Character. Culture. And What It Really Means to Be a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt.
When I opened Jaco Jiu-Jitsu, I started thinking more deeply about what it actually means to be a black belt.
The kind of example I wanted set.
What I believed in.
It’s not the belt on your waist. It’s about the weight on your shoulders. Integrity. Responsibility. Accountability.
Owning a dojo isn’t about owning the physical mat space. It’s about owning the culture you create there. And culture is created by character.
The Truth About Leadership in Jiu-Jitsu
The recent actions of Andre Galvao are a grave wound to every student he harmed, and also to the art of Jiu-Jitsu. Worse, this is not an isolated incident.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has had far too many problems with predatory behavior from men who call themselves “masters” targeting female students.
I’ll keep it simple:
If you can’t keep your d**k in your gi, you’re not a master of anything.
A black belt is supposed to represent discipline.
Control.
Restraint.
Protection of the vulnerable.
Anything less is a betrayal of your students, the art, and humanity.
If you’re researching a Jiu-Jitsu school in Jaco Beach or Costa Rica or anywhere else, understand this:
Skill matters. But character matters more. Do your homework. Does the instructor use his gym like a Tinder profile? Does he use his position of power to engage in predatory behavior toward his students?
If so, stay away. Nothing good ever comes from it. I’ve seen it happen, and it always ends the same way. With hurt feelings, and tension and drama on the mat.
I’ve even seen people quit Jiu-Jitsu because of it. Think about that. A master who should be an ambassador of Jiu-Jitsu engaging in conduct that drives his own students to quit.
It’s shameful. If I ran the federation, I would strip them of their belt and ban them from competition.
The “Blood In / Blood Out” Jiu-Jitsu Academy
This is another kind of toxic culture present in Jiu-Jitsu Academies. I’ve lived it, because I come from a hardcore, old-school lineage that treated cross-training like a knife in the back.
Train somewhere else?
Betrayal.
Leave for another gym?
Traitor for life.
That perspective claims loyalty, but that word’s just faux alpha male cover for fear, insecurity, and a desire to control.
That’s not a gym. That’s a cult.
A confident black belt who wants the best for their students should encourage cross-training. Different bodies. Different styles. Different problems to solve. That’s how you grow.
A true master should also have the grace and humility to tell a student who’s struggling or unhappy “If you’re uncomfortable here, find a place where you feel safe.” Then make suggestions.
The “blood in / blood out” mentality is just outsized ego and low self esteem wearing the mask of tradition. None of that has a place in healthy academy culture.
A Better Way: Collaboration Over Tribalism
Recently, in Southern California, I’ve watched something powerful unfold.
Some high level black belts I came up with at Brazilian Top Team, Jaysen Baxter, Ray Mugica, and Omar Sabha, are cross-training with Felipe Fogolin, founder of Triunfo MMA.
These are all established owners of their own academies. Bax and Ray have Dream Art. Omar has Empire. They are also World and Pan Am Champions.
Yet there they are, four high-level black belts, training together, and encouraging their students to do the same.
Why?
Because their love of Jiu Jitsu transcends tribal nonsense.
Before COVID, I ran a gym in Orange County that welcomed anyone from any academy. Our Sunday open mats were legendary. No politics. Just hard rounds and mutual respect.
That’s the energy I want cultivate in Jaco, Costa Rica.
Open Mat Sundays at Jaco Jiu Jitsu
To honor that collaborative spirit, Jaco Jiu Jitsu will now host:
Sunday Open Mat
11:00 AM – Jaco Beach, Costa Rica
Open to athletes from any academy.
Limited to 5 practitioners (small rooftop mat space)
First-come, first-served. By reservation only. No drop-ins.
Respect mandatory.
Together, we can build a healthy Jiu-Jitsu culture in Jaco.
Why Jaco Jiu-Jitsu is The Best Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica
If you’re searching for:
Private Jiu-Jitsu lessons in Jaco
Group Jiu-Jitsu lessons in Jaco
Open mat training in Costa Rica
Competition-level instruction
A safe, high-character academy culture
You’ll find it at Jaco Jiu-Jitsu.
Founded by J.P. Donahue, 3rd-degree black belt and 4x Pan American Champion, his academy emphasizes:
Technical fundamentals
Competition strategy
Mindset under pressure
Integrity over ego
Community over cult mentality
Character creates culture.
Culture creates champions.
If you want to train in an environment where skill is earned and respect is mutual, this is your invitation.
DM to reserve your spot for Sunday open mat.
Keep the art clean.
Keep it playful.
Ban the bullshido.