One of the latest debates in Brazilian jiu jitsu is whether or not it could become an Olympic event at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

In order to qualify, the sport must meet certain criteria set up by the International Olympic Committee.

Unfortunately, Jiu Jitsu finds itself on the opposite end of several of these criteria. Probably the biggest obstacle for BJJ’s Olympic bid is the section of Image and Environment, defined as the sport’s ultimate image of credibility and equality in the public eye.

Let’s take the area of gender equality. While there is a growing number of top-level female competitors, they are still vastly outnumbered by their male counterparts. The numbers would have to even out a bit more in order to qualify.

Javier Vazquez, a Black Belt who started training in 1997, 15-4-0 MMA record fights at WEC 50.  This is the unaired video available from Versus.com.

Just a fun match to watch the integration and execution of bjj and a good stand-up game.  Javier takes his opponent apart placing pressure and emphasis on his weaknesses with a final submission that takes great technique to pull-off in that position.

Earlier this year, Rio de Janeiro was named host city of the 2016 Summer Olympics. Being the capitol and birthplace of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the announcement has begged the question from grapplers around the globe:

Could bjj be an Olympic Sport?

Several online petitions and campaigns have been started on behalf of the idea, and debate has lit up forums and message boards across the web.

The general sentiment is…

“Organized like a team. Fighting like a family.” is the motto of Gracie Barra. Founded by Master Carlos gracie Jr., gracie barra is the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in the world. It is no surprise that Honolulu would find itself home to a Gracie Barra with the most students on the island. In just over a year, Gracie Barra University of Hawaii (GBU) has grown to nearly 250 students.

Although Phil Baroni was inked to fight John Salter at UFC 118: Edgar vs. Penn 2, he was forced to withdraw due to collarbone injury. Taking his place will be Dan Miller. Not only is he a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Renzo Gracie protégé Jamie Cruz, Miller also has an extensive wrestling background. The event will take place on August 28th at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The first in MA and the day after the thirds UFC Fan event.

Edgar has been training with Draculino at Ricardo Almeida's, Photos here at Draculino's Site.

In the center of the Northern Territory in Central Australia is Alice Springs, a town of 30,000 and home to the newest addition of the worldwide phenomenon of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It’s called Gracie Barra Alice Springs (gbalicesprings.com). The academy itself is the brainchild of Simon Dew, a 37 year-old Australian and sports supplement manufacturer who has spent the last 18 years living in both Australia and Japan.

By: Jason M.A. Walter for bjj Legends Magazine | The Beginning - Pan Ams 2010

I grew up believing that following your heart was important though societal norms seemed to indicate otherwise.  Over the years, I have struggled with deep conflicts throughout my life as I was trying to fit in with what the world told me was “right.”  At 26, I found myself young, unhealthy, and feeling dead inside.  It was not until I realized that the shackles that were holding me back were invisible and of my own creation.

Açai Roots, a leading supplier of natural Brazilian açaí products, officially announced the signing of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend and former MMA superstar, Royler Gracie, to its team of brand ambassadors.  Royler gracie, is featured in the current issue of BJJ Legends^TM Magazine and DVD.

Call it Brand Ambassador or spokesperson, Royler has been a consumer of Brazilian açaí since childhood. He has included açaí in his diet and lifestyle throughout his entire life. Royler is a fan of the fruit and a connoisseur of how this Brazilian tradition can be beneficial to its consumers.