The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) community has been rocked by recent developments at B-Team Jiu-Jitsu, one of the sport’s most prominent teams. Jacob “Jay Rod” Rodriguez, a standout competitor and younger brother of co-founder Nicky Rodriguez, has been banned from the team following serious misconduct allegations involving inappropriate behaviour towards female members of the gym.
Allegations and Immediate Response
The controversy began when an anonymous source on social media alleged that Rodriguez maintained a hidden photo vault on his phone containing explicit images of several women who train at B-Team. These claims were swiftly reported to gym owners Craig Jones and Seth Belisle, who responded by banning Rodriguez from both training and representing the team in upcoming competitions, including the highly anticipated Craig Jones Invitational 2.
B-Team’s leadership released an official statement on social media, confirming their commitment to a safe and respectful training environment. Their prompt action has been widely commended within the BJJ community, highlighting the importance of taking misconduct allegations seriously and prioritising the wellbeing of all members.
Jacob Rodriguez’s Statement
Rodriguez himself addressed the situation publicly, acknowledging “unhealthy interactions with women in the gym.” While he did not confirm or deny the specific allegations regarding the photo vault, he admitted to struggling with issues related to addiction and stated that he has been seeking therapy for several months. Rodriguez also expressed a desire to change his behaviour and rebuild trust through personal growth and religious reflection.
“You may have heard that I have been banned from B-Team, and this is true… Essentially I’ve had some unhealthy interactions with women in the gym and this has now led to me seeking help through therapy just for my addiction that I’ve had for quite some time now… Seeking help through therapy for the past few months as well as just further building my relationship with my beliefs, my religion, and just kind of changing my ways and working towards being a better person… That’s the update on where Jay Rod has been.”
Voices from Inside B-Team
In the wake of Rodriguez’s expulsion, a female member of the B-Team spoke out, sharing her perspective on the situation and the importance of speaking up about misconduct. She described the emotional toll of the events and emphasised that creating a safe and inclusive environment is essential for everyone in the gym. Her courage in coming forward has sparked important conversations about respect, boundaries, and accountability within the BJJ community.
The Broader Impact on BJJ Culture
This incident has prompted reflection across the global Jiu-Jitsu scene, especially as more women and diverse practitioners join the sport. The decisive action taken by B-Team Jiu-Jitsu sets a powerful precedent for addressing inappropriate behaviour and protecting the integrity of the martial arts community.
At Continuous Flow BJJ, we believe that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu should be a safe, supportive, and empowering space for all athletes-regardless of gender or background. We commend those who speak up for what is right and encourage every gym to foster a culture of respect, safety, and mutual support.
Moving Forward
As the sport continues to grow in Australia and worldwide, it is crucial for teams, coaches, and athletes to uphold the highest standards of conduct on and off the mats. The B-Team’s response demonstrates that taking allegations seriously and acting decisively is not only possible but necessary for the continued growth and positive reputation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
For more updates and insights from the world of BJJ, follow Continuous Flow BJJ-where respect, community, and excellence are always at the heart of our mission.