Lucy Devine
A man was awarded $56 million (£41 million) after sustaining a spinal injury during a jiu-jitsu lesson.
Jack Greener, 30, was a white belt - which is beginner level - in jiu-jitsu and had been sparring with an instructor, Francisco Iturralde, 33, when he suffered the injury.
During their session, Iturralde performed a technique which resulted in Greener injuring his cervical vertebrae. He was left with paralysis in all four limbs and was hospitalised for months.
“The black belt instructor did a technique that placed his entire body weight on Greener’s neck, causing him to instantly fall limp and lose all function of his limbs,” expert witness, Rener Gracie, said.
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Iturralde is known on his website as 'Sinistro' meaning 'sinister' thanks to his 'dynamic, aggressive grappling style' (via The New York Post).
Greener - who has since recovered after undergoing surgery and years of rehabilitation - went on to sue the Del Mar Jiu Jitsu club in San Diego, California, claiming the club is responsible for the injuries.
In 2023, Greener was awarded $46 million in damages. Despite the studio appealing the decision, it was not overturned and they have now been ordered to pay $56 million in total (including accrued interest).
According to NBC San Diego, the verdict was also affirmed by a state appellate panel last year, with one of Greener's attorneys saying the ruling 'cements a critical legal victory not only for our client, but also for injured athletes across California by reaffirming that sports instructors and facilities may be held accountable when they unreasonably increase risks beyond those inherent in the sport'.
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"While sparring with Greener during a BJJ class, Iturralde gave no demonstration or active instruction," the court judgement read, as per The Daily Mail.
"Instead, he acted more like a student coparticipant than an instructor when he immobilized and executed a series of maneuvers on Greener.
"But as an instructor with superior knowledge and skill of BJJ, Iturralde was differently situated from other students, and thus he can—and we conclude should—be held to a different standard."
Greener has since gone on to be a motivational speaker, and recalls his story to inspire others.
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Last year, on the six-year anniversary of his injury, he wrote: "6 years to infinity. The PTSD of the actual situation has all but healed.
"Having spent April 23’ to now mending the prior four years. Which tbh is pretty cool. And I’m left to mend the remaining pieces as it pertains to courtrooms, suits and ties.
"Honestly, I’ve not achieved much of anything in 2024 and have seemingly regressed in career, finances, etc. Much of it out of my control. But that’s ok, progress and growth isn’t linear.
"The good news is I have a few doors in front of me and relatively speaking, I’m happy and secure. So here’s to hoping the right doors open."