Creonte

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Creonte is a Brazilian Portuguese pejorative term roughly meaning "traitor" that is used within Brazilian jiu-jitsu organizations to refer to a former student who is perceived to be disloyal due to starting an independent school, switching associations, or otherwise moving on from a longstanding relationship with an academy or instructor.[1][2] In the pre-Internet era, former students were perceived to have knowledge of "secret" techniques known only within their prior school which could be taught and used against former teammates at Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitions such as IBJJF and ADCC tournaments.

Origins[]

The coining of the term is credited to the late grandmaster Carlson Gracie (1932 – 2006), who is said to have adapted the term from a character in a popular TV soap opera in Brazil. The character had many competing allegiances and changed his mind and loyalties frequently.[1]

Use outside of Brazil[]

With the proliferation of modern Brazilian jiu-jitsu organizations and academies outside of Brazil, the notion of a creonte has inspired reactions as varied as the many cultures it has encountered. While some adhere to the traditional meaning, emphasizing the importance of fidelity to one's chosen instructor and academy,[3][4] others argue the notion no longer applies in the same sense, or that it can be avoided. The latter cite instances such as a student moving to a new geographic area and no longer having access to his or her original training organization, an increasing number of casual or hobbyist students, who do not identify as strongly with any one particular school or organization, and that in the internet age, there are no longer "secret" techniques and tactics known only to a particular academy or instructor, so that may be used against the organization, if a student quits and joins a rival school.[5][6]

In popular culture[]

Matt Heafy of heavy metal band Trivium references the term in the song "Betrayer," as Heafy is a student of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.[7]

References[]

  1. ^ a b Peligro, Kid. "Are you a "Creonte"?". Gracie Academy. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  2. ^ "BJJ Vocabulary". BJJ Heroes. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  3. ^ "GB News: Você sabe o que significa creonte?". Gracie Barra (Portuguese). 24 April 2014. Archived from the original on 6 January 2015. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  4. ^ Owens, Keith (13 January 2013). "CREONTE!!". From The Ground Up (blog). Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  5. ^ Worthington, Valerie. "How to Switch BJJ Schools and Not Be a Creonte". breakingmuscle.com. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  6. ^ "Loyalty in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: What is a Creonte Anyway?". BJJWeekly.com ISSUE #060. 4 July 2011. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  7. ^ Matt Heafy Of Trivium Talks Touring, Twitch Streaming, Guitars, Gaming, BJJ & What ‘Will Keep Metal Alive’ Inquisitr, August 29, 2018
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