Salles highlighted the stark contrast between BJJ and other sports, pointing out that
“when you go to basketball practice you don’t have to bow to the coach.”
He specifically addressed customs like turning to face the wall while adjusting one’s belt and the formal use of titles.
The accomplished practitioner expressed particular concern about the mandatory use of “professor” as a title, stating,
“some of my students are like ‘no no I want to call you professor’ that’s fine that’s your freedom you want to but i’m not gonna like instill that and reinforce that.”
Salles suggested these practices create an artificial hierarchy that may not reflect reality, noting that students
“could literally be doing better than you in life in every other aspect.”
He proposed that if formal titles are to be used, they should be applied consistently across all professions, saying
“if we’re gonna go and reinforce the title professor, let’s make sure that we’re referring to everyone by their doctor or whatever.”
Salles’s perspective challenges the notion that such formalities are necessary for maintaining respect and order in the training space.
