHA

"it depends on what is 'is' ..."

[georgejjr]

Yes it is. And if you send me $1000 I can get you in on the ground floor ... Rolls Royces, mansions, that kind of thing.

[-Montanha-]

knoxpk, thanks for taking the time to post.

Good distinction in that is should be about the Game more than the Player, I agree with your basketball observation, Judo is like that.