Inspiring Excellence and Accountability in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through Worthy Rivalries
One of the unique aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) lies in its capacity to forge individuals of extraordinary character. In the process of mastering this art, you encounter worthy opponents who can push you beyond your limits, compelling you to achieve more, and maintaining an accountability framework that drives continuous improvement.
This idea encapsulates our philosophy, “The honorable man seeks the worthiest of opponents and loves them for their worthiness. He needs them to help bring out the best in him. This means he must risk defeat. There is no honor in perfect certainty.”
The Richard-Saladin Exemplar: A Testament to Worthy Rivalries
The tale of King Richard and Saladin, chronicled by Thomas Maddon, encapsulates the profound respect and courtesy that can arise from worthy rivalries. In this tale, King Richard, forced to halt his crusade due to treachery at home, informs Saladin of his imminent return. The response from Saladin to this declaration highlights the unique bond formed through competition.
In response to King Richard’s declaration, Saladin states… as documented by Sir Thomas Madden, “With his Holy Law and God almighty as his witness, he thought King Richard so pleasant, upright, magnanimous, and excellent that if his land were to be lost in his time, he would rather have it taken into Richard’s mighty power than to have it go into the hands of any other prince whom he had ever seen.” This response underscores the deep respect and admiration a worthy opponent can elicit. The Value of Worthy Rivalries in BJJ
In the context of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, having worthy opponents or rivals is crucial for growth and development. They serve as a mirror, reflecting our strengths and weaknesses, and pushing us to surpass our limits. They act as accountability partners, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Embracing Defeat: The Path to Honor and Excellence
An honorable martial artist seeks out challenges and embraces defeat. Recognizing that there is no honor in perfect certainty, they take risks, striving for growth rather than absolute victory. Each defeat is viewed not as a setback, but as a step towards mastery.
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as in life, having people around who can challenge you, push you to higher achievement, and hold you accountable is essential. The spirit of competition, the camaraderie of worthy rivals, and the relentless pursuit of improvement all come together in this intricate martial art. Embrace the challenges, cherish the rivals, and let the journey shape you into a better version of yourself.
See you on the mat,
Prof. GEO
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