How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Saved My Life & Impacted Others

“Jiu-Jitsu Saved My Life”

By Prof. Flavio Almeida

If you have been around Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners long enough you probably heard someone saying “Jiu-Jitsu saved my life” a few times.

As a lifelong student of the art, this always made sense to me.

Jiu-Jitsu has had such a deep impact in my life. I have seen so many of my friends lives unfold with and without Jiu-Jitsu, and have seen enough to know BJJ does indeed save lives.

But it was not until I heard the amazing speech below from Professor Matt Blasdel, one of my first black belts, that I realized the saying “Jiu-Jitsu Saved My Life” means very different things for different people

Where Does It Come From?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has empowered thousands of men and women from across the world – including myself. As a grappling martial art, this combat sport system emphasizes ground-based techniques as a strategy for self-defense.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. One of the most important figures behind the popularization of the sport if my professor and founder of Gracie Barra, Master Carlos Gracie Jr.

While Master Carlos placed a large contribution to bring BJJ to the forefront of training and competition in the 1990s and early 200s, its roots actually date back to early 1900s with opening of the first jiu-jitsu school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

How Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Saved My Life

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grew to prominence – in Brazil – at a time when the nation was emerging from decades of political strife and social – economic crisis. The lack of economic opportunities — coupled with a broken education system – left a huge void that needed to be filled.

Master Carlos Gracie Jr created in his academy a program that taught self-respect , as well as structure needed to guide young men and women into adulthood. Jiu-Jitsu taught students the importance of respect for all opponents, no matter of skill-level or background.

I, like many others in Brazil, was fortunate enough to train under the tutelage of Master Carlos. In fact, BJJ saved me from a life that was marred by uncertainty, confusion and lack of direction.

I was in seeking something to believe in and found true purpose in life with jiu-jitsu. So much so that my life today is based on clear directions and goals, as well as improved self-confidence in any social or business setting. I attribute this sense of direction to the influence martial arts has had in my life.

The Gracie Barra School

The Gracie Barra School in Brazil offered me the perfect way to learn about myself and others. In fact, its environment taught me discipline and self-worth, along with vital self-defense techniques and life skills to grow and learn.

BJJ has positively impacted my life as a whole – and today – I know who I am and always strive to do the best I can in any endeavor. Similarly, many students of all levels have learned to connect with themselves in a productive and pro-active manner.

Master Carlos Gracie Jr. also taught us the following, which we will always carry with us every day of our lives:

Essential fighting and self-defense skills for practicing, training and competitions.
Courage, loyalty, perseverance and discipline.
Self-worth, self-value and respect for all opponents, life and people in general.
The ability to excel and overcome all obstacles and hurdles that are hindering progress and growth.
The perfect way to reconnect with ourselves with true direction, clarity and meaningful purpose in life.
True joy, happiness and a sense of fulfillment every day of our lives.
The means to provide a good life for our families and ourselves – a truly rewarding and enriching career as a BJJ competitor and/or trainer.
Daily training that helps unify the body, mind and spirit – a feeling of immense happiness

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – A Life-Saving Experience

I am proud to be involved with Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and it really has taught me a lot about life. While I am a seasoned competitor, I will always be a student and open to learning new techniques and skills.

Like most students, BJJ has also brought exciting new opportunities and experiences to my life. This includes exciting competitions and tournaments, as well as interaction with students, trainers and instructors from all over the world – and all walks of life.

Similarly, Gracie Barra saved me from a life that stagnating and full of conflict and doubt about the future.

I strongly believe that BJJ can positively impact anyone’s life. Not only does it bring meaning, direction and purpose, it also helps you grow as a person and understand the importance of good ethics, morals and even “spiritual empowerment”.

For many young Brazilians, jiu-jitsu helped an entire generation of men and women with positive reinforcements and the ability to lead active, healthy and energetic lifestyles.

This continues today with a Grace Barra Schools, which offer amazing daily training experiences set within super social environments.

About Master Carlos Gracie Jr.

As I stated earlier, Master Carlos Gracie, Jr. was – and still is – a big inspiration in my life. As a Brazilian-born 8th-degree red and white belt jiu-jitsu instructor, Master Carlos is the son of Carlos Gracie, Sr. His teachings and personal work has paved the way for thousands of Jiu-Jitsu instructors to make a living all over the world

As one of Master Carlos’s students, he has helped me enhance my competitive nature and life skills. I can only imagine what my life would’ve been without training and learning at Grace Barra. With this in mind, I can only reiterate that Brazilian jiu-jitsu saved my life in many ways and can truly do the same for you!

As explained on this post, I believe Jiu-Jitsu saves lives.

Although I have never dealt with a life and death situation in which Jiu-Jitsu was my way out, Jiu-Jitsu was, and still is, the process though which I live purposely.

Jiu-Jitsu did not literally saved me from dying, but it brought meaning, direction, purpose, achievement and the most important relationships.

Jiu-Jitsu did not prevent me from losing my life, but it gave me a life of meaning, a life in which I look forward to waking up to, a life in which Mondays are not a burden but a blessing and I life in which you can contribute and make a difference while making a living.

It is my sincere hope this incredible art will do the same for you.

See you on the mats.

– Flavio Almeida || Head Instructor