Rener defends online Gracie University
“Some people do not understand that online study is even more effective than learning in the traditional classroom,” said Rener Gracie in an interview with Tatame.
Modern mixed martial arts owes its existence to the Gracie Family, notably Helio’s line. Helio developed the technique of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His son Rorion popularized it. Now the third generation, Rener and Ryron, have taken it upon themselves to educate people about BJJ.
Controversially, part of that process is their online courses, in which they award rank via video. After just six years, their Gracie University reportedly has 90,000 students in nearly 200 countries. The practice has received wide criticism, including from family members Renzo and Relson.
In an interview with Tatame, Rener offers a defense, and says it is an fact a superior alternative to learning BJJ in an actual academy.
“Some people do not understand that online study is even more effective than learning in the traditional classroom,” said Rener, via Google Translate. “In a live class, there are students of all stripes, and the teacher gives the same lesson for everyone. Online, each has its specific class. Some people tried to learn in the classroom, but the lessons were random, and some students had difficulty learning. And what did they do? Resorted to Gracie University!”
