Marcelo Garcia, widely regarded as one of the greatest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners of all time, has always taken a unique approach to training. In a recent interview with Jordan does Jiu-Jitsu, Marcelo shared insights into why he prioritized rolling and technical practice over strength and conditioning during his legendary career.

A Focus on Smart Training

Marcelo explained that his ability to train effectively without significant injuries was key to his success:
“I was really good at being less injured than my opponents. That’s what made me able to train more than them,” he said. For Marcelo, training smart didn’t mean training less, but training in a way that avoided unnecessary wear and tear:
“We have to train smart. When I say training smart, it’s not training less or training gentle—I trained a lot.”

Rolling as Strength Training

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Marcelo didn’t rely on strength and conditioning programs:
“I know in the past I mentioned that I didn’t do a lot of strength and conditioning. I mostly just rolled for my strength and conditioning,” he confirmed. Despite this unconventional approach, he competed against opponents who were often much larger and allegedly using performance-enhancing substances:
“I don’t think people realize it, but a lot of the guys I faced were on steroids, and they were huge. Even in my division, I was always shorter, and everyone felt bigger—not just in weight but in length.”

A Testament to Technique

Marcelo’s choice to focus solely on Jiu-Jitsu speaks volumes about his confidence in his technique:
“If you’re not lifting and you’re still beating these jacked guys, it says a lot about your technique,” he noted. For Marcelo, this approach wasn’t just about results but about staying true to the principles of Jiu-Jitsu.
“The main purpose of Jiu-Jitsu is to prove that technique can win over strength,” he said.

Regrets or Reflections?

When asked if he regretted putting his body through years of intense competition, Marcelo was reflective but positive:
“I cannot regret because I have enjoyed this so much. Competing gave me so much happiness,” he shared. However, he acknowledged that the physical toll of his career is something he still feels today:
“Obviously, I’m paying the price now. When I wake up in the morning, I feel it.”

No Supplements, No Shortcuts

Marcelo revealed another surprising detail about his training regimen:
“People have no idea—I wasn’t even on a supplement diet. No protein shakes, no pre-workouts, nothing,” he said. His reliance on natural training methods underscores his dedication to mastering the art of Jiu-Jitsu in its purest form.

Marcelo Garcia’s philosophy on training is a testament to his belief in the power of technique and hard work. By focusing entirely on Jiu-Jitsu, he not only achieved unparalleled success but also stayed true to the art’s foundational principles. His story serves as an inspiration for practitioners at every level, proving that skill and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges.