A NOTE REGARDING THE JJGF
by Master Rickson Gracie

"When I created the JJGF, it was with a dual purpose. My first objective was to preserve the core art of Jiu-Jitsu, at a moment when I felt that core was being lost to the sportive aspect of the art. My second objective was to create a place of unification for the Jiu-Jitsu community—a place where practitioners from every style, affiliation, and lineage could gather under one banner—at a moment when that community seemed to be in danger of fragmenting into factions. 

"In pursuit of the former objective, my intention was to offer a series of educational programs and certifications. While my vision was to offer these programs and certifications as a resource for the community, I see now that this strategy created an unintended conflict: that a Federation designed as a place for unification for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners cannot also present an official, preferred expression of the art. 

"While I still believe strongly in the JJGF's mission of unification, I now feel that this other, more personal mission—the preservation and dissemination of the art—requires my full energy and focus. Accordingly, it is now my intention to direct my efforts toward building an affiliate program to help me pursue this more personal goal. 

"Rickson Gracie United will be an affiliate program made up of instructors certified in my unique system and teaching methodology, and their clubs, schools, and academies. Through these instructors, it is my hope to preserve the art to which I have dedicated my life for generations to come. 

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"Though my efforts going forward will be focused within this new organization, it is still my hope to provide a service to the broader Jiu-Jitsu community. This will come in the form of educational resources, Zoom addresses, "Ask Me Anything" sessions, and other programming which I intend to make available through the expanded online platform at www.Rickson.Academy. These resources will be available to all members of Rickson.Academy, regardless of their affiliation or association with Rickson Gracie United. 

"I am very excited about this next phase of service, and hope that you will join me on this mission. Together, we will keep the art alive."​

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