BJJ Book Club 1: Breathe: A Life in Flow by Rickson Gracie

This is a bit of a departure from traditional blog posts.  I know when I start to get into something new that I enjoy, I like learning more about it.   A big way to learn more about something is to read more about it.  If anyone out there is like me, maybe you’re looking for some good books on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, so with that in mind, I’m going to be writing a few blog posts about books on BJJ that I have enjoyed.Maybe you'll find your next book to read. I suppose I should start by saying that I’m a newcomer to this sport too.  I’m a white belt, I’m learning a lot, and I don’t know if I’m qualified to say how good or bad one of these books is. What I can do is tell you what the book is about, my general thoughts, and then close with the biggest takeaway I got from the book.Breathe by Rickson Gracie with Peter Maguire

What It’s About: The incredibly compelling and cinematic autobiography of the legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, Rickson Gracie.Growing up in the famed Gracie family, Rickson is the son of Hélio Gracie, and this book tells the story of Rickson’s life.  From his early days in Rio where he trained in Jiu-Jitsu and spent time with a gang to his early twenties when he began fighting in anything-goes vale tudo matches, it’s all here.  He discusses becoming a father and the strains and joys of family.  He discusses fighting for the honor of his family's academies in Brazil, California, and Japan.  He talks about how his family selected Royce Gracie over him to compete in the famous first Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993. . . but he would be the one to train Royce.  He travels to Japan to prove the validity of Jiu-Jitsu, fighting and defeating opponents skilled in kickboxing, Kung Fu, and wrestling.  He earns the respect of other cultures and still experiences heartache and loss that cut him to the core.  Later he discusses being a teacher and running seminars on Jiu-Jitsu.General Thoughts: I don’t understand how this book and this man’s life story haven’t been adapted into a feature film.  The intensity, the actual physical combat he endures, combined with a deep introspective life and perspective made this an incredibly compelling read.  It was really hard to put this book down.Unlike many sports autobiographies, this one really embraces Rickson's perspective. Rather than focusing on what the media, coaches, or opponents were saying, the story stays with Rickson and explores why he makes the decisions he does. His exploration of mindset is just as compelling as the fights themselves. I want to put a big emphasis on the “why”, because Rickson’s exploration of mentality and approaching everything is as much a part of this book as the actual story.  Biggest Takeaway: This book is called Breathe: A Life in Flow.  In all he does, Rickson Gracie discusses breathing and how much power it has over us and all parts of our lives.  About a third of the way through the book (p. 91), he says how breathing has helped him attain “my best performance, my emotional control, [and] my ability to endure.”On the mat or out in the real world, in Jiu-Jitsu or in life, breathing is what helps us.  It can keep us focused, calm, and ready to think.  Audience Recommendation:  If you want to learn how Jiu-Jitsu can help you and read a compelling life story too, give this one a try.--J. Christian Leblanc, PhD