What is the essence of MMA? BJJ legend and UFC Hall of Famer Royce Gracie feels that MMA has lost its essence because of how gyms are handling the sport. He believes that the current idea of modern gyms regarding the purpose of MMA is totally wrong. Being a member of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu family, he accepts that BJJ has become largely popular over the years. However, in the process, the sport lost its real meaning.

The major essence of MMA is self-defense. According to the first UFC champion, many have forgotten this. Instead, people are pursuing it to win competitions and world championships. In a recent interview, the Brazilian detailed how teachers and coaches should teach MMA. He also had some harsh takes on the Olympic Games’ approach to combat sports.

Royce Gracie talks about MMA losing its essence

A report from Bloody Elbow detailed Royce Gracie’s thoughts on how MMA is handled currently. He said, “Gyms have forgotten the essence of martial arts. Gyms are the ones who most influence you to join tournaments. Some people say ‘I started training because I saw you win the UFC’. I tell them that’s not true, it wasn’t because of me. It could have been anyone. The technique I displayed is what attracted that person.” Gracie is concerned about people taking up the sport just to become champions without realizing the real purpose behind BJJ.

 Gracie said that people missing the essence of the sport is not only happening in one martial art. The Brazilian mentioned Saudi Arabian karateka Tareg Hamedi, who knocked out his opponent, Sajad Ganjzadeh from Iran; however, it was Ganjzadeh who won the match via disqualification at the 2020 Olympic games.

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Gracie points out that in Karate, people usually knock out their opponents. However, when it became a competition, scoring points became the most important aspect. He feels that this kind of approach compels people to forget about the essence of MMA.

The BJJ legend added that Jiu-Jitsu has the potential to be a bigger Olympic sport. However, when the sport becomes more popular in competitions, people ignore its essence. He feels that it is a general condition that is present in all kinds of martial arts.

Do you agree with this take? Let us know in the comments below.

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