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Rickson Gracie: ‘Competition is Great But Doesn’t Fulfill The Needs of All’

Rickson Gracie: ‘Competition is Great But Doesn’t Fulfill The Needs of All’

Competition might not be for everyone, but I believe that competing can provide many positive things to all martial artists. It’s important to know that when I say “martial artist” that I mean everyone who is participating in a martial art to improve themselves. This includes busy university students, parents with full time jobs who can only come once or twice per week, professional athletes….everyone who steps into the dojo with a desire to learn, regardless of background.

The martial art that I’ve grown up with is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I have a special bond with everyone who steps on to the mats. When you come into my dojo you are a part of my family and I desire nothing more than to see you improve. This isn’t about making everyone a champion in the sport, but you could say it’s about aspiring to be a champion in your own life. To be that person who can make the better decision, to be that person who takes the opportunities to grow, to be that person who tries to be better than they were the day before. You don’t always succeed; the important thing is to always try and to always learn.

Rickson Gracie in this interview by BJJ Legends Magazine discusses various hot topics including competition in BJJ, current rules, the Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation( JJGF) and much more.

Here Rickson answers the question, “Does BJJ still need self-defense and how does it compare to competition?”