Former Navy SEAL commander and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Jocko Willink has taken a strong stance against recent controversial statements made by Pastor Dale Partridge regarding girls’ participation in wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The debate ignited when Pastor Partridge posted on social media, telling parents to “stop putting your daughters into Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling,” claiming that it allows “14-year-old boys to grope, mount, and dominate your little girl.”
Willink responded decisively: “Parents, put your daughters into jiu-jitsu and wrestling. That way they will be able to defend themselves against boys trying to grope, mount, and dominate them. It’s comforting when your daughters can choke, maim, or otherwise incapacitate potential attackers.”
The exchange has sparked widespread discussion within the martial arts community. Many parents and practitioners have shared their positive experiences with BJJ training. One parent, Teddy Kim, commented, “I train jiu-jitsu with my 14yo son and 10yo daughter in our garage. It’s not optional. I just think of it as a basic physical skill like swimming.”
Jocko Willink Regrets Making His Kids Do BJJ Every Day and Making Them Compete
While Pastor Partridge advocates for weapons training instead of grappling arts, numerous supporters of BJJ emphasize its practical applications. One high school parent shared that wrestling has “done wonders for her [daughter’s] self-esteem and confidence.”
Professional BJJ practitioners suggest that concerned parents can choose certified training centers that maintain appropriate standards and safety protocols. Bryce Souve pointed out that parents can visit “proper Certified Training Centers of Gracie University where they wouldn’t allow this to happen.”
In fairness, to Souve he probably didn’t read the latest expose that details Ryron Gracie shopping for throuple partners in their classes, allegedly. But there are certainly plenty of BJJ gyms and instructors who know how to maintain a healthy atmosphere.
J.L. Engel, noting Willink’s personal experience, stated, “I think Jocko’s own daughter’s prowess speaks for itself. Vet the gym and instructors as you should, but jiu-jitsu is amazing for all children ”
The debate continues to generate discussion across social media platforms, with many martial arts practitioners and instructors weighing in on the benefits of BJJ training for young women and girls. Pastor’s comment has over 4 million views and is quite a hot topic.
