PJ Barch Speaks Out on Negativity Among Athletes & Fans
ADCC medalist and Polaris GP champion PJ Barch recently made one of the most balanced-minded posts on the current state of Jiu-Jitsu. The 10th Planet black belt usually likes to stay away from negativity.
However, after the recent backlash against CJI 2, Barch has decided to speak out on a problem he sees with fans and athletes. Barch feels like the negativity and entitlement from both sides are hurting the sport and needs to be addressed.
“I mostly try and focus on what I can control. I love controversy and talking points, but the entitlement, negativity, and short-sightedness of fans and athletes alike at times in Jiu-Jitsu goes too far.”- PJ Barch.
ADCC & CJI Growing The Sport
PJ started off by looking at the positives of the sport. Right now, the sport of Jiu-Jitsu/grappling is better than it has ever been, and we have both the ADCC and CJI to thank for that. Not just one of them, but both.
A few years ago, the ADCC did what many thought would never happen and sold out a 10k-seat arena to see professional grappling. Fast forward a few years, and they nearly sold out a 20k-seat arena.
Then Craig Jones came in and attempted to elevate the sport further. CJI 1 was huge for the sport as athletes received the biggest paydays they have ever received, and millions of fans tuned in to make it a success and allow for a second show that just happened.
“ADCC went from empty gymnasiums to the T-Mobile Arena with 10,000 fans. Mo built ADCC for kids, adults, & expanded opportunities, raised visibility and created so much.
Craig Jones stepped up for athletes giving out unprecedented paydays and elevating the sport and pay with CJI 1.”- PJ Barch.
The Complaining & Entitlement From Fans and Athletes
After showing the positives that both organizations have produced for the sport, PJ turns his attention to hateful fans and entitled athletes who tore both organizations down because they didn’t like what they did.
“Meanwhile, fans online tried to destroy ADCC, Mo stepped down, and ADCC goes back to Poland. Fast forward a year: Craig and his team work tirelessly to bring together the best in the world, promote a massive event and stream it FREE on YouTube.
Only about 1 in 4 matches end in a submission or fireworks. Social media blows up with hate for the format, the show, and even No-Gi itself.
Fans and athletes complain about decisions. Craig pays New Wave… more complaints. Now people want bonuses for the first day, coaches paid, and women paid more.
It was free to stream, everyone wants more money, yet complains that it won’t stay on YouTube free forever.
I get it, but in the past couple years, Jiu-Jitsu opportunities have grown so much, female and male athletes making 6/7 figures in a single weekend. Master’s World’s has 13k competitors.
Jiu-Jitsu is growing, opportunities are at an all time high, but without gratitude, we poison the very progress we’re looking for.”- PJ Barch.
Why PJ is Correct
PJ Barch is 100% correct in his assessment of the current state of the sport. In just a few years, athletes are making a living competing and getting to put on shows in front of thousands of fans.
Professional grappling is bigger than it has ever been, and we should be thankful that people like Mo and Craig are taking the risks to help grow the sport.
Sure, we have the right to be critical of their moves, but how does going out of your way to be hateful and tear them down help grow the sport?
We’re all in this together and need to be mindful of our actions because this could all go away tomorrow.
Please read PJ Barch’s entire post and think about it.
Bobby is martial artist for almost 20 years with a BJJ black belt under Professor Sergio Miranda. He is also a karate black and former combat sports athlete, who loves all things grappling.