In over 50 years of martial arts experience, Rickson Gracie masterfully learned two important lessons. The first was combat skills. The second was human behavior observation.

This includes insightfully observing the behaviors of students and practitioners. Or former practitioners, a slice of humanity that Rickson thoughtfully contemplates.

“Today, I estimate that for every blue belt earned at a jiu-jitsu school, around 100 other practitioners quit before achieving that rank,” Gracie calculated. “And most never return to try again. So that’s hundreds, thousands of people who feel they weren’t meant for fighting, that the challenge wasn’t quite what they sought. They stop training before discovering jiu-jitsu was designed for them.”

Rickson could even pinpoint where most practitioners typically lose motivation. It’s when instructors pair students against each other in practice, unleashing instincts in an uncontrolled manner. Some enjoy the excitement and return. However, most do not come back.

According to Rickson, novices often perceive this ordeal as their worst nightmare. They did not enroll to feel discomfort. Only rare individuals will think “I struggled today, but I’ll improve over time.” To avoid such feelings, around 90% of students stop looking for other activities.

Rickson’s vision for jiu-jitsu instruction follows a smoother, less stressful path. “Currently, most schools teach through sparring. Instructors may protect beginners initially, but students must eventually compete. This means confronting fears daily. My idea is creating a level where practitioners learn concepts without rolling or facing rivals wishing to defeat them.”

Rickson details having partners, not opponents, for the first year. Those wanting to test their skills against others could then do so, while others stay partner-focused. “This gives time to benefit without needing to prove oneself,” Rickson said. “I want jiu-jitsu accessible to all family members, without compulsory competition.”

Learn from the best with Henry Akins, a black belt under the legendary Rickson Gracie, as he shares his invaluable insights and techniques for dominating your opponents in the most technical way.