Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu icon Paulo Miyao recently took to social media to express his disappointment with an unnamed grappling promotion that extended a meager $1,000 offer for a match. Miyao, a seasoned competitor with over a decade of elite-level experience, highlighted the need for fair compensation in professional grappling and emphasized the challenges faced by athletes striving to make a living solely through competition.
The Unfortunate Reality of Grappling Compensation: In his Instagram post, Miyao recounted 15 years of dedication to his craft, having achieved recognition as one of the world’s top BJJ practitioners. Despite an impressive resume, including teaching in over 20 countries, operating a successful school with over 150 students within a year, and maintaining a substantial social media presence, Miyao found himself offered an unexpectedly low sum for a match at one of the world’s premier jiu-jitsu events.
Miyao’s Perspective on Consideration: While acknowledging that $1,000 isn’t an insignificant amount, Miyao underscored the importance of being adequately considered for the years of commitment and expertise he brings to the sport. He expressed a sense of disappointment in the lack of acknowledgment for his contributions and the value he represents in the professional grappling community.
The Evolving Landscape of Grappling Compensation: Miyao’s revelation comes at a time when other notable athletes, like Roberto Jimenez, have also raised concerns about the financial challenges faced in professional grappling. However, amidst these challenges, there are positive developments in the industry, with some promotions offering substantial six-figure prizes. Miyao’s $1,000 offer stands in stark contrast to the growing trend of improved compensation in top-tier events.
A Word of Advice to Aspiring Athletes: In light of his experience, Miyao offered valuable advice to the next generation of grapplers. While emphasizing the importance of training hard and excelling in competition, he encouraged them to diversify their skill set. Miyao suggested that aspiring athletes should invest time in honing teaching, communication, and sales skills related to Jiu-Jitsu, providing an avenue for financial stability beyond competition purses.Miyao Rejects $1,000 Offer from Unnamed Promotion
