Why don't you presumptuous types email Caique or Gracie Torrance and ask if they feel that BJJ/GJJ is traditional or modern? Since it is modified Kodokan JJ/Judo newaza, some might try and call it modern. In that case all karate that is non-Okinawan is modern and the original stuff is traditional. Variations on a theme or altered ryu or styles don't denote modern. At 6th Dan or higher the sensei's sensibilites, experiences, mental attitude and body-type comes into play.

Each sensei will teach the basic principles in the way they understand it to be, regardless of lineage. The principles will be similar amongst the members of the same ryuha, but an instructor's individuality does begin to manifest when they teach. As a result the way Helio teaches is and was different than his brother's. Helio tailor made his JJ for smaller cats. So since GJJ from Helio vs. GJJ/BJJ from Carl is more inclined for the non-big guy types, is it modern and non-traditional? Hell naw'!

BTW, I've asked Ryron Gracie, Rorion's son, if he felt his style was traditional or modern. After thinking about it he said coming from a strong family tradition with formalized techs that have suffered little variation throughout its lifespan, he tended to identify their GJJ as a traditional thing. So everyone needs to quit speaking for the Gracie's and let them say it themselves. When they came out with that whole, "our art is a new and improved version of groundfighting" crap, and modern in that respect, they were trying to distance themselves from everyone's impression of what Gi-wearing MAs were. I don't blame them. I feel the same way about most "traditional" arts.

They wanted people to know that what they did/do is unique and not some BS strip-mall karate taught for the sake of making money. Well, let me change that, they wanted to make lots of money and get the word out there about their father's style of JJ, while he was still alive. That was what the UFC was for- it was sponsored, thought of and financed by Rorion Gracie. It was their way to introduce their art to the world. The opponents were handpicked and they stepped into a padded trap. Not to say that it isn't an effective way to fight, it is for sure, just that it was a bit contrived (the UFC).

Boxing is a traditional American martial sport. Wrestling is probably the oldest martial art, now a martial sport. Muay Thai is a traditional MA/sport. So is Judo and Shuai Chiao. I like boxing, it's principles are very similar to old school Okinawan karate's, at least the way the bare-knucklers use to do it. I know Shorin Ryu cats who fight in a myriad of comps from point to knockdown karate. Most of them were accomplished boxers and judo-ka who SWITCHED FOR LIFE to a "traditional" MA. The same for Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu-ka. Some of them at least. All that tourney stuff is good for something, but it is not real fighting. Never was, and never will be. If you go into a fight with a ring attitude you will get demolished.

Everyone has their way. I know what works for me. I've done every kind of comp except "NHB", whatever that is suppose to mean. I don't want to sound arrogant or like a pompous a$$, but I have to tell you like I KNOW it. In the street I've fought NHB, ask my opponents. They understood a little better what real fighting was after their Wrestler arse or Thai Boxing arse was spatula'd off the black-top. You can't breakfall on concrete, trust me, but you can fracture your neck, skull, or ribs. Bone-on-cartilage hurts like hell and that little broken nose from a padded hand feels like your face exploded when a good swift jab contacts your shnozzer. You'd have to feel it to believe it.

Who were those guys in the first UFCs? Other than Frye, Severn and Shamrock, only Royce was anybody with any real skill beyond the intermediate level. And don't mention Gordeau or whatever that flabby, skinny kickboxing Dutch guy's name was. Please. Yeah, Royce did a real traditional art, in his environ and had the element of surprise on his side. I love the Gracies, but there is no way that I would teach every sap-sucker my family's tradition. I won't train everyone I know in what I know. I won't divulge all the "secrets", 'cause once you do your greatest weapon, surprise, is out the door.

I like tradition and things that take some effort and intelligence to ingrain. You can't become a real specialized physician in less than 7 years after undergrad.. You can go to chiroquactic school or homeopathy school or whatever but you don't get to call yourself a card-carrying physician if you don't go through the rigors and "tradition" required of every physician in the modern world. You can be a PA, NP, Nurse Midwife or Clinical Nursing Specialist, but you ain't the real deal with 100% of the title, knowledge, responsibilty and know-how till you've done it right, all-the-way and go to Med School.

There are no quick-fixes for anything, fighting included. All the boxing, Judo, BJJ, kickboxing or wrestling in the world will not make you Roy Jones Jr., Kimura, a Gracie, Joe Lewis or Mark Coleman. Those guys are world class, rare and dedicated like a traditionalist. Decades of their life were consumed by ONE thing. Most of you cats have a job at Wal-Mart or something. Then you go do kickboxing or BJJ for 2hours a day, twice a week. Get real. KNOW and respect yourself, and know there are no shortcuts in life no matter what Tae-Bo or Krav Maga types profess!

Yeah, tradition can be a very good thing, when your butt is on the line and it REALLY counts. Axe me and I'll tell you so, hahaha!

[This message has been edited by Dr. Krunk-n-stein (edited 04-16-2004).]