Introduction

> To me, it's about pushing the limits of my own potential. “I have to tap everybody else—winning is not enough.” It's that relentless drive that fuels my journey, always striving for that next level.

> Moreover, I carry the legacy of Jiu Jitsu on my shoulders. It’s not just about personal victory; it’s about honoring the art itself and inspiring others along the way. I see every challenge as a chance to elevate the sport and those who follow in my footsteps.

The moments before a match

> Preparing for a match mentally is crucial; it's all about achieving a state of "blank darkness," completely clearing my mind to stay focused and manage adrenaline effectively. This focus starts long before the referee initiates the fight and helps control nerves.

> The art of Jiu Jitsu isn't about speed, but precision and timing. It's about waiting for the "perfect moment" to execute a move, where instinct plays a vital role. There's little time to think in a fight, so every single move must be precise and purpose-driven.

> In terms of strategy, conserving energy is key. I aim to move only when absolutely necessary, calculating every action to avoid unnecessary fatigue. Even when exhausted, it's vital to control your thoughts and not let exhaustion cloud your judgment or performance.

Confidence

> My confidence leading up to the fight with Buchecha was grounded in my training and belief in my skills. "My belief going on, okay, I can take the world, you can take anyone in the world." I focused on training both offense and defense equally to be a complete fighter.

>

> Not giving up in Jiu Jitsu is about smart training and knowing your limits. "Not tapping, it's sacrificing your body...it's not just stupid." I regret not spending more time in bad positions to improve my defense and avoid conservative thinking in competition.

> Side control is one of the hardest positions to escape, especially against top-level competitors. "Side control is a nightmare, it's a nightmare, doesn't matter how much you practice." Training defense and understanding movements are crucial, with defense taking priority over escaping to avoid exposing oneself to a worse position.

Greatest jiu jitsu match of all time

> "Walking into that fight, it was perhaps the most nervous I've ever been. I knew everything I had built towards my legacy was on the line, and there was that weight of potentially being permanently 'number two' if I lost."

> "I approached the fight strategically, starting defensively for the first five minutes. I knew what he brought to the table—he was bigger and stronger, so I had to be smart about when to engage and when to play it safe."

> "I could feel Bushesh's frustration as he failed to take me down repeatedly. This mental battle was pivotal; it shifted the momentum in my favor, showing that the psychological aspect of a match can be just as crucial as the physical."

> "When I finally secured my position on his back, it was a sense of relief, but also realization. I knew it was time to capitalize on the opening without hesitation—this was my moment to finish the fight."

Renzo Gracie

> Learning from Hanzo Gracie has been invaluable, especially in understanding the importance of tackling challenges head-on, regardless of the situation. The mindset of "never giving up" is a crucial lesson I've carried throughout my career.

> My greatest pride is that I've never given up in any competition. Even in the most exhaustive, difficult moments, I pushed through with sheer willpower, drawing energy from my spirit when my body had nothing left to give. It's not about winning or losing, but about never breaking under pressure.

> Staying calm and composed, both on and off the mat, has been a critical aspect of my personality and practice. By learning to manage adrenaline and anxiety, I've been able to maintain clarity and control, which not only enhances my performance in fights but also helps in everyday stressful situations.

Braveheart

> Watching movies like Braveheart and Gladiator the day before a big event helps me conserve energy and mentally prepare. They bring a sense of excitement and warrior spirit that motivates me. Braveheart resonates with me on a deep level, questioning the choice between risking everything for what matters or playing it safe. It touches on the essence of human nature and the pursuit of freedom.

Self-belief

> "I never pursued glory; it just came with the journey. My real goal was to be the best, and I believed deep down that I could." It was that unwavering self-belief, rooted in my dedication, that propelled me forward even when everyone around me doubted my potential.

> "I’ve always made sacrifices for jiu-jitsu; everything else was secondary." The focus was razor-sharp from a young age, and while others my age were out living their lives, I was grinding it out on the mats, knowing that persistence is key to mastery.

> "It’s not about the move itself, but how you can control your opponent's movements." The complexity of jiu-jitsu lies in the nuances — understanding timing, positioning, and technique. What might seem basic takes years of repetition and practice to truly master, and even then, it’s all about applying that seamlessly against a resisting opponent.

Cross-collar choke

> Mastery in Jiu-Jitsu involves an intricate understanding of tiny, precise details at every step of a movement—each detail building upon the last to form a seamless execution. When performing techniques like the cross-collar choke, it's essential not just to think about finishing the move but understanding the entire sequence of positions and their nuances to create a strong foundation. Missing even one subtle detail can cause the whole technique to collapse, which separates beginners from advanced practitioners.

> The transformation from a white belt to a black belt lies in the depth of perception and control over each movement and position. A black belt isn't just focused on the end goal of the choke—they read their opponent, adjust their timing, positioning, and adapt to the dynamic nature of the fight. This deep, almost instinctual awareness and the ability to maintain balance without reliance on the hands for support are what enable one to execute the techniques effectively even against opponents who know what’s coming.

Mount position

> The most dominant position in jiu-jitsu is back control because when you are underneath someone in this position, it is the most dominant you can be over them.

> Mount may seem dominant, especially to children, but it can feel unstable and easy to escape from if the person on top doesn't know what they're doing.

> The biggest challenge in jiu-jitsu is getting the second hand in for a choke in back control, as it requires deep, tight positioning to prevent the opponent from defending effectively.

> Mastery in jiu-jitsu, or any skill, comes from practicing the same exact thing over and over again until it becomes second nature, even when facing challenges and setbacks along the way.

How to progress in jiu jitsu

> Training in Jiu Jitsu isn't just about toughening up; it's about embracing your weaknesses. “You want to be really good at Jiu Jitsu, you have to practice your weakness, not your strength.” It’s crucial to understand every position and scenario, knowing that every detail matters in your journey toward improvement.

> Repetition is key to building confidence in your techniques. “You need to repeat them over and over again until you’re confident enough that when you get there, you have a chance.” Each drill and escape needs to be honed so that when it counts, you’re prepared to face the challenges on the mat.

Best submission in jiu jitsu

> Choosing the best submission position in Jiu-Jitsu really boils down to control and effectiveness. For me, when it comes to the most reliable submission, nothing beats a cross collar choke from the mount. The mount is super controlling, and once both hands are on the neck, the space is so limited that escaping becomes nearly impossible. Unlike back control, where there's more room to maneuver and defend, the mount restricts movement to a point where mounting an effective defense is extremely difficult.

> From my experience and analysis, escaping from the back is more feasible compared to escaping from a mount. There’s more space to operate when someone has your back, giving you the opportunity to defend and wiggle out of the position. The mount, on the other hand, pins you down completely, limiting your defensive moves and making it significantly harder to counter. I'm confident in this perspective, though I remain open to being convinced otherwise—show me convincing evidence, and I might reconsider.

The greatest competitor of all time

> Roger Gracie might say:

> Bushesha's success is due to his agility combined with aggression, making him hard to control at his heavyweight size. Marcelo's strength lies in his exceptional technical skills, showcasing high-level technique in various submission positions despite not being physically powerful.

Roger's statistics

> The high level of strategic thinking in Jiu-Jitsu is something I hold dear. It's fascinating how "when people panic, they expose themselves," and that’s when I capitalize. The rear-naked choke, my most successful submission, often comes from creating that initial pressure and finding their weaknesses.

> Balancing Jiu-Jitsu and MMA was no small feat; my commitment to Jiu-Jitsu was unwavering. I realized that "the grips are essential" for my game, and without them, I can't perform at my best. Training in both required me to stay true to my love for Jiu-Jitsu while navigating the unique challenges of MMA.

MMA vs jiu jitsu

> The primary difference between MMA and Jiu-Jitsu lies in the speed and physicality. In Jiu-Jitsu, I can take my time over a ten-minute match without immediate threats, whereas in MMA, I need to be sharp and fast from the very first second due to the constant danger of punches. This makes MMA far more physically demanding and requires better conditioning and explosiveness.

> When grappling on the ground in MMA, the presence of punches fundamentally changes everything. The techniques and distances I allow between myself and my opponent are heavily influenced by the need to defend against strikes. Particularly in closed guard, I must either keep the opponent very close or kick them away, with no middle ground as in traditional Jiu-Jitsu.

> Reflecting on my MMA training, I realize I should have dedicated more time, not just in physical training but also mentally embracing the sport. My true passion has always been Jiu-Jitsu, and while MMA felt more like a duty as a Gracie, I never truly gave it my heart. Despite this, I don't regret my MMA journey; it was something I felt compelled to do, and it completed an essential part of my experience and legacy.

Gordon Ryan

> Gordon Ryan is seen as one of the top no-gi competitors, but it's premature to call him the best of all time due to his age and ongoing career. He is having an amazing path, but true judgment should come when he finishes and retires.

> No-gi scene has evolved significantly with more dedicated tournaments and fighters. The focus on foot locks and other aspects reflects a shift in how jiu jitsu is approached, with a more professional and specialized training environment now in place.

> Gordon Ryan's success can be attributed to his unparalleled dedication, strong belief in becoming the best, and his approach to training weaknesses. By constantly evolving and fine-tuning strategies, such as shifting from leg locks to a focus on finishing from the mount and back positions, he has demonstrated his exceptional growth and adaptability in the sport.

John Danaher

> John Donahue is an extraordinary figure in Jiu Jitsu; he exemplifies what it means to be fully dedicated to coaching. His constant pursuit of knowledge—"he’s 24/7 thinking better ways to teach"—truly sets him apart. That kind of commitment has a profound impact on the athletes he trains, pushing them to reach higher levels than they'd thought possible.

> Moreover, our discussions often take unexpected turns, like our debate over animals and their fighting instincts. His idea that life experience matters more than skill resonates with me: "it's not necessarily the skill...but how much you fight." It’s a reminder that sometimes, the mental aspect in our sport can outweigh raw talent.

Bear fight

> Mastery in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, for me, is not just about physical prowess but understanding the psychology of combat. It’s about reading your opponent and strategizing, much like how bears in the wild engage in displays of dominance through sizing each other up, rather than purely seeking to inflict harm. This mirrors how intelligent combat can often appear less aggressive but is deeply tactical.

> In martial arts and in nature, endurance and strategy can sometimes outshine brute strength. Watching those bears taking breaks and catching their breath makes me reflect on the importance of pacing oneself during a fight. There’s a profound lesson there – sometimes, knowing when to step back or tap out is just as crucial as pushing forward.

Tie

> Training with lower ranks sharpened all my skills and made me improve everything I already knew to a higher level by creating scenarios that simulated realistic fighting situations. My attack and defense both benefited from repeatedly practicing with lower-ranked belts who had a stronger focus on defense than many high-level black belts.

> Training judo at the Budokai in London with high-level judo practitioners helped me immensely, especially in improving my stand-up game and overall jiu-jitsu skills. This experience motivated me to keep coming back and getting better, enhancing my base, top game, and pressure game.

> To prepare for world championships, I did a lot of boxing, conditioning, and trained judo, especially at Budokai. Additionally, I traveled to Brazil for two months before major tournaments to train with high-level practitioners, ensuring I was well prepared and able to compete at my best.

Advice for beginners

> "As a complete beginner, the key is to absorb techniques and stay relaxed." It's crucial to understand that trying too hard or fighting desperately often leads to tension. Learning to move slowly and gracefully can fundamentally change your experience on the mat.

> "For adults who want to progress, consistency is everything." Regular training—aiming for around five to seven days a week if possible—is vital, as the more you train, the more you'll improve. Sticking to a set of techniques that resonate with you personally keeps the journey enjoyable and effective.

> "Training should focus on enjoyment, especially as a hobbyist." It’s okay to choose techniques that align with your interests, but also recognize the value in getting a better understanding of all positions. Just remember, "It's all about finding balance—work on your weaknesses, but also play to your strengths."

Drilling

> Drilling is crucial to initially learn the mechanics of a move, but once those mechanics are understood, its effectiveness diminishes; real learning happens with resistance. "The moment that you know how to apply it, there's no more point in drilling. Now we have to practice with resistance."

> In Jiu-Jitsu, unlike Judo or wrestling, the dynamic nature of techniques like the arm lock involves multiple factors such as grips and opponent's defensive actions, which can only be mastered through live practice. "There's a combination of other things that I need to do... that only comes with a fully resistant opponent."

> Effective learning in Jiu-Jitsu comes from iterative practice under live conditions, returning to specific problem points repeatedly. "Everything that you do wrong, you're gonna go back there and you're gonna try again, try again, try again... that's when you really learn."

Roger vs Bear, Lion, Gorilla, and Anaconda

> I always thought that the only way to kill a lion was with the "real naked choke", which in Portuguese is "mata leão". It's like killing the lion from behind. My strategy would be to wait it out against an Anaconda because I have a tiny chance against it; technique could help, but these animals have so much strength and aggression.

> In my Jiu Jitsu journey, defeats were my low points, not because of doubt, but because I saw them as opportunities to get better. I never doubted myself; instead, every loss pushed me to improve. I always fought against my opponent and the referees from a young age, aiming not just to win, but to dominate and submit my opponents. Winning tournaments was just a consequence of my pursuit to be the best. Winning by points or advantages was never enough for me; I needed to submit my opponents to truly prove my superiority.

Advice for young people

> Determination is key; “you need to have a goal for yourself so you know where you want to go” and the path will be riddled with failures. Embracing those failures instead of letting them bring you down is essential for growth.

> Surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial—“don’t surround yourself with failures.” There’s immense power in being around those who have achieved greatness, as their energy and experience will inspire and push you to reach your own potential.

> Society often discourages risk-taking, but “the worst thing you can tell everybody is to not take risks.” Embracing failure is vital; it teaches resilience and ultimately leads to success. “The only way to succeed is failing—there is no other way.”

Love

> "Love brings the best of us." Love and compassion are fundamental to the human condition, and if we embraced them more, we would evolve as a species and make the world a much better place.

> "I've never got here by myself." My journey has been deeply supported by the love and help from many people around me. Their belief in me has been crucial to my success.