In this episode of the podcast I talk with Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners Jerry and Andrew about the BJJ scene in Chengdu and across China. Originating in Japan, jiu-jitsu is a product of globalization, having traveled to Brazil where it underwent significant changes before arriving in Southern California in the United States and then seeing widespread adoption along with the popularity of the UFC.
Jerry, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, has been in Chengdu since 2011 and is co-manager of the Chengdu-based school and team called CDBJJ. Andrew, from Calgary, is a purple belt under Jerry who has competed around the world, in China, Taiwan, Canada, and the US.
A recent prompted us to record this podcast: a BJJ tournament hosted in Chengdu wherein foreigners were abruptly banned from competing or observing. We discuss that and other subjects surrounding the sport in this episode.
Topics Discussed
- Introduction to Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- How the CDBJJ organization was founded
- Chengdu & China’s roots in Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Fake black belts, gyms, and authenticity
- Recent controversy surrounding a Chengdu BJJ event banning foreign participants
- Why Chinese newcomers and athletes seem to love the sport
- How you can get into BJJ in Chengdu
Links
- CDBJJ’s Official Website
- CDBJJ on Facebook
- Reddit post: Foreigners barred from competing in BJJ tournament in Chengdu
Download & Stream Links
Download Podcast #28
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I like reading this article! (Especially), since I’ve recently began BJJ training here in CV California. And the fact that this is about BJJ in China is awesome since I am passionate about Zhongguo.
It’s not really an article but thanks I think!