Jiu-Jitsu Schools Should Be Communities, Not Cults

When you google the word "community," you'll find something along the lines of a group of people with common characteristics or interests, living within a larger society. This should be a fitting description of a Jiu-Jitsu school: a place where people come together around a shared passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, building camaraderie, support, and a sense of belonging.

In an ideal world, a Jiu-Jitsu school embodies this definition. It’s a space where people of drastically different backgrounds, professions, and life experiences come together to learn and train. The common interest in Jiu-Jitsu creates a bond, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and growth. This is the essence of what a Jiu-Jitsu school should be—a vibrant community that enriches its members' lives.

Unfortunately, some schools lose sight of this ideal, distorting the concept of community into something far more insidious.

When Community Turns Into a Cult

If you google the word "cult," you’ll encounter definitions like a system or group of people who practice excessive devotion to a figure, object, or belief system. Cults are characterized by a charismatic leader who demands unquestioning loyalty and establishes rigid, often irrational, rules.

Disturbingly, some Jiu-Jitsu schools exhibit cult-like tendencies. It starts with the instructor, whose influence shapes the culture of the school—for better or worse.

The Role of the Instructor

An instructor is at the heart of any Jiu-Jitsu school. Students naturally look up to their instructors, admiring their skill, expertise, and ability to guide others on the path of learning. Respect and admiration are normal and healthy, but problems arise when admiration crosses the line into idolization.

Some instructors—often younger, less experienced individuals with inflated egos—encourage this behavior, either intentionally or unintentionally. These instructors may lack the life experience and emotional maturity to handle the authority and respect that come with their position. Worse yet, some have accomplished little of note within the broader Jiu-Jitsu world, yet demand a level of reverence that far exceeds their actual contributions.

This dynamic can foster an unhealthy environment where students are discouraged from thinking critically or exploring alternative perspectives.

Signs of a Cult-Like Jiu-Jitsu School

How can you tell if a Jiu-Jitsu school is veering toward cult-like behavior? Here are a few red flags:

1. Excessive Adoration of the Instructor
   Respecting your coach is one thing, but if students speak about their instructor as though they’re infallible or godlike, that’s a problem. Instructors are human beings, not deities. They are skilled practitioners of Jiu-Jitsu, but that doesn’t make them experts in every area of life.

2. Unusual and Arbitrary Rules
   Does the school have rules that seem unnecessarily strict or irrational? For example, I’ve heard of a school that expels members for attending open mats at other academies. Loyalty to your home gym is important, but limiting students’ exposure to other training opportunities is a major red flag. This kind of isolationism often stems from insecurity on the part of the instructor, not genuine concern for the students.

3. Overstepping Boundaries
   Does the instructor try to weigh in on topics they have no expertise in, such as personal finances, relationships, or mental health? While instructors often develop close relationships with their students, they are not automatically qualified to give advice on every aspect of life. Beware of instructors who act as though their authority extends beyond the mats.

4. Religious or Worship-Like Practices
   Jiu-Jitsu is a lifestyle, not a religion. If your school demands any form of worship, tithing, or unquestioning obedience, it’s worth asking yourself whether you’re in a community—or a cult.

The Importance of Healthy Jiu-Jitsu Communities

A healthy Jiu-Jitsu school fosters growth, connection, and mutual respect. The instructor leads by example, encouraging students to think critically, explore their potential, and support one another. Diversity of thought and experience is celebrated, not suppressed.

Remember, Jiu-Jitsu is about more than just techniques and belts—it’s about personal growth, resilience, and camaraderie. A true community uplifts its members and provides a safe, supportive environment for everyone to thrive.

Questions to Ask Yourself

If you’re concerned about the culture of your Jiu-Jitsu school, take a step back and evaluate the environment:

• Do you feel free to ask questions and seek knowledge from outside sources?

• Are you encouraged to grow as an individual, both on and off the mats?

• Does the culture of the school prioritize respect, inclusion, and collaboration?

If the answer to any of these questions is "no," it might be time to reassess whether your school aligns with the values of a true community.

Jiu-Jitsu schools should be places of learning, growth, and connection—not cult-like environments where blind loyalty and unquestioning devotion are demanded. By fostering healthy, inclusive communities, we can ensure that the spirit of Jiu-Jitsu remains vibrant and true to its roots.

In the end, the choice is yours: Is your Jiu-Jitsu school a community—or a cult? Choose wisely.