The Rubik's Cube of Jiu Jitsu



The Rubik’s Cube


I remember when I was a kid getting my first Rubik's Cube. It was so much fun! But trying to solve it with random twists and turns was incredibly frustrating. Soon I bought the instruction book on how to solve it, and then I finally had techniques that worked and gained my confidence. I quickly mastered the Rubik's Cube and felt like a black belt with it!


Jiu Jitsu can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube – blindfolded! There are so many twists and turns that at first it seems outrageously overwhelming! Since I’m currently a white belt, this is the stage I’m in. I’m quickly learning as much as possible, but wow, every session feels like my brain is panting and out of breath just trying to keep up.


I go to my local Gracie Barra facility every week and I look forward to it with eager anticipation. I even have the online app that I use to get a sneak preview for the week’s techniques, and I try to practice on my own with my grappling dummy at home.


But I stumbled upon an incredible website resource that I want to recommend to you that is built by two Gracie brothers (Rener and Ryron Gracie) called “Gracie University”. I whole-heartedly recommend it to you to check out! It’s a fantastic resource with an extensive library of jiu jitsu tutorials and more.


They have developed a curriculum that teaches tons of stuff! I’m really diving in, and I feel like I’m drinking out of a fire hydrant!


One of the most interesting modules that I’ve been studying that they have developed is called “The 32 Principles”.  At its core is the idea that while Jiu Jitsu has thousands of techniques it is really driven by these 32 principles. And as you learn and study the 32 Principles, you will transition from studying techniques to becoming jiu jitsu.


I will be tracing my journey through these principles–sharing briefly what each one is, and how it applies to my personal journey in following Christ.


This won’t be perfect, and it certainly won’t cover everything. But I do believe that all truth is God’s truth – so why not see how these principles apply to my personal spiritual journey? And hopefully it’s something that can benefit you too.


I’m excited about our journey, and I look forward to more and more discovery! Together we can become more like Jesus as we also become more and more jiu jitsu…


-Brian


(Disclaimer: I am not being paid/sponsored in any way to promote "Gracie University". I have found their "The 32 Principles" videos incredibly beneficial and I hope you do too! And it's not necessary to watch these videos to benefit from this blog)

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