I’m an old fart, which means I spend an unfortunate amount of time complaining about new styles of Jiu Jitsu. I wasn’t a fan a the butt-scooting competitors (don’t get me started on the double guard pull butt-scooters). Inversion, while invaluable in specific situations, is ridiculous to play as a main guard, if we’re still going to consider bjj a martial art viable for self defense. Likewise for the leg lock game: great as a tool in your toolbox, but I spend far more time teaching my students guard passing than leg locks.

All that said, there are many bright spots in recent bjj history. When I first saw the Mendes brothers compete, I realized I was truly watching Jiu Jitsu turned into art (bad pun intended). While he doesn’t yet have the same time in competition, I feel similarly about the new kid on the block: Mica Galvao. His Jiu Jitsu is what I wish mine looked like.

There seems to be a trend among the newer generation to rely more upon speed and athleticism than technique. Mica, while fast, remains glued to his opponent. His game is tight, technical and always looking for the finish. While his young opponents often rely upon scrambles to impose their superior athleticism, Mica calmly transitions between traditional Jiu Jitsu positions, effectively limiting his opponent’s opportunities while increasing his own.

In short, that young man gives this old man a great deal of hope for the future. We may well be looking at one of, if not the, greatest to ever do this.