As martial artists, we are often faced with aggressive people who threaten us either verbally or physically. It’s important to know the difference between an insult like “F– You” and a threat “I’m going to b*at you up”.
Insults should be ignored but threats are more serious and are often an indication of incoming violence. That’s why we should deal with verbal threats very seriously.
Rickson Gracie talked to Jean Jacques Machado about how he deals with rude or aggressive people that yell at him or threaten him in the street.
He told the story, of the time, he had just left the academy after training and was on his way to surf with his brother Royler Gracie and he was yelled at and insulted by an angry taxi driver.
Rickson chose to take the high road and apologise to the taxi driver who had just yelled at him a few seconds before that. Royler asked him why he did that and Rickson answered:
“Man we just finished training. I am in a good mood. This guy is fat, bald and unhappy. Why would I beat him up just for a verbal insult? Just let it go.”
Royler would go on to say that this was the most important lesson that he had ever learned from Rickson.
Rickson Gracie, a legendary figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, recently reflected on the tragic passing of world champion Leandro Lo to underscore a vital lesson about the distinction between being an athlete and being a true martial artist. During a podcast discussion, Gracie highlighted how humility, self-control, and the ability to de-escalate conflicts lie at the heart of martial arts mastery, setting it apart from mere physical prowess. Lo, an eight-time world champion revered within the Jiu-Jitsu community, tragically lost his life after an altercation at a São Paulo nightclub over a seemingly trivial dispute. This event, according to Rickson, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ego and uncontrolled emotion.
“The champion is supposed to know more about martial arts — he’s too much of an athlete, but he’s not a martial artist,” Gracie reflected. For Rickson, true martial artistry goes beyond dominating on the mats; it involves the capacity to foresee and sidestep dangerous situations, using humility and composure as tools for conflict resolution. “Winning without a fight is often the better choice,” he stated. “Sometimes, just apologizing can prevent a dangerous situation. A true martial artist has the wisdom to see potential danger and walk away.”
Rickson further elaborated on the pitfalls of ego-driven behavior, contrasting athletes who often seek validation through physical dominance with true martial artists who prioritize restraint and self-mastery. “Athletes can get trapped in the need to prove they are better, stronger, faster. But that mentality can lead you to unnecessary confrontations,” he warned. According to Gracie, Lo’s tragic inability to de-escalate the situation demonstrates the thin line between confidence and overconfidence, with fatal consequences. “Sometimes, you have to fight to win, but sometimes, winning means walking away without fighting at all,” Gracie emphasized.
Gracie also urged instructors and the broader martial arts community to instill the values of humility, discipline, and conflict avoidance in their students. “When you have power, you don’t need to show power. When you have confidence, you don’t need to prove anything,” he concluded. His reflections on Lo’s death and the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the incident highlight the complexities and responsibilities of being a martial artist. The case, involving a military police officer, has continued to resonate across Brazil and the martial arts world, sparking both grief and calls for greater awareness around conflict management.
In Gracie’s view, true martial arts is a path to personal growth, humility, and peace—not just competition. While Rickson himself once engaged in rivalries that tested his pride, his evolved philosophy serves as a reminder that the highest form of strength is not in fighting but in walking away from a battle that need not be fought.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
