PART 1 Are you a “Soul Grappler?”

“I see myself as an artist, I like to do things because it’s beautiful..”–Rickson Gracie

If Jiu Jitsu is just a physical act then there is a ceiling on what level you can achieve in your practice. Where else can you go beyond Black Belt?

PART 1 Are you a “Soul Grappler?”

“I see myself as an artist, I like to do things because it’s beautiful..”–Rickson Gracie

If Jiu Jitsu is just a physical act then there is a ceiling on what level you can achieve in your practice. Where else can you go beyond Black Belt? Beyond best in the school, best in the state, Absolute Champion of Pan Ams, Mundials..etc etc? If your BJJ is just about the sport, just about the physicality, just about winning and losing…there will always be a ceiling on what you will be able to attain.

At almost 40…why would I then even keep doing BJJ? If it is just about the physical, then I have nothing to look forward to but decay. Well, I have a secret for you…and its free. And I’ll do better then Lloyd Irving and show you a foolproof way to never ever get submitted again.

When BJJ becomes about the development of your spirit, an expression of your authentic self, a path towards deeper self awareness and self discovery…it becomes artistry. That doesn’t mean your practice will become less focused, it means just the opposite. Your focus will be on mastery and control of your physical and mental and combining them into one. It means you can tap out but remain undefeated. Lose but never be submitted. When you begin to realize that the art of BJJ is in self discovery and not versus the opponent you are grappling against, then what you can achieve on the mat and the other 22 hours a day off the mat becomes boundless!

Trust me, I know a lot of blackbelts who only have peace in their lives during their time on the mat. They spent years perfecting the physical techniques, but never grasping the softer side, the idea that “I train in here, to do better out there.” Because really when you break it down…why do we all really train? I think simply put…to be happier. Not happier at the academy, happier in our lives…