Understanding the History and Importance of Loyalty in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu In this article I’ll discuss one of the most talked about topics in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). As we know BJJ is a martial art that has evolved into a global phenomenon, with a rich history and culture that extends far beyond the academies mat. The topic that I’ll discuss is the emphasis on loyalty that a student has to a particular academy or team. In order to understand the importance of loyalty in BJJ, we have to examine the early days of the art.
The first Gracie Jiu Jitsu academy was opened in Rio de Janeiro in 1925 by Helio and Carlos Gracie, and it quickly became a hub for the development of the art. As BJJ spread throughout Brazil, the Gracie family and their students established new academies, each with its own unique culture and traditions. The early days of BJJ were marked by a strong sense of community and camaraderie, with students and instructors working together to build their skills and reputation.
The 1970s and 1980s saw the emergence of team rivalries in BJJ, with the Gracie family and their students forming the first BJJ teams. These early teams were built on a foundation of loyalty, with students and instructors alike committed to representing their academy and upholding its values. As BJJ competitions became more formalized, team loyalty became an integral part of the sport. The first major BJJ tournaments, such as the Rio de Janeiro State Championships, pitted teams against each other, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared identity among team members.
One of the by products that emerged as result of students training in a particular academy was the term “Creonte.“ Creonte is a Brazilian Portuguese pejorative term roughly meaning “traitor” that is used within BJJ organizations to refer to a former student who is perceived to be disloyal due to starting an independent school, switching associations, or otherwise moving on from a longstanding relationship with an academy or instructor. During the pre-Internet era, former students were perceived to have knowledge of “secret” techniques known only within their prior school which could be taught and used against former teammates at Jiu Jitsu competitions.
The coining of the term is believed to have been credited to the late Grandmaster Carlson Gracie (1932 – 2006), who is said to have adapted the term from a character in a popular Brazilian TV soap opera “Mandala.” The character in the soap opera had many competing allegiances and changed his mind and loyalties frequently. Ergo the term “Creonte” was born and associated to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Today, loyalty to a particular academy or team remains a vital aspect of the BJJ community. Being part of a BJJ team provides a sense of belonging and community, which is essential for personal growth and development. When students feel connected to their team, they’re more likely to stay motivated and committed to their training. Additionally, BJJ teams often share a common set of values and goals, such as a focus on technical excellence, mutual respect, and sportsmanship. By being part of a team, students can align themselves with these values and work towards a common objective.
A toxic BJJ team one who in-fact believes in the Creonte aspect of the sport can have far-reaching and devastating consequences for its members. When a team’s culture is built on negativity, aggression, and exclusivity, it can create a hostile environment that fosters anxiety, fear, and doubt. Students may feel pressured to conform to the team’s toxic norms, leading to a suppression of their individuality and creativity. The constant stress and tension can also take a toll on their physical and mental health, causing burnout, injuries, and even depression. Moreover, a toxic team can perpetuate a culture of bullying, harassment, and intimidation, making it difficult for students to speak out or seek help.
The negative implications of a toxic BJJ team can also extend beyond the individual members. A team’s toxic culture can damage the reputation of the academy, driving away potential students and instructors. The team’s behavior can also reflect poorly on the BJJ community as a whole, perpetuating negative stereotypes and stigmas about the sport. Furthermore, a toxic team can create a sense of elitism and exclusivity, leading to a lack of cooperation and collaboration with other teams and academies. This can stifle innovation and progress in the sport, as well as create unnecessary conflicts and rivalries. Ultimately, a toxic BJJ team can have a corrosive effect on the sport, undermining its core values of respect, discipline, and camaraderie.
Unlike training with a BJJ team that has negative implications. A healthy BJJ team can have a profoundly positive impact on its members, fostering a sense of community, camaraderie, and personal growth. When a team’s culture is built on mutual respect, trust, and support, it creates a safe and inclusive environment where students can feel comfortable taking risks, learning from their mistakes, and pushing themselves to new heights. This type of environment encourages students to develop a growth mindset, focusing on progress rather than perfection, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. As a result, students are more likely to experience increased motivation, confidence, and self-esteem, both on and off the mat. A healthy team also promotes a sense of belonging and connection among its members, which can lead to lasting friendships and a sense of purpose.
The positive implications of a healthy BJJ team can also extend beyond the individual members, having a profound impact on the sport as a whole. A team that values sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for opponents can help to promote a positive image of BJJ, attracting new students and instructors who share these values. A healthy team can also foster a sense of cooperation and collaboration with other teams and academies, leading to a sharing of knowledge, techniques, and best practices. This can drive innovation and progress in the sport, as well as create new opportunities for competition, training, and personal growth. Furthermore, a healthy team can provide a positive influence on the local community, promoting a culture of physical activity, healthy living, and personal development. By embodying the values of BJJ, a healthy team can help to create a more supportive, inclusive, and vibrant community for everyone involved.
Training with a positive team also provides a built-in support system, where students can rely on their teammates for encouragement, guidance, and motivation. This sense of accountability helps students push themselves harder and strive for excellence. Competing under a team’s banner can be a powerful motivator, as students feel a sense of pride and responsibility in representing their academy. This can drive them to perform at their best and make their team proud.
However, the emphasis on team loyalty in BJJ is not without its challenges and controversies. When a student switches teams, it can be perceived as a betrayal or a lack of loyalty. This can lead to tension and conflict between teams, as well as within the individual student. The intense rivalries between BJJ teams can sometimes spill over into conflicts and disputes, undermining the sense of community and respect that’s essential to the sport.
Furthermore, as BJJ continues to evolve, some students may feel torn between their individual goals and aspirations, and their loyalty to their team. Finding a balance between these competing interests can be a challenge. Despite these challenges, the importance of team loyalty in BJJ cannot be overstated. By prioritizing the values of loyalty, respect, and sportsmanship, the BJJ community can remain a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment for students of all levels and backgrounds.
In conclusion, loyalty to a particular academy or team is a cornerstone of the BJJ community, with a rich history that dates back to the art’s early days. As the sport continues to grow and evolve, it’s essential that we prioritize the values that have always defined BJJ. By doing so, we can ensure that the BJJ community remains a vibrant and supportive environment for generations to come.
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