The Jiu-Jitsu Mindset: Growth Over Victory
At Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu Lake Travis, our mission is to create a welcoming environment where everyone can grow through jiu-jitsu, building not just skills but character and community. Jiu-jitsu is hard—it’s no secret that many quit because of its challenges. But we believe that by fostering the right mindset, we can help you evolve as a martial artist and as a person. Today, we’re sharing insights from three masters—Jigoro Kano, Saulo Ribeiro, and Rickson Gracie—whose wisdom, drawn from their books, can transform how you approach your practice. These books offer immense benefits both on and off the mats, and we highly recommend diving into them.
Insight #1: Martial Arts as a Path to Growth
In Mind Over Muscle, Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, teaches that martial arts are more than physical techniques—they’re a path to mental and moral growth. Kano believed true strength lies in cultivating humility and mutual benefit, not in dominating others. On the mat, it’s tempting to focus on “winning” sparring sessions, aiming to crush or outmuscle your partners. But this mindset limits your evolution. If your only goal is to tap out your teammate, you may miss the deeper lessons jiu-jitsu offers—patience, adaptability, and respect. Instead, strive to be a good teammate, learning from every roll and helping your partner grow. This is the foundation of lasting progress in jiu-jitsu.
Insight #2: Survival as the Cornerstone
In Jiu-Jitsu University, Sensei Saulo Ribeiro emphasizes survival as the cornerstone of jiu-jitsu, especially for white and blue belts. For white belts, the focus is on defending and escaping—mastering posture, breathing under pressure, and staying calm in tough positions. Blue belts build on this, learning to control and transition while maintaining that defensive foundation. These skills teach you to survive any storm on the mat, creating a base for lifelong growth. If you’re a higher belt but find yourself relying on strength or aggression rather than technique, take a step back. Revisit the basics. Refine your escapes, tighten your posture, and rediscover the art of survival. Saulo reminds us that jiu-jitsu is a marathon, not a sprint, and every belt level benefits from returning to these fundamentals.
Insight #3: Invisible Jiu-Jitsu
In Comfort in Darkness, inspired by his journey with Parkinson’s, Master Rickson Gracie introduces the concept of invisible jiu-jitsu—the internal wins that come from the right mindset. Rickson teaches us to find comfort in
adversity, whether it’s being stuck in a tough position or facing life’s challenges. On the mat, this means embracing the struggle, not resisting it. When you’re caught in a choke or pinned under side control, don’t panic or muscle out. Breathe, think, and work the problem. These moments of survival forge resilience and clarity, qualities that transcend jiu-jitsu and shape who you are off the mat. By focusing on these invisible victories, you unlock yourpotential to evolve. Sensei Xande echoes this, describing jiu-jitsu as a lifestyle that cultivates discipline, honor, and community. The real wins are often unseen, built through consistent practice and shared struggles.
Reflecting on Your Invisible Wins
Take a moment to think back: where are you today compared to when you started? Where are your invisible wins? Are you stronger, in better health, or more fit? Have you become more flexible, made new friends, or found renewed energy and focus in your personal development? These wins—physical, mental, and social—are the heart of jiu-jitsu’s transformative power.
Redefining “Winning” in Jiu-Jitsu
Let’s rethink what “winning” means in jiu-jitsu. It’s not about tapping out your partner every roll (especially if they’re weaker, smaller, or less experienced). It’s about growing through every challenge, supporting your teammates, and building a mindset that thrives in discomfort. Whether you’re a white belt learning to survive, a blue belt mastering control, or a higher belt refining your craft, approach each class with humility, curiosity, and resilience. That’s the true spirit of jiu-jitsu.
Join us at Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu Lake Travis to embrace this mindset and set the standard for excellence together. Whether you’re new to jiu-jitsu or a seasoned practitioner, our community is here to support your journey. Visit jiujitsulaketravis.com to learn more and start training with us today!
Keep training, keep learning,
Professor Steve