Sociology Professor Juan Pitones is working on a dissertation for his Ph.D. about the social aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He presented part of his findings during Multicultural Day in a lecture focusing on masculinity and gender differences on the mat.

The feeling of going on the mat, where classes take place, as well as grappling with the opposite gender is something Pitones knows very personally. He holds a blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu. This gives him a more accurate perception of the social constructs of the art.

“Until you’ve been socked in the face you don’t know what it’s like to be socked in the face,” Pitones said.

Most of the lecture concerned around the rules surrounding a match between a man and a woman. As an untold rule, men only use part of their strength when they are paired up with women.

This rule maintains stability until the woman gets close to winning, which is when some men start to use most or all of their strength.

Pitones claimed that these men will engage in the informal rules until their pride and masculinity becomes threatened.

He argues that everyday life mirrors this disregard for informal rules whenever pride is attacked.

“Sports itself is reflective of society,” Pitones said.