BJJ Inspirational quotes to keep you motivated
If you’re looking for motivation on and off the mat, these BJJ quotes capture the essence of what makes Jiu-Jitsu such a transformative practice:
- "To train in BJJ is to continually drown—or, rather, to be drowned, in sudden and ingenious ways—and to be taught, again and again, how to swim." - Sam Harris
- "Ten years is gonna go by either way - might as well be a black belt in BJJ." - Chris Haueter
- "Jiu jitsu is the science and art of control that leads to submission." - John Danaher
- "If you ask me what belt I am today I’ll tell you that I’m a white belt that never gave up." - Jean Jacques Machado
- "There is no losing in Jiu-Jitsu. You either win or you learn." - Carlos Gracie, Sr.
BJJ motivation quotes: pushing through the tough Days
Every BJJ practitioner experiences days of self-doubt, frustration, and exhaustion. That’s where motivational BJJ quotes come in handy:
- "The more I train, the luckier I get." – Renzo Gracie
- "When I step on the mat, I know there is no other place I’d rather be." - Marcelo Garcia
- "I do it because it’s hard. Because it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. And because it never ends. Every day presents me with a series of problems that I spend the rest of the day thinking about how I might solve — or at least chip away at. Next day same. And the day after that." – Anthony Bourdain
- "If you want to be a lion, you must train with lions." - Carlson Gracie, Sr.
Famous jiu-jitsu quotes: legends speak
BJJ has been practiced and admired by many influential figures, including Presidents, professional athletes, and legendary martial artists. Here are some of the most famous Jiu-Jitsu quotes:
- "Jiu-Jitsu puts you completely in the moment, where you must have a complete focus on finding a solution to the problem. This trains the mind to build that focus, to increase your awareness, your capacity to solve problems." - Rickson Gracie
- "The art of Jiu-Jitsu is worth more in every way than all of our athletics combined." - President Theodore Roosevelt
- "Time on the mat will eventually surpass talent and ability." – Unknown
BJJ sayings that capture the spirit of the art
Over time, common phrases and sayings have emerged in the BJJ community that encapsulate the spirit of the sport. Some of these have become mantras for dedicated practitioners:
- "I am a shark, the ground is my ocean, and most people don’t know how to swim." – Jean Jacques Machado
- "The rule is to train, train, and train some more. Train until the lamb becomes the lion." – Paulo Miyao
- "To be a champion, all you have to do is train. But first, one must be a good person. Be a friend at the academy, learn to help. To be good at Jiu-Jitsu, it’s all about believing and training; there isn’t that much else you can do." – Rodolfo Vieira
- "The biggest lesson I learned from Jiu-Jitsu was how to truly know myself." – Carlos Gracie, Sr.
- "My ego is my enemy and my opponent is my teacher." – Renzo Gracie
What can these BJJ quotes teach us?
While these quotes are inspiring, they also serve as practical guidance for training and life in general. Here are some takeaways:
- Perseverance is Everything – Success in BJJ doesn’t come overnight. Quotes like Chris Haueter’s remind us that dedication over time is key.
- Training Builds Mental Toughness – Anthony Bourdain and Sam Harris highlight the mental struggle of BJJ, teaching us that persistence is what gets us through tough times.
- Learning from Failure – The words of Carlos Gracie, Sr. remind us that in Jiu-Jitsu, there is no losing—only learning.
- Humility and Growth – Many quotes emphasize that ego is the enemy. Whether it’s Renzo Gracie’s take on ego or Jean Jacques Machado’s view on belt ranks, humility is a core part of growth in BJJ.
Why BJJ quotes matter?
Jiu-Jitsu is a lifelong journey, and like any journey, it has ups and downs. These quotes serve as reminders of why we train, why we push through struggles, and why BJJ remains one of the most rewarding experiences one can undertake.Next time you’re feeling discouraged, revisit these BJJ inspirational quotes and let them remind you of why you stepped onto the mat in the first place.