Sylvio Behring, J.A. Barreto, and "Papa" John Gorman

A group of Red Belt Grand Masters announced the formation of Jiu-Jitsu International in Rio De Janeiro Brazil today.

The elite of Jiu-Jitsu including João Alberto Barreto, Francisco
Mansur, Flávio Behring and Álvaro Barreto formed the organization as a non-profit association geared toward the inclusion of Jiu-Jitsu as part of the 2016 Olympics.

Jiu-Jitsu International will likely push for the Brazilian Olympic
Committee to endorse an arrangement similar to what Wushu enthusiasts were able to accomplish during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Wushu was not one of the 28 official Olympic sports, nor a demonstration event. Instead, it was called the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Wushu Tournament.

John "Papa John" Gorman, JJI's executive director, with one of his students

The association named John “PapaJohn” Gorman as the executive director of the organization. Papa John brings commercial business sense to the non-profit group, as he was formerly the executive director of Gracie Barra in the United States.

“Whether you call it a demonstration sport or an Olympic Games Jiu-Jitsu tournament, either way our sport will be included in the 2016 games if we organize now and put in the effort,” said PapaJohn.

Tatame.com reported earlier the group would work to guarantee recognition of Jiu-Jitsu by the International Olympic Committee, a requirement for inclusion in the games.

Read the Tatame article about Jiu Jitsu International here

The Tatame report illustrates the grandmasters’ understanding of the sport’s amateur status.

“We need an international organization to lead and make the sport popular all over the world. No one can own Jiu-Jitsu,” said João Alberto according to the report.