Renowned UFC legend, Royce Gracie, has raised concerns about the direction modern MMA and BJJ gyms are taking, deviating from the essence of martial arts.
Gracie emphasizes that most academies are now focused on the sporting aspect, emphasizing points and competition rather than preparing individuals for real-life combat situations and self-defense.
And while Gracie is a legend, he’s also not a fan of women in MMA. Previously he criticized it saying:
“Nope, I’m not a big fan of it.”
“I like the woman feminine. I don’t like to get home and get beat up.”
“But hey, it’s a free country. They can do whatever they want.”
According to Brazilian news outlet Globo, Gracie recently scolded modern dojo because he believes that people don’t enter martial arts to compete or win championships; they seek to learn self-defense.
“Nobody enters the martial art because he wants to compete. No one puts a son to take up martial arts because he wants his son to win a championship. Parents want the child to learn to defend himself. A lady, a woman, goes into martial art because she wants to learn to defend herself.”
His views have garnered both support and dissent from fellow martial arts experts. Some, like Judoka Flavio Canto, agree that the essence of self-defense should be preserved, while others, like Karate veteran Diego Moraes, assert that their art aims to teach internal energy control rather than inflicting damage.
Gracie acknowledged the monetary and other benefits of the spor angle saying:
“The academies forgot the essence of martial art. The academy influences this competition business the most.”
Royce Gracie holds a prominent place in MMA history, winning the UFC 1, UFC 2, and UFC 4 tournaments. Even today, he continues to impart the art of BJJ to enthusiasts.
ESPN has recently announced plans to produce a docuseries on the Gracie family, highlighting their contributions to combat sports, including Royce Gracie’s iconic victories and the legacy of the Gracie dynasty.
