Which BJJ Brands Are Shaping Culture?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting techniques. It originated in Brazil in the early 20th century and has since gained widespread popularity all over the world. With its emphasis on leverage and technique over strength and size, BJJ has become a popular choice for self-defense, physical fitness, and even as a competitive sport.

But what exactly is driving the increasing popularity of BJJ? And why are brands like Submission Shark gaining so much traction in the market?

In this article, we will explore some of the reasons behind the rise of BJJ and why it continues to gain followers from different walks of life. We will also delve into how brands like Submission Shark are contributing to the growth of this martial art and what sets them apart in the industry.

Focusing On The Martial Art Itself

Before we get into specific brands and their impact, it’s important to understand why BJJ has become so popular in the first place. One of the main reasons is the focus on technique and strategy over strength and size. In a society that often values physical dominance, BJJ offers a refreshing approach where smaller individuals can use leverage and proper technique to overcome larger opponents.

This emphasis on skill rather than brute force also makes BJJ more accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities. It’s not just about being physically fit or having a certain body type – anyone can learn and excel in BJJ with dedication and practice. This inclusive aspect of the martial art has contributed greatly to its widespread appeal.

The Gracie Family can even be seen as a brand and the origins of BJJ can be traced back to the early 20th century, when Japanese Judo expert Mitsuyo Maeda migrated to Brazil. The Gracie family was fascinated by his techniques and began studying under him, eventually creating their own unique style that would become known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

A Sense Of Community

Another important aspect of BJJ’s popularity is the strong sense of community that exists within its practitioners. In traditional martial arts, students often refer to their instructors as masters and hold them in high regard. While this may also be true for BJJ, there is a stronger emphasis on camaraderie and teamwork.

In BJJ classes, students are encouraged to work together and practice with partners of all levels. This not only helps improve their techniques but also fosters a supportive environment where everyone can learn from each other. There is also a culture of respect and humility, where more experienced practitioners are always willing to help beginners.

This tight knit community is what causes brands to grow within the industry and shapes the culture. As a close contact sport, it’s hard to ignore the brands that others are sporting on the mats. This leads to word-of-mouth marketing that isn’t as obvious as in other industries.

Shaping The BJJ Culture

BJJ brands have come and go, from Shoyoroll to Atama, but the culture of BJJ remains strong. This is due in part to the dedication and passion of its practitioners who continue to train and compete, passing down their knowledge and values to future generations.

But it’s also important for BJJ leaders and influencers to actively shape the culture and promote positive values within the community. This includes promoting good sportsmanship, inclusivity, and respect for all individuals regardless of rank or background.

BJJ is not just a sport or martial art, but a lifestyle that extends beyond the mat. By embodying these positive values both on and off the mats, we can contribute to creating a welcoming and supportive culture for everyone.

One such brand that has emerged in recent years and has gained a dedicated community is Submission Shark. With their cool limited edition BJJ gis, rash guards, and accessories, they have become more than just a brand but also a symbol of unity within the BJJ community. With 10% of all BJJ gi sales going back towards Hearts For Martial Arts (A foundation that provides martial arts training for underprivileged youth), Submission Shark has shown their dedication towards giving back to the community.

In addition, Submission Shark also features a blog on their website where they share various articles and interviews with prominent figures in the BJJ world. This not only provides valuable insights and tips for practitioners but also shines a light on different aspects of the sport and its culture.

Submission Shark’s commitment to promoting and supporting the growth of BJJ goes beyond just selling products. They actively sponsor up-and-coming athletes and competitions, further solidifying their place in the BJJ community.

Personal Brands Are Becoming More Prominent in BJJ

In recent years, the world of BJJ has seen a rise in personal branding. With the increasing popularity and mainstream exposure of the sport, individual athletes are taking advantage of social media platforms to build their own personal brands. Gordon Ryan was among the first to successfully do this, using his social media presence to promote himself and his accomplishments in the sport. This has inspired other BJJ athletes to follow suit and establish their own personal brands.

Now, Craig Jones, a BJJ black belt and well-known competitor, has built his own personal brand through social media as well. He regularly posts technique videos, training footage, and updates on his competition results. By doing so, he has not only gained a large following but also established himself as an authority in the BJJ community.

Social Media and the identity creating aspect of this sport, has unlocked many other micro influencers to emerge and earn a living in this industry as well. From creators doing comedy skits to highlight reels and technique demonstrations, the BJJ community has embraced social media as a way to connect with fellow practitioners and share their passion for the sport.

Final Thoughts

From BJJ gi brands to personal brands, this industry is compounding and creating opportunities for both top athletes and everyday practitioners to establish themselves as authorities in the BJJ world. Whether it be branded BJJ academies or branded gis, there’s no denying that these symbols have meaning beyond the logo. They represent a community and lifestyle that is ever-growing and evolving.