The 32 Principles

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.

“I learned these 32 principles over decades of jiu-jitsu practice . . . Rener Gracie codifies them in a simple, clear, digestible way, making them accessible to any person in any situation, regardless of whether they are a black belt in jiu-jitsu or have never learned a martial art.”

—Jocko Willink, retired US Navy SEAL, #1 New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and entrepreneur

“A must-read for anyone seeking to succeed in life . . . I love the analogies and practical advice this book has on how the principles of jiu-jitsu can be applied beyond the mat to achieve success in all aspects of life.”

—Cynthia Rothrock, five-time undefeated world champion martial artist, action star, and inductee in the Black Belt Hall of Fame

“Jiu-jitsu is a super power. Whether it’s used to protect yourself and your family, or in your professional pursuits, it provides an incalculable advantage. Rener Gracie . . . brilliantly breaks down these universal problem-solving principles in real time for use in any environment.”

—Tim Kennedy, former UFC fighter, US Special Forces soldier, New York Times bestselling author, and entrepreneur

“By presenting the 32 principles in such a clear and easy-to-learn format, Rener Gracie extends the profound benefits of his family’s fighting system far beyond the world of martial arts and into the realm of how to live a meaningful life.”

—Ed O’Neill, actor

“Paul Volponi and Rener Gracie do an outstanding job of making The 32 Principles a guide to daily living for everyone.”

—Wendy Behar, licensed master social worker and author of #YourRules. Your Life.