Jiu-Jitsu is not just a martial art but a complete lifestyle. Carlos Gracie, one of the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, understood this and developed the 12 Commandments of Jiu-Jitsu to help his students improve their lives both inside and outside the gym. To this day, most of his commandments are still the foundational principles of those that truly embrace the BJJ lifestyle and all its benefits.
The 12 Commandments Of BJJ By Carlos Gracie
The 12 Commandments of Jiu-Jitsu by Carlos Gracie not only provide a framework for living a fulfilling life but also offer guidance for those practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Here’s are the 12 things Carlos deemed were the best way of approaching BJJ as your way of life:
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Be so strong that nothing can disturb the peace of your mind.
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Talk to all people about happiness, health, and prosperity.
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Give to all your friends the feeling of being valued.
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Look at things by the enlightened point of view and update your optimism on reality.
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Think only about the best, work only for the best, and always expect the best.
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Be as just and enthusiastic about others victories as you are with yours.
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Forget about past mistakes and focus your energy on the victories of tomorrow.
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Always make those around you happy and keep a smile to all people who talk to you.
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Apply the largest amount of your time on self-improvement and no time in criticizing others.
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Be big enough so you can feel unsatisfied, be noble enough so you can feel anger, be strong enough so you can feel fear, and be happy enough so you can feel frustrations.
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Hold a good opinion about your self and communicate that to the world, but not through dissonant words but through good works.
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Believe strongly that the world is in your side, as long as you stay loyal to the best of yourself.
Who Is Carlos Gracie?
Carlos Gracie was born in 1902 in Belem, Brazil. He was the second oldest of eight children and grew up in a family that was passionate about martial arts. Carlos was inspired by the Japanese Judo master Mitsuyo Maeda, who taught Judo in Brazil in the early 1900s.
Carlos and his brothers Helio, George, and Oswaldo began training in Judo and later developed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which focused on ground fighting and submissions. They opened the first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy in 1925, and Carlos became known as the “Father of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”
In addition to his martial arts skills, Carlos was known for his strong character and leadership abilities. He believed that Jiu-Jitsu was not just a sport but a way of life, and he developed the 12 Commandments of Jiu-Jitsu to guide practitioners in their personal and professional lives.
Carlos is also known for his role in popularizing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil and around the world. He founded the first Jiu-Jitsu academy in Brazil in the 1920s and went on to train many of the top Jiu-Jitsu practitioners of his time, including his younger brother Helio Gracie.
Today, Carlos Gracie’s legacy lives on through the Gracie family and the millions of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners around the world who have been influenced by his teachings. He is remembered as a pioneer of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a role model for living a disciplined, principled, and fulfilling life.
The BJJ Lifestyle
he BJJ lifestyle is about striving for personal growth, building a strong community, and embracing a healthy and active lifestyle.
As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, then you already know that the BJJ lifestyle is more than just a sport or a hobby. It’s a way of life that requires dedication and commitment. You understand the importance of discipline, and you know that to excel in BJJ, you need to train consistently and make sacrifices. This discipline extends beyond the mat and can positively impact other areas of your life, such as work and relationships.
As a BJJ practitioner, you also understand the value of community. You have likely become part of a tight-knit group of individuals who share a common passion for the sport. This community provides support, motivation, and camaraderie, and can make the journey of learning and mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu more enjoyable.
Finally, you know that the BJJ lifestyle is centered around health and wellness. You understand that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu requires a high level of physical fitness, and you have likely made lifestyle changes to optimize your health and performance. You may follow a healthy diet, get adequate sleep, and maintain a regular exercise routine outside of training.
The Impact of BJJ on Everyday Life
Beyond the physical benefits of improved fitness and self-defense skills, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can have a positive impact on everyday life. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a sport that is open to people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It provides a space where people can come together and learn from each other, regardless of their differences. This inclusivity and diversity are a key part of what makes Jiu-Jitsu such a special and rewarding experience. Here are some ways that BJJ can improve your life:
- Stress management: Jiu-Jitsu requires intense focus and concentration, which can help you manage stress and anxiety in your daily life.
- Improved problem-solving skills: Jiu-Jitsu requires strategic thinking and problem-solving, which can transfer to other areas of your life, such as work or school.
- Increased self-confidence: As you improve your skills in Jiu-Jitsu, you’ll gain confidence in your abilities, which can translate to greater self-assurance in other areas of your life.
- Better communication skills: Jiu-Jitsu requires clear and effective communication with training partners and instructors, which can help improve your communication skills in all aspects of life.
- Stronger relationships: The sense of community and camaraderie in Jiu-Jitsu can lead to the formation of strong relationships and connections with other practitioners.
- Improved physical health: Regular Jiu-Jitsu training can improve your physical health by increasing your strength, endurance, and flexibility.
- Mental toughness: Jiu-Jitsu requires mental toughness and perseverance in the face of challenges, which can help develop resilience and mental toughness in all areas of life.
- Personal growth: Jiu-Jitsu is a constant learning experience that challenges you to push yourself to your limits, which can lead to personal growth and development.
Conclusion
To summarize, the 12 Commandments of Jiu-Jitsu by Carlos Gracie provide a valuable framework for living a fulfilling life and becoming a better Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. The impact of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on everyday life and society as a whole is significant, with benefits such as stress management, improved problem-solving skills, increased self-confidence, and mental health benefits. Simply put Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers a lifestyle that has something to offer everyone.
