#446: How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Will Make You a Better Man
Oct 3, 2018
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Rener Gracie, head instructor at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy, discusses the history and effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He explains the differences between sport and self-defense BJJ, the confidence gained from learning self-defense, and its impact on life. The podcast also covers finding the right Gracie school, exploring online training options, and a new business venture.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu originated from the modifications made by the Gracie family, proving its effectiveness in self-defense and street fight scenarios.
Practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu instills confidence, assertiveness, and a calm, technical problem-solving approach that carries over into other areas of life.
Individuals seeking self-defense certainty should research and choose a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school that aligns with their goals and emphasizes self-protection rather than solely sport-focused jiu-jitsu.
Deep dives
Jiu-jitsu: A Martial Art Born in Japan, Reshaped in Brazil
This episode of the Art of Manliness podcast features an interview with Hinder Gracie, a member of the Gracie family and the head instructor of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. The episode explores the origins of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, tracing it back to Hinder's grandfather, Helio Gracie, who made modifications to Japanese jiu-jitsu to increase its effectiveness. The Gracie family tested the effectiveness of jiu-jitsu through challenge matches, proving its efficacy even against larger opponents. The episode also highlights the difference between sport jiu-jitsu and self-defense jiu-jitsu, emphasizing that Brazilian jiu-jitsu was originally designed for self-defense and street fight scenarios. Hinder discusses how learning jiu-jitsu not only equips individuals with self-defense skills, but also instills confidence and a calm, technical approach to problem-solving in various aspects of life.
The Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Personal Growth
Practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu goes beyond learning self-defense techniques. The episode reveals that the practice of jiu-jitsu instills confidence, assertiveness, and a technical problem-solving approach that carries over into other areas of life. It shares the example of actor Vince Vaughn, who is a dedicated student of jiu-jitsu and acknowledges the positive impact it has had on his personal and professional life. Jiu-jitsu teaches individuals to solve problems using leverage and technique, which fosters a calm and assertive demeanor. The episode also highlights the influence of jiu-jitsu in building boundaries and assertiveness in children through the Gracie Bully Proof program. Overall, Brazilian jiu-jitsu offers personal growth and mental benefits alongside physical self-defense skills.
Choosing a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu School
When considering joining a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school, it is essential to understand the differences between various schools and organizations. The episode advises listeners to be cautious since not all Gracie schools are the same. Gracie University, founded by Hinder and his brother, provides a consistent curriculum across certified locations worldwide. They emphasize maintaining quality control and ensuring that all schools teach the same techniques as if learning with the Gracie family directly. On the other hand, other Gracie schools may have different variations and emphasize sport-focused jiu-jitsu. Therefore, individuals should research and choose a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school that aligns with their goals, whether it's self-defense, personal growth, or sport-oriented training.
Importance of Self-Defense Confidence
The key point discussed in the podcast is the importance of having self-defense confidence to prevent physical altercations. The speaker emphasizes that by being certain of one's own safety in potential violent situations, one can engage with others in a confident and calm demeanor that usually prevents them from attacking. This certainty is achieved through training in self-defense jiu-jitsu, where individuals learn how to fight but aim to never have to use their skills. The main concern highlighted is that some people who join jiu-jitsu schools may not realize that the focus is more on the sport and art aspects, rather than solely on self-protection. Therefore, it is essential for individuals seeking self-defense certainty to choose the right training program that aligns with their goals.
Composure and Preparedness in Fighting
Another insight from the podcast is the correlation between composure, preparedness, and the likelihood of getting into physical fights. The speaker explains that people who are most likely to engage in fights are often those who are least prepared and knowledgeable in self-defense. On the other hand, individuals who have extensive training and experience in jiu-jitsu or other martial arts tend to be calmer and show kindness, despite being capable of violence. This is because they have a clear understanding of their own skills and limitations, and therefore, they do not feel the need to prove themselves through physical altercations. Moreover, those who are well-versed in self-defense realize the dangerous variables and risks involved in fights, such as unpredictable outcomes, injuries, legal implications, and potential harms from bystanders. Hence, their respect and awareness of these factors make them avoid fights as much as possible.
In the 1980s, when people signed up for a martial art, they probably joined a karate or taekwondo school. Today? They’re probably signing up for a roll on the mat in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu class. And the Gracie family has played a central role in this martial art's precipitous rise. My guest today is a member of the Gracie family, the head instructor of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy, and the co-creator of Gracie University, an online jiu-jitsu program. His name is Rener Gracie, and you may have seen the videos we made with him on our YouTube Channel a few years ago.
Today, Rener walks us through the origins of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, beginning with his grandfather Helio, and how a martial art born in Japan ended up being reshaped in Brazil. He then shares how his father helped develop the UFC as a way to promote the efficacy of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but why there's a big difference between sport BJJ and self-defense BJJ, and why BJJ is such an effective real world martial art. We end by talking about the mindset shift that occurs when you learn how to defend yourself, and how the confidence you gain from learning jiu-jitsu carries over into other aspects of life.
