The De-Brazilianization of Jiu-Jitsu: Globalization and Cultural Shifts

Jiu-Jitsu may have been born on the mats of Brazil, but it has grown up in the world.

Today, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is as likely to be practised in a sleek gym in Berlin, a wrestling-heavy room in the American Midwest, or a quiet dojo in Japan as it is in Rio de Janeiro. Along the way, something fascinating—and perhaps a little controversial—has been happening: the gradual de-Brazilianization of Jiu-Jitsu.

This shift is rarely discussed openly. It risks offending both traditionalists who revere the art’s roots and modernists pushing BJJ into new directions. But it’s real, and it’s worth exploring.

What We’ve Gained: Innovation, Access, and Diversity

The globalisation of BJJ has unleashed unprecedented innovation. Wrestlers have fused takedown-heavy styles into the art, bringing relentless pace and pressure. Judokas have reintroduced balance-breaking and grip fighting with laser precision. Sambo players have injected brutal leg lock systems. American competitors have added a professional sports mindset: strength & conditioning, video analysis, sports psychology, and marketing.

The result? BJJ has evolved far beyond its Rio roots. Today’s top athletes—Gordon Ryan, the Ruotolo brothers, and Ffion Davies—train in environments where performance outweighs tradition, and where what works stays, and what doesn’t is discarded.

Culturally, the art has become more accessible. You no longer need to understand Portuguese to follow world-class instruction. You don't have to idolise old-school Gracie rivalries to become part of the BJJ community. The mats are more inclusive, diverse, and open than ever before.

What We’ve Lost: Language, Rituals, and Shared Identity

But something has been left behind.

Portuguese terms like 'faixa preta', 'creonte', and 'oss' are fading in many gyms, replaced by English, Japanese, or the local vernacular. The informal rituals—slapping hands before rolls, calling your professor “mestre”, and the reverence for lineage—are often replaced by more pragmatic, Western approaches.

In some cases, this has diluted a sense of shared cultural identity. Students may master berimbolos and buggy chokes without ever learning about Carlos or Helio Gracie. The philosophical roots—humility, patience, discipline—can be overshadowed by medal counts, Instagram followers, and sponsorships.

Is the Concept of “Creonte” Still Relevant?

In the early days of Brazilian BJJ, team loyalty was considered sacred. Leaving your gym for another was branded as betrayal—a creonte. But in today's globalised BJJ culture, the concept feels outdated.

In a modern gym in Germany or Canada, students cross-train frequently, sometimes attending seminars from competitors, sometimes even switching gyms in pursuit of better training or personal growth. Rather than being shunned, this is increasingly viewed as a natural and healthy part of development.

The reality is, BJJ has outgrown the tribalism of its early years. The 'creonte' label now feels more like a relic of a different era.

A Global Patchwork: How National Cultures Are Rewriting the Art

Different countries are putting their unique stamp on BJJ:

• America has brought a highly professionalised, athlete-first model with heavy wrestling and business savvy.

• Japan is revisiting the Jiu-Jitsu it exported a century ago, re-infusing it with traditional discipline and formality.

• Poland and Eastern Europe have built tough, hard-nosed styles shaped by cold mats and no-nonsense training.

• Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and the Philippines, mixes BJJ with local martial arts and a growing youth culture hungry for community.

Each region doesn’t just adopt BJJ—it adapts it.

Conclusion: Evolution, Not Erasure

The de-Brazilianisation of Jiu-Jitsu isn’t about erasing its roots—it’s about watching a martial art evolve as it finds new homes.

As BJJ grows, the key isn’t to mourn what’s lost or resist change. It’s to remember the core that holds it all together: a commitment to learning, adapting, and helping each other grow on the mat.

Whether you’re yelling “Passa a guarda!” or “Keep your base!”, what matters is that we keep rolling forward—together.

What do you think? Have you noticed these shifts in your own gym or travels? Are we losing something essential, or simply finding new ways to express the same art?

Let’s open the conversation.

If you’re ready to dive into the world of authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, consider visiting The Jiu-Jitsu Foundry at 72-C, Jalan SS21/62, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, WhatsApp 011-11510501. Embrace the challenge, improve your skills, and discover how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can transform your martial arts journey!

Be good!