UFC Hall of Famer and former welterweight champion Matt Serra has never been afraid of tough decisions
Whether inside the Octagon or his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academies. Recently, Serra opened up about one of the harsh realities of running a martial arts school: constantly having to kick problematic guys out of the gym.
Appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show, Serra didn’t mince words about how often it happens.
“I pluck guys out every month. Somebody comes in I don’t like, keep your couple hundred dollars—get out of here.”
For Serra, the culture of the gym comes before everything else—money, medals, or talent.
Why Gym Culture Comes First
Serra explained that the most valuable asset in any martial arts academy is the atmosphere created by its members and coaches.
“The biggest thing out of an academy is the atmosphere. It all comes down from the attitude of the people that are running the place. Always,” he said.
By removing toxic personalities, Serra protects his students—particularly beginners, women, and children—from being alienated or discouraged. The philosophy is simple: the right people thrive when the wrong people are shown the door.
Other Coaches Agree: No Talent Excuses Bad Behavior
Serra isn’t alone in this approach. BJJ black belt Jeff Messina shared a similar perspective on the Combat Creative podcast.
“I’ve kicked people out that are very talented in Jiu-Jitsu. I don’t want to have that cancer in the gym… people will start leaving because this person is making bad choices or treating people poorly.”
Messina explained that an instructor’s role is to create a safe, respectful space where everyone—from hobbyists to competitors—can train without fear of intimidation or negativity.
The Cost of Tolerating Toxic Students
Some academies have faced criticism for protecting high-level competitors, even when their behavior negatively impacts others. Serra and Messina take the opposite stance:
- No competitor is above the team.
- One toxic student can drive away many good ones.
- The long-term health of the community matters more than short-term wins.
For Serra, letting go of “problematic guys” isn’t a loss—it’s an investment in a stronger, healthier academy.
Joe Rogan: Jiu-Jitsu Requires Patience and Resilience
While Serra focused on gym culture, his longtime friend Joe Rogan highlighted the physical and mental toll of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. On his show, Rogan explained that jiu-jitsu is a sport that tests patience because injuries and setbacks are inevitable.
“What sport provides more patience than jiu-jitsu? Everybody’s hurt… 40-year-old jiu-jitsu guys, everybody’s knees are messed up, shoulders messed up, elbows messed up.”
Despite the wear and tear, Serra insists the rewards are worth it—joking that it’s still “better than pickleball.”
Serra’s Coaching Philosophy
Serra’s no-nonsense approach to toxic students is balanced by his playful, engaging teaching style. He continues to run classes for older students, mixing intensity with humor to keep them motivated.
“Just to feel like Gordon Ryan, I jump on the old men. I have fun with them, but they love it,” Serra laughed.
His formula is clear: strict on culture, fun on the mats.
Key Takeaways
- Matt Serra constantly removes problematic guys from his BJJ academy.
- Gym culture and respect matter more than tuition or skill.
- Jeff Messina echoes Serra’s stance: no athlete is above the community.
- Joe Rogan stresses patience in BJJ, given its demanding physical toll.
- Serra’s teaching style blends strict discipline with humor and fun.
FAQ
Q1: Why does Matt Serra kick guys out of his gym?
He prioritizes a positive, respectful culture over keeping toxic students, regardless of their skill level.
Q2: Do other BJJ coaches agree with Serra?
Yes. Jeff Messina and other instructors also remove disruptive members to protect gym morale.
Q3: How often does Serra remove problematic students?
According to Serra, he kicks out people almost every month if they disrupt the culture.
Q4: What does Joe Rogan say about jiu-jitsu training?
Rogan highlights that the sport demands patience and resilience, especially with the high rate of injuries.
- Suggested Internal Links (anchors only)
- Why Positive Gym Culture Matters in BJJ
- How to Prevent Toxic Behavior in Martial Arts Schools
- The Benefits of Training Jiu-Jitsu as an Adult
- Joe Rogan’s Take on Martial Arts and Resilience
