Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a highly respected martial art that requires a lot of discipline and mental toughness. However, as with any other sport, there are certain unethical practices that can harm the integrity of the sport and the flow of the game. One such practice is the “Brazilian Tap,” which is considered highly disrespectful and can even be dangerous. In this article, we will examine the negative impact of using the Brazilian tap in BJJ, both in the gym and in Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, as well as ways to deal with people using it.
What is a Brazilian Tap in BJJ?
A Brazilian tap is a deceptive move in grappling and combat sports that employ tapping out, during which a practitioner pretends to tap out or signals submission when they are not in any actual danger. The goal is to make their opponent release their hold, thinking that they have won the match, only for the person faking the tap to resume fighting.
This tactic is usually employed to gain an unfair advantage over the opponent and is widely considered a disrespectful and unethical practice.
Where Does The Term Come From?
The term “Brazilian tap” is relatively new and has emerged with the increasing popularity of BJJ. It is not a term that is commonly used in other grappling or combat sports, which suggests that its origins are closely tied to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The exact origin of the term “Brazilian tap” is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the BJJ community, most likely in Brazil, as the name suggests. Some sources point out that the term was coined by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners who were frustrated by the use of this deceptive tactic in the sport. The term quickly gained notoriety within the BJJ community, and it is now widely recognized although it is something that is heavily frowned upon.
Using The Brazilian Tap
The Brazilian tap is a deceptive tactic in which a practitioner pretends to tap out or signals submission when they are not in any actual danger. The goal is to make their opponent release their hold, thinking that they have won the match, only for the person faking the tap to resume fighting. The use of the Brazilian tap goes against the core values of the sport of BJJ, but still makes an occurrence here and there, especially among lower belts.
In The Gym
The gym is a space where BJJ practitioners can train and hone their skills in a safe and supportive environment. However, the use of the Brazilian tap can create a hostile and potentially dangerous atmosphere between training partners. It can lead to mistrust and resentment between practitioners, which can undermine the core values of the sport and create a negative training environment.
The use of the Brazilian tap can also be dangerous, as it may cause the opponent to release their hold prematurely (during transitions and scrambles), potentially causing injury to the person faking the tap. It also disrupts the flow of training and wastes valuable time that could be spent on more productive training techniques. Moreover, it creates distrust between training partners and might lead to people cranking and executing submissions in a much more aggressive manner against someone who is known to utilize fake taps.
In Jiu-Jitsu Tournaments
In Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, the use of the Brazilian tap is especially egregious. It can lead to mistrust and controversy, and it undermines the integrity of the competition. Obviously, it creates an unfair advantage for the person using it, and it can cause resentment and anger in other competitors.
Moreover, the use of the fake tap in Jiu-Jitsu tournaments can also reflect poorly on the sport as a whole. It can create a negative image of the sport, and it can deter potential new practitioners from joining the BJJ community.
The Brazilian tap is not defined as illegal, and while referees might give a verbal warning to someone using it, it won’t get a person disqualified and can greatly influence the outcome of a match.
Why The Fake Tap is Disrespectful
The use of the fake tap in BJJ is considered disrespectful because it goes against the core values of the sport, which include respect, trust, and integrity. The use of deceptive tactics like the Brazilian tap creates a negative image of the sport and leads to mistrust and controversy within the BJJ community. You also don’t want to be tagged as being the person that fakes taps to get out of stuff.
Degrading The Sport
The use of the Brazilian tap in BJJ first and foremost degrades the sport by undermining the principles of fair playfulness and respect. It can create a hostile and potentially dangerous environment, with the person faking taps oftentimes begin a target of overly aggressive finishes and, understandably, injuries. It can also lead to controversy and negative publicity, which can ultimately harm the reputation of the sport, or a gym containing people that use it on a regular basis.
Moreover, the use of the fake tap can create an unfair advantage, which goes against the spirit of competition. It is a blatant form of cheating, which is unacceptable in any sport, and it can cause resentment and anger in other competitors.
Bad Personal “Karma”
The use of the Brazilian tap can also affect personal karma. In BJJ, the principles of respect and discipline are paramount, and practitioners who use deceptive tactics like the fake tap can damage their own reputation and karma. It can create negative energy and lead to a sense of guilt or shame, which can ultimately impact personal growth and development.
Moreover, the negative reputation that someone who uses fake taps can impact their relationships with other practitioners and coaches. It can also undermine the trust and respect that other practitioners have for them, which can ultimately limit their potential for progress in the sport. I guess it can also get someone thrown out of a gym if done often enough.
How To Deal With The Fake Tap?
If you roll with someone that is using the Brazilian tap during training or competition, it’s important to stay composed and focused. Do not release your hold until you are sure that your opponent has truly submitted. If you suspect that someone is using the Brazilian tap, it’s important to bring it to the attention of the coach or referee.
Stay Calm and Maintain Composure
The first step in dealing with the fake tap is to stay calm and maintain composure. It’s important to not get emotional or react impulsively to the situation. Instead, take a deep breath, refocus your attention, and continue with the match. Remember, the Brazilian tap is a cheating tactic, and reacting impulsively can play right into the faker’s hands.
Communicate
If you suspect that your opponent is using a Brazilian tap, it’s important to communicate with them in a respectful and professional manner. Let them know that you’re aware of the tactic and that it’s not acceptable. If they continue to employ the fake tap, consider speaking with your coach or a tournament official to address the issue.
Focus on Fundamentals and Positioning
One effective way to counteract the Brazilian tap is to focus on fundamentals and positioning. By maintaining proper positioning and executing fundamental techniques, you can reduce the likelihood of falling for deceptive tactics like the fake tap. Staying focused on the fundamentals allows you to effectively defend against deceptive tactics and maintain control of the match.
Feeling vs. Seeing The Tap
Finally, it’s important to trust your instincts when dealing with the fake tap. If something feels off or your opponent’s behavior seems suspicious, it’s likely that they’re employing a deceptive tactic like the Brazilian tap.
Simply put, wait until you see the partner tap in rolling, or the referee stops the match in a competition. This does not give you the license to crank and go all the way on submissions, but you should definitely tighten them up and let the other person know that you can cause them serious injury if they are not playing by the rules.
Conclusion
The Brazilian tap is a deceptive tactic that can be used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to gain an unfair advantage over opponents. While the origins of the term are not clear, it is widely recognized as an unethical tactic that goes against the principles of the sport. If you find yourself facing a Brazilian tap, the best approach is to remain calm, communicate with your opponent and coaches/referees, and stay focused on fundamentals and positioning.
Ultimately, it is up to all of us as practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to uphold the values of the sport, at least at the moment.
