Brazilian jiu jitsu’s most respected coaches have issued a clear warning to athletes in Brazil. Adapt or get left behind.
The Mendes Brothers shared their assessment on social media following the 2025 IBJJF No Gi World Championships.
According to their analysis, Brazil still produces the largest volume of elite level competitors. However, a growing gap has emerged. Athletes who train primarily in Brazil are falling behind their American counterparts in technical quality for no gi competition, especially in leg attacks and takedowns.
“Brazil (athletes who train in Brazil) has the largest number of high-level athletes, but for the most part they lag behind Americans in technical quality in NOGI, especially in areas like leg attacks and takedowns”
The post continued with an urgent call to action.
“a greater study in this area is necessary so that they don’t fall behind in the coming years; the level of results that was once far superior is now balanced”
The timing of the statement matters. The IBJJF introduced rule changes allowing heel hooks in no gi divisions, a shift that has significantly altered competitive strategy. The impact was clear this year, with more than 4,200 competitors entering No Gi Worlds, making it the largest edition ever by participation.
Gordon Ryan has openly supported the rule changes.
“I think that finally accepting the fact that leg locks are a thing and allowing heel hooks without the gi is a super big thing for them”
He added.
“The IBJJF bringing leg locks in, number one, is just going to make Jiu-Jitsu a higher level overall”
The Mendes Brothers echoed that view, writing that heel hooks have transformed the spectacle and technical depth of no gi competition.
“heel hooks make NOGI much more interesting; most of the most impressive moments in NOGI happen with leg attacks”
Their critique went further than specific techniques. They highlighted a philosophical divide in how matches are won, drawing a sharp contrast between reliance on physical attributes and refined technical systems.
“There is a big difference between winning with grit and ex plosive Jiu-Jitsu, with a low technical level (toreada, scrambling, and wrestle ups at all costs) VS winning with technical traps and intelligent attack combinations”
The warning was direct.
“those who are not studying Jiu-Jitsu and raising their technical level will bear the consequences; just sheer determination will not guarantee consistency in the coming years”
The comments arrive as European jiu jitsu continues its rapid rise, with more athletes reaching elite levels and showing increasingly sophisticated technical approaches.
Ryan has been developing the next wave of competitors at his Texas academy. His team produced strong results at the recent IBJJF event, including a notable black belt debut by Helena Crevar, who secured four submissions across four matches.
“Hopefully my stomach gets better and I can keep competing”
Ryan added.
“But right now I’m just focusing on coaching, getting the school open, and trying to grow the sport”
The message from the Mendes Brothers reads as more than criticism. It functions as a roadmap. As rule sets evolve and the international talent pool grows stronger, tradition and toughness alone are no longer enough to stay ahead.
