Inspirational Quotes from Rickson Gracie, Roy Dean, and John Danaher

Inspiring Quotes for Your Jiu-Jitsu Journey

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an intricate blend of martial art, philosophy, and lifestyle, embodying a continuous journey of personal growth and empowerment. This unique discipline fosters resilience and strategic thinking, inviting practitioners to engage both mind and body in the pursuit of mastery. Below, we present a carefully curated selection of quotes from iconic figures in the world of BJJ, including royalty like Rickson Gracie, esteemed instructors such as Roy Dean and John Danaher, and prominent athletes and commentators. These insights aim to enhance your appreciation of the art while providing motivation for your time on the mats.

Explore quotes that underscore various elements of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, encompassing aspects such as resilience, technique, mindset, and discipline. Each quote carries its original source, enabling you to delve deeper into the thoughts of these influential figures.

If you have a favorite quote that isn’t included in our collection, we invite you to share it along with its source in the comments section at the bottom of the page. Your input is invaluable in enriching this growing resource and making it even more meaningful to the Jiu-Jitsu community!

Read quotes about:

• The benefits and characteristics of Jiu-Jitsu
• The philosophy and mindset of Jiu-Jitsu
• Learning and getting better at Jiu-Jitsu
• Competition and Jiu-Jitsu
• Self-defense and Jiu-Jitsu
• Teaching Jiu-Jitsu
• Jiu-Jitsu history

The benefits and characteristics of Jiu-Jitsu

The Artistic Essence of Jiu-Jitsu
Roy Dean eloquently elucidates the artistic dimensions of Jiu-Jitsu in his book:
"Jiu-Jitsu is not just movement patterns and physics; it’s an art."
(Becoming the Black Belt: A BJJ Journey, page 133)

Intellect Over Brute Force
Renzo Gracie and John Danaher emphasize the critical role of mental agility in Jiu-Jitsu:
"Reduced to its core, Jiu-Jitsu is the employment of intelligence and skill to overcome brute strength and aggression."
(Mastering JuJitsu, page 2)

Personal Transformation Through Jiu-Jitsu
Reflecting on the profound impact of the discipline, Roy Dean shares:
"Jiu-Jitsu changes who you are. It gets you comfortable with change and appreciative of variation. Jiu-Jitsu allows you to look at people without fear or apprehension."
(Becoming the Black Belt: A BJJ Journey, page 226)

A Philosophy Beyond the Mats
Rickson Gracie captures the essence of how Jiu-Jitsu transcends mere practice:
"Jiu-Jitsu transcends the mat and embraces life in a much more complete way."
(Rickson Gracie 2020 – InfernoCast)

The Power of Community
Rafael Lovato Jr. vividly illustrates the sense of togetherness found in training:
"Martial arts can really bring everyone together, especially Jiu-Jitsu. You see it in academies all across the world. Many times when I’m on my mat, I look around and see all these people sharing their techniques, energies, and having fun together."
(Jiu-Jitsu – A Way Of Life by Stuartcooperfilms)

Resilience in Life and on the Mats
Fabio Santos elucidates the practical applications of Jiu-Jitsu in everyday challenges:
"The hardness on the mat will transfer to making life easier for you in real life."
(Jiu-Jitsu VS The World)

Confidence and Emotional Strength
Rickson Gracie reflects on personal development facilitated by Jiu-Jitsu:
"Jiu-Jitsu can support you in terms of giving you more confidence, and more capacity to handle stress and emotions…"
(Rickson Gracie 2020 – InfernoCast)

Equality on the Mats
Roberto Cyborg Abreu humorously notes the universalizing nature of Jiu-Jitsu:
"It doesn’t matter how much money you have, what possessions you have, or who you are; as soon as you step on those mats, you’re going to get choked."
(Jiu-Jitsu VS The World)

Friendships Forged Through Jiu-Jitsu
Fabio Santos celebrates the familial bonds cultivated through the practice:
"Jiu-Jitsu brings so many people together into a family, and that’s the most awesome thing about Jiu-Jitsu: the friendships that you make."
(Jiu-Jitsu VS The World)

A Safe Form of Combat
John Danaher articulates the unique safety benefits associated with Jiu-Jitsu:
"What I like about Jiu-Jitsu is that unlike other forms of combat, whether that be warfare or crime, there’s no negative side to it. No one gets seriously hurt, no one’s possessions get stolen, no one’s lives get ruined or ended. It’s combat with benefits…There’s no serious loss here; the only thing that’s hurt or bruised is your ego."
(John Danaher Interview Jiu-Jitsu VS The World)

Adaptability and Courage
Roy Dean emphasizes the adaptive nature integral to Jiu-Jitsu practices:
"We are adaptive creatures. Jiu-Jitsu keeps that spirit of adaptation alive and allows us to recognize opportunities to act while forging within us the courage to try."
(Becoming the Black Belt: A BJJ Journey, pages 226–227)

Focus and Efficiency
Focusing on achieving maximum outputs, Roy Dean states:
"Jiu-Jitsu teaches you how to focus. How to get more accomplished with less effort. You start to see how the art advances your potential as a human being."
(Becoming the Black Belt: A BJJ Journey, page 226)

The Evolution of Mind and Body
Rickson Gracie speaks about the multifaceted growth stimulated by Jiu-Jitsu:
"The evolutionary process in Jiu-Jitsu makes you feel increasingly capable of seeing the underlying principles, anticipating moves, and connecting with physical, spiritual, or mental elements."
(Rickson Gracie 2020 – InfernoCast)

The Birth of a System
Helio Gracie reflects on the genesis of Jiu-Jitsu as practiced today:
"I created Jiu-Jitsu