GracieBreakdown
Street Roo-Jitsu vs. Sport Roo-Jitsu (Gracie Breakdown)
updated
Having been involved in this case for nearly 2 years, I'm releasing this 22-minute video to:
1) Clarify that I don't believe Francisco Iturralde's action's on November 29, 2018, were malicious or intentionally harmful.
2) Shed light on some of the specifics of this case that guided my decision to get involved, along with the essential (previously unpublished) evidence that was considered at trial when determining whether there was “unreasonable risk” present, and whether or not the injury could have been avoided.
3) Share what I learned throughout the process with the hope of informing BJJ instructors, school owners, and everyone who practices it to ensure that we can continue doing what we love without this ever happening again.
For those who are unfamiliar, this case was regarding a sparring session between a BJJ white belt, Jack Greener, and a BJJ black belt instructor, Francisco Iturralde, that lead to a neck injury causing the student to lose control of all four limbs. Thankfully, his condition has improved since, however, he remains a quadriplegic with severe and permanent injuries including limited function of all four limbs, loss of sensation from the nipples down, bowel and bladder incontinence, and much more.
I was called to offer my expert opinion on this matter. At first, I was hesitant to become involved in the case based on the effect it might have on the jiu-jitsu community, but upon reviewing the footage, and better understanding the specifics, I came to a position where I actually felt obligated to take a stance on the standard of care we owe to our students, and that I believe is necessary for our industry to thrive. Like all the expert witnesses on this case (including my second cousin who was the expert for the defense), I was compensated for my time.
I also understand that accidents are bound to happen in our sport, and that students who enroll must understand and accept a reasonable level of risk when practicing jiu-jitsu. As professional instructors, our top priority must remain the safety of our students, and there are simple steps that can be taken to minimize unreasonable risks to each of them.
Some key points that I wanted to touch on:
The Technique: On the surface it appears that the technique was done "correctly" and that this was just a freak accident. Upon closer inspection, the facts indicate otherwise, and this is thoroughly explained in this video.
Spike: I now understand that the terms "spike" without context can be confusing and misleading (especially when communicating with BJJ practitioners who have a technical definition in mind when they hear that word) and that was not my intent. In the video I explain how although what Mr. Iturralde did was not technically a spike, the reason why spiking is illegal in BJJ competition is precisely to avoid the type of injury that Jack sustained. This becomes especially clear when you observe the position of their bodies in Frame 70 of the video.
Precedent: There appears to be some fear this case may set a precedent that if anyone gets hurt doing jiu-jitsu, that the school and/or instructor will automatically get sued and be held liable. I'm not qualified to give legal advice, but my opinion is that this will not be the case. This was a very unique and preventable situation involving: a black belt instructor sparring with a white belt; who performed a technique he never taught to the student, and did the technique in a manner that is inconsistent with how it’s conventionally taught, rather than opting for a safer technique (of which there are many). In was the convergence of these very unique and extenuating circumstances that led the jury to reach the verdict it did.
Waivers: There is some concern out there that waivers aren’t valid. In this particular case, the waiver wasn’t admitted as evidence due to some technical errors in the waiver itself, but nothing has led me to believe that they are not valid as a whole. Again, I'm not giving legal advice, but this is all the more reason why school owners will want to make sure they have their waivers reviewed by an attorney.
Continued in the comments...
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Fear of INJURY & EMBARRASSMENT are the top two reasons people don’t do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If you’ve had these concerns, then you must not miss our free 2.5-hour Gracie Jiu-Jitsu 101 Seminar on Sunday March, 19 in Torrance CA and at 90 different Certified Training Centers around the world! If you’ve always thought about learning self-defense but were nervous about taking the first step, this is for you!
Find a certified location and save your spot at https://www.GJJ101.com.
The fact that this happened the EXACT same day that I released the Sleeper Hold Travel Pillow is either crazily coincidental OR shockingly serendipitous. 😎
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This event is being offered at Gracie University Headquarters in Torrance, California, as well as several Certified Training Centers around the world.
Although no experience is necessary, the event often reaches capacity so pre-registration is required.
This event is the safest and most enjoyable way to be introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, so we really look forward to sharing the mat with you.
Find a location near you and pre-register at http://www.gjj101.com.
Fear of INJURY & EMBARRASSMENT are the top two reasons people don’t do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If you’ve had these concerns, then you must not miss our free 2-hour Gracie Jiu-Jitsu 101 Seminar on Sunday March, 19. If you’ve ever thought about learning self-defense but haven’t taken the first step, this is for you.
Learn more and save your spot at https://www.GJJ101.com.
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Men and Women, don’t miss our free 2.5-hour Gracie Jiu-Jitsu 101 Seminar on Sunday March, 19. If you’ve ever thought about learning self-defense but haven’t taken the first step, this is for you. Learn more and save your spot at https://www.GJJ101.com.
It doesn’t matter what your profession is, it’s better to have Jiu-Jitsu and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Men and Women, don’t miss our free 2.5-hour Gracie Jiu-Jitsu 101 Seminar on Sunday March, 19. If you’ve ever thought about learning self-defense but haven’t taken the first step, this is for you. Learn more and save your spot at https://www.GJJ101.com.
Nashali fought for her life and escaped to safety. We spoke to her after the attack and are happy to announce that she’ll be joining us at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Largo!
Don’t miss our free 2.5-Hour Gracie Jiu-Jitsu 101 Seminar for Men AND Women on March 19th in Torrance, CA, and at Certified Training Centers all over the world. No experience necessary and participation is free but you must pre-register at https://www.GJJ101.com
If you’ve EVER thought about learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but haven’t taken the first step due to fear of injury or embarrassment, this seminar is exactly what you need.
One of my greatest joys is that of introducing new audiences to the power of Jiu-Jitsu, so when a Fortune 500 company calls and asks if I would be willing to teach 40 top Executives how to use the principles of jiu-jitsu to increase their efficiency and effectiveness as leaders, I jump on a plane (with my sleeperhold.com pillow) and make it happen!
For inquiries about Interactive or Conventional Keynotes at your organization, email info@gracieuniversity.com. 🙏🏼
It felt really good to be recognized by the LA County Sheriff's Department in this way, but we were even more proud to be the first people they thought to ask for help after the attack.
Thanks for trusting us Alma. We’re so proud of you for taking your safety into your own hands.
To learn Women Empowered from home or to find a Certified Women Empowered Training Center near you, visit http://www.GracieUniversity.com
Once question that looms in the aftermath of this incident is: Should ALL police officers be judged based on the deplorable acts of the officers responsible for Tyre’s death?
My belief is that they should not, but it’s understandable that they are, and in this video I explain why.
My heart is broken for Tyre’s family and even though we have a long way to go, I look forward to the day when senseless killings like this are a thing of the past.
If anyone has contact with the Memphis Police Chief, please tell her I want to talk to her about where we go from here. E-mail info@gracieuniversity.com to make the connection.
If anyone has direct contact with Brandon Tsay (the man who disarmed the gunman in Monterey Park) please let him know we’d like to sponsor him with a lifetime membership to Gracie University🙏🏼
If you agree. Share this post. If you don’t agree, I can’t wait to share the mat with you. 🥋
Although the exact price and dates vary by locations, this 5-day camp will take place Monday through Friday from 9am to 12pm. Designed for children, ages 6 and up, this is our most popular camp of the year and typically sells out several months in advance.
Every child will get bullied at some point in their lives, and technology is only making matters worse since the bullying doesn't end when they leave school. Our goal is to equip your child with verbal and physical self-defense skills as well as the confidence to set boundaries, so that if they are targeted, they can put an end to the harassment before it's too late.
1. Unshakable Confidence with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Bullies target children who don't stand up for themselves. By giving your child the non-violent Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques to neutralize a physical attack, they will have the confidence to take a stand against bullies before the harassment spirals out of control.
2. Verbal Self-defense Training
Verbal harassment is more common, and often times more damaging, than physical harassment. To ensure your child is ready to identify and overcome these inevitable attacks, we conduct a series of specific role-playing exercises each day of the camp.
3. Fun & Fitness for All Ages
Kids don't like to exercise, but they love to have fun. Each morning we begin with the "animal warm-up," and throughout the day we play several other games designed to give your child the exercise they need and the fun they want!
4. Character Development & Drug Defense
The connection we develop with the camp participants is strong, and we use this connection to instill the life lessons that every child needs. Each day we choose a different topic, from discipline and healthy living to drug defense and abduction prevention, so your child is ready for life beyond the playground.
5. Register Today!
To learn more about the Summer Camp, or to save a spot for your child, be sure to contact the Certified Gracie Bullyproof Summer Camp Location nearest you at http://www.BullyproofSummerCamp.com
Brandon Tsay is a hero. Having never held a gun in his life, he engaged with the Monterey Park Shooter (who had just killed 11 people at a different dance studio) and was able to take control of the weapon and prevent even more senseless killing.
If anyone has contact with Brandon please let him know we would be honored to meet him AND we’d like to sponsor him with a lifetime membership here at @GracieUniversityHQ in Torrance.
The choice to intervene in an active shooter situation is very personal, but if you DO decide to take action, here are two techniques (pulled directly from the https://www.GracieUniversity.com online curriculum) you will want in your arsenal. And remember, the longer the gun, the more leverage you have when you get your hands on it (but only if you know what you’re doing).
Our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the lives lost in Monterey Park.
I want to sponsor free training for the good samaritan and the Trooper, if anyone has direct contact please connect us.
To learn how you can host a GST course at your agency for free, visit http://www.GracieUniversity.com/GST
http://www.GracieUniversity.com - find a school near you or start learning from home with our free online lessons.
Ladies, if you’re trapped in a confined space under an attacker, here are three life saving options!
Don’t miss our free 2.5-hour seminar on Sunday, January 15th in Torrance, CA and at Certified Training Centers around the world! No experience necessary. Ages 13 and up. Participation is free but you MUST pre register at https://GracieGirls.com. Over 300 women have already registered for our Torrance seminar so don’t wait to save your spot. Tell your friends too!
Officer Marshall (a GST graduate) found himself in a ground altercation with a burglary suspect who tried to take his firearm TWICE, but because he applied the most basic GST control, submission, and cuffing transition, he was able to avoid escalation to deadly force.
If this isn’t a win for police AND civilians, nothing is.
Jiu-Jitsu is the future of law enforcement. To learn how you can host a 5-day GST instructor course at your agency for free, visit http://www.GracieUniversity.com/GST
Ladies, your legs are your most powerful weapons IF you know how to use them. Jiu-Jitsu is uniquely effective for women because it teaches you how to use your legs in ways you never imagined.
Don’t miss our free 2.5-hour seminar on Sunday, January 15th in Torrance, CA and at Certified Training Centers around the world! No experience necessary. Ages 13 and up. Participation is free but you MUST pre register at https://www.GracieGirls.com. Over 200 women have already registered for our Torrance seminar so don’t wait to save your spot. Tell your friends too!
Learn from home or find a Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Center near you!
Go to http://www.GracieUniversity.com to find your nearest CTC and get a 10-day free trial OR register online to learn Gracie Combatives from the comfort of your own home!
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This was Jean Dousset’s story until tried his first class in Gracie Combatives this morning. Now the fire is lit, and he’s hooked because he knows he’s NOT too old and he’s NOT going to get injured.
Jiu-Jitsu IS for you, but you’ve gotta find the right teacher. Find a school at http://www.GracieUniversity.com, and if you can’t come to us, just email info@gracieuniversity.com and we can come to you.
Our son, Raeven, is 7 and we explained to him that there are many kids who suffer from bullying all over the world that don’t know what to do. So we decided to make this video in hopes of providing inspiration and guidance to families that need it the most.
It’s his first video. He tried really hard and we’re so proud of him.
Leave your comments for Adrian in the comments!
Adrian is getting his Gracie Flag Gi for free, the rest of you guys can get yours when the collection comes out next week!
Tag a friend who you’d like to see start learning Jiu-Jitsu.
Free 2.5-hour Women’s Self-Defense Seminar on Sunday, January 15th in Torrance, CA and at select schools around the world. Learn more and save your spot today at https://www.GracieGirls.com
Save this video and be sure watch it if you start having negative thoughts about your performance, and be sure to tag your favorite training partners so they can lean on the Boyd Belt System if they need it. 🙏🏼
It is absolutely free, but you must pre-register at https://www.GracieGirls.com.
If you are not located in the SoCal area, visit https://www.GracieGirls.com to find a seminar near you! Share with a woman you care about!
http://www.GracieUniversity.com/GST to learn how you can host a 5-day GST course at your agency for free!
Learn from home or find a Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Center near you!
Go to http://www.GracieUniversity.com to find your nearest CTC and get a 10-day free trial OR register online and access over 30 free lessons from home!
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1) The “Triangle of Victimization”
2) Neutral Threat Analysis
3) Standing Armbar
4) Guard Armbar
5) Avoid Retail Disasters
6) (Must Watch Until The End)
Got additional safety tips? Share them in the comments below.
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Learn from home or find a Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Center near you!
Go to http://www.GracieUniversity.com to find your nearest CTC and get a 10-day free trial OR register online and access over 30 free lessons from home!
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BlackFriday Deals are LIVE
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Watch to the end and then share this video to your story and leave a comment below with the #1 gift you would like to receive from the Gracie or Quikflip store, and then we’ll randomly select some some winners of the very gifts they chose and announce them on Black Friday!
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A confident child is a Bullyproof child! Find a Certified Training Center near you to begin preparing your child for life, the Gracie way!
http://www.GracieUniversity.com
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Finally, Rorion Gracie will share with you the secrets of the Helio Gracie Teaching Methodology, which Grand Master Helio Gracie believed to be fundamental for the training of instructors
4 hours of an in-person experience with a lot of important information that will increase your potential as an instructor, which you can use immediately. This course was developed exclusively for teachers and for those who want to be teachers.
Space is limited!
🇺🇸 Harbor City/CA - November 19: https://hotm.art/harborcity
REGISTER NOW!
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Learn from home or find a Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Center near you!
Go to http://www.GracieUniversity.com to find your nearest CTC and get a 10-day free trial OR register online and access over 30 free lessons from home!
Please SUBSCRIBE - youtube.com/channel/UCNMZWa1QP42jHrmmzayFEeg?view_as=subscriber
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I’ve been teaching jiu-jitsu for over 25 years. One consistent theme I’ve observed is that if you’re athletic and competitive, and have a high tolerance for discomfort, you can train at any BJJ school and you’ll be okay. If you lack these traits, however, BJJ will chew you up and spit you out before you ever have a chance to build a foundation and experience the limitless benefits it offers it’s long-term practitioners.
This is why we all of our beginner programs are 100% geared towards self-defense. For several months, students learn a specific set of techniques intended for a street fight against someone who doesn’t do Jiu-Jitsu (99.95% of the population). Not does this eliminate the complexity and competitiveness that makes sport BJJ so confusing and injurious for beginners like Anthony, but it gives new students a chance to fall in love with the fun and effective foundation of the art before the heat gets turned up.
At our schools, only once someone completes the self-defense foundation, are they allowed to engage in the more competitive aspects of sport BJJ. By this time, not only will they have a solid set of simple techniques to stay safe in a physical altercation, but they will have a foundational understanding of the positions, technique names and training etiquette that will allow them to roll in a way that reduces the likelihood of injury for them and their training partners, thereby increasing the chance that they will enjoy the lifelong Jiu-Jitsu journey (and not just 3 classes).
If anyone has Anthony’s phone number tell him I’m willing to come to his house to give him the personal introduction to the art that both he and Jiu-Jitsu deserves. For free.
http://www.GracieUniversity.com
Learn the complete Women Empowered program from home or find an certified Women Empowered school at http://www.GracieUniversity.com
To change your life forever, start at http://www.GracieUniversity.com