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BJJ Legend Mario Sperry Says American Commercialization Pulled Jiu-Jitsu Away From Its Combat Roots

From BJJ Eastern Europe

September 25, 2026

Mario Sperry has spoken out about how American martial arts culture reshaped the traditional essence of BJJ, driving its commercialization and pulling it away from its original combat-focused foundations. The ADCC Hall of Famer and three-time world champion, who trained under Carlson Gracie, drew a contrast between how jiu-jitsu was taught in Brazil during his […]

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