Last week, the announcement of Sub Spectrum’s “BJJ Woodstock” gave the jiu-jitsu community something else to look forward to following the relaxation of the coronavirus restrictions that have been placed on the world (and, specifically, on contact sports). But although the “three days of peace” already seem like they’re going to be great, with live music and seminars and BJJ tournaments set to take place, promoter Jordan Peitzman has announced a further development to the show that will help participants give back to the jiu-jitsu community.
Peitzman has now shared that the event will be participating in a “democracy dollars” program that will help offer a bit of financial support to deserving people in the sport. On the Sub Spectrum website, the initiative is described thus:
“So many people want to donate to #BJJWOODSTOCK that we have decided to take 100% of all donations received through the CashApp link below and divide it evenly to everyone who purchases a ticket to the event in the form of virtual “democracy dollars.” They will be able [to] grant that amount to the athlete, artist, presenter, instructor, or demonstrator of their choice!”
Peitzman told the Jiu-Jitsu Times that the idea came from former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, who has previously voiced his support for jiu-jitsu in law enforcement.
“He had an idea to fund a program where every American citizen would be granted $100 in virtual ‘democracy dollars’ each year to donate to the political campaign of their choice. This would drown out the lobbyist cash that heavily influences our laws and policies by a factor of 8 to 1.
“I want to completely reinvent the way my promotion is executed. I don’t want to stand in the middle of athletes and their profits. I want as much of the money coming from consumers as possible to go directly into the hands of athletes. That’s why the majority of the events associated with BJJ Woodstock will be free to attend, and we will be pushing consumers to the athletes’ personal payment methods and product services (Venmo, CashApp, PayPal, their DVD, YouTube channels, online training materials, private lessons, etc.).
“I believe this is the first step of many along the way to creating an athlete-centered version of capitalism and promotion. This is our way of ‘drowning out’ antiquated promotional models where athletes and sponsors are taken advantage of at the benefit of promoters and promotions.”
Whether or not you can attend BJJ Woodstock, which is set to take place August 21, 22, and 23 in Des Moine, Iowa, you can contribute to the cause by donating to the CashApp here.
