A US jiu-jitsu student was left paralyzed from the neck down after a training session with his instructor. He has now been awarded more than $56 million in compensation.
The accident happened in 2018 at the Del Mar Jiu Jitsu Club in San Diego. Jack Greener, who was 30 years old and a beginner in jiu-jitsu, was practicing with his instructor Francisco Iturralde. Iturralde is a 33-year-old second-degree black belt and is known as “Sinistro.”
During the training, Iturralde performed a move that caused Greener’s neck to twist in a harmful way. Video showed that Iturralde flipped Greener forward, forcing him face-down and putting all his weight on Greener’s neck. This caused Greener to suddenly lose movement in his arms and legs.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert Rener Gracie explained that the move crushed the bones in Greener’s neck, leaving him paralyzed. Greener was in the hospital for months and had several strokes from the injury. This happened just weeks before he was supposed to finish university.
Greener sued the jiu-jitsu club and his instructor. In 2023, a jury in San Diego decided that Greener should receive $46 million. The club tried to challenge this decision in court, but the highest court in California agreed with the jury and did not change the ruling. Including extra interest, Greener will now receive more than $56 million.
One of Greener’s lawyers said this ruling is important because it shows that sports instructors and clubs can be held responsible if they cause injuries that go beyond normal risks in the sport.
Today, Greener works as a motivational speaker and even climbs mountains. He helps others by sharing his story and promoting safety in sports.
