How Good Is Jiu-Jitsu in Russia? The Answer May Surprise You

We’ve long kept an eye on the rise of jiu-jitsu in Russia, and I’m pleased to report that their technical development is on a par with that of any major country. They have the required techniques to be successful, and the combination of their rich grappling history and notorious toughness makes them fearsome competitors. They lack strategic nuance to beat top-ranked competitors, and the difficult for many to easily travel outside of Russia means we may not see many on the world stage just yet. The Abu Dhabi World Pro scheduled for May in the UAE could offer some of them a chance to shine, as we expect few Brazilians or Americans to travel. The World Pro podium could look very different this year.