Aspiring jiu-jitsu fighter received $56 million, remaining paralyzed after a coach's appointment (2 photos + 1 video)

Jack Griner, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu aspirant, has been awarded $56 million in compensation after he was paralyzed during a training session. The incident occurred while the white belt was practicing with black belt instructor Francisco Iturrade.





During a sparring session, Griner was on all fours when the instructor threw him, flipping him face down and twisting his neck. According to Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Rener Gracie, who testified in the case, the instructor put his entire body weight on the student's neck, causing instant trauma as Jack lost control of his limbs.

The fall left the man with shattered cervical vertebrae, leaving him quadriplegic. He later suffered several strokes related to the injuries he sustained. All of this happened just weeks before graduating from college, which completely changed his life.

Griner sued Del Mar Jiu Jitsu in San Diego for negligence. A jury awarded him $46 million in damages a year later. On appeal, the studio upheld the award, and with interest, the amount rose to more than $56 million.



The victim's attorney, Rahul Ravipudi, said the case was an important legal victory not only for his client, but for athletes across the state, as it confirmed that instructors and sports organizations can be held accountable if they unnecessarily increase the risk of injury.