I do both jiujitsu and comedy and the problem with the “jokes” in this article is not that they are sexual but rather they are hack … poorly written, predictable, and little more than a premise with no skillful execution. Someone like Craig Jones, who has been pretty clearly good for the sport, makes jokes that people like because they are good jokes. Humor and joke writing is a skill, just like BJJ, and the examples cited are white belt level attempts … critiquing them is like saying some bjj move doesn’t work because a white belt did the move wrong.
My mind immediately went to Craig Jones. Just seems transparently obvious that a blanket veto on the kind of content he does, just because other people might do it poorly, is not a good solution. And frankly, the thesis of the article feels like it's coming from a place of insecurity.
I can sort of see the point he's trying to make ... you clearly don't want a gym environment where women (or anyone really) feels creeped out and ends up quitting. But good jokes don't do that, they do the opposite by pointing out certain absurdities and actually build camaraderie. The solution to bad jokes about BJJ is good jokes about BJJ.
Are you aware of any data comparing (NCAA) team sports to various martial arts in terms of sexual misconduct? I'd suspect that the latter has a higher occurrence, particularly when there's greater inherent physical contact (e.g. grappling) and there are unchecked power dynamics ("martial arts" are notorious cesspools for "cult" behavior).
I have not seen data, but I have the same suspicion. Between the weird, culty power dymamics, the physical intimacy, and the ease of being secretive I bet the rate of occurance is much higher in MA
Maybe I’ve been under a rock for the past 5 (10?) years, but this is something that is actually happening? Is it happening in judo too? (I mostly only watch Olympic level judo these days. I studied martial arts as a kid, then got into the whole UFC thing. Now find it distasteful. As a former high school boxer, I will watch some boxing now and then, but the lighter weights for the most part).
Lame. Grappling is and has been homoerotic since forever. Greeks did it naked. Turks do it covered in olive oil and tight pants. Nothing special about BJJ. Just another way to divide people with a non problem. Focus your energy on your guard
I just wrote about non-sexual physical touch and I think it's a little different. The whole 'gay' is actually a deflection that it isn't gay. It's almost like throwing the insult at yourself so others can't because part of that awkwardness you describe is that it's perceived that all male touch IS sexual. I agree with your premise that we need the physical touch but what you see isn't the cause, it's the symptom of other issues.
It wasn’t my intention to infer causality. You’re right, it’s a symptom. But even people joking about it can “cause” others to see it as having a sexual component when none exists
I do both jiujitsu and comedy and the problem with the “jokes” in this article is not that they are sexual but rather they are hack … poorly written, predictable, and little more than a premise with no skillful execution. Someone like Craig Jones, who has been pretty clearly good for the sport, makes jokes that people like because they are good jokes. Humor and joke writing is a skill, just like BJJ, and the examples cited are white belt level attempts … critiquing them is like saying some bjj move doesn’t work because a white belt did the move wrong.
My mind immediately went to Craig Jones. Just seems transparently obvious that a blanket veto on the kind of content he does, just because other people might do it poorly, is not a good solution. And frankly, the thesis of the article feels like it's coming from a place of insecurity.
I can sort of see the point he's trying to make ... you clearly don't want a gym environment where women (or anyone really) feels creeped out and ends up quitting. But good jokes don't do that, they do the opposite by pointing out certain absurdities and actually build camaraderie. The solution to bad jokes about BJJ is good jokes about BJJ.
wut
Are you aware of any data comparing (NCAA) team sports to various martial arts in terms of sexual misconduct? I'd suspect that the latter has a higher occurrence, particularly when there's greater inherent physical contact (e.g. grappling) and there are unchecked power dynamics ("martial arts" are notorious cesspools for "cult" behavior).
I have not seen data, but I have the same suspicion. Between the weird, culty power dymamics, the physical intimacy, and the ease of being secretive I bet the rate of occurance is much higher in MA
Remember who got shot from a phone booth in the courthouse? A martial arts pervert.
id like to go further and also say stop sexualizing bjj using rape jokes
like when someone has you pinned and they pretend to jump you while ensuring you can’t move isnt just a sexual reference - it references rape
BJJ is still pretty young. We try not to sexualize her
Maybe I’ve been under a rock for the past 5 (10?) years, but this is something that is actually happening? Is it happening in judo too? (I mostly only watch Olympic level judo these days. I studied martial arts as a kid, then got into the whole UFC thing. Now find it distasteful. As a former high school boxer, I will watch some boxing now and then, but the lighter weights for the most part).
You titled this article like it was a full troll…
Interesting article. Have you had any contact with the ecstatic dance movement/space? Or something they call contact improv?
this seems satirical
We regret to inform you he's deadly serious.
this seems hyperbolic
I could be wrong, but his replies in the comments seem pretty serious.
everybody should stop touching everybody else
Lame. Grappling is and has been homoerotic since forever. Greeks did it naked. Turks do it covered in olive oil and tight pants. Nothing special about BJJ. Just another way to divide people with a non problem. Focus your energy on your guard
Absolutely nothing sexual about wrestling someone into submission
There is nothing rare or valuable about BJJ. It is as common as dirt. Worse, it will get you seriously injured (or worse) in a real fight.
Combat sports may (or may not) be fun, but they are not above humor.
Why you gotta do my boi Craig Jones like this? 🤣
I just wrote about non-sexual physical touch and I think it's a little different. The whole 'gay' is actually a deflection that it isn't gay. It's almost like throwing the insult at yourself so others can't because part of that awkwardness you describe is that it's perceived that all male touch IS sexual. I agree with your premise that we need the physical touch but what you see isn't the cause, it's the symptom of other issues.
Here's my article that compliments this well: https://www.polymathicbeing.com/p/embracing-bromance
It wasn’t my intention to infer causality. You’re right, it’s a symptom. But even people joking about it can “cause” others to see it as having a sexual component when none exists
Well said …
Thank you 🙏