Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has grown exponentially over the past decade, evolving from a niche martial art into a global sport with thousands of passionate practitioners. However, as the sport matures, so too does scrutiny of its governing bodies—particularly the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). Recent calls for the IBJJF to pay top competitors have reignited debates about fairness, athlete compensation, and the organisation's role in advancing professional BJJ.
Roberto Jimenez and Ffion Davies Speak Out
Elite competitors Roberto Jimenez and Ffion Davies have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the IBJJF's lack of meaningful payouts for athletes. Jimenez recently criticised the organisation for failing to provide adequate financial rewards, stating that its current system does little to support competitors who dedicate their lives to the sport. Similarly, Davies has echoed these sentiments, highlighting the disparity between the prestige of IBJJF titles and the financial realities faced by athletes competing at its events.
These criticisms reflect a growing frustration among professional grapplers who invest significant time and money into competing at IBJJF tournaments, only to receive minimal compensation. For instance, black belt champions at IBJJF World Championships earn between $4,000 and $7,000 USD—barely enough to cover travel and training expenses. This pales in comparison to other major organisations in the grappling world.
The ADCC and Craig Jones International: A Stark Contrast
The Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) has set a gold standard for athlete compensation in professional grappling. Winners of ADCC divisions earn $10,000 USD, with additional payouts for second, third, and fourth places. The absolute division winner receives an impressive $40,000 USD. Beyond monetary rewards, ADCC also offers bonuses for exceptional performances, such as fastest submissions or best takedowns.
Similarly, The Craig Jones International—a newer addition to the competitive scene—has garnered attention for its substantial, seven figure prize pools and athlete-centric approach. These organisations demonstrate that it is possible to prioritise athlete welfare while maintaining profitability and prestige.
Why Athlete Compensation Matters
The lack of adequate pay in IBJJF events raises broader questions about professionalism in BJJ. While many practitioners compete for love of the sport rather than financial gain, elite-level athletes deserve recognition commensurate with their skill and dedication. In other sports, top competitors earn millions of dollars annually; yet in BJJ, even world champions often struggle to make ends meet.
Moreover, fair compensation is essential for fostering growth in BJJ. Higher payouts incentivise athletes to pursue careers in the sport full-time, leading to higher-quality competition and increased visibility. Organisations like ADCC have already demonstrated how rewarding athletes can elevate a sport’s profile globally.
The Path Forward
As criticism mounts from athletes like Jimenez and Davies, it’s clear that the IBJJF must adapt or risk losing its status as BJJ’s premier competition organiser. Implementing more substantial prize pools would be a step toward addressing these concerns while ensuring that top competitors are treated as professionals rather than hobbyists.
The future of competitive BJJ lies in creating sustainable systems that reward athletes fairly. Whether this means emulating ADCC or forging new paths remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: change is overdue.
At Continuous Flow BJJ, we stand with athletes advocating for fairness in competition. As an apparel company rooted in the values of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—dedication, resilience, and respect—we believe that supporting our community means championing those who push boundaries on and off the mats.