MARCELO GARCIA: TRASH TALKING GIVES OUR SPORT THE WRONG PERSPECTIVE

Marcelo Garcia is not only one of the most prolific competitors to have ever graced the Jiu Jitsu mats, he’s one of our sports most likeable icons. Two minutes of conversation with him, and it’s easy to see why: he’s humble, respectful, and pushing a positive message.

Garcia recently spoke to Polaris Pro about the direction many organisations and athletes are currently taking in raising their respective profiles.  

“Our sport is a very positive thing,” says Garcia on Jiu Jitsu as a whole. "It’s not just a martial art; it’s not just fighting; it’s something that helps people. I believe that the trash talking gives our sport the wrong perspective. I could go a long, long way talking about why we shouldn’t do this (trash talking), but people understand what I’m trying to say. 

“I don’t like it when you see events try to promote their stuff with trash talk. So maybe that goes in a good way so the event makes more money, but for the overall, worldwide, making a positive environment, I don’t see that going in a good way.” 

Marcelo is the best middleweight in Jiu Jitsu history; he developed his own unique (and devastating) guillotine; he's an amazing instructor; he’s everything you want from a sporting icon, and he goes against the grain of what he was told he needed to be early in his career.

“I’ve been going against that stereotype of Jiu Jitsu since I started,” Garcia explains. "People told me I needed to look tough; shave my head and have big cauliflower ears. Obviously these people don’t know what they’re talking about. You don’t need to trash talk to submit someone and win a tournament. You can put in a good performance and still be kind and respectful.” 

Watch Garcia’s full interview with Polaris Pro below, and don’t forget to check out www.polarisprograppling.com for information on their next event!