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Breathe cover art

Breathe

By: Rickson Gracie, Jocko Willink
Narrated by: Fred Sanders
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Summary

From legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA master Rickson Gracie comes a riveting, insightful memoir that weaves together the story of Gracie’s stunning career with the larger history of the Gracie family dynasty, showing how the connection between mind and body can be harnessed for success both inside and outside the ring.

Undefeated from the late 1970s through his final fight in the Tokyo Dome in 2000, Rickson Gracie amassed hundreds of victories in the street, on the mat, at the beach and in the ring. He has joined the pantheon that includes Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan as one of the most famous martial artists of the 20th century. Jiu-Jitsu, the fighting style developed and pioneered by his family, has become one of the world’s most prominent martial arts, and Vale Tudo, the 'anything goes' style of Brazilian street fighting over which the Gracies had a monopoly, was an early precursor to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Simply put, without the Gracie family, there would be no sport of ‘MMA’, no four-billion-dollar UFC empire and no ‘Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’ at strip malls all across America.

In Breathe, for the first time, Rickson shares the full story of how his father and uncles came to develop Jiu-Jitsu, what it was like to grow up among several generations of world-renowned fighters from the Gracie clan, and the principles and skills that guided him to his undefeated record. From learning to assert himself on the streets of Rio to gaining fame and honour in Japan and emerging through heartbreaking tragedy, the martial arts master shares tales of overcoming challenges, extolling universal virtues and showing listeners how pride and ego are the enemies of success.

With profound insights into the sport and way of life that only a studied legend can provide, Breathe is an entertaining and magnified view of an enduring legacy as well as an inspiring tale of weathering life’s complexities and overcoming them with style and grace.

©2021 Rickson Gracie, Jacko Willink (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

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More than a story

I started writing a review, but then I didn't want what I got out of the book to be scrutinized. I think you should get the book for yourself, it's a really good book and you will get more than a story from it.

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Thank you Rickson for this amazing book

Just amazing, thanks for sharing this incredible piece of story and all the memories
I will always respect your attitude and dedication.
Rafael Raso

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definitely read this is for everyone

a great bit to read even if you're not into jujitsu or judo or martial arts in general. a great perspective on the man's life and the reasons and decisions he's made.l would recommend

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motuvational

i was sceptic before i started reading but very quickly i realised i was wrong. Excellent book. Excellent personality of Rickson Gracie.

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A must have!

An incredible look into the heritage of Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Rickson. This is a must have for any martial artist.

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Essential listen for any fans of old school MMA & BJJ

Rickson has lived an amazing life so this book was a very quick and entertaining listen. It also inspired me to start training in JiuJitsu again! Recommend, especially for any fans of the sport.

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Inspiring

beautiful display of how BJJ was born a and the history and philosophy of the Gracie family

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Just started BJJ

Incredible book def recommend to anyone interested in martial arts. Gets you super motivated to delve into BJJ

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An Art within.

Being an MMA fan listening to and understanding the journey of the Gracie family you could only but admire and fall in love the book is brilliant.

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Inspirational

Fascinating story.
A life lived with honor.
Insprinational with regards to importance of living a life with purpose and focus.

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