In a controversial move that has sparked debate within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, Rener Gracie, co-founder of Gracie University, is seeking to patent a rebranded version of a common BJJ technique. The move, which Gracie calls the “SafeWrap,” is essentially a variation of the well-known “gift wrap” position.
Gracie has filed a patent application (#63/647,962) for the SafeWrap system, claiming it as a proprietary technique. This attempt to claim ownership over a modified version of a fundamental BJJ move has raised eyebrows among practitioners and legal experts alike.
The SafeWrap is being marketed as a solution for law enforcement and healthcare professionals, with Gracie offering licensing deals to institutions wanting to adopt the system. While individual practitioners who complete Gracie’s instructor certification program can use the technique for personal and family safety without charge, organizations must pay licensing fees to implement the system.
This move comes on the heels of Gracie’s recent publicity stunt, where he offered a $1,000 reward to any Californian who could escape his “gift wrap” hold. The challenge, while generating buzz, also seems to be part of a larger strategy to establish the uniqueness and effectiveness of his rebranded technique.
However, Gracie’s attempt to patent and monetize a variation of a common BJJ move has drawn criticism from many in the grappling community. Critics argue that it goes against the open nature of martial arts evolution and knowledge sharing.
The controversy echoes similar debates in the yoga world, where attempts to copyright specific poses or sequences have been legally challenged. In 2015, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that yoga sequences are not copyrightable, setting a precedent that could potentially apply to martial arts techniques as well.
BJJ practitioners like Keenan Cornelius have previously discussed the concept of “owning” moves in jiu-jitsu. Cornelius, in a conversation with Craig Jones on the El Segundo podcast, pointed out the difficulty in claiming ownership over body movements or configurations.
