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On Jiu Jitsu
Chris Matakas, the leading author in Jiu Jitsu and Personal Development, shares the ultimate framework through which to use Jiu Jitsu as a vehicle for personal growth.
From the
I’ve been teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2008. I have seen many students use Jiu Jitsu as a vehicle for personal development, completely changing their lives off the mat through their experiences in the academy. Unfortunately, these individuals are the minority. Most students leave so much on the table. They never use Jiu Jitsu for its highest good – achieving their potential off the mat – because they’ve never been presented with a clear framework for doing so.
When I opened my academy in 2017, I wrote this book to teach my students how to maximize their personal development through Jiu Jitsu. Guard passes and submissions were not enough. I wanted them to learn how to use this art as a vehicle for personal transformation.
I want the same for you.
This book will show you HOW to use Jiu Jitsu as a vehicle for personal development, so you can get the most out of your training (and life). Among other things, you will
This book, which I wrote as a love letter to Jiu Jitsu, has already served thousands. I hope the same for you. The more you grow, the better this world will be. I am rooting for you.
Chris Matakas
For more information about Chris Matakas, and his 1-on-1 Performance Coaching for off-the-mat success, www.chrismatakas.com/coaching
From the
I’ve been teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2008. I have seen many students use Jiu Jitsu as a vehicle for personal development, completely changing their lives off the mat through their experiences in the academy. Unfortunately, these individuals are the minority. Most students leave so much on the table. They never use Jiu Jitsu for its highest good – achieving their potential off the mat – because they’ve never been presented with a clear framework for doing so.
When I opened my academy in 2017, I wrote this book to teach my students how to maximize their personal development through Jiu Jitsu. Guard passes and submissions were not enough. I wanted them to learn how to use this art as a vehicle for personal transformation.
I want the same for you.
This book will show you HOW to use Jiu Jitsu as a vehicle for personal development, so you can get the most out of your training (and life). Among other things, you will
This book, which I wrote as a love letter to Jiu Jitsu, has already served thousands. I hope the same for you. The more you grow, the better this world will be. I am rooting for you.
Chris Matakas
For more information about Chris Matakas, and his 1-on-1 Performance Coaching for off-the-mat success, www.chrismatakas.com/coaching
143 pages, Paperback
Published June 16, 2017
84 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 7, 2021
Fantastic little book, tribute of one martial arts practitioner to his passion. In my MA and life experience, every word is spot on. Best of all? I'd say it doesn't really matter whether your craft is Jiu Jitsu, Karate, gardening or playing an instrument. Heck, even some impossible job, like social work. As long as there's lifelong journey in the package, with complete impossibility of ever getting really perfect, which means the journey is the end in itself, it's all pretty much the same.
January 15, 2021
This was the book I desperately wanted to write one day. Another idea taken by someone else. (Lol) A great book!
March 18, 2019
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.
August 17, 2020
"There is rarely observable punishment for weakness in adult life. The real cost comes at the loss of life we will fail to live--the potential we squander."
Chris philosophically and spiritually concretises the universal utility derived from meeting physical resistance with intelligent effort and will day in and day out. The book also serves as a reminder that no man is an island. Concise and easy read with no fluff.
Chris philosophically and spiritually concretises the universal utility derived from meeting physical resistance with intelligent effort and will day in and day out. The book also serves as a reminder that no man is an island. Concise and easy read with no fluff.
December 4, 2021
This is definitely a philosophical work more than a book on BJJ per se. The author makes a very convincing argument that BJJ is itself a metaphor for life-trials, setbacks, wins, losses, hard work, failure, etc
Really enjoyed this.
Really enjoyed this.
February 7, 2019
This is the third book by Chris Matakas that I've read and I get the feeling that each one is better than the ones I read before it. This one is pure beauty, a wonderful insight into the connection between jiu jitsu and life and how becoming a better practitioner of the art can make you become a better practitioner of life itself, a goal we all should strive for.
February 26, 2023
#OnJiuJitsu by @chrismatakasbjj is one of my recently finished reads. This is just the first of many books that #ChrisMatakas has written about the #gentleart and #sacredmedium that is #brazilianjiujitsu. I started to read this book a few months into dating a black belt in Jiu Jitsu who encouraged me to read this book and start training. So I enjoyed the academy he and his daughter attend and after just a few classes, I’m hooked already. For life. I’m glad I took my time in reading this book, which is about the philosophies and concepts you learn & experience by participating in JJ. In the book he speaks of the virtues of Jiu Jitsu: why we need it, how it helps us grow, and why it helps us grow. The most interesting thing for me to see are the principles IN ACTION at the academy I attend now @mchugh_bjj_academy. These principles specifically - service to others (all of the blue and purple belts willing to assist a white belt newbie in learning the beginning moves) and all of the immediate acceptance and support and friendship extended by their very large group of women at the academy, and the kind attitude of the professors and assistant coaches at the academy. I’ve never seen a purer fellowship. I’ve also never felt such a extreme mental and physical high as I’ve felt after training in Jiu Jitsu! I truly believe it is not just the exercise but the type of exercise and the close physical contact with others that you trust and learn with. I have given some snapshots of quotes from the book on being a white belt, on friendship and fellowship… all things I’ve experienced just a few short months into the practice. I’m amazed seeing the concepts in action. I absolutely loved this book and will return to it again and again as I advance In the art. Up next will be #TheTaoofJiuJitsu by @chrismatakasbjj and I highly recommend reading his books, whether you practice #BJJ or not, it’s a great 5 star read!! I highly recommend the sport as well, as someone prone to depression, I have never felt more mentally clear, more relaxed, nor happier.
December 13, 2023
This book is not at all about Jiu Jitsu, but a book about life and being content, at peace. Every time the author tells “Jiu Jitsu”, one might as well replace it with “Tennis”, “Hockey” or what ever physical activity someone is starting at zero and wanting to grow. WHAT ARE THE ODDS that my previous book was from C.S. Lewis and me mostly praising it about the friendship/fellowship chapter in my review - AND now this book is heavily influenced by it, taking Lewis’s ideas about friendship/bonding and building on top of that. If only this is one’s takeaway from this “Jiu Jitsu” book, then it is TONS of value for everyone. It clearly lays out how fellowship starts, and how deep down the rabbit hole goes. And what meaning it brings to life. So this book is a super good one about growth and friendship. I am as bold as saying: everyone needs to read this! And it’s such a short one, You’d be done in one day.
OH, and I must write about the author's emphasis on beginners humility and humbleness - we DON'T have that in our everyday life, we think we know it all, we don't need to learn etc. But come on the mat and a dude half Your size will "beat" the humbleness and humility into You :) Losing to everyone will show You have SO MUCH to learn, and this will HELP you bring that mindset to the rest of Your life. That there is room for growth everywhere, that we are NOT the masters of life. That each of us should start anew in some field where we have tons of curiosity and appetite to learn. And to always "stay hungry", we must switch the fields from time to time. To always remain the learner, the pupil, the apprentice of life.
OH, and I must write about the author's emphasis on beginners humility and humbleness - we DON'T have that in our everyday life, we think we know it all, we don't need to learn etc. But come on the mat and a dude half Your size will "beat" the humbleness and humility into You :) Losing to everyone will show You have SO MUCH to learn, and this will HELP you bring that mindset to the rest of Your life. That there is room for growth everywhere, that we are NOT the masters of life. That each of us should start anew in some field where we have tons of curiosity and appetite to learn. And to always "stay hungry", we must switch the fields from time to time. To always remain the learner, the pupil, the apprentice of life.
June 11, 2019
Not exactly how I stumbled upon Jiu Jitsu recently as I wasn't even an MMA (or UFC) fan. It might start from Why We Fight which I was introduced by a podcast. Or maybe because many podcasters are Jiu Jitsu practitioners. Or surprisingly found out that a lot of surfers are also Jiu Jitsu practitioners (No surprise here as when Gracie family moved to the US to spread out BJJ to the 'world' they have settled down in Southern California where quality waves and great surfing culture exist).
Nevertheless, the point is that now I've registered Jiu Jitsu classes with 6-month membership at a local gym after 'shopping' around other martial arts (boxing, muay thai, and krav maga - all of them are attractive ones but at the end, I chose Jiu Jitsu). And now I've taken two classes and consequently, I look for some books about Jiu Jitsu and this one was the first one to read.
This book is somewhat 'philosophical' (as any book tiles with a prefix 'On' indicates) as the author writes what he thinks about Jiu Jitsu and how it could be his (and ours) 'spiritual' pursuing - this is the last reason why I got to be interested in Jiu Jitsu.
Nevertheless, the point is that now I've registered Jiu Jitsu classes with 6-month membership at a local gym after 'shopping' around other martial arts (boxing, muay thai, and krav maga - all of them are attractive ones but at the end, I chose Jiu Jitsu). And now I've taken two classes and consequently, I look for some books about Jiu Jitsu and this one was the first one to read.
This book is somewhat 'philosophical' (as any book tiles with a prefix 'On' indicates) as the author writes what he thinks about Jiu Jitsu and how it could be his (and ours) 'spiritual' pursuing - this is the last reason why I got to be interested in Jiu Jitsu.
June 30, 2020
This may be self serving, but I really found this book quite insightful and inspiring.
I say self serving because as a person who has only started on my jiu jitsu journey from the age of 40, I am confronted with the truths the author speaks of every time I'm on the mat! As much as I'd like to be, I'm simply not athletic, strong or as flexible as the younger members of my school.
What I can be is patient and reflective. So, I'm looking deeper. Looking for more than physical abilities and more for the clean smoothness of the technique but also for more than just the physical result of being able to defend myself by controlling an opponent.
Perhaps because of age, self reflection is easier? I don't know, but I do know that honing ones spirit through the age old practice of Budo is surely one of the healthier ways to deal with mid-life!
I wholeheartedly agree with the author that the long term, active practice of the gentle art gives me purpose and implores me to be a better human being.
For my fellow Juteiros, I would definitely recommend this book! Get to understand your Why so you can continue rolling forever and be your best you. Oss! 🥋🕴
I say self serving because as a person who has only started on my jiu jitsu journey from the age of 40, I am confronted with the truths the author speaks of every time I'm on the mat! As much as I'd like to be, I'm simply not athletic, strong or as flexible as the younger members of my school.
What I can be is patient and reflective. So, I'm looking deeper. Looking for more than physical abilities and more for the clean smoothness of the technique but also for more than just the physical result of being able to defend myself by controlling an opponent.
Perhaps because of age, self reflection is easier? I don't know, but I do know that honing ones spirit through the age old practice of Budo is surely one of the healthier ways to deal with mid-life!
I wholeheartedly agree with the author that the long term, active practice of the gentle art gives me purpose and implores me to be a better human being.
For my fellow Juteiros, I would definitely recommend this book! Get to understand your Why so you can continue rolling forever and be your best you. Oss! 🥋🕴
March 7, 2023
The book is good overall, definitely worth the time of reading or listening (it is only 2 hours of listening so a long walk will be enough). It is a comprehensive essay about the philosophical aspect of jiu jitsu, if you have been titles all around internet like "Jiu Jitsu teaches you life" this book explains what those titles actually mean in a very articulate manner.
However at some points it becomes pretty similar to new age "advice" books that seem like they are trying to buy you in for something... I won't give examples because it is really short you can read it yourself and see how it goes, I definitely suggest you to do so but let it pass through you, don't hold on to it. I believe that for a beginner jiu jitsu athlete it is good to know that his/her endeavor is not just physical but mental and has the ability to change his/her psychology, having said that, trying to tell a white belt that what he/she are striving for really is to give yourself to helping others and jiu jitsu is just a way to that higher goal seems rather confusing and over complicating.
Anyways, I enjoyed the walk with this book especially the first half, I'm sure you will too.
However at some points it becomes pretty similar to new age "advice" books that seem like they are trying to buy you in for something... I won't give examples because it is really short you can read it yourself and see how it goes, I definitely suggest you to do so but let it pass through you, don't hold on to it. I believe that for a beginner jiu jitsu athlete it is good to know that his/her endeavor is not just physical but mental and has the ability to change his/her psychology, having said that, trying to tell a white belt that what he/she are striving for really is to give yourself to helping others and jiu jitsu is just a way to that higher goal seems rather confusing and over complicating.
Anyways, I enjoyed the walk with this book especially the first half, I'm sure you will too.
December 30, 2021
I recently received news that my Jujutsu professor had passed and I was so sad to hear of it. As a grandmaster of his art, like him, I felt it could not be replaced. The Jujutsu I practiced was an amalgam of different arts like Kenpo, Arnis, Kajukenbo, Arnis, and others, all of which looked very little like that of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. My son and I had to begin looking for schools and there were a few BJJ schools nearby. We decided going to give it a try, so I decided to read this book for some insight. I thought this was a pretty good spiritual book on the art. I found that it is pretty insightful from a philosophical point of view. It made me see the art with more appreciation, even though I am still mostly ignorant of the practices. I felt quite excited to join in and I could immediately feel part of that culture. I felt great afterwards! This book does not cover technique, but goes a long way in describing how the art shapes you, pushes you, and humbles you.
November 16, 2025
> The aim of Jiu Jitsu is to subdue another using your body. This is the goal we all share and yet we pursue its end in such contrasting ways. - Chris Matakas (2016) On jiu jitsu
> Sweep. Pass. Submit. This is our aim. - Chris Matakas (2016) On jiu jitsu
Leyendo *On jiu Jitsu* de Chris Matakas me quedó la sensación de que si bien hablaba del Jiu Jitsu como disciplina -las sumisiones, el tatami, el Gi - en cierta forma todo lo que decía podía aplicarse a otros ámbitos de la vida.
Al principio me molestó pero luego entendí que en realidad era una buena metáfora y que uno podría efectivamente comenzar a pensar en la aplicación de los principios del Jiu Jitsu a otros ámbitos, considerando por ejemplo que el objetivo del jiu jitsu es la sumisión del oponente de la manera más simple y eficaz posible o que más que la fuerza o la rápidez, lo importante al final es la técnica y así con otras cosas que también sirven como metáforas generales.
> Sweep. Pass. Submit. This is our aim. - Chris Matakas (2016) On jiu jitsu
Leyendo *On jiu Jitsu* de Chris Matakas me quedó la sensación de que si bien hablaba del Jiu Jitsu como disciplina -las sumisiones, el tatami, el Gi - en cierta forma todo lo que decía podía aplicarse a otros ámbitos de la vida.
Al principio me molestó pero luego entendí que en realidad era una buena metáfora y que uno podría efectivamente comenzar a pensar en la aplicación de los principios del Jiu Jitsu a otros ámbitos, considerando por ejemplo que el objetivo del jiu jitsu es la sumisión del oponente de la manera más simple y eficaz posible o que más que la fuerza o la rápidez, lo importante al final es la técnica y así con otras cosas que también sirven como metáforas generales.
April 2, 2020
The ultimate Jiu Jitsu book.
(Out of the 2 and a half I have read on the topic.)
This one has an old-fashioned, almost academic style with a lot of good sections to highlight. The thesis are not just touched upon but actually well developed. The quotes are well in place, varying from the great David Foster Wallace to C.S. Lewis.
Now I am utterly shocked seeing the picture of the author, which I have built in my mind to be this white haired, kind of uncool guy.
(Out of the 2 and a half I have read on the topic.)
This one has an old-fashioned, almost academic style with a lot of good sections to highlight. The thesis are not just touched upon but actually well developed. The quotes are well in place, varying from the great David Foster Wallace to C.S. Lewis.
Now I am utterly shocked seeing the picture of the author, which I have built in my mind to be this white haired, kind of uncool guy.
June 11, 2019
Interesting perspective
As a BJJ practitioner and a rugby player, I can say from experience there is a lot of truth behind his claims. I can say with confidence that if you are looking for reasons to start or stay jiu jitsu give this book a read. It's well written, short and to the point.
As a BJJ practitioner and a rugby player, I can say from experience there is a lot of truth behind his claims. I can say with confidence that if you are looking for reasons to start or stay jiu jitsu give this book a read. It's well written, short and to the point.
November 7, 2020
Finished this book super fast because of how much I love sports but also how so many of the talking points are what I feel like I've been looking for! Philosophical thoughts for the soul on how BJJ is a vehicle for personal development, breaking it down to virtues vs. vices. We all may have started doing this sport for different reasons but over time we end up coming back and showing up everyday for the same one, community, life and purpose. #athletelife
September 15, 2018
Not what I was expecting.
Quick read but important life lesson snips that any coach or teacher could use for any sport or youth organization.
Quick read but important life lesson snips that any coach or teacher could use for any sport or youth organization.
March 21, 2019
Favorite BJJ read to date, by far. This author gets it. Brilliant connective merge of BJJ and broader life concepts with authentic life of service as the goal.
May 20, 2020
Arrogant and annoying
August 2, 2020
I liked the vibe he cultivating here. Nothing really earth shattering, but it was a cool glimpse into an accomplished practitioner's mindset.
May 24, 2021
A philosophical bridge applied to Jiu-Jitsu.
November 16, 2021
A nice philosophical text, helps one notice the depths they reach in their practice.
June 8, 2024
While very insightful and thought provoking, found the author's writing prose hard to ingest over first pass of text, having to reread sections to understand the point.
May 23, 2025
Excellent explanation on this art can give more to your life than just in the training mat.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews