In a heated exchange that has the jiu-jitsu community talking, ADCC champion Robert Drysdale has responded sharply to comments made by 10th Planet black belt Matt Skaff regarding the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) competition circuit.
During an appearance on the “Beast with Brains” podcast hosted by Alex Wendling, Skaff suggested that the IBJJF format is primarily suited for hobbyists rather than serious competitors.
“I think it’s pretty cool for some of the older athletes, you know? Like if you’re a master’s grappler, anybody over the age of 30, and you want to get some good competition and you want to have some really cool accolades… I think IBJJF’s a great avenue for you,” Skaff stated on the podcast.
He continued, “But to me, if you’re a young, hungry competitor, the IBJJF makes no sense. To me, the IBJJF is like, oh, you’re a professional? Like you’re an engineer or you’re a doctor or you’re whatever? Yeah, then the IBJJF is a great rule set.”
Skaff also criticized the financial aspects of competing in IBJJF events, claiming the organization makes “$2 million in just memberships before anyone signs up for an event,” and noting that black belts pay “over $500” to compete.
Drysdale, who has achieved significant success in both IBJJF and submission-only formats, took exception to these comments. In a response on social media, he sarcastically remarked: “Apparently Buchecha, Roger, Lepri, Malfacini, Mendes etc. etc. just wasted their lives then… if only they had listened to this advice…”
The comment references some of the sport’s most decorated athletes who built their reputations largely through success in the IBJJF circuit.
The exchange prompted further debate among jiu-jitsu practitioners online. One commenter argued, “That was then. This is now. Professionals don’t pay to play anymore. They get paid. Evolve or become irrelevant.”
Another added, “That’s because that was the only avenue back then. If you weren’t a world champion nobody cared about you. Nowadays with social media, there are many other ways to become successful.”
This is particularly relevant considering the revelations from talented world champions like Victor Hugo. Hugo was open about having to work as an uber driver even though he was a world champion.
While the IBJJF has traditionally been viewed as the premier competition circuit for Brazilian jiu-jitsu, submission-only formats like ADCC have gained substantial popularity in recent years, offering different rule sets and, in some cases, financial compensation for competitors.
When asked about the criticism, Drysdale responded, “I’m sure he’s good, but everyone should know where to get good advice from,” suggesting that Skaff‘s perspective may not reflect the full value of IBJJF competition.
Debates about competition formats, professional opportunities, and the best pathway for aspiring athletes are likely to persist. What remains clear is that passionate voices on both sides will continue to advocate for their preferred approach to jiu-jitsu competition.
