How Social Media and YouTube Revolutionized Jiu-Jitsu for the Digital Age
In this digital age, social media has revolutionized the way we consume content and interact with the world. YouTube, as one of the most popular platforms, has seen its fair share of influence from social media. In this blog, we delve into the impact of social media and YouTube on the global communities of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From learning opportunities to exposure and business prospects, the effects have been both positive and negative.
“There was always recordings, I mean much less before, but I think everybody own a camera now on they phone you know so everything you do is instantaneously on social media. You know it’s on the internet.”
-Roger Gracie – BJJ Black Belt, 10X IBJJF World Champ & 2005 ADCC Champ
The Good and the Bad
Like any other aspect of life, YouTube and social media’s impact on Jiu-Jitsu comes with both positives and negatives. On the positive side, it has immensely popularized the sport, exposing it to a wider audience and creating more curiosity among viewers. With highlights and instant replays readily available, fans can stay updated with the latest matches and techniques, enhancing their engagement with the sport.
“Generally it’s a really good tool, that said I still think it’s important to have guidance from coaches. I mean especially for people who first start Jiu-Jitsu to have a coach, you know, guidance for them in terms of what they should be working on because it might be that working the berimbolo as your first technique is not necessarily the right thing.”
-Lahlan Giles – BJJ Black Belt & ADCC Absolute Bronze Medalist
YouTube Changed Jiu-Jitsu Learning Opportunities
One of the most significant benefits of social media for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners is the access to a wealth of learning resources. YouTube, in particular, has become a go-to platform for Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts to learn from top instructors worldwide. When the sport of Jiu-Jitsu was first becoming known, fighters would have to travel to Brazil, the home of the grappling martial art, to learn from top fighters and instructors. Now it’s possible to simply search these top fighters and coaches online.
“But at the same time if you’re f%ckin up so many people, by the time it gets viral you already f%cked up a lot of people…Now make a DVD about it, and uh that’s the beauty of Jiu Jitsu. You know everybody’s got their own sh%t, every black belts gots their own sh%t.”
-Eddie Bravo – BJJ Black Belt & Founder of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu
It has also added to the landscape change of many grapplers from around the world making a name for themselves as elite grapplers. The once Brazilian dominated sport is starting to see many countries step up to showcase their best, and that it can’t be overstated that this is a great thing for the community as a whole! The more countries participating in the sport, the more the sport grows, and the higher the earning possibilities for athletes wanting to join the sport becomes.
“I feel like YouTube is the first social media platform that really changed all of Jiu Jitsu, you know like YouTube was the place for you to go to learn things from different people from all over the world.”
-Vagner Rocha – BJJ Black Belt ADCC Silver & Bronze Medalist
From technique breakdowns to concept explanations, the availability of in-depth instructionals has accelerated the learning process for practitioners. However, it’s important to note that guidance from a skilled instructor is still crucial for beginners to ensure proper technique progression. That’s how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has evolved, and moreover with the devastating nature that certain submissions hold, it’s important to not simply try moves seen online, but rather have an experienced team of grapplers guiding a student in the beginning phases of learning and of following the safety aspects of the sport.
“People that work you know nine to five jobs they’re on YouTube. They’re watching they’re getting good, you can get really good from just watching YouTube videos but you need to have a good instructor. I wouldn’t recommend you just watching 10 different videos and going to the gym and trying them all you know I think having a good instructor is super super important.”
-Sean O’ Malley – #2 Ranked UFC Bantamweight Fighter
Safety in Jiu-Jitsu is not something talked about often, but protecting the body for longevities sake is a must! The second a new grappler realizes the potential for injury in Jiu-Jitsu, it may be too late! It is for this reason that having good coaches, training partners, and academies is paramount.
“I mean even if you don’t like it, you have to admit…in my opinion I do think it’s good for the sport and I do think we’re all gonna make a little bit extra cash because of it.“
-Mason Fowler – BJJ Black Belt & MMA Fighter
Digital Age Brought Exposure and Business to Jiu-Jitsu
Social media, especially YouTube, has created a platform for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes and instructors to gain exposure and build their personal brands unlike ever before. Athletes can showcase their skills, share their journeys, and connect with a larger audience. The increased visibility often translates into sponsorship opportunities and financial support, enabling athletes to pursue a career in Jiu-Jitsu full-time. This has brought in more money to the sport and allowed athletes to train extensively. This has also subsequently made the talent pool of BJJ way higher! A blue belt from the 90’s vs a blue belt from 2023 is a totally different animal. The technique and exposure to wild new submissions, escapes, sweeps, and takedowns is unreal. The sport has evolved 100% and if a colored belt from the 90s or 2000s decided to dust off the rust and try to compete, it would be a rude awakening.
“I remember reading Marcel Garcia’s x-guard book right and he talks about in that book how he learned Jiu Jitsu by getting old Jiu Jitsu magazines that had static you know just like still images of a single position right then he had to troubleshoot like you know reverse engineer how that position worked.”
-Robert Degle – BJJ Black Belt & 12X Grappling Industries Champion
Evolution and Challenges
The rapid spread of information through social media has accelerated the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu techniques. What used to take years to discover or learn can now be accessed within a few minutes on YouTube. While this has contributed to the sport’s growth, it has also led to a reduced element of surprise and secret techniques. Fighters must constantly adapt and innovate to stay ahead as techniques become more widespread.
“Everything’s changed man it was really hard for us you know, reading Gracie mag and going through Jiu Jitsu magazine and Fighters only and Topology to see these Eight Pages of jiu jitsu techniques that weren’t really great you know, things were like that.”
-Dante Leon – BJJ Black Belt 2X IBJJF No-Gi World Champ
Exploring the Intersection of Social Media, YouTube, and Jiu-Jitsu
Social media and YouTube has undeniably transformed Jiu-Jitsu, offering unprecedented access to learning resources, exposure, and business opportunities. The positives of expanded exposure and learning must be balanced with the challenges of maintaining quality instruction and preserving the essence of the art. As the Jiu-Jitsu community navigates this digital era, the impact of social media will continue to shape the sport’s landscape, presenting both exciting possibilities and new challenges to overcome.
Watch Stuart Cooper Films coverage on The Unexpected Influence of Social Media on Jiujitsu for free
