Instagram Is Destroying BJJ and The Coaches Know It - Interview with ADCC Champion Robert Drysdale

On August 26, 2025 I had the privilege of sitting with former ADCC absolute and IBJJF worlds champion professor Robert Drysdale in his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prof. Drysdale is an accomplished fighter, teacher, competitor, and historian who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence in jiu jitsu. For prof. Drysdale, jiu jitsu was initially a means to prove himself. Now he also sees it as a responsibility to future generations to preserve the history of the art by documenting its inception, its evolution, and its proliferation to almost every corner of the globe. Consequently he has published 4 books on the history and modern state of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and continues to teach students and competitors in Las Vegas Nevada at his facility: Zenith Jiu Jitsu by Robert Drysdale. In this episode of The Grappling Monthly Podcast, we discuss: what it was like coming up in the late 90s early 2000s jiu jitsu as a means to prove one's self taparia and other practices that have fallen by the wayside modern day competition and so much more! You can visit professor Drysdale and train with the team at Zenith Jiu Jitsu by Robert Drysdale on 1246 S Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146 or visit https://drysdalejiujitsu.com/ for more information! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:11 The Shifting Motivations of a Jiu Jitsu Competitor 05:51 Accepting the Inevitable Changes of an Athlete's Body 10:22 Navigating Jiu Jitsu Culture Shaped by Social Media 13:23 When Equal Votes Lead to Irrational Jiu Jitsu Trends 18:28 The Unacknowledged Architect of Modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 25:26 The IBJJF's Role in Setting Jiu Jtsu Standards 28:35 The Peril of Lowering Standards for Financial Gain 35:26 The Absurdity of Learning Jiu Jitsu from YouTube 39:17 Preserving the Warrior Code in a Growing Sport 46:20 Why Honest Feedback Fuels True Personal Progress 48:36 Harnessing Competition and Ego for Constructive Growth 56:13 Upholding Standards and Keeping Politics Off the Mats 01:02:20 Preparing Children for Life's Hardships Through Training 01:08:47 Battle for Authenticity in Jiu Jitsu 01:12:27 Robert Drysdale's Legacy and the Future of His Coaching Journey Many thanks to Professor Robert Drysdale for generously sharing his time and his experience with me on a busy afternoon during the IBJJF's jiu jitsu con. Sponsors: Interested in sponsoring The Grappling Monthly Podcast? Email: [email protected] Follow Grappling Monthly Instagram: @grapplingmonthly YouTube: @grapplingmonthly Website: grapplingmonthly.com #bjj #jiujitsu #grappling #brazilianjiujitsu #nogi #ibjjf #grapplingmonthly #martialarts #bjjpodcast #lasvegas About Grappling Monthly Grappling Monthly is an independent editorial media brand covering the culture, people, and business of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the grappling arts. Based in Los Angeles, the brand produces in-depth conversations with the coaches, gym owners, competitors, and practitioners shaping the sport. The Grappling Monthly Podcast is the flagship property. A weekly long-form interview series hosted by Sébastien Maniatopoulos, a BJJ black belt establishing roots in the Southern California grappling community. The brand's editorial focus is on the human stories behind the art: how academies are built, how practitioners evolve, how the culture of jiu-jitsu intersects with identity, business, and community.