Rener Gracie Highlights the “Massive Responsibility” of Being a BJJ Instructor While Condemning the $46 Million Case of a Student’s “Avoidable Catastrophic Injury”
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Back in 2018, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community was shaken up by a tragic incident that left a young man paralyzed. Fast forward five years, a San Diego jury has awarded over $46 million in damages to the victim, Jack Greener. Greener was only 23 when he joined the Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club in California to learn the art of BJJ. Under the watchful eye of his instructor, Francisco Iturralde, he began his training as a white belt beginner. Despite being a novice in BJJ, Greener was paired with his second-degree black belt instructor for sparring.
Iturralde positioned Greener in a turtle position and performed a forceful technique during their practice session. As a result of this, the inexperienced student suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury that paralyzed him in all extremities, rendering him an incomplete quadriplegic.
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Reacting to the news, prominent BJJ instructor and UFC’s Brian Ortega‘s mentor, Rener Gracie, who was called in to testify as an expert witness in the case, took to his Instagram and put out his thoughts on the matter. Gracie emphasized the importance of instructors understanding the gravity of their actions and how they can impact their students’ lives.
Rener Gracie highlights the responsibility of a BJJ instructor
Famed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor Rener Gracie has dived deep into the Jack Greener verdict. Taking to his Instagram, Gracie shared his thoughts on the devastating case, highlighting the important lessons the BJJ community can learn from it.
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Gracie wrote, “As BJJ school owners and instructors, we have a responsibility to create a learning path that is both safe and structured, so that every student can learn the art and build their confidence from day one, without risk of otherwise avoidable catastrophic injury.”
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He also added the importance of treating being careful with a sport as dangerous as BJJ. “I’m also hopeful that this case will serve as a much needed reminder to the entire industry of the massive responsibility we shoulder every time a new student trusts us to guide them on their Jiu-Jitsu journey.” He stressed the importance of creating a safe and structured learning path for the students.
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The incident served as a wake-up call for the BJJ community. It highlights the enormous responsibility that instructors carry while training their students.
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Written by:
Edited by:
Rohini Kottu
