Who we are?

The concept of Ground Based Violence was born a few years ago while reflecting on what drew me to begin—and keep—training in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). At the time, I had just been awarded my purple belt by the legendary Roger Gracie, the GOAT of the sport. This complicated, brutal, and yet often zen-like martial art had me completely hooked. But why? What made BJJ stand apart from anything else I’d done?

I’ve competed in several sports at a decent level—rugby, cycling, and triathlon—but something shifted in my early 40s. I decided I needed to learn how to fight and, more importantly, how to protect myself and my family. Was this a midlife crisis? Maybe. A motorbike or a sports car would have been simpler, less painful, and wouldn’t have left me with cauliflower ears. But the satisfaction from those would have been fleeting.

BJJ, on the other hand, has been the hardest sport I’ve ever done. It would have been so easy to quit—many times over. In fact, many of those I started training with have given up along the way. Only a few have persevered.

Over the years, I’ve trained in several gyms under different black belts, and I’ve practiced in a wide range of environments—from derelict “crack house” gyms to makeshift training sessions in garages during COVID lockdowns. Through all of this, I’ve constantly asked myself: What is it about BJJ that keeps me coming back? What is BJJ, really?

The Essence of BJJ

BJJ is suffering—a test of who can endure the most.

BJJ is violence, albeit controlled and purposeful, distilled into grappling with a beautifully efficient and definitive end point.

BJJ is trust and respect—without your training partners, the individual is nothing.

BJJ is a paradox—simple yet endlessly complex, creating a mental and physical puzzle played out on mats all over the world.

Ground Based Violence: The Brand

With these values in mind, we wanted to create a clothing line that reflects the simplicity and essence of the art itself. At GBV, we’ve also incorporated a nod to the ultimate prize in BJJ: the black belt.

At the heart of our design philosophy is the belief in the power of 3. As Bob Dorough beautifully sang: “Three is the magic number.” The number 3 holds deep cultural, philosophical, and mathematical significance:

In storytelling, the “rule of three” is used to craft impactful narratives.

In religion and philosophy, triads symbolize completeness, unity, and progression.

In geometry, 3 points form the simplest shape—representing stability and balance.

This “magic number” resonates across human thought, creativity, and natural patterns. At GBV, we’ve embraced this concept in designing and creating every garment, ensuring our products reflect stability, balance, and the timeless essence of BJJ.This is only the beginning. We’re excited to keep evolving and innovating while staying true to the principles that inspire us every day.