On Jiu Jitsu

This book has no technical details regarding BJJ, this book shares insights that can be argued to be time tested truths. A short read that flows really well, and often times, by no devious plan of the author, compels one to stop reading and reflect on the poignant passages through-out this book.If you participate in JJ or are on the fence, this book is certainly belongs in ones library or stack of books.

Typically I find short books to read to catch up on reading quantity goals. This one is indeed short but for me I spent as much time consuming it as any other standard length book. There is little to no fluff. Each sentence seems to be crafted with great care for maximum efficacy. I highlighted the majority of the book and littered the pages with marginalia. I often found myself not reading at all but marinating deeply in ideas I’ve experienced myself but lacked the wisdom to articulate. I think that above all is what I got from this book. The back cover description says this philosophical treatise is an attempt to codify the mechanisms in which Jiu Jitsu helps us grow as humans. And I think the author hit the nail on the head. It was humbling to read. Part of me wishes this was a book I had written. It’s clear my journey and reading have a lot of overlap with the author and so much of what he says resonated with me. I see now the dots I’m connecting are nothing special though. Jiu Jitsu is what is special. We’re all riding in the same vehicle but taking different roads to reach the same destination. I got 5 stars out of enjoyment out of this one but if I’m being purely objective I’d give it 4. The book is multi-dimensional but there were opportunities to dive deeper that left me wanting for more.

It is not a long read however, I loved what I read. I will read it again just to process better the depth of how Chris expounds on Jiu Jitsu experiences, and benefits and the deeper philosophy of what actually takes place as we learn Jiu Jitsu. I will share this book forward. A must read.

"Jiu jitsu provides a medium with which to purposefully strengthen our weaknesses..." This is one of my favorite lines in the book. As a bjj practitioner, this book revealed things that make sense on how someone should look at jiu jitsu. It is an art. BUT an art that you use to create the masterpiece: which is your life. Great book Chris!!! Looking forward to reading more.

I'm a long time athlete, but first time BJJ practitioner at age 40. I'm also deeply interested in the art of character and how to develop it with wisdom and discernment. Chris's book made it beyond obvious to me that more than anything, BJJ is an exquisite tool for the cultivation of character above and beyond anything else. He's a wise and compassionate guide that will help you understand why BJJ is a tool for waking up as much as it is for becoming a more confident human. Recommended with zero hesitation whatsoever.

I greatly admire people who have the ability to take dense ideas and to express them in a simplified and condensed form without losing the density. This book does just that. This book is not JUST for those who train in Jiu Jitsu, it’s for everyone who takes hold of a craft. Loved it.

This book is one of those you buy and gift to all your friends, not just your jiu jit su friends . But anyone who’s seeking to understand struggle, patience, and most importantly self realization. Chris did an incredible job with these books and in a 1000 years much like Seneca or any other ancient philosopher these books will be poured over future civilizations try and understand just how far we’ve come in our pursuit of this beautiful art.

I really appreciated the fact that the author tackled a different topic than the technique-based instructional books that line martial arts shelves these days. Being a lifer in BJJ, I recognize the importance of the mental game of jiu-jitsu. Not only that, but how BJJ can be a vessel for self-improvement, and a microcosm for life. This author gets it, and I'll definitely buy more of his works in the future. Bonus points for the correlations to Stoicism.

My son has loved this book and cant believe how much he’s learnt from reading it.

If you’re a JiuJitsu nut like the rest of us, this book is a must read. An articulate read that epitomizes the true value of JiuJitsu. A vehicle to develop our highest selves and ultimately to support our fellow man.

Very interesting

Roughly 100 little pages written by big letters repeating the same 3/4 concepts from begin till the end. Except a few parts this book is nothing special. The reading is suggested on Kindle at 0 $

O autor aborda aspectos importantes sobre o jiu-jitsu que vão além do tatame.