Creonte

The term creonte originated within Brazilian jiu-jitsu organizations in Brazil to refer to a student who either is, or perceived to be, disloyal to a particular school or organization, particularly one with which the student had a long-standing or otherwise well-invested relationship. As such, the expression is used pejoratively, and has drawn comparisons to the English word traitor.

Origins

The coining of the term is credited to the late grandmaster Carlson Gracie who is said to have adopted the name from a character in a popular TV Soap opera broadcast in Brazil. The character had many allegiances and changed his mind and loyalties frequently.

Use outside of Brazil

With the proliferation of modern Brazilian jiu-jitsu organizations and academies outside of Brazil, the notion of a creonte has inspired reactions as varied as the many cultures it has encountered. While some adhere to the traditional meaning, emphasizing the importance of fidelity to one's chosen instructor and academy, others argue the notion no longer applies in the same sense, or that it can be avoided. The latter cite instances such as a student moving to a new geographic area and no longer having access to his or her original training organization, an increasing number of casual or hobbyist students, who do not identify as strongly with any one particular school or organization, and that in the internet age, there are no longer "secret" techniques and tactics known only to a particular academy or instructor, so that may be used against the organization if a student quits and joins a rival school.