The Gauntlet: Should This Part of BJJ Culture End?
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The Gauntlet: A Deep Dive Into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s Controversial Tradition
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a martial art famous for its intricate ground-fighting techniques, is also home to a tradition that has sparked both camaraderie and controversy: The Gauntlet, or as it’s referred to in Portuguese, “Corredor Polonรชs.” This ritual, often carried out with a blend of pride and apprehension, involves the thrashing of a newly promoted student with belts by fellow practitioners. But where did this tradition originate, and why has it become a point of contention in the BJJ community?
Origins: A Blend of Martial Artistry and Military Influence
Contrary to popular belief, the roots of the Gauntlet in BJJ aren’t deeply embedded in the sands of Brazilian academies. Instead, the tradition finds its genesis in the Machado Jiu-Jitsu Academy located in California during the 1990s. Chris Haueter, a notable figure in the BJJ community and a member of this academy, is credited with introducing this ritual (BJJ Heroes).
“Having returned from some military training, and being kind of young and dumb, I thought we needed some sort of hazing ritual. Many, including some Brazilians, will disagree that it started at the Machado Academy, the brothers were not there as they were filming a movie. For a while, it got out of hand.“
Chris Haueter, when interviewed by BJJ Heroes
Haueter’s military background provides a plausible explanation for the ritual’s emergence. Having undergone military training, he believed that a hazing ritual could instill a sense of camaraderie, trust, and celebration among practitioners. Recollecting those days, Haueter candidly admitted, โMany, including some Brazilians, will disagree that it started at the Machado Academyโฆ For a while, it got out of handโ (BJJ Heroes). This acknowledgment underscores how the tradition, rooted in Haueter’s military experiences, spiraled into a widespread ritual within the BJJ community.
From Military Roots to Martial Arts: The Evolution of the Gauntlet
Military traditions often incorporate hazing rituals as a means to forge bonds, test resilience, and instill a sense of camaraderie among members. The Gauntlet’s origin within BJJ seems to echo these principles, albeit with its unique martial arts twist. But as the ritual seeped into the broader BJJ culture, it took on a life of its own, sometimes leading to excessive force and injuries.
Historically, martial arts have encompassed a spectrum of traditions, rituals, and rites of passage. Some, like the Gauntlet, emerged as rites of passage for students ascending in rank. However, as with many traditions, its integration into BJJ sparked debates, with some viewing it as a bonding experience and others highlighting its potential dangers.
The Controversy: Modern Perspectives and Shifts Away from Tradition
In recent years, the BJJ community has witnessed a shift in perspective regarding the Gauntlet. Renowned figures like Keith Owen and Caio Terra have openly criticized the ritual’s brutality through various platforms, signaling a broader re-evaluation within the community (BJJ Heroes). Such criticisms reflect a growing awareness of the potential risks associated with the ritual, especially when carried out without caution.
Several gyms worldwide have opted to forgo the Gauntlet, emphasizing safety, respect, and the cultivation of a positive training environment. Concerns about injuries, excessive force, and the ritual’s alignment with BJJ’s core principles have fueled these shifts. Moreover, as BJJ continues to gain global recognition, practitioners from diverse backgrounds and cultures bring varied perspectives, leading to re-evaluations of longstanding traditions like the Gauntlet.
The Way Forward: Balancing Tradition and Safety
While the Gauntlet’s future remains uncertain in many BJJ gyms, its history offers valuable insights into the evolution of martial arts traditions. As practitioners and instructors navigate this complex landscape, the emphasis on safety, respect, and inclusivity remains paramount.
Alternative practices, such as post-promotion kumite (sparring), provide avenues for students to test their skills, demonstrate techniques, and foster camaraderie without the potential dangers associated with the Gauntlet. By embracing these alternatives and prioritizing the well-being of practitioners, the BJJ community continues to evolve, ensuring a vibrant, inclusive, and safe environment for all.
The Gauntlet, a controversial yet deeply ingrained tradition within Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, traces its roots to the Machado Jiu-Jitsu Academy in California during the 1990s. Influenced by Chris Haueter’s military experiences, the ritual emerged as a rite of passage, forging bonds among practitioners. However, as the BJJ community expanded globally, debates surrounding the Gauntlet’s brutality, safety concerns, and alignment with martial arts principles intensified.
Today, as gyms worldwide reevaluate this tradition, emphasizing safety, respect, and inclusivity, the BJJ community stands at a crossroads. By navigating this complex landscape with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to growth, practitioners ensure that BJJ continues to thrive, evolve, and inspire future generations.
Sources:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the Gauntlet in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? | The Gauntlet is a tradition involving the thrashing of a newly promoted student with belts by fellow practitioners. |
| Where did the tradition of the Gauntlet originate? | The tradition finds its genesis in the Machado Jiu-Jitsu Academy located in California during the 1990s, introduced by Chris Haueter. However, it may also have origins on the military dating back a number of years. |
| Why has the Gauntlet become controversial in BJJ? | The controversy stems from debates over the ritual’s brutality, safety concerns, and alignment with martial arts principles as the BJJ community expanded globally. |
| How has the BJJ community responded to the Gauntlet controversy? | Renowned figures like Keith Owen and Caio Terra have openly criticized the ritual’s brutality, signaling a broader reevaluation within the community. Several gyms worldwide have opted to forgo the Gauntlet, emphasizing safety, respect, and the cultivation of a positive training environment. |
| What are the alternative practices to the Gauntlet? | Alternative practices, such as post-promotion kumite (sparring), provide avenues for students to test their skills, demonstrate techniques, and foster camaraderie without the potential dangers associated with the Gauntlet. |
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