5 Reasons Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Should Be in the 2016 Olympics

The world was once again captivated by the power of sport this summer when the city of London hosted the Olympic Games.

With so many great moments making headlines, fans of mixed martial arts began to question why the fastest growing sport in the world doesn't seem to be on the International Olympic Committee's agenda.

While MMA may never make its way to the Games, one of the sport's key arts has a great shot at becoming a part of Olympic competition.  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the martial art that helped kick start MMA,has been gaining a ton of steam on its quest to make the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Here are five reasons why BJJ should be included in the next Olympics.

5. "Safer" Alternative to Olympic MMA

It's clear that MMA has a lot of obstacles in its way before it can even be considered for a spot in the Olympics. 

One of the biggest hurdles is ensuring fighters' safety so that they can continue to compete throughout the duration of the Games.  With such a high chance of injury associated with a tournament format, it's just not feasible.

However, BJJ is a much "safer" alternative and would allow many of MMA's top grapplers a chance to represent their country on the biggest stage.

While there's always a risk of injury—especially when submissions are involved—top international grappling organizations such as the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) and the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) have proven that you can minimize the number of injuries while still having a tournament format with such high-level submission artists.

As Maximum Fighting Championship owner Mark Pavelich told the Vancouver Sun, "The only component you’re missing out of the Olympics is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which is the tamest part (of MMA).”

4. More Dynamic Than Other Olympic Martial Arts

BJJ is way more exciting than a number of current Olympic sports. (Anyone down for a game of table tennis?)

Even when compared to the two grappling arts that are included in the Games, BJJ just seems more dynamic and more fun to watch.

While there's no denying the skill, athleticism and talent of Olympic level wrestlers and judokas, these sports are missing the one key element that's at the core of every martial art: the finish.  Sure you may see an armbar every once in a blue moon in Judo, but the fact is that many of the martial arts in the Olympics today are just glorified point sparring.

Now in BJJ, you can win by points as well, but the number of finishes are significantly higher than say, Tae Kwon Do or Judo. 

Adding in submissions, a truly definitive form of victory, makes BJJ one of the most exciting grappling martial arts in the world.

3. Worldwide Popularity

Since Royce Gracie first stepped into the Octagon at UFC 1, his family's art has exploded in popularity.

No longer relegated to a select few in Brazil, BJJ has become one of the fastest growing martial arts with its popularity skyrocketing worldwide.

From Abu Dhabi to Japan to the United States, BJJ has gone global and should continue to rise in the coming years.

2. High Level of International Competition

Because so many people are getting into BJJ, the international competition has never been better.

With major national and international tournaments being held all over the world, submission aces from across the globe have proven that Brazil isn't the only hotbed for BJJ.

Japan, the birthplace of BJJ's mother arts of Judo and jujitsu, has produced many top grapplers including Shinya Aoki and Yuji Nakai.  The US has also produced a ton of talented BJJ players including former UFC champ BJ Penn and 50/50 guard pioneer Ryan Hall.

If BJJ ever makes it to the Olympics, the last thing organizers will have to worry about is trying to find top-level international competition.

1. Brazil the Birthplace of BJJ

What better place to introduce Olympic BJJ than in the country where it all started?

With the 2016 Games being held in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian people would definitely come out in droves just to watch the BJJ events if they were included.

As Brazil quietly awaits its hosting duties, the timing is perfect to add BJJ to the Olympics.

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