The 32 Principles

by Rener Gracie, Paul Volponi

Overcome any obstacle life throws at you by thinking and responding like a world-class martial artist—without ever setting foot on the mat.

Jiu-jitsu is more than a martial art; it is a lifestyle that promotes health, confidence, self-determination, and balance. Famed jiu-jitsu instructor Rener Gracie, who has coached more than 350,000 students in 196 countries, presents the core teachings of jiu-jitsu and explains how they can apply to all of our daily lives, including:

• The Pyramid Principle: the importance of investing in a strong foundation 
• The Acceptance Principle: recognizing when it’s better to yield than to resist 
• The Pivot Principle: the value of changing your perspective to increase your effectiveness 
• The Redirection Principle: using unfavorable circumstances to create favorable outcomes

Intended for both longtime fans and practitioners of jiu-jitsu as well as those completely unfamiliar with martial arts, The 32 Principles—and 32 companion videos on each principle’s physical application for self-defense from Rener himself—will help you take control of your personal and professional pursuits, supercharge your entrepreneurial spirit, and balance your relationships at work and at home.

Along with multi-award–winning author Paul Volponi, this book features contributions from more than 40 champion athletes, topflight coaches, and others who have benefited from the everyday life applications of these timeless jiu-jitsu principles.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Martial Arts, Self Help, Audiobook, Business, Personal Development

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[CatReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at ~60%. This book is marketed as wisdom from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu translated to useful life advice, but honestly it's more of a promotional vehicle for the author, who comes across as a self-important braggart. However, this book does serve as a useful proof-of-concept about how nearly any activity can be shoehorned into a "32 Principles to Succeed in Business, Relationships and Life" advice book, such as:

- 32 principles of mini-golf - if you putt and fail, putt putt again
- 32 principles of crocheting - if the yarn is too badly knotted, just cut it out and fasten on again
- 32 principles of sandwich-making - if you try to stuff too many toppings inside, things will get messy

[Andrew Lafleche · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The 32 Principles” by Rener Gracie and Paul Volponi is an interesting blend of storytelling and martial arts philosophy. The principles taught on the mat flow into every aspect of life that only once you start practicing begin to notice jiu-jitsu in everything. Rener masterfully relates the principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the business world and various life events on a journey of growth and self-improvement. The things learned on the mat impact who you are as an individual and this book captures that phenomena perfectly. An invaluable resource for both beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, it’s a book that after you read, you’ll review it again and again. I especially appreciate the videos at the beginning of each chapter. Even if you’ve never tried the sport, this book will provide you with valuable tools for living a fuller life.

[Katrina Washburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazingly crafted and I will want to own a physical copy and will re-listen to it and use the book and videos as reference for myself for every day moments. So thankful that Rener saw the vision and practicality for these principles for non-BJJ students and put them down so brilliantly in this way. Thank you-

[Travis Staggs · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some useful bits here & there, but this was mostly a way for Rener to pat himself on the back and market his neck pillow thing, quick flip, and other products.

A lot of fluff with not much filler, on top of having the QR codes linking to unrealistic self defense scenarios taking up an entire page beginning each chapter.

I'm not even a little bit better at jiu-jitsu or life from reading this.

[Jillian Ellis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Of the many things that make this book disappointing, the biggest one is that its editor did not effectively decide what it is. It is trying to be too many things at once:
1. A self-help book for life in general
2. Instructional for improving jiu jitsu practice
3. Informative about the history of Gracie Jiu Jitsu
4. A sales pitch
5. A philosophical reflection on how Rener sees Jiu Jitsu as life
6. An egotistical autobiography
Had the editor chosen three of those to focus on, it may have worked for the people who would be interested in that kind of thing. As a jiu jitsu practitioner, it was frustrating trying to sift through the Gracie marketing stuff to find anything useful or interesting about Jiu jitsu.

[Paige Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jiu Jitsu is life!
I’ve been considering taking BJJ classes for several years now, but after reading this book I am 100% committed to actually making that happen. The lessons Rener shares here are hugely insightful and can be immediately implemented to help you find solutions to your most pressing problems. Multiple times during the reading I had lightbulbs go off in my head as I gained fresh perspective on a situation, while simultaneously feeling encouraged and empowered to go out and actually do the work necessary to create a better outcome. If all I’d gotten was just what was WRITTEN in this book, it would have been well worth the full retail price.
However, my favorite part wasn’t even the actual words on the pages! In their desire to help people truly understand how the combat application of the principles work, Rener and his brother took to the time to make a demonstration video for each principle, showcasing exactly what the physicality of the principles looks like and helping newbies (like myself) understand the physical foundation of BJJ as well. I cannot overstate how much I enjoyed this aspect of the book! The videos were highly engaging and Rener obviously has an incredible gift for teaching. After finishing, I have a much better understanding of the physical and psychological foundations of BJJ and I am unbelievably excited to continue my journey learning more of this incredible martial art.
I honestly, cannot think of any other book which has done as good a job as this one at bringing together the mental and physical aspects of the lessons it was trying to impart. If you are at all interested in it, go out and buy it today! I promise you will not regret it!

Favorite Quote: “To become a Grandmaster, you need to learn to think for yourself. It doesn’t come from being taught every single detail, what to do right or what to do wrong. Rather, it comes from exploring possibilities, asking the right questions, and being open to alternatives.”

[JDK1962]

I abandoned this after two chapters. Not the book for me.

Don't get me wrong. I reached shodan in a traditional Japanese martial art, and I have nothing but respect for BJJ. But I had some issues with the book. First and foremost, 32 principles is way too many to usefully work with: in cognitive psychology, there's a classic paper by Miller around short term memory, which states that the "magic number" is 7 +/- 2. That comes into human interface design as well. I think it applies here as well, because (for example) the first two "principles" (1- Connection, 2 - Detachment) should actually be (IMHO) part of the same principle. Possibly you could lump 3- Distance in there as well. You want to be connected in some circumstances, but in others, you want to break the connection and detach. And if you detach, you may need to determine distance (detachment is not necessarily permanent). My point is that, they're all part of the same idea: detachment and distance are simply facets of connection. And by dividing them up, you wind up with (a) too many principles that (b) you think about as separate things.

Plus, making "principles" of opposites (e.g., connection and detachment), seems to be giving you an easy means of rationalizing any decision you want to make. Example: I'm staying in the relationship because I'm applying the principle of Connection. I'm walking away from the relationship because I'm following the principle of Detachment.

Plus, from the illustrative examples used, the principles seem to be engaging in a lot of labeling of (and perhaps imposing a system upon) things that rational, thinking people do regularly in their everyday interactions.

Anyway, I think my mindset has become too critical to continue with the book. So, no rating.

[Christian Villegas Vascos · Rating 3 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK

I'll start by saying this: I love Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It literally changed my life, and I'll be forever grateful for the lessons I've learned so far, the teachers I've had and the amazing people I've got the chance to spar with and train with. When I got this book as a birthday present I was gassed. A book about the principles about BJJ written by Rener GRACIE? It couldn't have been a better present. Now, was it what I expected? Kinda.

It started out great. I actually liked the idea of a QR-code before each chapter to get a visual representation about what the coming chapter was going to be about, and it also related directly to BJJ. But then as I kept reading I kind of got a little disappointed in a way. The videos were way too basic. I know this is not a BJJ instructional of any kind but it was also to the point that it was so fundamental and basic that I wasn't even excited to scan the next QR-code, and the next, and so on. I get it, it has to be basic for the people that are not into BJJ or any other martial art. But then again, would that person pick up a book about BJJ just at random? Perhaps. I might just be overthinking it, but I found that, sure it has it point and it's only really there to demonstrate visually what they are trying to say, but I felt like I didn't REALLY learn anything of value in that way.

I also got the "IM NOT TRYING TO BOAST AND SELL YOU MY OTHER STUFF BUT IM DOING IT ANYWAYS" kind of vibe whilst reading. The Gracie family is quite notorious for really trying to capitalize from BJJ, so much so that they basically "rigged" the first couple of UFC's (that they also started BTW, to sell their martial art to the world of course). Throughout the book, Rener talks a lot about their academy and where they are stationed in the US and all the wonderful things about their academy. He doesn't end there though, he also talks about his other companies and tries to relate the principles to how he built those companies and so on. I felt like I was getting pitched at the same time as I was trying to learn something valuable. And I get it, he's only using real life anecdotes that relate to the principles and that's more than fine, but Idk since I had that pre notion about the Gracies, it just kind of got confirmed in a way.

Other than that the book was great! Filled with anecdotes, stories and quotes that related to the principles in a really good way. Rener also finished every chapter by giving a few real life examples of when the principles can be used which I thought was wonderful! I also agree upon the principles and how they have their roots in BJJ, especially the last principle!

I recommend that every living person out there starts BJJ. At least give it a fair shot! I promise you won't regret it the slightest!!

(Side note: I hate to admit it but I also felt like a true member of a cult. All martial arts always talk about how their martial art is the best and how nothing can beat it and I've always thought that it was super corny and sometimes just wrong. But then I caught myself in that thought. Isn't my thought about BJJ exactly the same?? And how the inventors to this day push the idea that BJJ is a "gentle art" that's all about dismantling the most effective and powerful way possible? Idk, it just hit me).

[Sam Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall the 32 principles have wide application to nearly every aspect and walk of life, the ‘meat and gravy’ of the book is of high value. Tangible solutions to a vast array of real world problems with a visual representation of how said solution is applicable.

My issue personally was less so the underlying tone of marketing and sales made prevalent as others have mentioned regarding Reners Quikflip and Sleeperhold and more so the janky feeling of having to pick up your phone scan the QR code to watch the visual demonstration to then have to pick the book back up. It made the reading experience very stop start and not very smooth or seemingly efficient.

For me I think I enjoy reading a book with intent in my mind, whether to escape reality for a while or to further my own horizons being exposed to literature written in such a way that it adds to my own vocabulary - whatever the reason the 32 principles just didn’t work for me & that’s totally okay!

I’m a practitioner of the sport and so I found the need for a visual demonstration of less importance than those who don’t. However I understand the need for one knowing how alien many of these concepts can seem to ‘outsiders’ of the sport. I just think the concept of a QR code and trying to integrate a video series into a book could have used some more refinement.

Personally for me, this didn’t hit the spot, it may do for you, if you’ve never tried BJJ and find your self naturally curious about it this may be a good stepping stone for you.

[Dixie Normous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Was lucky enough to get the author to sign my copies. Jocko Willink wrote the foreword, and Ed O'Neil (actor who played Al Bundy) put a note in there as well. Author, a member of the family that founded/developed Brazillian jiu-jitsu takes on some of the key concepts of this grappling/fighting style, applying it not only to Jitsu itself, but one's life, business, and relationships. Of the most interesting aspects were the hints to the internal struggles the Gracie family faced when deciding how to teach the art, not only to more students, but also in different mediums as distance, and global issues arose.
Most importantly, in my view, was the ideas presented to identify a challenging situation, accept its reality, and have trained/move to adapt not only to overcome a challenge, but to better position yourself for doing so.
For those who train, both new, and experienced, it is a great information to learn, or being able to teach the new. For those who don't train, there are QR codes for each chapter that bring you to a video of the author showing you the exact principle each chapter is about. For all readers, I think its a great reminder that no where is it written life is fair, so you have to engage it head on, smartly.

[Alec Lawlor · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was … okay. My biggest issue with it was that many of the principles felt repetitive. The book is based on Rener’s video series with the same title, so I guess I can’t fault him too much here. However, it became tedious to read through chapters describing a previous principle in a slightly different light.

I also thought some of the applications of principles to real world scenarios were a bit of a stretch. And like many other reviewers mentioned, many of the examples felt like advertisements for his family’s brand or for his own products, with little connection between the story and the principle.

If anything, the book was a great introduction to Rener, and it left me wanting to learn more about his story, Gracie University and BJJ. I didn’t find the principles incredibly enlightening, and I think I would have preferred an autobiography

[Jake · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're hoping for some insight into jiu-jitsu, look elsewhere. While each of the Principles discussed are indeed important principles in understanding the art of jiu-jitsu, I was left with the feeling of "reading a Rener video" for 300+ pages. I DNF'd at 50%, when it was clear that I wasn't getting anything out of this.

"Don't take life advice from people younger than you, or who have done less living than you". I'm well aware of the author's family's contribution to this art, however the amount of marketing shoehorned into this work is a complete turn off. As a black belt, I was hoping for some deeper insight, and while I did find some value in the first page or so of each section, the stories are all "how great am I/the Gracie Family" and nothing seriously of value.

[Ben · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this book and hoped to learn something about BJJ and/or how the philosophy behind it could be applied in non-martial, non-sports context.

Unfortunately, I was really disappointed. What I mostly learned was that Rener thinks he's is pretty amazing, wants you to buy his products and services, and if you stretch things far enough you can draw parallels between almost anything.

Within the first full chapter, I realized that there was little substance and too many cliches to really get anything out of the book. I stuck with it hoping that I was wrong. I wish I stopped after the forward.

[Alex Timberman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book by Rener is a mix of admiration and a sales pitch. He's knowledgeable but also constantly promoting products. Despite the sales push, his insights on bullying and problem-solving feel genuine. Using BJJ as a backdrop, he shares life lessons, emphasizing the need for ambition. However, the book feels like another product he's selling, much like his hoodies or online BJJ gym. While he's a BJJ pioneer, learning from his school isn't the only path. His family's missed opportunity in UFC teaches the importance of keeping a stake in things that matter. Overall, it's a blend of wisdom and salesmanship, revealing lessons beyond the martial arts world.

[Daniel Palevski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book - the lessons in Jiu Jitsu really tie well to challenges we have in life and the approaches discussed can be incredibly valuable in any setting.

As someone has mentioned earlier, it would be valuable to have a cheat sheet somewhere as a reference guide to look at and consider what can be applied to a given situation.

I didn’t appreciate the QR codes to access videos. Although the videos were incredibly valuable to see the Jiu Jitsu techniques being discussed in action, as one who typically uses reading to disconnect from the digital world, I would have appreciated photos or diagrams explaining the techniques as an available option in the book as well.

[Chuck Kechter · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

An excellent book on the underlying principles of Jiu-jitsu (and life really). Rener Gracie's book is a treasure of both jiu-jitsu knowledge (how and why things work the way they should), as well as some practical knowledge on how to use the principles in life. He uses examples from his own life to illustrate.
I'd have given it 5 stars, except it needed some copy editing, and there were a couple of examples from people's lives that he used as a concurrent illustration, that didn't really fit his narrative.

[nat dolenga · Rating 2 out of 5]

i wanted to like this so bad bc of course all i talk about is jiu jitsu and of course If You Know The Way Broadly You Will See It In All Things but unfortunately this book fell sooo flat. most of the examples were wild stretches, thinly veiled attempts at humble bragging, or otherwise unexplained poor examples of principles; several principles were inaptly named and not fleshed out nearly enough. this felt like a cash grab and promo for various products (jiu jitsu related and non jiu jitsu related) and the author comes across as a narcissist tbh. im sad about it

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I admit my bias however - I have been a fan of the Gracie family since I was a young boy watching the early UFCs on PPV and am a recreational white belt bjj novice.

This book makes great points on self help, war/martial arts technique, as well as habits, business, family, financial, and personal considerations/dilemmas. The principles applied and narrated conversationally through are incredibly applied to a broad variety of examples in life.

I honestly don't know which shelf it will end up on. But it will be opened back up frequently for reference.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The day after I saw one of the videos included I pulled of the takedown shown in it. It was against a brand new white belt, and I didn't manage it against any of the higher belts, but I kept trying to set it up rather than being gifted it from an opened closed guard.

However, it would be nice if the videos included could be downloaded either as 32 clips or one full video. As an option for people who want to quickly watch them on their phone while without internet access.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this. While it was modestly entertaining as an audiobook, it was filled with vapid and stretched out "life lessons" you can pull away from jiu jitsu principles. Like, the jiu jitsu version of the poppiest of pop psychology / self-help with a bit of marketing interspersed throughout.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has much to study. Many of the principles apply to everything business and personal. I thought some of the application examples were a bit simple, but they were not inaccurate. Life changing? That depends on what you do with it. I think I will read this at least twice more and examine all of the possibilities. I may also finally get after BJJ training at a Gracie gym.

[Diana Tyndall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to Rener on a podcast and was interested in the world of jujitsu. I liked that this book was unique and every chapter had a QR code with a video showing the principles and techniques. I enjoyed reading this in spurts instead of all the way through. Definitely makes me interested in jujitsu!

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is a rather niche book in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu application, Rener's principles are applicable to everyone and it is well explained. I truly enjoyed each principle being its own chapter, and each being limited in length. It made it much easier to read as an ADHD adult since it was much easier to separate into chunks

[James · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you’re interested in BJJ then don’t read this book. If you want an 8 hour sales pitch and mostly common sense solutions to hypothetical situations then this is the book for you. Struggled not to DNF. Thankfully I listened to it while driving rather than read it so I was able to drift in and out of the waffle.

[Devin Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent wisdom. I'm a fan of the bjj instructional video series Rener and his brother Ryron made of the 32 principles, so i was excited to read the book. It's good repetition for me to remember the principles and makes me thoughtful about wider applications.

[Maxim Sinitsyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

If it was solely about BJJ and 2 hours long, would have been a solid 4 or 5. The way principles were translated into life situations was artificial imo and in some cases served as a clear self-promotion. Surprised by Jocko endorsing this book by his foreword

[Tina Ann Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read and a must if you’re into BJJ. I think 32 principles is a bit much because I could only remember just a handful. I enjoyed the story telling. Not a deep book but at least it was entertaining. Sounds like a book on leadership if it was written by a BJJ guy…oh wait.

[R S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook

This book is basic focus on the fundamentals of life packaged in a jiu-jitsu-based format. Arguably cliche, but I would argue cliches are fundamentals and they need to be presented often and in palatable bites with variety.

[Ryan Blanchette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The videos of the Principles made this book. Without them it would be a single star. The weakness of the book is in the application to business scenarios- Gracie’s experience in business is limited. Even within the examples provided I felt he was stretching to apply the Jiu jitsu principle.

[Kevin Thang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nobody loves Rener Gracie more than Rener Gracie.
Some interesting stories and testimonials in this book, some principles seem forced to fit a narrative.
But overall a decent advertisement for gracie jiu jitsu.