32 Principles : Harnessing The Power Of Jiu- Jitsu To Succeed In Business, Relationships, And Life by Rener Gracie and Paul Volponi

Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly Bestseller

Discover how to overcome any obstacle that life throws at you by adopting the mindset and strategies of a world-class martial artist, all without stepping foot on the mat. Jiu-jitsu is not simply a martial art; it is a way of life that promotes physical and mental well-being, boosts self-confidence, nurtures self-determination, and promotes balance. Renowned jiu-jitsu instructor Rener Gracie, who has shared his knowledge with over 350,000 students in 196 countries, presents the core principles of jiu-jitsu and demonstrates how they can be applied to all aspects of our daily lives.

The book introduces the following principles that can transform your life:

The Pyramid Principle: Investing in a solid foundation for long-term success.

The Acceptance Principle: Recognizing when it is better to yield rather than resist.

The Pivot Principle: Changing your perspective to increase your effectiveness.

The Redirection Principle: Transforming unfavorable circumstances into favorable outcomes.

This book is suitable for both passionate jiu-jitsu practitioners and newcomers to the world of martial arts. In addition to the insightful teachings, the book includes 32 companion videos created by Rener Gracie himself, which demonstrate the physical applications of each principle for self-defense.

The 32 Principles will empower you to take control of your personal and professional pursuits, fuel your entrepreneurial spirit, and improve your relationships both at work and at home. This book is a collaborative effort, featuring contributions from more than 40 champion athletes, top coaches, and individuals who have experienced the transformative impact of these timeless jiu-jitsu principles in their own lives.

The Correlation Between Jiu Jitsu and Life: A Personal Journey

Jujitsu is a way of life. Practitioners of this martial art often use this statement to express their deep connection to Jujitsu. For some, it’s a fun and engaging activity that becomes a part of their everyday life. Others take it more seriously, dedicating themselves to learning and improving their Jujitsu skills. But for me, Jujitsu being life is about the parallels between Jujitsu and life itself.

In the early 90s, during my first deployment as a young Navy SEAL, I was introduced to Jujitsu by a respected Master Chief. One morning, he asked if any of us wanted to learn how to fight, and without hesitation, I raised my hand. Little did I know that this decision would change my life forever.

Within a few hours, I found myself being tied up in knots by the much smaller and older Master Chief. It was a humbling experience, as no matter what I tried, I couldn’t last more than 30 seconds against him. My fellow SEAL teammates faced the same challenges. Exhausted and bewildered, we were welcomed into the world of Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

At the time, I didn’t fully comprehend the significance of this introduction. But I knew that I had stumbled upon something extraordinary. The Master Chief, Steve Bailey, had trained at the renowned Gracie Garage in California. Despite considering himself a beginner, his mastery over even the most basic Jiu Jitsu moves was enough to dominate and submit us effortlessly.

Thus began my journey with Jiu Jitsu. I trained under Master Chief Bailey during deployments and sought out Fabio Santos, a Jiu Jitsu instructor with direct lineage to the Gracie family, upon returning to the States. My commitment was unwavering, often training during lunch breaks and returning for evening classes.

I immersed myself in learning the fundamental positions of Jiu Jitsu – the mount, the back, the guard, the half guard, and side control. In addition, I gained knowledge of various submission holds – the straight arm lock, Kimura, Americana, collar chokes, guillotine choke, rear naked choke, and a range of leg locks.

Over time, my understanding of Jujitsu grew, as did my skills in combat. I learned not only how to fight physically, but also how to navigate the challenges and struggles that life throws at us. Jujitsu taught me that perseverance and resilience are vital ingredients for success.

Through Jujitsu, I discovered the importance of discipline, respect, and humility. It became a platform for Personal Growth, and self-improvement. It helped me develop mental fortitude and taught me that giving up is not an option.

Today, Jujitsu remains an integral part of who I am. It has shaped me both as a martial artist and as an individual. The experiences and lessons learned on the mat have transcended into every aspect of my life. The struggles, trials, tribulations, and triumphs of Jujitsu mirror the ups and downs we all face in our journey through life.

Jujitsu is not just a hobby or a sport – it’s a mindset. It’s a constant reminder that challenges are opportunities for growth and that the only way to truly succeed is to push through the obstacles that come our way.

So, to those who say “Jujitsu is life,” they understand the profound connection between this martial art and the journey we all embark upon. Jujitsu is more than just physical combat – it’s a path to self-discovery, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of excellence.