Cultural Guardianship in Jiu-Jitsu
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Cultural Guardianship in Jiu-Jitsu
Cultural Guardianship is a concept in which, all members of a given community take ownership over how that community runs. In Jiu-Jitsu for example, all students would be empowered to uphold that gyms culture, regardless of rank.
So often in Jiu-Jitsu, many students feel that they are not in a position to speak up simply due to their rank which can allow many issues to fester and grow into a much larger problem for the gym.
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What It Looks Like
The phrase Cultural Guardianship was something that I heard on the Fighting Matters podcast entitled, “When Jiu-Jitsu Coaches Stay Silent” with Sonia Sillan.
It was an amazing episode that covered multiple subjects, but the segment that got me most was cultural guardianship. The responsibility of the group to uphold the culture and safety of all of the students that come to the gym.
A gym grows when it empowers all students to step in and speak up when they see alarming issues. This can be as innocent as a joke that obviously hurt someone’s feelings, or something as serious as sexual harassment, and bullying.
Myth of It’s The Coaches Job
With Jiu-Jitsu’s hierarchal dynamic, students will often feel that the task of speaking up is on the instructors.
In reality, it’s everyone’s job.
Instructors and coaches can only see so much and many of us really do need the help. When we see it, it’s our job to address it, but there will be instances where it may have happen just before or after class. Something could have been said within the locker room or even online and away from the gym.
In the end.. see something, day something.
Small Actions Shape The Culture
I have a group that does an amazing job upholding the program’s culture. I love when I’m sitting back and I see members on the team welcoming a new student, introducing themselves, and even incorporating them into a given discussion.
Addressing culture isn’t always about reporting and stamping out the negatives, it’s most often about doing many of the little things.
Welcoming the new students
Modeling control during rolls
Speaking up for others
Reinforcing respect regardless of rank
When Guardianship Fails
The issue with bad behavior is that when you ignore an issue, even once, the problem grows. Bad behavior feeds on inactivity and rarely gets better on it’s own. It works the same way a nagging injury does.
Yes, we can continue to train around it, ignoring the discomfort and pain, but it usually gets worse. We have to address the injury much like we have to address the negative behavior.
Closing Thoughts
Find your voice and know that no matter your rank or standing in the gym, you should be heard. Your concerns should always be addressed and no one is no more important than anyone else.
Being the example, will always be the most important step that anyone of us take.
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Thank you,
David Figueroa-Martinez
Founder, DFM Coaching
Coach | Writer | Grappler
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