The “Creonte” Concept

In BJJ culture, the word “creonte” is used to describe someone who switches teams, often viewed as disloyalty. The term originates from Carlson Gracie, who borrowed it from a Brazilian soap opera character known for betrayal. In the tight-knit world of early BJJ, leaving a team was seen as a serious breach of trust.

Over time, however, attitudes have softened as the sport has grown more international and professional. While the stigma still exists in some circles, cross-training and switching teams are now common, reflecting the evolution from a family-based martial art to a global sport.