In regards to the new close-out rules change, the IBJJF never had the intention to direct any criticism towards the athletes who bravely competed at the 2022 Pan Championship and chose to close-out their division with their adversaries. The rule change was also not intended to criticize the athletes who have closed out in the past, since the creation of the Worlds in 1996 and even the years before that. 

We have always understood the culture of teammates' close-outs and its purpose throughout the decades of this sport. 

However, times have changed. The evolution of the sport has led us to recent opportunities and scenarios, along with expectations of all parties involved. The present and future of the sport must allow even more opportunities for all athletes, teams and sponsors. 

The changes announced for the upcoming 2022 World Championship were long overdue and had the intention to adapt to this new era of opportunity and expectations. This is directly in relation to the way athletes decide the main competitions and finals outcomes. 

In the long term, for this generation of competitors and for the ones to come, the IBJJF believes that more favorable opportunities will be created for athletes to live a more prosperous life through Jiu-Jitsu.