A recent tweet from an influencer has gone viral, sparking a debate within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. The influencer expressed outrage after witnessing a couple taking their first steps together in a BJJ class, with the husband being “manhandled” by the instructor while the wife was “straddled” by another instructor.
The influencer questioned the couple’s decision, stating, “Who brings their wife to BJJ to get groped by men and get beat at the same time?” This sentiment echoed concerns expressed by some BJJ practitioners about introducing partners to the sport.
While BJJ outsiders may find intergender training bewildering, the main rule within the community is to avoid inappropriate behavior, regardless of gender. However, there are always individuals who may read too much into the situation or hold outdated views.
UFC veteran Jake Shields weighed in on the viral tweet, expressing agreement with the influencer’s stance. In a peculiar response, Shields cautioned against bringing partners to the jiu-jitsu gym, stating, “These idiots don’t understand basic biology and intersex dynamics.” He warned that even the most secure individuals might face challenges when their partners train with “bada*s” instructors.
Shields went on to reference Tom Brady’s wife, Gisele Bündchen, who was rumored to have been involved with her trainer prior to their divorce, suggesting that such situations are not uncommon.
However, Shields acknowledged the complexity of the issue, acknowledging that BJJ is an amazing martial art and highly effective for women. He also acknowledged that while some instructors may be “scoundrels” who engage in inappropriate relationships with students, there are also many honorable instructors.
Shields revealed that when he ran his own school, he would fire any instructor who slept with students, with a few exceptions.
This is not the first time Shields has gone viral for his takes on gender dynamics. A couple of years ago, he claimed that a woman wearing a sports jersey was an invitation for her to have relations with the athlete whose jersey it was.
Guess that’s one less speical lady owning a ‘F*** Craig Jones’ kit!
While the debate surrounding intergender training and potential power dynamics within the BJJ community is complex, Shields’ comments have reignited discussions and highlighted the need for clear boundaries and respectful conduct within the sport.
