JIU-JITSU E-BOOKS BY GRACIEMAG

WHAT IS JIU-JITSU?

#1

TEXT BY MARCELO DUNLOP

WHAT IS JIU-JITSU?
GRACIE
MAG

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How would you define the martial art we love?

We have asked this question to Masters, teachers
and practitioners above suspicion.
TEXT BY MARCELO DUNLOP

n.

WHAT IS JIU-JITSU?
BY MARCELO DUNLOP

If you practice it, you know. As a rule, the goal of Jiu-Jitsu is to gain control
positions until checkmate the submission, by twisting or choke.

This is, however, a simplistic definition of such a rich philosophy and
fighting system.

Originally conceived as a form of self-defense, Jiu-Jitsu, through its
practice, became a metaphor for life itself, GRACIEMAG CEO Luca Atalla
opines. After all, the person to test him/herself at the gym, the comfortable
and idealized laboratory, and then in championships, can absorb lessons and
adapt them to everyday life. Therefore, Jiu-Jitsu is perhaps the best selfknowledge method ever invented.

Certainly a good definition of Jiu-Jitsu. And for the other black and red
belts? What is Jiu-Jitsu, anyways?

We have researched, analyzed and asked dozens of Masters and
fighters. The best answers for the enigma are here.
2

Jiu-Jitsu is the art of learning to be tolerant with the intolerant.

GRAND MASTER CARLOS GRACIE

Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that develops on the ground and its purpose is to
seek the submission. An art used today as a base for MMA, Jiu-Jitsu is
more than a fight. It is a healthy lifestyle, which can be practiced by men,
women and children.
MASTER ROMERO JACAR CAVALCANTI

Jiu-Jitsu is a mousetrap. The trap does not chase the mouse. But when the
mouse grabs the cheese, the trap plays its role...
GRAND MASTER HELIO GRACIE

Defining Jiu-Jitsu in a few words is a difficult task. I feel like I need to write a
book on it. But I would say that Jiu-Jitsu is the art which enables a much
higher quality of life than we would have without practicing it, both physically
and mentally, and which provides unmatched confidence and self-esteem. It
is the school where the aggressive discovers its limits and the shy
socializes.
MASTER CARLOS ROSADO

Jiu-Jitsu is a message from God. A simple gi grip has an extrasensory

power. A choke contains such a great power that even a skinny old man can
perform it, and it doesnt matter if the opponent is a strong guy. The move
will work.
GRAND MASTER ROBSON GRACIE

Jiu-Jitsu is a life system, not just a fight system. Through a set of scientific
techniques of fighting, Jiu-Jitsu improves every aspect of our lives. Practice
Jiu-Jitsu and you will see the benefits from waking up to bedtime at work,
at home, among friends.
GRAND MASTER FRANCISCO MANSOR

As my dad [GM Helio Gracie] said, Jiu-Jitsu is everything that I am, and I
made my life cause to fight for the art's dignity and technique. I protect the
name of my family with care, nerves, and blood
ROYCE GRACIE

Our Jiu-Jitsu is a way of life it is self-confidence, health and balance.

GRAND MASTER PEDRO VALENTE

It is the art where we can control an opponent or attacker without hurting,

using minimal force.
JOS MARIO SPERRY

Jiu-Jitsu is the art of being ready for the unpredictable.

MASTER RICKSON GRACIE

It is the triumph of intelligence over brute force.

MASTER RORION GRACIE

It is an art of self-defense, created by monks and endowed with above

normal intelligence and sensitivity. By studying the multiple possibilities of
attack and defense of human beings, Jiu-Jitsu creates the most logical
moves for its use.
MASTER CARLOS GRACIE JR.

Jiu-Jitsu is essentially an art of defense. It is based on leverage, so you

dont need any physical strength to practice it. Thats why it is an art that
balances the forces, gives confidence to the shy and introvert and more
limits to the extrovert. However, defining what Jiu-Jitsu is can be complex.
Give it a vote of confidence and test it today. After all, a lesson is worth a
thousand words...
FABIO GURGEL

Jiu-Jitsu is the art which teaches the weak to beat the strong, helps to build
the character and prepares the mind of the individual to adversities in life.
MURILO BUSTAMANTE

Jiu-Jitsu is an art with various aspects. Many people use it to defend

themselves, others as a sport and others as a way of self-knowledge. For
your learning, you need 50 percent of training and 50 percent of pure
perseverance. However, to actually learn it, Jiu-Jitsu needs to create with its
practitioner a connection and a mutual fascination as to establish between
the art and the man a successful partnership for the rest of their life.

Jiu-Jitsu, with its teachings, can lead the poor to become rich, the weak to
overcome the strong and the ugly to become beautiful. It is an art that
injects confidence and self-esteem.
ANDR PEDERNEIRAS

VITOR SHAOLIN

Jiu-Jitsu is my therapy, my passion, my life.

MATT SERRA

Jiu-Jitsu is how I see the world.

BJ PENN

Jiu-Jitsu is my craft, my art, my passion! It is how I express myself and live

my life. I am always working towards perfecting my craft, constantly
learning, studying, testing myself, and evolving. I live through Jiu-Jitsu,
teaching and sharing my knowledge and experiences. For me Jiu-Jitsu is
my life!
RAFAEL LOVATO

Jiu-Jitsu is the art of physically dominating an antagonist, without the need

to hurt him, and its practice brings improvements physically and mentally
and also self-knowledge.
DEMIAN MAIA

Jiu-Jitsu gives you an untamable soul, an unshakable confidence where

your head never bends and gives up a chance to be gentle by choice, not
out of obligation like ordinary and insecure men... a unique chance to grow
without fear and insecurities, to be all you can become... an ability to live
and survive everything, even if circumstances have come against you, and
you shall come out victorious and head-on, not by stupid vanity but pride for
having fought one more fight ... a chance to learn even when defeat
surprises you, since you will face defeat as a new way of learning, and have
the grace of a mature man, not the innocence of a child and spoiled crybaby
... a circle of amazing friendships formed at the gym, which later you'll call it
brotherhood ... And a better life. A much better one... This is Jiu-Jitsu
RENZO GRACIE

Jiu-Jitsu is MMAs funnest part.

RASHAD EVANS

Jiu-Jitsu is the greatest addiction and the best sport in the world at the
same time.
RODOLFO VIEIRA

Jiu-Jitsu is the art of learning to

be tolerant with the intolerant.
GRAND MASTER CARLOS GRACIE

GRACIE
MAG
5

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Jiu-Jitsu is a mousetrap.
The trap does not chase
the mouse. But when the
mouse grabs the cheese,
the trap plays its role...
GRAND MASTER HELIO GRACIE

Jiu-Jitsu is a message from

God. A simple gi grip has an
extrasensory power. A choke
contains such a great power
that even a skinny old man can
perform it, and it doesnt matter if the opponent is a strong
guy. The move will work.
GRAND MASTER CARLOS ROBSON GRACIE

Jiu-Jitsu is a life system,

not just a fight system.
Through a set of scientific
techniques of fighting, JiuJitsu improves every aspect of our lives. Practice
Jiu-Jitsu and you will see
the benefits from waking
up to bedtime at work,
at home, among friends.
GRAND MASTER FRANCISCO MANSOR

GRACIE
MAG
8

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exclusive videos and ebooks!

http://vip.graciemag.com

Our Jiu-Jitsu is a
way of life it is selfconfidence, health
and balance.
GRAND MASTER PEDRO VALENTE

Jiu-Jitsu is the art

of being ready for
the unpredictable.
MASTER RICKSON GRACIE

GRACIE
MAG
10

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exclusive videos and ebooks!

http://vip.graciemag.com

It is the triumph of intelligence over brute force.

MASTER RORION GRACIE

11

It is an art of self-defense,
created by monks and endowed
with above normal intelligence
and sensitivity. By studying the
multiple possibilities of attack
and defense of human beings,
Jiu-Jitsu creates the most
logical moves for its use.
MASTER CARLOS GRACIE JR.

GRACIE
MAG
12

Join our V.I.P. area to access

exclusive videos and ebooks!

http://vip.graciemag.com

Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that

develops on the ground and its
purpose is to seek the
submission. An art used today
as a base for MMA, Jiu-Jitsu is
more than a fight. It is a healthy
lifestyle, which can be practiced
by men, women and children.
MASTER ROMERO "JACAR" CAVALCANTI

13

Defining Jiu-Jitsu in a few words is a

difficult task. I feel like I need to write
a book on it. But I would say that JiuJitsu is the art which enables a much
higher quality of life than we would
have without practicing it, both
physically and mentally, and which
provides unmatched confidence and
self-esteem. It is the school where the
aggressive discovers its limits and the
shy socializes.
MASTER CARLOS ROSADO

GRACIE
MAG
14

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exclusive videos and ebooks!

http://vip.graciemag.com

As my dad [GM Helio

Gracie] said, Jiu-Jitsu is
everything that I am, and I
made my life-goal to fight
for the arts dignity and
technique. I protect the
name of my family with
care, nerves, and blood
ROYCE GRACIE

15

It is the art
where we can
control an
opponent or
attacker without
hurting, using
minimal force.
JOS MARIO SPERRY

16

Jiu-Jitsu is essentially an art of defense. It is based on leverage, so you dont need

any physical strength to practice it. Thats why it is an art that balances the forces,
gives confidence to the shy and introvert and more limits to the extrovert. However,
defining what Jiu-Jitsu is can be complex. Give it a vote of confidence and test it today.
After all, a lesson is worth a thousand words...
FABIO GURGEL

17

Jiu-Jitsu is the art which teaches

the weak to beat the strong,
helps to build the character and
prepares the mind of the
individual to adversities in life.
MURILO BUSTAMANTE

GRACIE
MAG
18

Join our V.I.P. area to access

exclusive videos and ebooks!

http://vip.graciemag.com

Jiu-Jitsu, with its teachings,

can lead the poor to become
rich, the weak to overcome the
strong and the ugly to become
beautiful. It is an art that injects
confidence and self-esteem.
ANDR PEDERNEIRAS

19

Jiu-Jitsu is how
I see the world.
BJ PENN

20

Jiu-Jitsu is my craft, my art, my

passion! It is how I express myself
and live my life. I am always working
towards perfecting my craft,
constantly learning, studying, testing
myself, and evolving. I live through
Jiu-Jitsu, teaching and sharing my
knowledge and experiences. For me
Jiu-Jitsu is my life!
RAFAEL LOVATO JR.

GRACIE
MAG
21

Join our V.I.P. area to access

exclusive videos and ebooks!

http://vip.graciemag.com

Jiu-Jitsu is the art of physically

dominating an antagonist, without the
need to hurt him, and its practice brings
improvements physically and mentally
and also self-knowledge.
DEMIAN MAIA

22

Jiu-Jitsu is MMAs
funnest part.
RASHAD EVANS

GRACIE
MAG
23

Join our V.I.P. area to access

exclusive videos and ebooks!

http://vip.graciemag.com

Jiu-Jitsu is the greatest

addiction and the best
sport in the world at the
same time.
RODOLFO VIEIRA

24

Jiu-Jitsu is an art with

various aspects. Many
people use it to defend
themselves, others as a
sport and others as a
way of self-knowledge.
For your learning, you
need 50 percent of
training and 50 percent
of pure perseverance.
However, to actually
learn it, Jiu-Jitsu needs
to create with its
practitioner a connection
and a mutual fascination
as to establish between
the art and the man a
successful partnership
for the rest of their life.
VITOR SHAOLIN

25

GRACIE
MAG

Join our V.I.P. area to access

exclusive videos and ebooks!

http://vip.graciemag.com

Jiu-Jitsu is my therapy,
my passion, my life.
MATT SERRA

26

Jiu-Jitsu gives you an untamable soul,

an unshakable confidence where your
head never bends and gives up a
chance to be gentle by choice, not out
of obligation like ordinary and insecure
men... a unique chance to grow without
fear and insecurities, to be all you can
become... an ability to live and survive
everything, even if circumstances have
come against you, and you shall come
out victorious and head-on, not by
stupid vanity but pride for having fought
one more fight ... a chance to learn
even when defeat surprises you, since
you will face defeat as a new way of
learning, and have the grace of a
mature man, not the innocence of a
child and spoiled crybaby ... a circle of
amazing friendships formed at the gym,
which later you'll call it brotherhood ...
And a better life. A much better one...
This is Jiu-Jitsu.
RENZO GRACIE
27

LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHERS
1.

Cover - Vitor Shaolin: Gustavo Arago/Graciemag Archives

2.

Master Rickson Gracie: Graciemag Archives

3.

GM Helio Gracie: Gustavo Arago/Graciemag Archives

4.

Georges Saint-Pierre: Gustavo Arago/Graciemag Archives

5.

GM Helio Gracie and GM Carlos Gracie: Graciemag Archives

6.

GM Helio Gracie: Gustavo Arago/Graciemag Archives

7.

GM Carlos Robson Gracie: Gustavo Arago/Graciemag Archives

8.

GM Franciso Mansor: Luca Atalla/Graciemag Archives

9.

GM Pedro Valente: Pedro Stabile/Graciemag Archives

LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND CREDITS

Jiu-Jitsu e-Books by GRACIEMAG. Vol #1

GRACIE
MAG

Join our V.I.P. area to access

exclusive videos and ebooks!

http://vip.graciemag.com

10. Master Rickson Gracie: Gustavo Arago/Graciemag Archives

11. Master Rorion Gracie: Luca Atalla/Graciemag Archives
12. Master Carlos Gracie Jr.: Luca Atalla/Graciemag Archives
13. Master Romero Cavalcanti: Gustavo Arago/Graciemag Archives
14. Master Rosado: Personal Archives
15. Royce Gracie: Luca Atalla/Graciemag Archives
16. Jos Mario Sperry: Gustavo Arago/Graciemag Archives
17. Fabio Gurgel: Gustavo Arago/Graciemag Archives
18. Murilo Bustamante: Gustavo Arago/Graciemag Archives
19. Andre Pederneiras: Luca Atalla/Graciemag Archives
20. BJ Penn: Gustavo Arago/Graciemag Archives
21. Rafael Lovato Jr: Gustavo Arago/Graciemag Archives
22. Demian Maia: Gustavo Arago/Graciemag
23. Rashad Evans: Ryan Loco
24. Rodolfo Vieira: Dan Rod/Graciemag Archives
25. Vitor Shaolin: Gustavo Arago/Graciemag Archives
26. Matt Serra: Graciemag Archives
27. Renzo Gracie: Luca Atalla/Graciemag Archives

GRACIEMAG is the original Jiu-Jitsu magazine. We teach Jiu-Jitsu

fundamentals and techniques. We spread the Jiu-Jitsu philosophy,
diet and lifestyle. Since 1994.
Copyright 2013 Graciemag Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Gracie Magazine and Graciemag are registered trademarks of
Editora Gracie Ltda, Avenida Gomes Freire, 176, sala 403 Centro
Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brasil 20231-011
http://www.graciemag.com
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GRACIE
MAG

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http://vip.graciemag.com

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