BJJ Lawsuits in California: Lessons for Coaches

Chris Martin @bizjitsu at Del Mar Jiu Jitsu club 9/2024 training before interviewing the club owner.

The jiu-jitsu community is standing at a legal crossroads. In the wake of two high-profile California lawsuits—Pereda v. Atos Jiu-Jitsu and Greener v. Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club—it’s clear that courts are beginning to scrutinize jiu-jitsu liability more closely than ever before. The recent California Supreme Court ruling in the Del Mar case, in particular, is poised to become a legal blueprint for how future injury claims in our sport may be handled. If you're a coach, instructor, or academy owner, now is the time to pay attention. In this article, we break down what happened in these pivotal cases, why the courts ruled the way they did, what the Supreme Court’s involvement really means for our industry, and—most importantly—how you can start taking control of your gym’s risk profile to lower your risk of similar issues.

What Happened: Two Lawsuits That Rocked the BJJ World.

Case 1: Pereda v. Atos Jiu-Jitsu

On August 15, 2017, Ray attended what was only his tenth training session at the studio he later sued in Long Beach, California. During a 30-minute sparring segment with other students, he sparred with a purple belt and was placed in a chokehold. Following the exchange, Ray reported feeling short of breath, experiencing a limp, and showing signs of confusion—all symptoms noted in the court records. These are potential indicators of an arterial dissection, a serious condition that can lead to a stroke if not promptly treated.

Although he had signed a liability waiver, it didn’t help. Why? The decision hinged on the gym’s failure to supervise and properly match students, which the court deeming an unreasonable increase in risk beyond what’s inherent in jiu-jitsu. After speaking with Ray, it's clear that proper onboarding at this studio along with more thoughtful partner assignments may have prevented the injury—a waiver alone wasn’t enough.

Case 2: Greener v. Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club

In this far more publicized case, Jack Greener—another beginner—was paralyzed temporarily after an instructor, Francisco “Sinistro” Iturralde, executed a rolling back take that fractured Greener’s cervical spine and causing strokes.

The March 2023 jury verdict awarded Greener over $46 million, and by mid-2025, that number climbed to $56 million with interest and legal fees.

According to the trial record and reporting from PSBR Law, the instructor admitted he attempted a technique he could not control, on a student who was not experienced enough to safely receive it.

The Supreme Court Stepped In — And Then Stepped Back

Most appeals are rejected in minutes. But not this one.

When the defense team appealed the initial $46M judgment, the California Supreme Court took it seriously—each of the three judges spent over an hour reviewing the case, which is almost unheard of in civil sports injury litigation.

After lengthy deliberation:

• One judge felt the appeal had merit

• One was indifferent

• And the final judge ruled the original verdict should stand

With that split, the verdict stands—and the case is now solidified as precedent.

Let that sink in: the highest court in California just affirmed that instructors and gym owners can be held financially responsible if their conduct increases risk beyond what's inherent to the sport.

This isn’t just legal trivia—it’s a message to the entire jiu-jitsu world.

The Message Is Clear: Risk Management Must Evolve

As the sport grows, so does the responsibility of those who lead it. It’s not just about having waivers or liability insurance. It’s about building systems that actually prevent harm.

Here’s Where Coaches Must Act Immediately:

1. New Student Enrollment PROCEDURES

A strong risk management plan begins with a thoughtful and structured onboarding process. You can’t treat a first-day white belt like a seasoned brown belt—not in how you coach them, and certainly not in how you integrate them into live training. Every new student should be individually assessed for their experience level, age, physical condition, injury history, and goals. Are they a complete beginner? Are they coming back from surgery? Are they here to compete or just get in shape? These factors determine how you introduce them to the art—and help prevent early injuries that could lead to legal or reputational damage.

Equally important is educating new students on what is and isn’t acceptable behavior on the mat. That means setting clear boundaries: no slamming, no heel hooks, no ego. Make sure they understand that tapping early and training smart is part of the culture. Finally, use a structured curriculum to gradually introduce higher-risk techniques like takedowns, leg locks, or submissions that require fine control. This not only protects the student, it protects the gym and reinforces a professional, safety-first training environment from day one.

2. Coach-Led Pairing Protocols

One of the most important—and most overlooked—ways to reduce injury risk is to take control of how students are paired for sparring. The Pereda v. Atos lawsuit made it clear: mismatched training partners can significantly increase liability. As a coach, it’s your responsibility to ensure that partner assignments aren’t random or left to chance. Failing to do so can lead to preventable injuries and, in the worst cases, open the door to legal consequences for both you and the gym.

Thoughtful pairing isn’t complicated, but it does require intention. Before assigning partners, consider a few key factors: experience level (white belt vs. brown belt), size and weight differences, training temperament, and any known injuries or physical limitations. Even a short conversation—asking “How long have you been training?” or “Do you have any injuries I should know about?”—can go a long way in keeping the round safe.

Taking an active role in partner selection shows leadership, builds student trust, and reinforces a gym culture where safety comes before ego. Over time, this kind of consistency doesn’t just reduce accidents—it raises the overall standard of your academy.

3. Supervise Every Round

Coaches must actively supervise every round of sparring—not simply observe from the sidelines or sit on their cell phones. It’s your job to stay engaged, alert, and ready to step in if a roll starts getting too aggressive or unsafe. Intervention isn’t optional; it’s a core part of preventing injuries and setting a standard. By enforcing a culture where safety takes priority over ego, you protect your students, reinforce trust, and reduce the risk of legal exposure.

4. Create a Culture Shift

This is what really separates successful gyms from dangerous ones. And it starts at the top.

Watch This Video with Coach Rachel from Appalachian Grapplers

In this featured clip, we sit down with Coach Rachael Williams to talk about how her gym goes beyond insurance and builds a safety-first culture.

“We don’t train for medals first. We train for longevity and learning,” Rachael says. “That mindset helps us reduce injury—and that protects everyone, from brand-new white belts to our black belts.”

She explains how their academy focuses on leadership, communication, and accountability to foster safer training environments. It’s proof that creating a thoughtful culture doesn’t weaken your gym—it makes it stronger.

Don’t Count on Your Waiver to Save You

The Del Mar BJJ and Pereda ruling makes one thing crystal clear: a waiver is not a bulletproof shield. It only protects you from risks that are considered “inherent” to the sport—things like accidental bruises, sore joints, or a legitimate submission done with care. But it does not protect you from poor judgment, negligent supervision, reckless coaching behavior, or dangerously mismatched student pairings. If your actions—or your inaction—create a situation that goes beyond the normal risks of jiu jitsu, that waiver won’t save you.

Many coaches and gym owners rely too heavily on waivers, assuming that a signed piece of paper is all they need to avoid liability. But in reality, a waiver is just part of your legal paper trail. And if that trail reveals that you neglected your responsibilities—like allowing an unsafe roll to continue, failing to intervene, or pairing a new student with someone far too advanced—it can actually be used against you in court. Waivers are important, but they’re only one piece of your broader risk management plan. They must be backed by consistent, responsible actions on the mat every single day.

“A gym owner or instructor can’t knowingly let a student face a significantly greater risk than what is typical in a beginner-level jiu-jitsu class, and then hide behind a waiver.” - Perada case court reference.

The Legal Landscape Is Changing — Are You Prepared?

We’ve been tracking legal developments like Pereda v. Atos and Greener v. Del Mar from the beginning, consistently urging gym owners across the country to reevaluate their programs, strengthen student safety protocols, and prepare for an increasingly complex legal environment. These landmark cases are changing how liability is viewed in combat sports, and if you run a jiu-jitsu academy, now is the time to ask some hard but necessary questions:

• “How much coverage is truly enough to protect my gym?”

• “Do I need professional liability for instructors, or is general liability sufficient?”

• “Are we documenting safety protocols in a way that would hold up in court?”

• “Are open mats, seminars, kids’ classes, off-site events, and guest instructors all covered under our current policy?”

These are not just theoretical concerns—they’re real issues with real consequences. And the answers are rarely black and white. Addressing them isn’t just about legal compliance or risk mitigation—it’s also about improving the overall experience for your students, especially new ones. When a new student walks through your doors, they’re placing their trust in your academy. That first experience should be safe, structured, and welcoming, with clear expectations and thoughtful pairings that reduce risk from day one. Building a safer gym isn’t just about protecting yourself from lawsuits—it’s about creating a culture where students thrive and want to stay.

What questions do you still have about The Legal cases?

What questions or concerns do you have about the Pereda and Del Mar lawsuits we’ve been filming and reporting on? As these cases reshape how liability is being interpreted in jiu-jitsu, we want to hear directly from you.

Is there something you’re unclear about? A part of the case you want explained? A detail you wish we’d ask in our interviews with those involved?

Email us your questions now—whether it’s about legal exposure, waivers, instructor responsibilities, or insurance gaps—and we’ll do our best to get you answers straight from the source. We’re having these conversations so the entire community can learn, adapt, and protect what we’ve built.

Final Word: This Is a Wake-Up Call

No one wants to see another Jack Greener or another Ray Pereda. And no coach wants to be the one under fire in the courtroom.

This moment is an opportunity. To reflect. To evolve. To build a safer, stronger, more sustainable sport for everyone.

Protect yourself on and off the mats. Get affordable personal injury coverage for Jiu-Jitsu athletes starting at only $30/month from JiuJitsuInsurance.com.

Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Injury Case Concludes with $56M Payout: What It Means for our Industry.

Chris Martin interviews Michael Phelps at Del Mar Jiu Jitsu club September 2024.

In November 2018, Jack Greener, a 23-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu student, sustained a catastrophic spinal cord injury during a class at Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club in California. Instructor Francisco Iturralde performed a maneuver that placed his full body weight onto Greener’s neck, resulting in crushed cervical vertebrae and temporary quadriplegia. Greener, who was weeks away from graduating college and beginning a career as a surf instructor, spent months hospitalized and suffered multiple strokes during his recovery.

In 2023, a San Diego jury awarded Greener over $46 million in damages. In May 2025, the California Supreme Court declined to review the case, finalizing the jury’s decision. With post-judgment interest included, the total compensation now exceeds $56 million.

The jury found that the instructor’s actions went beyond the assumed risks associated with jiu-jitsu training and constituted gross negligence. Legal professionals noted that while martial arts carry an inherent level of risk, instructors and gyms may face liability when those risks are significantly elevated by conduct outside normal practice.

Attorney Gabe D’Antonio, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt wrote an analysis of the case detailing its implications for martial arts liability. He emphasized that participant safety must be proactively addressed and that gym owners should not assume traditional waivers or general liability coverage will fully protect them.

D’Antonio noted several areas of exposure:

• Insurance Coverage Gaps: Many martial arts facilities maintain general liability policies that exclude participant injury claims—the exact type of incident at the center of the Greener case.

• Risk Management Oversight: Instructors should follow structured safety protocols, regardless of rank or competition background.

• Legal Accountability for Conduct: Courts are drawing a clearer line between assumed risk and negligent conduct, especially when techniques cause severe injury.

Chris Martin, CEO of JiuJitsuInsurance.com, has been closely following this and other legal actions involving injury claims in martial arts. Martin has conducted interviews with legal experts, gym owners, and others involved in recent lawsuits, including the Atos v. Perada case and other injury claims currently unfolding in California. This documentation is being released as part of a broader content series focused on emerging liability risks in the combat sports industry.

The Greener verdict is now one of the most significant legal judgments in martial arts injury litigation. According to legal observers and insurance providers, the ruling reflects a broader shift in how the courts evaluate instructor responsibility and gym owner liability in high-contact training environments.

Further industry analysis, insurance options, and case commentary are available through JiuJitsuInsurance.com and its affiliated blog.

Legal Precedent and Key Takeaways

According to legal experts, the affirmation of this verdict sends a clear message: instructors and martial arts facilities can be held liable when their actions go beyond what is reasonably expected in training.

What Gym Owners Need to Do Right Now

The team at JiuJitsuInsurance.com has published a detailed breakdown of what this verdict means for the martial arts community. The article highlights three critical actions for gym owners:

1. Enforce Standards — Regardless of Rank:
   No one is exempt from basic safety and conduct standards. Even black belts must be held accountable to rules that prioritize student safety.

2. Communicate Risks Clearly to Participants:
   While BJJ and other martial arts involve contact and risk, gym owners must ensure those risks are disclosed in writing and acknowledged via signed waivers and clear instruction.

3. Review Your Insurance Policies — Today:
   Many gyms assume they’re covered, but often, standard general liability insurance excludes participant injuries— the exact kind of claim involved in this case. Gym owners are urged to consult with specialists to review their coverage and consider adding supplemental accident insurance, especially given the rise in litigation.

The Bigger Picture: This Will Not Be the Last Lawsuit

"This isn’t a one-off case," says Chris Martin, CEO of JiuJitsuInsurance.com. “We’ve already seen an uptick in lawsuits across California and other states. As more gyms open and more students join, these risks — and the financial consequences — only grow.”

Chris Martin after training Jiu Jitsu at Del Mar Jiu Jitsu club September 2024.

Martin emphasizes that instructors must understand the weight of their actions on the mat. “The line between a competitive roll and an unsafe one isn’t always clear — but courts are showing less tolerance for ambiguity when someone gets hurt.”

A Call to Action for the BJJ and Martial Arts Community

The Del Mar verdict is a harsh reminder that passion, tradition, and martial values are not legal defenses. The martial arts community is being called to evolve: not just in skill and technique, but in accountability, professionalism, and business practices.

Chris Martin leaving Del Mar Jiu Jitsu after interviewing the owner of the gym.

For gym owners, this means upgrading insurance, training staff, enforcing safety standards, and protecting their students — and their livelihoods.

For students, it’s a reminder to advocate for safe training, understand their rights, and ensure they’re covered in the event of injury.

If you operate a gym or train regularly, now is the time to review your insurance and risk policies. Learn more or request a free coverage review at JiuJitsuInsurance.com.

References

1. “Paralyzed Man Awarded $46M After Injury During Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Lesson in Del Mar,” NBC San Diego, May 2025. Link

2. “$46M Verdict Cemented for Young Man Paralyzed During Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Lesson,” Times of San Diego, June 2, 2025. Link

3. D’Antonio, Gabe. “The Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Case: Implications for Martial Arts Liability and Insurance,” JiuJitsuInsurance.com, May 2025. Link

4. “Jiu-Jitsu Student Wins Huge Sum After Being Paralyzed During Lesson in California,” Daily Mail, June 2025. Link

5. “The Incident Unveiled: McDojo Breakdown Exposes $46 Million Lawsuit and Challenges Jiu-Jitsu Gym Owners to Prioritize Safety,” JiuJitsuInsurance.com, June 2025. Link

6. “Revamping Safety: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's New Era of Risk Management,” JiuJitsuInsurance.com, June 2025. Link

Protect yourself on and off the mats. Get affordable personal injury coverage for Jiu-Jitsu athletes starting at only $30/month from JiuJitsuInsurance.com.

McDojo Breakdown: $46M Lawsuit Warns Jiu Jitsu Gym Owners.

In April 2023, the McDojo Breakdown YouTube channel posted a video entitled “The Incident”, which examines the $46 million dollar lawsuit resulting from a tragic 2018 accident at Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club in which a student was paralyzed. In addition to a more thorough explanation of the case, McDojo Breakdown cites two key definitions, and issues a challenge to jiu jitsu gym owners.

The two relevant definitions are:

• Negligence - failure to use reasonable care resulting in damage or injury to another.

• Intent - intention or purpose.

  The challenge for gym owners is this: How will you move forward with intent towards keeping your students safer, and avoiding your own negligence case? And what have you learned from this case that you will use to make your students safer? At Jiu Jitsu Insurance, we believe that every gym owner should be asking themselves these questions, and documenting their answers in a risk management plan. This lawsuit reminds all of us that tragic accidents do happen, even despite the best efforts and intentions of coaches and gym owners. In a worst case scenario where you are taken to court for a similar case, there will be a heavy focus on the details of your risk management plan, both during the trial, and on applications for the insurance companies defending you. The court and the insurance companies will want to know not only that you have a strong risk management plan in place, but that all of your coaches, volunteers, and employees are aware of the plan, and that it is reviewed on a regular basis. Our main recommendations for jiu jitsu gym owners are as follows:

  Have a strong risk management plan in place, and make sure to review it regularly with all staff and volunteers.

  Make sure that your insurance policies are up to date. Even if you think they are, it’s worth it to double check - some insurance payments were paused during COVID, which led to some gym owners forgetting to restart their payments, leaving them without the essential coverage they thought they had.

  Know exactly what your gym insurance policy covers.

  Does your liability insurance cover the specific activities in which students participate in your gym? Not all policies cover jiu jitsu or mixed martial arts activities. Are open mat participants covered under your policy? What about coaches and other staff?

Our final and most important recommendation for jiu jitsu gym owners is this: never assume!

Don’t assume that your policy is up to date or that your premiums are paid, take the time to check. Don’t assume that everyone who needs coverage (coaches, employees, volunteers, open mat participants) is covered—make sure to check. Don’t assume that all of your gym’s activities are covered—always, always check.

If you need more information on risk management plans, policy details, or any other questions about insurance for your jiu jitsu school, give Jiu Jitsu Insurance a call. Learn from the tragedy of the Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club case—make sure you are protecting your students, your school, and yourself.

Here are a few examples of mistakes bjj gym owners make when buying liability insurance for their gym.

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Protect yourself on and off the mats. Get affordable personal injury coverage for Jiu-Jitsu athletes starting at only $30/month from JiuJitsuInsurance.com

Revamping Safety: A New Era of Risk Management in BJJ.

The landscape of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) industry experienced a seismic shift following the recent $46 million lawsuit against Del Mar Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The repercussions of this landmark case have been far- reaching, impacting how gym owners operate and how they perceive and manage risks within their training environments. It has raised questions about established practices, and heightened scrutiny, and compelled gym owners to revisit their risk management plans.

Importance of Risk Management in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gyms

We are keenly aware of the significant role that risk management plays in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms. Our perspective is that a comprehensive risk management plan must be thoroughly conceptualized, well documented, and regularly reviewed with all gym personnel, including coaches and other employees. This approach highlights the complex responsibilities of gym owners in devising, continually refining, and effectively communicating risk management strategies.

Creating a conducive training environment that is safe, healthy, and beneficial for trainers and trainees alike is largely the responsibility of the owners. Understanding that risk awareness is a collective duty beyond simple knowledge and adherence is essential. In this setting, coaching staff and gym employees are equally vital in ensuring the successful implementation of these risk management plans.

A New Era of Protocols and Procedures

The recent Del Mar lawsuit has instigated a transformational shift, encouraging gym owners to reconsider their conventional operational practices. While previously employed strategies may have been successful, adaptation and innovation are now paramount. This legal development has required a comprehensive review of gym policies, leading to an amplified focus on potential juror viewpoints.

At JiuJitsuInsurance.com, we strongly believe that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym owners need to reassess their operations in light of this lawsuit. The legal action has ushered in new protocols and procedures that demand consideration. Understanding the judicial viewpoint from which gym operations might be assessed has never been more crucial.

Without question, this emerging era of protocols and procedures underscores the significance of sensible risk management in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms. As the industry grapples with these changes, gym owners, coaches, and trainers must equip themselves with the necessary knowledge, strategies, and resources to manage risks responsibly and effectively.

Utilizing Outside Resources for Risk Management

In the wake of the Del Mar lawsuit, now's a great time to draw wisdom from others in the sport for risk management. The Jiu-Jitsu community has access to a multitude of resources, many of them available right at our fingertips. For instance, YouTube offers extensive content from seasoned practitioners who share invaluable insights into reducing risks at the gym. A standout voice amidst these is that of John Danaher, renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts instructor and coach from New Zealand, recognized for his authoritative and strategic approach to injury prevention.

John Danaher on Reducing Injury Risk in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

John Danaher's perspective on risk management in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms sheds light on how the culture and environment within these spaces play a critical role in mitigating injury risk. His philosophy pivots on a singular keyword - 'control.’

John Danaher says that there is one word he uses to describe how you can manage the culture and the environment in your gym to reduce the risk of student injury. The more controlled the movement and even the minds of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, the lower the injury rate.

In this ethos, control is twofold; it refers to the physical control of movement during training, but it also emphasizes mental control, specifically the ability to regulate emotions, competitiveness, and the overall mindset during a match or practice.

How Control Impacts Injury Rates

John Danaher elaborates on control: "If you make control rather than outcome the central focus of both yourself and your training partners, you will find injury rates, particularly small-scale injury and severe injuries, go down over time."

This indicates that a shift in focus can make a world of difference. Prioritizing control of the body and mind over the outcome of a match or session results in fewer injuries over time. This means fostering a gym culture that prizes mutual respect and self-control, understanding that these are the building blocks of a safe training environment.

Gym culture plays an outsized role in injury prevention. If both gym owners and practitioners committed to fostering an environment where control and safety are at the helm, the impact on injury rates will be profound. The idea is not just about winning or mastering techniques but about learning, growing, and practicing in a way that values every individual's safety and well-being.

By integrating such strategies and philosophies into their risk management plans, gym owners can mitigate the likelihood of incidents and cultivate a culture that puts safety first. John Danaher's insights can serve as a guidepost in this endeavor, helping owners and coaches shape the ethos of their gyms.

Turning Risk into Control: The Future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gyms

The Del Mar Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lawsuit marks a turning point in the industry, compelling gym owners to reevaluate their risk management plans. John's assertion that "control rather than outcome" must be the central focus in the gym culture for injury rates to reduce over time rings louder now more than ever. Gym owners need to be proactive in creating safer environments for their students and staff. This not only ensures their well-being but also reduces legal risks. Should you need guidance on liability insurance or other methods to minimize risk in your gym, do not hesitate to reach out.

Together, we can create a safer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.

The Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Case: Implications for Martial Arts Liability & Insurance.

This article delves into the significance of the Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu case and its implications for martial arts liability and insurance. Attorney Gabe D'Antonio's comprehensive overview of the jury verdict provides valuable insights into the reasoning behind the ruling. Moreover, the article highlights essential risk management strategies for gym owners, emphasizes the importance of appropriate insurance coverage, and stresses the need for gyms to regularly review and update their risk management plans.

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Protect yourself on and off the mats. Get affordable personal injury coverage for Jiu-Jitsu athletes starting at only $30/month from JiuJitsuInsurance.com

Martial Arts Liability: Lessons from Del Mar Jiu Jitsu Case.

On May 4th, 2023, Attorney Gabe D'Antonio of Gordon & Rees released a comprehensive paper on the $46 million jiu-jitsu lawsuit. In his well-written overview, Attorney D'Antonio, who is an avid practitioner of jiu-jitsu alongside his legal practice, offers insights into the jury verdict, outlining its implications for the sport now and in the future. Titled "What Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Case Means for Martial Arts Liability," this article is a valuable resource for gym owners seeking a deeper understanding of the ruling. You can read the full article by clicking here >>. 

What Can BJJ Gym Owners Do Now To Manage This Risk?:

As a prominent case within the Jiu Jitsu community, the Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu lawsuit stands as a reminder that legal battles like this can and do happen in our community, and should not be taken lightly. It also carries a significant message for BJJ gyms: a call to action to thoroughly evaluate and review their risk management plans moving forward. This lawsuit serves as a wake-up call, urging gym owners to prioritize the safety of their participants and take proactive measures to protect against potential liabilities. Within his article, Attorney Gabe D'Antonio emphasizes two crucial risk management strategies that gym owners can implement immediately, to reduce potential liabilities at their facilities:

1. Acknowledging Potential Bodily Harm: Gym owners and operators must never downplay or ignore the physical injuries that can arise from martial arts training. Gym owners can set a precedent for safety and responsible training by recognizing and communicating the inherent risks to participants.

2. Enforcing Discipline and Compliance: Attorneys D'Antonio urges gym owners to be confident when removing students or instructors who fail to follow instructions and the rules, regardless of their belt rank. Gyms can ensure a safer training environment for all participants by maintaining strict discipline and enforcing compliance when it comes to training safely.

Attorney Gabe D'Antonio's two recommendations serve as an excellent starting point for gyms that are in the process of reviewing or creating a comprehensive risk management plan. By emphasizing the importance of acknowledging potential bodily harm and enforcing discipline and compliance, these guidelines place a strong focus on the safety and well-being of BJJ participants. Having a well-developed and regularly reviewed risk management plan is absolutely crucial for ensuring the safety of all participants on the BJJ mats and it should not be overlooked, as in any legal case involving injuries in mixed martial arts, both the defendants and the gym itself will be scrutinized.

A comprehensive risk management plan not only safeguards the well-being of participants but also serves as a vital tool in legal trials, emphasizing the gym's commitment to safety and minimizing potential liabilities. 

The Importance of Keeping Gym Insurance Policies Up to Date:

In addition to discussing risk management strategies in the paper, D'Antonio summarizes the entire situation with a warning to the martial arts community, stating that the long-term effects of the Greener case on the legal practice and martial arts community are yet to be fully understood. He concludes that while it is of hope that this case is an isolated incident, a more realistic expectation is an increase in litigation arising, and advises that BJJ gym owners should have their liability insurance programs reviewed yearly to ensure proper coverage for their unique risks.

Subsequently, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academies should double-check to ensure that their commercial insurance policy provides appropriate coverage for participants in those insurance policies. For example, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to issue general liability insurance to BJJ gym owners and exclude liability for the participants. The problem is that although that type of insurance coverage may be easy to find or cheap to purchase, that contract exposes the gym owner to lawsuits that arise from allegations similar to those from the Jack Greener case. Neglecting participant liability coverage could result from various factors:

1. Lack of Specialization: Insurance agents or brokers who lack expertise in sports or martial arts insurance may overlook the specific needs and risks associated with BJJ or MMA gyms, inadvertently omitting participant liability coverage from the policy.

2. Miscommunication: Poor communication between gym owners and insurance agents can lead to errors. If the gym owner fails to express their need for participant liability coverage clearly, or if the agent overlooks critical aspects of the gym's operations, the resulting policy may not provide the necessary coverage.

3. Assumptions or Generalizations: Insurance agents may make assumptions or rely on generalizations about coverage requirements for businesses in specific industries. In the case of BJJ or MMA gyms, they might mistakenly assume that general liability policies cover participant injuries without thoroughly understanding the unique risks involved.

4. Policy Exclusions: The insurance policy may contain exclusions or limitations easily overlooked or misunderstood. Complex language or buried information in the policy documentation could result in the gym owner and agent missing key details.

5. Lack of Risk Assessment: With a comprehensive risk assessment for the gym, insurance agents may fully grasp the potential risks associated with participant injuries, leading them to pay attention to the need for specific participant liability coverage.

To prevent such oversights, gym owners should seek insurance professionals specializing in sports and recreation, particularly martial arts or combat sports like the insurance brokers at JiuJitsuInsurance.com. Our insurance specialists who also train in the martial art better understand the unique risks involved and can provide appropriate coverage options that address participant liability concerns like these. 

Common Mistakes When Choosing Insurance Coverage.

Owning a jiu jitsu gym comes with significant responsibility. Protecting your business from lawsuits and claims is crucial. Purchasing a commercial general liability insurance plan can help. But, selecting the right coverage can be complex, and mistakes can be costly. In this article, we'll explore common mistakes jiu jitsu gym owners make when choosing insurance coverage and provide guidance on how to avoid them.

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Protect yourself on and off the mats. Get affordable personal injury coverage for Jiu-Jitsu athletes starting at only $30/month from JiuJitsuInsurance.com

Win or Learn - Lessons Learned from a BJJ Lawsuit.

Jiu-jitsu is a highly physical and demanding sport that requires rigorous training and discipline. However, the risk of injury is always present, and instructors must prioritize their students' safety. Fortunately, valuable lessons can be learned from the Jack Greener lawsuit, which has shed light on the importance of risk management in the jiu-jitsu gym.

Recently, Rener Gracie shared his findings from the Jack Greener case with the jiu-jitsu community. The case highlighted some critical lessons that can be applied from a risk perspective in the jiu-jitsu gym. One of the most important takeaways is the need to properly train and prepare students for the moves they will be experiencing. This legal case seemed to favor the idea that students should be taught the jiu-jitsu technique before it is used on or against them during full-intensity live sparring. This technique awareness helps to minimize the risk of injury even if the BJJ move is performed incorrectly. Additionally this case sends a message to BJJ instructors that they should be cautious in training with lower belts and while rolling should only attempt specific techniques if they have complete control over themselves, and their students.

The Jack Greener lawsuit has also identified several "rules of thumb" that coaches should consider regarding student safety in BJJ gyms. These include prioritizing student safety as a jiu-jitsu coach and assessing and minimizing all risks, especially when working with white belts.

Coaches should also avoid being overly aggressive during sparring sessions, as it is a time for learning, not winning. When performing moves that put the neck and spine at risk, instructors must have control over their students as well as when applying spinal submissions or movements, they must also maintain control over themselves.

To create a safer training environment for their BJJ students, gym owners should create or review their risk management plan. This plan should outline how the gym will execute risk management strategies to ensure the safety of its students. The four key focus areas for the risk management plan should be risk identification, risk assessment, risk mitigation, and activity monitoring. By identifying potential risks, assessing their likelihood and potential impact, and taking steps to mitigate them, gym owners can create a safer training environment for their students. Additionally, monitoring all gym activities can help identify and address any potential risks before they become a serious problem.

Recently, Chris Martin, an agent at JiuJitsuInsurance.com who helps gym owners find insurance for their jiu-jitsu gyms, appeared on the "Enter The Guard" podcast. He further discussed these critical lessons and the importance of risk management in the jiu-jitsu gym and explained that jiu-jitsu instructors must prioritize their students' safety and take the necessary precautions to ensure they can train effectively without risking injury.

By following these guidelines and developing a comprehensive risk management plan, gym owners can create a safer and more effective training environment for their students while reducing liability at their gym.

WHAT WILL INSURANCE FOR MY BJJ SCHOOL COST?

If you are opening up a BJJ school you might want to know what it might cost to pay for your gym insurance. This video is a breakdown of what you can expect to budget for the coverage you need when you open a school. Read more >>

Protect yourself on and off the mats. Get affordable personal injury coverage for Jiu-Jitsu athletes starting at only $30/month from JiuJitsuInsurance.com