Pickleball vs BJJ: Fighting for Mainstream Popularity

How has pickleball gotten so darn popular and what can grappling learn from it?

Art by Chris Rini

According to apparently all sources spanning ESPN to NPR, pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country. What started as a way for all ages of the family to pass time without blowing out their knees and ankles is now a phenomenon. I’m left struggling to understand why.

I get why it’s fun and that’s obviously why so many people f…